Best Electronic Keyboard 2018-2019 Review

In this post, we will cover the best 61 key piano keyboard, the best 76 key piano keyboard, the best 88 key piano keyboard (full size), and the best roll up pianos.  These best portable keyboards and best affordable keyboards can easily be transported from one location to the next, and can be purchased with a reasonable price.

Electronic keyboards are great because of their low pricing, versatility, light weight, and portability.

The best digital keyboard are generally inexpensive in comparison to other type of digital pianos (keyboard workstations, digital upright pianos, etc.). The keys are either weighted or unweighted (weighted keys imitate the feel of a real piano, unweighted keys feels like pressing down on plastic). They are great for beginners who wish to start learning the piano, or for gigging in bands.

Careful consideration was taken to the listing of these best musical instrument keyboards with factors including pricing, weighted or unweighted keys, popularity, internal speaker quality, sound quality, sound effects, and customer satisfaction.

Note: Do not confuse the best electronic keyboards with keyboard synthesizers, keyboard arranger, keyboard workstation, digital grand pianos, stage pianos, or digital upright pianos (Even Google confuses these still!) While all of these instruments fall under the category of digital pianos, there are stark differences between each type of digital piano.

Here are examples of the differences:

Keyboard Synthesizer

These bad boys contain a large amount of built in sound functions, and are used generally in music production. Keyboard synthesizers usually have to be plugged into an external speaker, as they do not contain internal speakers. They also connect with computers for music production.

Keyboard Arranger

Keyboard Arrangers are perfect for the one-man band. It can play tracks along with you as you are performing live.

Usually these get confused with keyboard workstations.

Keyboard Workstation 

Keyboard Workstation allows for music production in one device. You can think of it as a keyboard synthesizer that does not need to be connected into another device to create and produce music.

Workstations also come in 61, 77, and 88 keys. The priciest of these are 88 keys, weighted, and costs over 1000 dollars.

Digital Upright Piano

The design of these digital pianos is made to emulate an acoustic upright piano. Digital Upright pianos usually cost between 500-1500 dollars.

Digital Grand Piano

The construction of this digital piano is made to imitate the look of an acoustic grand piano. This musical instrument generally costs around 2000 or more dollars.

You can also read more about the differences between the different types of digital pianos here.

Stage Piano

You can think of stage pianos as extra expensive electric keyboards designed for professional performances. They imitate the feel of a real piano with weighted keys, usually have graded hammer keys, and are heavy (weighing 50 pounds or more).

8 Best 61-Key Digital Keyboards

Yamaha NP12

In terms of simplicity and realistic feel, I personally recommend the Yamaha NP12 as the best 61 key digital keyboard.

With its compact design, this keyboard can easily be played on a desk or counter.

Weighing 15 pounds, this best portable keyboard can easily be picked up and moved around.

This digital music instrument also has very good sound quality that imitates the sound of an acoustic piano.

The GST (Graded Soft Touch) keys are slightly weighted, touch sensitive and respond well to different dynamics and articulations.

The Yamaha NP 12 comes in either black or white.

Internal battery support with 6 AA batteries. Can last for 7 hours with batteries.

MIDI support through USB.

64 Polyphony.

Recording capability.

You can see a demo of this best musical keyboard here:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Yamaha PSRE253

The Yamaha PSRE253 is one the best digital keyboard for beginners!

There are 9 nine built in lessons in this best electric keyboard for beginners. These lessons will aid the novice in their development of the instrument.

With the Yamaha Education Suite, this digital keyboard can teach you 100 songs!

The AUX in can also this keyboard to be used as a speaker for whatever you plug into it.

The Keys are unweighted.

The MSRP for this digital keyboard is 200 dollars, but can be purchased on Amazon for almost half the suggested price!

Watch this video to see a demonstration of the Yamaha PSRE253:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Hamzer 61 Key Electronic Music Electric Keyboard Piano

This is the most affordable 61 key keyboard on this list. This digital keyboard costs around 85 dollars on Amazon.com!

Includes everything you expect in a digital keyboard such as external speakers, various sound effects, teaching mode, and recording/playback functions.

Includes a keyboard stand as well!

