The 6 best cheap portable digital pianos for $300-600 in 2025

Creative endeavors are often expensive, but learning to play the piano doesn’t have to break the bank. I’ve tested various entry-level instruments to see how far you can go on a tight budget.

The Casio CDP-S360 is my top pick for the best budget portable digital piano. It’s the most sonically versatile keyboard on the list, yet it remains one of the easiest to use.

If you don’t mind semi-weighted keys, the Sudiologic Numa Compact SE is wonderful; I love it. It’s a budget keyboard that a seasoned pro could comfortably take onto the stage.

Alternatively, if you’re all about keeping it lightweight, the Korg Liano is the way to go. It’s an ultra-slim, ultra-light keyboard with some of the best sounds you’ll ever hear from a $300 instrument.

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Why you should trust me

James Michael Nugent

Choosing a budget keyboard or digital piano might seem easier than choosing a high-end instrument because you’re spending less money, but the decision is no less important.

I’ve tested countless budget-friendly keyboards/pianos over the last 25 years and learned that having the right instrument as a beginner can make all the difference.

As a student, I didn’t feel as confident or comfortable with every keyboard I bought, and a poor choice could significantly impact my progress. As a piano teacher, I draw on my own experience as a beginner to help students avoid those poor choices and find the best possible keyboard or digital piano.

How I chose and tested

In the context of this list, when I say digital piano, I mean a portable keyboard with 88 weighted keys, not a digital piano console unit.

My first task was setting a sensible price range, beyond which I no longer consider instruments budget-friendly.

Of course, “budget-friendly” means different things to different people, and it differs depending on the level of the intended buyer (beginner, intermediate, advanced, professional).

To keep things simple, I’ve set a price range of $299 to $599, and I’m looking at instruments suitable for complete beginners to early intermediate players.

I could set a lower range, especially for complete beginners, but to find the best options, I set some minimum expectations.

Every keyboard on the list must be:

  • Full-size (88 keys)
  • Well above average beginner sound quality
  • Portable
  • Easy-to-use

I’m also prioritizing instruments with weighted keys, but I’ve allowed a couple of exceptions.

With the above criteria in mind, a price range of $299 to $599 allows me to focus on instruments that really are the best in their class. It also allows me to choose instruments that epitomize value for money because they will last for years.

I don’t think it’s ever a good idea to feature an instrument just because it’s cheap enough; it has to be good enough.

Here are the best budget portable digital pianos in 2025:

Some great budget-friendly instruments didn’t make my top list but are still worth a look. Check out the Honorable mentions for more solid choices.

Casio CDP-S360

Award: Most versatile budget piano

  • Keys: Fully-weighted
  • Presets: 700 voices
  • Max polyphony: 128 notes
  • Weight: 24 lbs (10.9 kg)
  • Tested price: $549

As a beginner, I preferred Yamaha and Roland keyboards over Casio, but 25 years later, this Casio deserves the top spot. I love that it’s easy to use despite its vast feature set. Of its 700 voices, not all are stellar, but many are, and the newly refined piano sounds are great.

With some real premium features, the CDP-S360 looks, feels, and sounds fantastic; it’s outstanding value for money. If your budget doesn’t stretch far enough, you can save a little with the cheaper (but less versatile) CDP-S160.

Casio CDP-S360

The CDP-S360 is a relatively budget-friendly digital piano aimed primarily at beginners and intermediate players. It has 700 voices (CDP-S160 only has 10), including newly refined grand piano sounds, and a max polyphony of 128 notes (64 notes for the CDP-S160).

The grand piano sounds are excellent for the price, as are the organs and some surprisingly good synths. Casio’s built-in speaker system delivers a clear sound with ample volume for home use.

I love the feel of the CDP-S360; it has scaled hammer action keys with a simulated ebony/ivory finish. The simulated ebony/ivory is a premium feature that adds a touch of class to what is already one of the most realistic keyboard actions in its class.

Casio has gone all out on features, including a built-in six-track recorder, 200 onboard rhythms, an arpeggiator, Bluetooth connectivity, and a pitch-bend wheel. You even get some built-in effects and over 150 demo songs.

