As musicians, we know that practice makes perfect. And sometimes, we just need a portable keyboard piano to get our daily dose of music.
Portable keyboard pianos are the perfect solution for musicians on the go. They’re easy to transport, lightweight, and combine the power of a full-size keyboard with the convenience of a compact, portable instrument.
When you’re looking to buy a portable keyboard piano, it’s essential to consider a few essential factors. You’ll want to keep in mind the number of keys, the sound quality, and additional features like built-in rhythms and tutorials. All these factors can help you make the best choice for your musical needs.
So, let’s dive into the best portable keyboard pianos available, and help you find the one that will make your music soar.
Best Portable Keyboard Pianos
We’ve gathered the top portable keyboard pianos for your musical journey. Enjoy!
Yamaha PSRE373 61-Key Portable Keyboard
We highly recommend the Yamaha PSRE373 for its impressive features and sound quality.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners and hobbyists
- Over 622 instrument voices and accompaniment styles
- Touch-sensitive keys and great connectivity
Cons
- Lightweight plastic keys
- Complex extra features for novices
- Strong springs under the keys
The Yamaha PSRE373 is perfect for aspiring musicians wanting a portable keyboard. The sound quality is stellar, making it enjoyable for both practice and performance.
With touch-sensitive keys, you’ll feel more in control of your music. Plus, on-board lessons will help you improve your skills. The keyboard’s connectivity options are a huge plus for home recording.
However, the lightweight plastic keys might not suit everyone. The extra features could be confusing for beginners. But overall, the Yamaha PSRE373 is a fantastic choice for a portable keyboard piano.
Yamaha DGX670B 88-Key Digital Piano
This digital piano is perfect for musicians, offering exceptional sound and versatile features.
Pros
- Remarkable CFX Full Concert Grand sound
- GHS weighted action for realistic feel
- Adaptive style and Smart Chord features
Cons
- Stand sold separately
- Slightly heavier than some models
- External apps requiring optional wireless UD-WL01
We had the pleasure of trying out the Yamaha DGX670B digital piano recently and were amazed by its sound and feel. The CFX Stereo Sampling technology reproduces the sound of Yamaha’s flagship CFX Full Concert Grand, giving you an incredibly realistic piano experience right in your home or studio.
The GHS weighted action makes the keys feel heavier in the low register and lighter in the high register, just like an acoustic piano. This, combined with the matte black key tops designed to absorb moisture and stay tactile, provides a perfect playing experience.
But this digital piano is much more than just keys and sound. Yamaha has built in various smart features to make your playing experience even more enjoyable. The Adaptive Style adjusts the Main Style Variations based on your playing speed and the number of notes you play, while the Smart Chord feature allows you to play complex chords with just a few fingers.
The built-in microphone jack allows you to sing along as you play, featuring Yamaha’s digital vocal effects, making it great for solo performances or practicing. Plus, with the Yamaha You Are The Artist library and built-in Score Display, you can learn new songs easily.
On the other hand, if you’re into exploring Yamaha’s music apps for your iPad, the optional wireless UD-WL01 is necessary. Looking for a stand? The furniture stand is sold separately, so factor that into your budget.
In conclusion, the Yamaha DGX670B digital piano offers a stunning combination of sound, feel, and features, making it an excellent choice for both aspiring and seasoned musicians.
Roland GO 61-key Music Creation Piano Keyboard
We highly recommend Roland GO for fun, intuitive music creation on the go.
Pros
- Innovative Loop Mix function
- Bluetooth audio/MIDI support
- Over 500 pro-quality sounds
Cons
- Non-weighted keys
- Built-in speakers not the best
- Limited tutorials for beginners
Is it time to unleash your inner Mozart? Say hello to Roland GO. It’s perfect for aspiring musicians seeking a portable, feature-packed keyboard. What sets this keyboard apart? Its unique Loop Mix function lets you create complete songs without any experience! That’s right, just play a few notes and watch the magic happen.
But wait, there’s more. You can connect your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and jam along with your favorite tunes. No more fumbling with cables or external speakers! Plus, GO comes loaded with over 500 pro-quality sounds ranging from pianos to synths, strings, bass, brass, and beyond.
The downsides? Its keys aren’t weighted, which could be a bummer for skilled players craving a more authentic experience. Additionally, while its built-in speakers get the job done, they might not deliver the best audio quality you’re after. Lastly, newer players may struggle to learn as GO lacks detailed tutorials for beginners.