Watch this video to see a demonstration of the Hamzer 61 key Electric Keyboard:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Alesis Melody 61 Beginner Bundle

This best 61 key digital keyboard contains 200 built in sounds, 10 teachable songs, 128 accompanying features, split mode (split two sounds across the keyboard), and a recording feature.

The keys are non weighted.

Includes bench, stand, microphone, and headphones.

Watch this video to see the Alesis Melody 61 in action:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Best Choice Products 61 Key Music Electronic Keyboard Piano

The bcp 61 key electric keyboard contains 100 sound effects, 10 demo songs, and an lcd screen to easily navigate through functions.

This best electric keyboard is fitting for beginners of the piano.

Comes with a keyboard stand as well!

You can observe this video to see more about the Best Choice Products 61 key Electronic Keyboard:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

S61 High Quality Portable 61 Keys Flexible Piano

This best roll up piano can easily be stored in a convenient space for travel. This specific 61 key roll up piano has the best customer reviews on Amazon.com!

This best flexible piano includes an internal speaker and headphone jack, so you can practice piano easily on the go.

This best lightweight keyboard only weighs 2.6 pounds.

Watch this video to see a demonstration of a best hand roll piano:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

4 Best 76 Key Keyboard

Yamaha NP32 76-Key Lightweight Portable Keyboard

This best electric keyboard is very affordable and costs only a little more than the Yamaha YPG-235.

For those looking for a classical feel to their electric keyboard, this is the best option!

With the Graded Soft Touch, the keys are slightly weighted to imitate the feel of a real acoustic piano.

Like the NP-12, the NP 32 also has Internal battery support with 6 AA batteries. Can last for 16 hours with batteries.

MIDI support through USB.

Recording capability.

64 polyphony.

You can see a live playing of this musical instrument here:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Yamaha PSREW400 76-Key Portable Keyboard

The Yamaha PSR-EW400 is a big upgrade from the Yamaha YPG-235. While it is pricier, it is more fitting for professional use. It is ideal for beginners as well.

This touch response keyboard is very sensitive to the different articulations and touches from the performer.

The 12 W internal speakers will also deliver a powerful sound.

With the Yamaha Education Suite, this musical instrument is also capable of teaching you how to play!

Can be powered with 6 D sized batteries.

You can see a demonstration of the Yamaha PRE – EW400 here:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano

This is one of the best selling digital keyboards on the market!

The Yamaha YPG-235 features a pitch bending knob, and usb capability.

This best electric keyboard has graded soft touch key action. Basically, the keys are still unweighted, but has a sensitive response.

The powerful 12 W internal speakers produces a strong sound.

This digital keyboard is also very affordable, costing around 250 dollars!

Watch this video to see some interesting functions and features of the Yamaha YPG-235

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Casio WK-1630 76-Note Touch-Sensitive Portable Electronic Keyboard

Contains two wheels, a pitch bend and modulation wheel.

Touch sensitive unweighted keys respond well to user response.

Four internal speakers deliver sound to your ears.

With the layer and split settings, you can play up to 4 sounds at once!

Users of this keyboard say that it produces a better sound than the Yamaha 76 key keyboards.

You can see a demonstration of this musical keyboard here:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com! 

12 Best 88 Key Electric Keyboards

Roland FP-10

Released just in January 2019, The Roland FP 10 is a new entry into the Roland FP series. Roland states that it is “entry-level instrument with premium sound and playability”.

Many keyboard seekers who look at the Roland FP Series keyboard ask, What is the difference between the Roland FP 10 and Roland FP 30? So allow me to explain Roland FP-30 vs Roland FP-10.

Roland FP-10 vs FP-30

• Differences
  • Pricing: FP – 10 is about 200 dollars cheaper
  • Polyphony: FP 10 has 96 polyphony, while the FP-30 has 128 polyphony.
  •  Number of Tones: FP 10 can choose from 15 different tones while the FP 30 has 30 tones
  • Size: FP 10 is smaller than the FP 30. The FP 30 has about 0.3 inches more height, about a half inch more width, and weights about 4 pounds more.
• Similarities
  • Key Action: Both use PHA-4 Standard Keyboard (individually weighted keys were lower notes feel heavier than higher notes).
  • Sound Engine: Both use SuperNATURAL Piano Sound (produces natural sounding sounds).
  • Bluetooth MIDI capability
  • Same size internal speakers

Basically, the FP 30’s sound quality is a bit better than the FP 10 and there more tones to choose from. The FP 10 is more compact and is lighter. From my personal playing, the FP 10 and FP30 feel the same, but the FP30 sounds a bit better.

