Updated: March 2024
This review contains affiliate links to relevant products at no cost to readers.
You’re looking for the best keyboard to start learning on.
Here are our favourite picks of weighted keyboards for beginners and why we like them.
Our best beginner keyboard picks
- YAMAHA P71 – Best keyboard for beginners
- ALESIS RECITAL – Best budget keyboard for beginners
- CASIO S150 – Best Casio keyboard for beginners
- ROLAND FP-10 – Best keyboard for beginners with Bluetooth
- KORG B2 – Best keyboard piano for beginners
3 things to look for in a keyboard for beginners:
Weighted keys:
Weighted keys are a vital feature when buying a keyboard for beginners. These keys feel more like a real piano and help you learn faster.
Weighted keys strengthen your fingers and help you remember how to play better. When you press them, you use the muscles in your fingers, hands, and arms. This helps you control the keys and play more expressively. It’s like building a strong base for your piano skills.
Learning with weighted keys also makes it easier to switch to a real piano later on. If you practice on a keyboard with weighted keys, you’ll get used to how a piano feels. So, when you play a real piano, it won’t feel strange.
Simple controls:
Easy controls make learning smoother and more enjoyable.
Simple controls reduce cognitive load so beginners can focus more on playing and less on figuring out settings. Straightforward controls mean less time spent navigating menus and more time spent practising. This simplicity breeds confidence and motivation. This empowers beginners to progress in their musical journey with ease. A beginner doesn’t need a keyboard with complex controls; the hardest task will be learning to play.
Easy to move:
Think about how easy it is to move around the house.
Being able to rearrange it around the house is super handy. It means you can practice in different places, which can help you learn better. This will be a preference if you have limited space and need to continuously pack it away after practice.
If your keyboard is light and easy to carry, you can bring it to lessons or gigs without any trouble. Look for one that’s more lightweight to give yourself some flexibility.
1. Best keyboard for beginners: YAMAHA P71
Price when reviewed:
From $500
We like:
Realistic piano sound using Yamaha’s AWN tech
Lovely weighted keys experience
Lightweight considering its size
Can link via USB to your recording laptop
We do not like:
No built-in recording function
No display screen
Doesn’t include a sustain pedal
Famous Yamaha players:
Alen Golos, Kay Lucas, Sorin Zlat
Features:
- 88 weighted keys
- Dual mode for layering sounds
- Compact and lightweight design
- USB connectivity for computer and mobile device integration
- Headphone jack for private practice
- Built-in speakers
- Music rest for sheet music placement
Specifications:
- Weight: 25 lbs (11.5 kg)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 52.25″ x 11.5″ x 6.0″ (132.7 cm x 29.2 cm x 15.2 cm)
- Power supply: AC adapter (included)
- Polyphony: 64-note
- Number of voices: 10 presets
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
2. Best budget keyboard for beginners: Alesis Recital
Price when reviewed:
From $230
We like:
Semi-weighted keys help develop your finger strength
Includes support lesson modes!
Built-in metronome to help practice in time
Has both USB and MIDI output connectivity
We do not like:
The touch sensitivity is not as responsive as the Yamaha
Features:
- 88 full-size semi-weighted keys
- Built-in speakers
- Connectivity options: USB-MIDI, sustain pedal input, headphone output
- Educational features: lesson modes, metronome, built-in songs
- Variety of built-in sounds: 5 instrument voices (piano, electric piano, organ, synth, bass)
- Layer and split modes for combining sounds or dividing the keyboard
- Compact and lightweight design
Specifications:
- Weight: 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 50.5″ x 11.5″ x 4.8″ (128.3 cm x 29.2 cm x 12.2 cm)
- Power supply: DC 12V, 2A power adapter (included)
- Polyphony: 128-note
- Number of built-in voices: 5 presets
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
3. Best Casio keyboard for beginners: Casio S150
Price when reviewed:
From $445
We like:
The most lightweight and slim choice on our list
Great sounding real piano using Casio’s AiR tech
Lovely expressive key sensitivity
Includes access to Chordana Play app that helps you learn
We do not like:
No screen display
Famous Casio players:
Alicia Witt, Leon Thomasian
Features:
- 88 weighted keys with scaled hammer action
- Touch-sensitive keys for dynamic playing
- AiR sound technology for realistic piano sound
- Built-in speakers
- Connectivity options: USB-MIDI, headphone/output jack
- Educational features: lesson functions, metronome
- Variety of built-in sounds: 18 instrument tones including piano, electric piano, organ, strings, and more
- Layer and split modes for combining or dividing sounds
- Compact and stylish design
Specifications:
- Weight: 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 52.0″ x 9.1″ x 3.9″ (132.2 cm x 23.1 cm x 9.9 cm)
- Power supply: AC adapter (included)
- Polyphony: 192-note
- Number of built-in tones: 18 presets
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
4. Best keyboard for beginners with Bluetooth: Roland FP-10
Price when reviewed:
From $600
We like:
Amazing piano sound delivery of expressive
Their plastic keys feel almost like the real thing!