All in all, Roland GO is a solid choice, both fun and inspiring, for anyone eager to dive into the world of music production. Embrace your creativity wherever you go!
Roland FP-10 88-key Digital Keyboard with Bluetooth
Discover a budget-friendly yet great-sounding digital piano ideal for both beginners and experienced players.
Pros
- Authentic feel with 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard
- Roland’s renowned SuperNATURAL piano tones
- Wireless connection via Bluetooth MIDI
Cons
- Keys may feel a bit stiff for some
- Onboard speakers could be more powerful
- Stand and pedal sold separately
The Roland FP-10 is perfect for aspiring musicians and pros alike, its authentic feel and evocative tones draw you into a fantastic music experience.
We appreciate the FP-10’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard with 88 keys and the expressive SuperNATURAL piano tones. It’s clear that Roland didn’t skimp on quality when crafting this entry-level digital piano.
But wait, there’s more! The Bluetooth MIDI feature lets you connect to popular apps on your device, enhancing your creative pursuits. One of these apps, the free Roland Piano Partner 2, adds functionality and remote control to your FP-10.
Perhaps you’re a beginner and worried about disturbing others during practice sessions? No problem! The FP-10’s quiet keyboard action and headphone output let you keep jamming without any raised eyebrows from neighbors.
Overall, the Roland FP-10 is an exceptional choice for an entry-level digital piano. With its various convenient features, impressive sound quality, and affordable price point, you really can’t go wrong. Give it a try, and let the music take over!
Alesis Harmony 61 Pro
Aspiring musicians, the Alesis Harmony 61 Pro is your go-to for a feature-packed portable keyboard!
Pros
- 61 touch-sensitive keys
- 580 built-in sounds
- USB Midi & X/Y touchpad
Cons
- Made of plastic material
- MIDI connection issues
- SD card problems
The Alesis Harmony 61 Pro is perfect for both beginners and experienced players. It offers an impressive array of 61 premium touch-sensitive keys with adjustable touch response. You can easily access its enormous sound library featuring 580 built-in sounds to experiment and find your unique sound.
With the pitch-bend wheel and X/Y performance touchpad, you can add DJ-style effects to your performance, making it more engaging and fun. Plus, Harmony 61 Pro helps you learn and practice with 177 built-in demo songs and step-lesson mode.
However, the plastic material may not feel as sturdy as some other options. Some users have reported difficulties connecting to MIDI and issues with the SD card input. Despite these drawbacks, the Alesis Harmony 61 Pro remains a great choice for an affordable, versatile portable keyboard piano.
Casio 61-Key Portable Keyboard
A perfect keyboard for aspiring musicians seeking a portable, feature-rich option.
Pros
- USB MIDI connectivity
- Built-in carry handle
- 400 tones, 77 rhythms, 60 songs
Cons
- Only 61 keys
- Limited to USB power source
- No stand included
We recently had the pleasure of using the Casio CT-S200RD. This 61-key portable keyboard offers a great blend of functionality and portability. It’s perfect for those who want to learn or practice on-the-go, or have limited space.
The keyboard has USB MIDI connectivity, which means you can easily connect it to devices like iPhones or Androids. It also comes with a built-in carry handle, making transport a breeze. The keyboard offers a wide range of sounds, including 400 tones, 77 rhythms, and 60 songs, providing endless creative possibilities.
However, there are some drawbacks. The 61-key range might be limiting for advanced players seeking a full-sized keyboard. Additionally, the keyboard relies on a USB power source, which could be an issue if you don’t have access to one. Finally, it doesn’t include a stand, so you may need to purchase one separately.
Overall, the Casio CT-S200RD is a solid choice for aspiring musicians and casual players alike. Just keep in mind the limitations and decide if it’s the perfect fit for your needs.
Yamaha NP12 61-Key Portable Keyboard
We highly recommend Yamaha’s NP12 for beginners seeking a high-quality portable keyboard.
Pros
- Touch-sensitive piano-style keys
- iOS controller App for easy navigation
- USB to Host port for computer/mobile device connectivity
Cons
- Only 61 keys
- Not weighted
- Requires AA batteries for portability
The Yamaha NP12 is an excellent choice if you’re just starting your piano journey. With 61 touch-sensitive keys, it feels like playing a real piano. We found it super easy to use, and the iOS controller App makes navigation a breeze.
Connecting it to a computer or mobile device is simple with the USB to Host port. This feature provides access to a wide variety of educational and musical creation apps, which can be helpful for beginners.