I would personally recommend the FP 10 over the FP 30, ultimately because of the pricing. You have a 200 dollar difference from the FP 30, and the only thing you lose is a bit of sound quality and fewer tone options.

Click here to see reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Roland FP-30

The Roland FP-30 was released in 2016.

This keyboard has PHA-4 Standard Keyboard action, which highly realistic, and provides the best feel for playing. It has Escapement and ivory sensation on the keys.

With the SuperNATURAL Piano Sound, this best digital keyboard provides the most beautiful and realistic piano sound, as expected from the well known Roland brand.

This best electric keyboard has 128 polyphony, Twin piano feature (good for teaching purposes – you can adjust the octaves on either end of the keyboard to match each other so that a student and teacher can play on the same range on the keyboard)

The Roland FP-30 also has bluetooth, something that the Yamaha P125 does not have.

The FP-30 has Bluetooth MIDI, but does not have bluetooth audio.

Contains a total of 35 voices/tones, including:

• 6 Piano Tones
• 7 Electric piano tones
• 22 other tones

Watch this review of the Roland FP-30:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Yamaha P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano

The Yamaha P125 is the successor to the Yamaha P115.

In short, this is what the Yamaha P125 has over the Yamaha P115:

– More number of voices. The P125 has 24 voices, while the P115 has 14. (Voices refer to different sound settings such as organ, electric, etc).

–  More rhythm settings. The Yamaha P125 has 20 settings, while the P115 has 14.

– The Yamaha P125 has more advanced speakers than the Yamaha P115 with the Table EQ.

What is the same is:

– Same weight (11.8 kg)

– Same number of polyphony (192)

The P stands for portable.

Can be plugged in and be used with the “Smart Pianist” app to control the advanced features of the Yamaha P125, analyzing any song to display the chords of that song, and even help with practicing

Yamaha P125 vs P45

Differences:

• Tone Generation
  • P125 uses Pure CF sampling (more modern and realistic sounding)
  • P45 uses AWM advanced
• Polyphony (number of notes that can be sustained at once)
  • P125 has 192 polyphony
  • P45 has 64 polyphony
• Internal Speakers
  • P125 2 7W amplifiers, 2 12 cm speakers, and additional 4 speakers
  • P45 has 2 6W amplifiers, 2 12 cm speakers
• Recording Feature
  • P125 has
  • P45 does not have

In short, the P125 has better sound, and recording functionality.

Here is a demo of the Smart Pianist app:

With the Table Top EQ setting, it can detect if the Yamaha P125 on a table top. If it is on a table top, the internal speakers automatically brings out more bass, which allows for a better sound while being on a table.

The Yamaha P125 does not have bluetooth for MIDI capability. You will need to use a USB for MIDI.

Here is a professional review of the Yamaha P125:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Yamaha P115 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano

Update: Please look at the Yamaha P-125. Comparing the Yamaha P115 vs Yamaha P125, you’ll see that the Yamaha P125 has a few more features, and is at the same price

The Yamaha P115 is the best selling digital piano by Yamaha!

With 192 note polyphony, you will never have to worry about a note not being fully sustained (Note Polyphony refers to how many notes can be sustained or played at once. Since there are only 88 keys on the piano, you really don’t need to go over 88 polyphony. 192 note polyphony is kind of an overkill.)

The Graded Hammer Standard weighted keys gives this electric keyboard the same touch response as an acoustic grand piano. The lower end has heavier keys, and the higher end has lighter keys.

This keyboard reproduces the sound from Yamaha’s 9 foot CFIIIS concert grand piano with its Pure CF Sound Engine.

There are 14 different groups of sound effects including piano, electric piano, and rock organ!

Can use the “Digital Piano Controller” app, a Yamaha app that allows you control the many features of the Yamaha P115 with a friendly user interface.

The Yamaha P115 does not have bluetooth, but has Midi capability through USB.

Watch this professional review by Yamaha on the Yamaha P115:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Yamaha P45 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano

Yamaha states that the Yamaha P45 is the best affordable digital piano that they have to offer! If the P115 Yamaha seems to be a bit too pricey, consider buying the Yamaha P45 instead!

