If you’re starting your journey into music and want to learn piano, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is choosing your instrument. While an acoustic piano is a beautiful, traditional option, most beginners today opt for a digital piano or keyboard — and for good reason.
Digital pianos are more affordable, portable, and low-maintenance. They allow for quiet practice with headphones, built-in sounds, and features that make learning easier. But with so many models and specs out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
This guide will walk you through all the key things you need to know before buying your first digital piano or keyboard — even if you have no prior musical experience.
Why Choose a Digital Piano or Keyboard?
Here are some of the top reasons beginners choose digital instruments:
Cost: Much more affordable than acoustic pianos
Size: Takes up less space in small rooms or apartments
Volume control: Practice quietly with headphones
Maintenance-free: No tuning or climate control needed
Built-in learning tools: Metronomes, lesson modes, recording
Portability: Easy to move or take to lessons
A good beginner digital piano can last for years — and may be all you ever need.
Understanding the Difference: Digital Piano vs. Keyboard
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same.
Digital Piano
Designed to replicate the sound and feel of an acoustic piano
88 full-sized, weighted keys
Realistic sound samples and touch response
Best choice for serious piano learning
Keyboard
More portable and often cheaper
Can have fewer keys (49, 61, 76, or 88)
Keys may be semi-weighted or unweighted
Often includes hundreds of instrument sounds and rhythms
Great for experimenting or casual learning
If your goal is to learn piano technique, a digital piano with 88 fully weighted keys is ideal. If you want something lighter or more versatile, a keyboard may be the right fit.
Key Features to Consider
Let’s break down the most important specs and features you should evaluate as a beginner.
1. Number of Keys
Standard pianos have 88 keys. Keyboards may have fewer:
88 keys – full range, best for traditional piano pieces
76 keys – slightly shorter, good compromise
61 keys – lighter, still playable for many songs
49 keys – very limited, best for learning melodies only
As a beginner, aim for 61 keys minimum — or ideally 88 keys if you’re serious about piano.
2. Key Action and Touch Sensitivity
Weighted keys replicate the resistance of a real piano.
Touch-sensitive keys respond to how hard you press — louder when pressed harder.
Types of key actions:
Unweighted: Like an organ — no resistance
Semi-weighted: Light resistance, springy feel
Hammer action / fully weighted: Closest to acoustic piano
Graded hammer action: Slightly heavier in lower keys, lighter in upper keys — just like a real piano
For realistic practice, choose a keyboard with weighted or hammer-action keys.
3. Polyphony
Polyphony = number of notes that can sound at once.
Minimum: 64-note polyphony
Recommended: 128-note or 192-note polyphony
More polyphony = smoother sound during sustain or complex chords.
4. Built-in Sounds and Voices
Most digital pianos have 5–20 high-quality piano and electric piano sounds.
Keyboards may include hundreds of instruments, drums, effects, and rhythms.
Ask yourself:
Do you want lots of sound variety (keyboard)?
Or a few realistic piano tones (digital piano)?
5. Learning Features
Look for features like:
Built-in metronome
Lesson mode (splits keyboard for teacher and student)
Built-in demo songs
Recording function
USB/MIDI connectivity for apps and software
Bluetooth audio (for playing along with songs)
These extras aren’t required but can be very helpful for beginners.
6. Speakers and Headphone Jacks
A good built-in speaker system lets you hear yourself clearly.
Headphone output allows for silent practice — great for shared spaces.
Check for:
Stereo sound
Headphone jack location (front is easier)
Speaker wattage (10W+ is ideal for small rooms)
7. Portability and Stand Options
Will you be moving your keyboard often?
Do you want a furniture-style stand?
Digital pianos can be:
Portable (slab-style): Light and easy to move
Console (with wooden stand and pedals): Looks like an acoustic piano, heavier
Keyboards are usually lightweight and can be played on any stand or table.
8. Pedals
Basic sustain pedals are often included or sold separately.
Look for:
Included sustain pedal or input jack
Triple pedal units (for more advanced players)
Half-damper support (for realistic pedal feel)
Most beginners start with one sustain pedal.
Popular Models for Beginners
Here are some beginner favorites across price ranges:
Yamaha P-45 / P-125 – excellent digital pianos with weighted keys
Casio CDP-S110 / PX-S1100 – slim design, great feel
Roland FP-10 / FP-30X – solid build, great tone and Bluetooth
Alesis Recital – budget-friendly with 88 semi-weighted keys
Yamaha PSR-E373 – keyboard with many sounds and lessons
Casio CT-S300 – lightweight keyboard with touch-sensitive keys
All are beginner-approved and have strong reputations for value and reliability.
Where to Buy
Online retailers: Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann, B&H
Local music stores: Try before buying, ask for guidance
Secondhand: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Reverb (check condition carefully)
Watch out for:
Broken keys or faulty speakers
Missing power supplies
Very old keyboards (outdated features, low polyphony)
Accessories You’ll Need
Sustain pedal
Adjustable stand
Padded bench
Headphones (for quiet practice)
Keyboard dust cover
Music stand (if not included)
Some bundles include these — compare options before buying separately.
How Much Should You Spend?
Beginner price guide:
$100–200: Basic keyboards, limited features
$300–500: Great value digital pianos with weighted keys
$600–1,000: Premium beginner/intermediate models with better sound and feel
Remember — it’s an investment in your musical journey. Choose something you’ll enjoy using consistently.
Tips for Choosing the Right Instrument
Test the feel — do the keys feel comfortable and responsive?
Play with headphones — does the sound inspire you?
Consider where you’ll practice — do you need portability or a home setup?
Don’t overpay for features you won’t use yet
Watch comparison videos on YouTube
Check return policies in case the feel isn’t right
Final Thoughts: The Best Keyboard Is the One That Makes You Want to Play
There’s no perfect digital piano for everyone — but the right one for you is the one that:
Feels comfortable under your fingers
Sounds good enough to inspire you
Fits your space and lifestyle
Fits your budget
Makes you want to sit down and play every day
So take your time, try a few if you can, and choose a digital piano or keyboard that supports your learning, creativity, and joy.
Your musical journey starts here — and it starts with the right keys.