One downside is that the keys aren’t weighted. So, if you’re looking for a more authentic piano feel, this keyboard might not be the perfect fit. Another drawback is that it requires six AA batteries for portability, which will last for around five hours.
All in all, the Yamaha NP12 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a portable keyboard with excellent touch-sensitive keys and user-friendly interface. Just be prepared to buy batteries for on-the-go playing.
Casio Casiotone CT-S300
We highly recommend Casio CT-S300 for aspiring musicians seeking a portable keyboard.
Pros
- 61 piano-style keys with touch response
- USB connectivity and versatile compatible devices
- Built-in carry handle for portability
Cons
- Not ideal for advanced players
- Limited sound options compared to high-end models
- Requires 6 AA batteries for portability
Casio’s CT-S300 is the perfect companion for those on-the-go moments. With 61 piano-style keys and touch response, you can play in style, while the USB connectivity allows you to connect with various devices like PCs, iOS, Mac, and Android.
The built-in carry handle ensures you’re always ready to bring your music wherever you go. Offering 400 tones, 77 rhythms, and 60 built-in songs, this keyboard gives you just enough options to explore your creativity without being overwhelming.
While the Casio CT-S300 is an excellent choice for beginners, it may not suffice for advanced musicians looking for a wider range of sounds and features. Furthermore, the keyboard requires 6 AA batteries for portability, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.
In conclusion, the Casio CT-S300 is a reliable and portable keyboard piano suitable for beginners and intermediate players. Its compact design and wide range of features make it an excellent choice for those always on the move, seeking to improve their musical skills.
Buying Guide
We know it can be tough to find the perfect portable keyboard piano. Let’s break down some key factors to consider when making your decision.
Key Considerations
First off, consider the number of keys. Full-sized pianos have 88 keys, but you’ll also find smaller options like 61 or 49 keys. Take into account your skill level and portability needs.
- 88 keys – For experienced players
- 61 keys – Great balance of portability and playability
- 49 keys – Perfect for beginners or limited space
Keep an eye out for touch sensitivity. We recommend looking for keyboards with at least three levels of sensitivity for dynamic playing.
Key Action
When it comes to the feel of the keys, there are a few different options:
- Semi-weighted action: Has a moderate resistance, good for beginners.
- Fully-weighted action: Mimics the feel of an acoustic piano, ideal for experienced pianists.
- Hammer action: Closest to an acoustic piano’s touch, offers the most realistic playing experience.
Must-Have Features
You’ll want to make sure your keyboard has some essential features to enhance your playing experience:
- Polyphony: The ability to play multiple notes at once. Aim for at least 64-note polyphony.
- Built-in speakers: For easy practice sessions and on-the-go performances.
- MIDI/USB connectivity: For recording and streaming capabilities.
Don’t forget about additional functions that make a big difference:
- A metronome to help perfect your timing.
- Tons of instrument sounds and rhythms to explore.
- Lesson modes to aid in skill development.
Budget
Finally, set a budget for yourself. Portable keyboard pianos can range from $100 to $1000+. Narrow down your options based on what you’re willing to invest in your music journey. Remember, you get what you pay for, so don’t be afraid to invest a bit more for quality and features.
With all of this in mind, you’re now ready to find the perfect portable keyboard piano to suit your needs and kickstart your musical journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
What keyboard should a beginner buy to start learning piano?
As a beginner, you’ll want an easy-to-use keyboard. We recommend one with 61 keys, built-in lessons, and touch-sensitive keys.
What’s the top music keyboard for pro artists?
For pro artists, a keyboard with 88 weighted keys, customizable sounds, and advanced features is a must. Brands like Roland and Yamaha excel in this.
What digital piano feels the most like a real piano?
A digital piano with weighted, hammer-action keys provides the most authentic feel. Look for models by Kawai, Yamaha, and Casio for a realistic touch.
Can I find a quality keyboard with 88 keys that’s also cheap?
Yes, affordable 88-key keyboards do exist! Opt for brands like Alesis and Yamaha for a good balance between price and quality, keeping an eye on discounts.
What’s a good compact piano keyboard for daily practice?
For daily practice, consider portable keyboards with 61 keys, touch sensitivity, and built-in speakers. Korg, Akai, or Novation have great compact options.
How does a digital piano differ from a regular keyboard?
Digital pianos focus on accurately mimicking acoustic pianos, with weighted keys and realistic sounds. Keyboards are more versatile, with various instrument sounds and features.