The GHS or Graded Hammer Standard Keys are weighted, with the bass notes having more weight, and the higher end having less. This very much imitates the real feel of a good acoustic grand piano.

Has 64 note polyphony. (Note Polyphony refers to how many notes can be sustained or played at once. With 64 polyphony, you’ll be able to play and sustain most of the notes on the keyboard.)

With the USB port, the Yamaha P45 can support MIDI.

Watch this professional demonstration by Yamaha on the Yamaha P45 for more insights on this beautiful music instrument:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Korg B1

With 120 polyphony and natural weighted keys, the Korg B1 is an excellent best beginning digital keyboard.

With the natural weighted keys, the lower end of the digital piano has a heavier feel and the higher end has a lighter feel, similar to an acoustic piano.

Many users of this keyboard recommend it over the popular Yamaha P45.

Watch this expert review of the Korg B1 with this video:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano

An exclusive digital keyboard from Amazon.com!

If the Yamaha P45 seems a bit pricey, than the Yamaha P71 would be a great substitute!

This best lightweight keyboard weighs only 25 pounds, and takes up very little storage space!

This digital keyboard has fully weighted keys which feels like a real piano!

According to Yamaha, the Yamaha P45 and the Yamaha P71 are identical. The only noticeable difference is in the weight of the two instruments.

Click here to see the Yamaha P71 in action:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Casio PX 160

The Casio PX 160  is a superb digital keyboard with its Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action (fancy way of saying weighted keys) and 128 polyphony. The texture of the keys also emulate that of a real acoustic piano.

The sound engine of this product, “AiR”, which stands for Acoustic and intelligent Resonator, captured the sounds of a real 9 foot acoustic grand piano and is able to replicate it.

The 8w x 8w Grand Sound System has speakers in both the front and the back of the instrument, which is ideal for both private and public performance.

Weights about 25 pounds.

Many people who are searching for the best digital keyboard often compare the Casio PX 160 to the Yamaha P115. I personally recommend the Yamaha P115 over this, and you can watch these videos to help you to understand too:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Alesis Recital 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano

The Alesis recital is a best beginning digital piano because of its full size and pricing. This best selling electric piano costs a little more than 200 dollars!

Some great features of this keyboard are:

• semi weighted keys
• touch sensitivity
• Lesson Mode – can divide the piano into two with the same pitch and voice for enhanced teaching experience.
• USB-MIDI connectivity
• Battery power capability ( 6 D Cell batteries )
• 5 built in sounds to choose from
• 128 polyphony
• 3 months of Skoove premium for free with purchase.

If your budget is under 300 bucks, I would recommend getting this digital keyboard. If you are able to bump up your budget, I would recommend getting the Yamaha P45 over this keyboard.

The keys have a plastic like feel, and they are not fully weighted. The speakers also are not very good. In my experience, it is a bit awkward to play on this keyboard.

You can watch a professional demonstration of the Alesis Recital 88 key here:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano

This is the most affordable 88 key digital keyboard, costing around 200 dollars! If you are looking for the best affordable keyboard, here it is!

The Williams Legato has semi weighted keys, internal speakers, and weighs about 20 pounds.  It also takes up very little space with its slim design.

Some users complain about the lower register of this digital keyboard.

There are very many happy customer reviews on Amazon.com. Make sure to check them out!

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

Yamaha YPG-535 88-Key Portable Grand Piano

This is a larger model of the Yamaha ypg- 235 electric keyboard.

I personally believe that the pricing for the Yamaha YPG 535 is too high. The keys are only semi weighted and does not feel quite like a real piano. I personally believe that other digital keyboards in this page have a better feel and sound in comparison to this instrument.

If you are using this keyboard for recording purposes, then it is a very good buy!

You can see and hear what this instrument is like with this video:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!

LeaningTech RUP002 88 Thickened-Keys Roll Up Piano

This 88 key roll up piano costs less than 100 dollars!

You can easily take this digital piano with you during travelling. It can easily fit in your suitcase or backpack!

The internal speaker allows you to even perform with this musical instrument!

Watch this video to see a performer on a best roll up piano:

Click here for reviews and pricing on Amazon.com!