Includes metronome and recording functions
Weighted keys which help develop your technique
We do not like:
No screen display
Features:
- 88 keys with PHA-4 Standard keyboard action
- Compact and lightweight design
- Built-in speakers
- Connectivity options: USB-MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI, headphone/output jack
- Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine for authentic piano tones
- Dual and split keyboard modes for layering or dividing sounds
- Twin Piano mode for side-by-side practice
- Metronome and recording functions
- Music rest for sheet music placement
Specifications:
- Weight: 27 lbs (12.3 kg)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 51.2″ x 11.2″ x 5.9″ (130.0 cm x 28.4 cm x 14.8 cm)
- Power supply: AC adapter (included)
- Polyphony: 96-note
- Number of built-in tones: 4 presets
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
5. Best keyboard piano for beginners: Korg B2
Price when reviewed:
From $510
We like:
Natural weighted hammer action on the keys
Korg’s sampling sounds deliver rich piano-like resonance
Simple interface with easy-to-get functions
Includes lesson modes and metronomes to help beginners
We do not like:
Again, no display screen. However, on the plus side, this makes the keyboard lighter
Features:
- 88 keys with Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keyboard
- Built-in stereo sound system
- Connectivity options: USB MIDI, headphone/output jack
- Three levels of touch sensitivity
- 12 instrument sounds including piano, electric piano, organ, and strings
- Partner mode for duet play
- Lightweight and portable design
Specifications:
- Weight: 26.01 lbs (11.8 kg)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 51.65″ x 13.27″ x 5.31″ (131.1 cm x 33.7 cm x 13.5 cm)
- Power supply: DC 12V, AC adapter (included)
- Polyphony: 120-note
- Number of built-in tones: 12 presets
Where to buy?
Check price here
Best sustain pedal for beginner keyboards
We like:
Looks and feels like a real piano pedal
Compatible across all keyboard brands
Trusted brand that will last ages
Price last checked: From $27
How many keys on a keyboard do I need as a beginner?
As a beginner, you might wonder, “How many keys on a keyboard do I need?” Well, it depends. Some keyboards have 88 keys, like a real piano. Having more keys means you can play a wider range of music. But if space or budget is a concern, keyboards with fewer keys, like 61 or 76, can still work well for learning. They’re lighter and easier to move around. Plus, fewer keys mean less overwhelming for beginners. However, you might miss out on playing certain pieces that require the full range of keys.
Does a keyboard need lots of sounds?
Having many sounds can add versatility to your playing. You can explore different genres and styles, keeping practice engaging. Plus, it allows you to experiment and find your unique sound. However, too many sounds might overwhelm beginners. It can be challenging to navigate through them all. Also, quality matters more than quantity. Having a few high-quality sounds is better than many low-quality ones. So, consider what sounds you need for your music journey. Quality and usability are key.
Does learning on a keyboard affect my piano playing?
It can help in some ways. Keyboards are more affordable and portable, making them accessible for beginners. Plus, they often have features like built-in metronomes and lesson modes, aiding in practice. However, keyboards usually have fewer keys and lack the touch sensitivity of pianos. This can affect your technique and expression when transitioning to a piano. Also, the weighted keys on a piano feel different from the keys on digital pianos, so it may take time to adjust. Learning on a keyboard is a good starting point, but nothing can 100% replicate the feeling of playing on a piano.
How much should I practice the keyboard?
Regular practice is key to improvement. Aim for consistency over long practice sessions. Short, focused sessions can be super effective. Practice what you struggle with the most. It’s better to practice smart than long. However, don’t overdo it. Too much practice can lead to burnout. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Set achievable goals to stay motivated. Remember, quality matters more than quantity. So, find a balance that works for you and stick to it. With dedication and patience, you’ll see progress over time.
It’s better to practice for 30 minutes every day rather than 3 hours every 3 days. This is due to your brain’s neuroplasticity.
What does a weighted keys keyboard mean?
Weighted keys have resistance when pressed. This mimics the feel weight of acoustic piano keys. It’s good for building finger strength and technique. Weighted keys help beginners develop proper playing habits. They promote better control and dynamics in playing. However, some may find them harder to press. This could be tiring for beginners. Also, weighted keyboards tend to be heavier. They may not be as portable as non-weighted ones. These types of keys provide a more authentic playing experience and feel more expressive. They’re preferred by many pianists for their realism.
How long should you practice piano a day?
Consistent practice is key to improvement. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour daily. Short, focused sessions can be effective. Practice what challenges you the most. It’s better to practice smart than long. However, don’t overdo it. Too much practice can lead to burnout or injury. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Set achievable goals to stay motivated. Remember, quality matters more than quantity. So, find a balance that works for you and stick to it. With dedication and patience, you’ll see progress over time.
How often should I practice the piano?
Aim for 4 to 5 sessions per week. Consistency is always the key to progress as this is the way our brains learn new information. Especially when it comes to muscle memory. Regular practice helps build muscle memory and skill. Short, focused sessions can be effective. Practice what challenges you the most. It’s better to practice smart than long. However, don’t overdo it. Too much practice can lead to burnout or injury. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Set achievable goals to stay motivated. Remember, quality matters more than quantity. Find a routine that fits your schedule and stick to it. With dedication and patience, you’ll see improvement over time.
What accessories do I need with my beginner keyboard?
A sustain pedal is essential. It adds a new dimension to your learning. A keyboard stand keeps your keyboard stable and at a comfortable height for playing. A keyboard bench provides proper seating for long practice sessions. A pair of studio headphones allow you to practice without disturbing others. A keyboard cover protects your keyboard from dust and damage when not in use.
Some of these accessories may not be necessary for beginners. It depends on your budget and how much space you have. Start with the basics and add more if you need to.
Written by Sammy