I don’t always like so many sounds and features in a piano primarily aimed at beginners, but the CDP-S360 remains incredibly user-friendly, thanks, in part, to a handy LCD screen. It’s incredible value for money.

What I like

  • Scaled hammer-action keys.
  • Improved concert grand tones.
  • Vast sound bank.
  • Built-in arpeggiator.
  • Built-in recorder.

What I don’t like

  • Navigating sounds is a little tedious.

Studiologic Numa Compact SE

Award: Best budget piano for performers

  • Keys: Semi-weighted
  • Presets: 148 voices
  • Max polyphony: 200 notes
  • Weight: 15.6 lbs (7.1 kg)
  • Tested price: $599

The Numa Compact, in all variations, has been one of my favorite keyboards since its release. It’s also a shamefully underrated stage piano with incredible sounds. Semi-weighted keys will be an issue for some, but if you can get past that, it’s such a bargain.

Studiologic Numa Compact SE

The Numa Compact SE is an update to the popular Numa Compact 2. It’s not an entirely new instrument, but it comes with some significant upgrades. Upgrades include a max polyphony of 200 notes (previously 128), 1 GB of flash memory with 120 user programs (previously 99), and up to six effects simultaneously.

The Numa Compact SE is an 88-key stage piano with semi-weighted keys with aftertouch. The semi-weighted keys are particularly good for organ and synth sounds, and although weighted keys would be best for piano, you can still play with enough expression.

The Numa Compact SE features four distinct sound engines: Acoustic, Electric, Organ, and Synth. Every time I play this keyboard, I am amazed by the sound quality, like the nuanced piano tones with string/duplex resonance and hammer/damper noise.

As much as I enjoy the piano tones, it’s the synths and organs that surprise me most. The synths, in particular, sound like they are coming from a much more expensive sound engine. The monophonic aftertouch is the perfect way to add expression and accents.

Unlike most stage pianos, the Numa Compact SE has a built-in speaker system with dual 10-watt amplifiers. I love this stage piano for gigging because it has all the sounds you need and weighs just 15.6 lbs.

Still wondering if it’s the right fit for you? Read my full Studiologic Numa Compact SE review to find out!

What I like

  • Value for money.
  • Four sound engines.
  • Outstanding sound quality.
  • Aftertouch.
  • Built-in speakers.

What I don’t like

  • Semi-weighted keys.

Kawai ES60

Award: Best concert grand sound

  • Keys: Fully-weighted
  • Presets: 17 voices
  • Max polyphony: 192 notes
  • Weight: 24.3 lbs (11 kg)
  • Tested price: $499

The Kawai ES60 is the latest addition to the ES series and the cheapest by far. It’s simple for me; I’m a massive fan of Kawai piano sounds, and if you can get that for under $500, it’s a steal. It’s not as versatile as some others, but as a straightforward piano, it’s incredible value for money.

Kawai ES60

Kawai’s ES60 is an 88-key portable digital piano featuring the new Responsive Hammer Lite (RHL) keyboard action. The springless design delivers an authentic piano feel in a lightweight package.

The star of the show is the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano sound, powered by Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging technology. I can’t get enough of this sound; it’s one of my favorite piano voices at any price.

There are 17 voices available, including electric pianos, organs, strings, harpsichord, bass, and more. All of the voices are good, but if you’re looking for versatility, look elsewhere. The ES60 is an instrument that you buy on the strength of its grand piano sound, and it’s worth it. Max polyphony is 192 notes.

In addition to the 17 sounds, it features 30 drum rhythms and 15 demo songs. You can layer sounds and split sounds between two keyboard zones. Built-in effects are limited to three reverb types.

Thanks to the RHL keyboard action and slimline design, the ES60 weighs less than 25 lbs, making it a great choice for live performance. If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward, and portable digital piano that sounds amazing on a budget, this is it.

Still wondering if it’s the right fit for you? Read my full Kawai ES60 review to find out!

What I like

  • Value for money.
  • Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand sound.
  • Lightweight.
  • Graded hammer-action keyboard.
  • Slimline design.

What I don’t like

  • Limited sounds and functions.

