Buying a piano on a budget is hard. There are so many options out there. Some of them are good, some of them aren’t, but how is one to know the difference?
By reading guides like this one!
If you are struggling to find a piano that you love that is under $1000, we get it. No one has time to study the market as much as they would like to.
Except for us. We researched the best affordable options on the market, and recorded what we found here. Read on for the top ten pianos under $1000.
Contents
- Top 10 Best Digital Pianos Under $1000 In 2023 Reviews
- 1 Yamaha P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
- 2 Casio PX870 BK Privia Digital Home Piano
- 3 Yamaha P45 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
- 4 Yamaha DGX-660 88 Key Grand Digital Piano
- 5 Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano
- 6 Kawai ES110 Portable Digital Piano Black
- 7 Alesis Recital – 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano/Keyboard with Full-Size Semi-Weighted Keys
- 8 Casio PX770 BK Privia Digital Home Piano
- 9 Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal
- 10 Casio PX860
- What Is The Best Digital Piano For The Advanced Player?
- What Are The Top Piano Keyboard Brands?
- What Are The Top Headphones For Keyboards?
Top 10 Best Digital Pianos Under $1000 In 2023 Reviews
| Name | Keys | Color | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 37.5 Pounds | Dimensions 52x11x6.5 | |
Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 74 Pounds | Dimensions 31.54x54.61x31.54 | |
Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 36 Pounds | Dimensions 52.25 x 11.5 x 6 in | |
Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 87 Pounds | Dimensions 23 x 60 x 17 inches | |
Also Great Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano  View Price | Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 98 Pounds | Dimensions 23 x 60 x 17 in |
Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 26 Pounds | Dimensions 51.6 x 11.3 x 5.7 inches | |
Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 15 Pounds | Dimensions 3.6 x 11.5 x 50.5 inches | |
Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 70 Pounds | Dimensions 11.8 x 54.5 x 31.4 inches | |
Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 25 Pounds | Dimensions 58.2 x 16.1 x 11.7 inches | |
Also Great Casio PX860  View Price | Keys 88 | Color Black | Weight 84 Pounds | Dimensions 59.5 x 16.3 x 15 inches |
1 Yamaha P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
We start with the Yamaha P125. Of course, the company itself needs no introduction. They make some of the best instruments out there, and this piano certainly compliments that reputation.
Let’s start with the keyboard. You get eighty eight weighted keys that are optimized to feel like an acoustic model.
Weighted keys may seem like a small thing to the uninitiated. However, if you have experience with digital pianos, you know that they are a must.
Why? Well, for one thing, it is easier to play with eloquence when using keys with a little bit of resistance.
It also makes it easier to transition to acoustic should you need to.
It’s also worth mentioning that Yamaha is really wielding their reputation here. The sound is actually engineered to mimic that of one of their best concert pianos, the CFIIIS. Granted, it probably will not have the same grandeur as the CFIIIS, but you know what they say right? When you shoot for the moon you land in the stars.
In other words, the sound is really great. If you are a grand piano type of person with a keyboard sized living situation, this is a great option to get.
Of course, there is an issue to consider. For one thing, this isn’t a furniture piece. Many people like even their digital pianos to contribute to the décor of the room. You don’t get that here. In fact, you don’t even get a stand.
If you want a stand you have to purchase it separately. Otherwise, you will just have to use this as a table top keyboard.
That aside, it is a good digital piano at a good price.
(4.2 / 5)- Affordable
- Weighted Keys
- Great Sound
- No Stand
2 Casio PX870 BK Privia Digital Home Piano
Casio is another company with a big name in the piano game. And once again the product that we are about to see is very indicative of why that is the case. the Casio PX870 is on the higher end of the price scale that we will be seeing today.
However, if you are looking for top-tier quality, this may be a keyboard to think about.
For one thing, unlike the last option that we saw, this piano is more optimized for home design. The stand resembles the frame of an acoustic upright piano and will look attractive in your home.
It also features four speakers, for tremendous sound, three pedals and eighteen different sound tones.
In short, this option can do pretty much anything that an acoustic equivalent can do, plus more.
The software built in to this piano is even capable of mimicking the acoustics of some of the most famous venues in the world. As a result, you can enjoy the feel of a concert pianist as you practice.
Newer musicians are in luck also. The piano syncs up to a free phone app that will walk you through a wide range of songs.
There also was very little to mention in way of cons. We did notice that some of the plastic hardware (screw caps, etc.) were flimsy and warped. However, if inclined, you can replace them at the hardware store for only a few dollars.
(4 / 5)- Attractive Design
- Concert Hall Acoustics
- Great Sound
- Weighted Keys
- Flimsy Hardware
3 Yamaha P45 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
Up next, another Yamaha! Like the last Yamaha that we looked at, the P45 leans on the more affordable end of the price spectrum. If you are a budget buyer this will be a good option for you.
Price aside, it is also just a really good keyboard.
This unit features a 64 note polyphony so that you can play with nuance, trusting that no notes will be lost.
It also features a USB port for hooking up with a variety of accessories and software.
And, of course, like the last two pianos that we have looked at, it features weighted keys. When you sit down at this keyboard, you can do so confident in the fact that it will feel right.
We did notice that the speakers leave something to be desired. Unlike the last two keyboards that we saw, you may need to think about external amplification for this unit.
Still, for the price, many shoppers may find the compromise worthwhile.
And, like the other Yamaha that we saw, you only get the keyboard itself here. If you are looking for something to tie the room together, this won’t be it.
(4.4 / 5)- Affordable
- Weighted Keys
- May require external amplification
- No stand
4 Yamaha DGX-660 88 Key Grand Digital Piano
Next, another Yamaha. The DGX-660 is a moderately priced piano for the musician looking for something practical and efficient.
This keyboard is something of an upgrade from the last couple of Yamahas that we have seen. For one thing, unlike those instruments, the DGX-660 does serve as a furniture piece.
It also empowers you to maximize the extent to which you can control your sound. A dedicated virtual space gives users the chance to tweak their settings to their exact specifications.
There are familiar features as well. It features high-quality sound made to resemble one of their famous grand pianos.
And, like any good keyboard, it features the obligatory weighted keys.
Unfortunately, we detected a familiar con as well. The onboard speakers that you get here are a little bit weak, which may be a problem for the pianist that wants to jam out.
(4.7 / 5)- Affordable
- Attractive Stand
- Tweak Playing Settings
- Weighted Keys
- Weak onboard speakers
5 Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano
This next Casio that we will be looking at has the distinction of being the most affordable piano to include a stand that we have seen so far.
It also comes with three pedals, and a bench. The bundle value alone makes it a good opportunity for new piano owners to get everything that they need.
You also get a realistic keyboard, high-quality speakers, and two headphone outputs. Admittedly, this is not the most complex piano we will see today, but sometimes simplicity is all that you need.
One issue we did notice is that there is a durability problem with the side panels. They are vulnerable to cosmetic damage, which may be a problem for buyers that want to keep their piano looking pristine.
(4.3 / 5)- Affordable
- Bench/Stand Bundle
- Good Sound Quality
- Weighted Keys
- Durability problem with side panels
6 Kawai ES110 Portable Digital Piano Black
Finally, something that isn’t from Yamaha or Casio right? Kawai is another company that knows how to make a keyboard, which is really evidenced here.
This option is going to be a dream for keyboard users that like a lot of options when it comes to sound. You get nineteen sounds, which for the price is substantial.
You also get a 192 note polyphony, maximizing your ability to play complicated pieces without the risk of notes blending together.
This is a fairly basic keyboard, insofar as the fact that you only get the keyboard. If you are looking for a furniture piece or a good bundle, keep looking.
We also noticed that the keyboard is a little bit lacking in terms of feel. You do get weighted keys, but they aren’t quite as effective as we would like to see.
(4.2 / 5)- Affordable
- Numerous Sound Options
- 192 Note Polyphony
- No Stand
- Keyboard does not feel like true acoustic
7 Alesis Recital – 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano/Keyboard with Full-Size Semi-Weighted Keys
Now, we have a true beginner’s keyboard. This is the most affordable option that we have seen so far, making it a low risk starting point for people just starting out in piano.
It also features a realistically weighted keyboard, and, perhaps best of all, three free months of online piano instruction.
Of course, this is a very simple piano. Experienced players are going to want to skip over it. And there certainly are some issues that even beginners won’t appreciate. For one thing, the sound quality is so-so. If you want something that will fill a room, you would be better served by some of the other choices we have seen.
It also doesn’t come with a stand or pedals.
Still, for the price, this is a great way for new pianists to put an instrument in their home.
(4 / 5)- Free Lessons
- Affordable
- Sound quality leaves something to be desired
- No accessories
8 Casio PX770 BK Privia Digital Home Piano
Back to Casio. What can we say? They make really great stuff. The PX770 is another moderately priced piano that comes with everything that you could need. With this purchase, you get the stand, a bench, and three pedals. It looks handsome enough to be used as décor, but more importantly, it plays well.
You get eighteen different tones, an authentic feeling keyboard, and high-quality stereo speakers.
In terms of complaints there was not much to say. This isn’t the fanciest option that we have seen. However, it does deliver in the departments that matter. While it may not be feature rich, it gives you everything you could need at an affordable price.
One issue that we did find was that it is surprisingly difficult o assemble. If you aren’t handy you may need to enlist some help, or even hire out. That aside, it is a great way to get a comprehensive but affordable package.
(5 / 5)- Affordable
- Comprehensive Package
- Good Sound Quality
- Somewhat basic
- Hard to assemble
9 Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal
The Yamaha P71 is a lightweight, compact piano with lots of sound options. While you don’t get an attractive stand, you do get ten different tones. This includes several sample tones from different Yamaha pianos.
You can also combine these tones in “dual mode” for more richer results.
The keys are also weighted to precisely match the feel of an acoustic piano. The manufacturer advertises this unit with beginners in mind, and it seems like they are wise to do so. If you are just starting out and want a compact, affordable keyboard that will play like the real thing, this option would be hard to beat.
We did find that the keys tend to make a clicking noise with quicker playing. The perfectionist isn’t going to care for this con at all. However, if you are looking for a quality keyboard to practice on, the clicking shouldn’t be much of a problem.
(4.5 / 5)- Affordable
- High Quality Sound
- Dual Mode
- Keys make clicking sound
10 Casio PX860
Last, we have the Casio PX860—a piano that puts us towards the very maximum of our price range. It is a little pricey, but you do get what you pay for. The first thing that really sets this piano apart is the keyboard.
It has been maximized to react the exact way that an acoustic keyboard does. The tri-sensors ensure that the piano picks up even the subtlest strokes.
And, of course, it is also weighted to feel like an acoustic keyboard.
It also features 128 note polyphony, and concert hall pre-recordings. This feature allows you to play along with some of the world’s greatest music.
And, we should mention that this might be the most attractive piano we have seen so far. At a glance, most people would probably have trouble distinguishing it from an acoustic piano.
Price is the biggest con. If you were hoping to stick to the lower end of the price spectrum, you will want to consider a different option.
That aside it is a good piano for the serious musician.
(4.3 / 5)- Attractive Design
- 128-Note Polyphony
- Tri-Sensors
- Priciest Piano on List
What Is The Best Digital Piano For The Advanced Player?
The best piano on this list for the advanced player would have to be the Casio PX860. As mentioned in the review, it is on the pricier side, but the features will pay off for the musician with the skills to take advantage of them.
If you have experience at the piano, you are going to appreciate the thorough sensor technology that you get in the keyboard. These sensors ensure that even the most subtle notes show up in your playing.
If you are a beginner, features like this may not matter very much. However, if you take what you do seriously, they are absolutely essential.
What Are The Top Piano Keyboard Brands?
If you were paying attention to the brand names in our review you probably already know what we are going to say here. In terms of quality and reputation there is no beating Casio and Yamaha.
It’s pretty simple really. They just make good stuff. One nice thing about both companies is that they have high-quality options at just about every price range and experience level.
No matter who you are, chances are you will be able to find something from one of these companies that is suitable to your lifestyle.
What Are The Top Headphones For Keyboards?
Truly, there are plenty of good headphones out there for keyboards. Going over all of the high-quality options could easily be a review in its own right.
Still, if you would like a more specific recommendation, we suggest you try the Yamaha HPH-50B. These headphones are affordable, and optimized for listening to even the subtlest sounds.
They also have the benefit of being really comfortable, which is a big factor as well. After all, you could be practicing with these on for hours at a time. Might as well be a pleasant experience, right?
Conclusion
You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy a piano. As our guide shows, there are good options out there at every price range.
At the end of the day, we couldn’t possibly say which of these keyboards will suit your needs.
The good news though? There really is an option on this list for everyone. Whether you are looking for an elegant décor piece, or something that you can practice with on your kitchen table, there is something for everyone.
Now it’s time to weigh your needs, and select the piano best suited for you.