Alesis Prestige Artist

Award: Best under $500

  • Keys: Fully-weighted
  • Presets: 30 voices
  • Max polyphony: 256 notes
  • Weight: 28.21 lbs (12.8 kg)
  • Tested price: $479

The Alesis Prestige Artist is a no-nonsense digital piano for beginners. It over-delivers in most areas, and at under $500, it’s a struggle to find something better. I recommend the Prestige to anyone who wants a straightforward instrument with a good sound and a realistic piano feel.

Alesis Prestige Artist

The Prestige Artist is an 88-key digital piano aimed at beginners and anyone on a tighter budget. It features 30 sound presets, with the acoustic pianos being the best of the bunch. The grand piano voices aren’t the best on this list and perhaps lack a little depth in the lower range, but they are surprisingly good for the price.

In addition to the grand piano tones, the Prestige Artist features a pretty impressive Wurly (electric piano) sound. Another welcome surprise is the max polyphony of 256 notes; you might expect 128 notes at this price.

The Prestige Artist offers more speaker power than you are likely to need in most home/practice scenarios with dual 25-watt amplifiers.

What I like most about the Prestige Artist is that it provides something that most low-priced keyboards don’t: graded hammer-action keys. The keys are heaviest at the lowest notes and get gradually lighter as you move up the keyboard to emulate the feel of an acoustic piano.

As far as onboard features go, keyboard modes (Split and Layer) and Record Mode (one track) are about it, but simplicity is part of the appeal.

The keyboard is a little bulkier than some others, but with graded hammer-action keys, that’s to be expected.

Still wondering if it’s the right fit for you? Read my full Alesis Prestige series review to find out!

What I like

  • Graded hammer-action keys.
  • Value for money.
  • Great built-in speakers.
  • Impressive max polyphony.
  • Built-in arpeggiator.

What I don’t like

  • It’s bulky.

Korg Liano

Award: Best lightweight budget piano

  • Keys: Semi-weighted
  • Presets: 8 voices
  • Max polyphony: 120 notes
  • Weight: 13.2 lbs (6 kg)
  • Tested price: $349

The Korg Liano is the ultimate lightweight full-size keyboard. While you sacrifice some realism for portability, it’s hard not to love the Liano. Korg produces some of the best high-end keyboard instruments money can buy, but I’ve always considered them a step behind manufacturers like Yamaha and Casio regarding beginner instruments. The Liano changes the landscape for me; it’s so much fun, and the sound quality is outstanding.

Korg Liano

The Liano is a full-size keyboard that has recently become one of my favorites. I was overwhelmed by the quality of the grand piano voices on Korg’s Liano; no keyboard around $300 typically sounds so realistic. It was no real surprise to learn that the grand piano tones come from the premium Korg Kronos and Nautilus keyboards.

The piano voices are as luxurious as I’ve heard in the lower price range. There are only eight voices, including electric pianos, organs, and strings. Besides the grand pianos, I have to highlight the organ sounds; they sound so alive compared to most budget offerings. Max polyphony is 120 notes.

The Liano’s light-touch action keys are a downside for those who want an authentic piano feel. The keys are also not ideal for dynamic performance, but since the Liano is aimed at beginners who prioritize portability, it’s a fair trade (especially with such impressive sound).

The built-in speakers are small but pack a punch with two 8-watt amplifiers. The speakers are optimized to provide an excellent bass response, perfect for the low end of those stunning piano tones.

The Liano is Korg’s lightest full-size keyboard, and its ultra-slim design looks beautiful. At just around 13 lbs, it’s the perfect instrument for anyone who wants to practice anywhere, anytime.

Still wondering if it’s the right fit for you? Read my full Korg Liano review to find out!

What I like

  • Extremely lightweight.
  • Excellent sound quality.
  • Value for money.
  • Great for beginners.

What I don’t like

  • The lighter keys aren’t ideal for piano playing.

Alesis Concert

Award: Best under $300

  • Keys: Semi-weighted
  • Presets: 10 voices
  • Max polyphony: 128 notes
  • Weight: 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg)
  • Tested price: $299

The Alesis Concert is an absolute steal at under $300. It’s not quite as good as the Prestige, but the price reflects the step-down. It’s a straightforward digital piano with very few extras, and that’s often just what a beginner needs. It’s also ideal for younger learners not yet ready for fully-weighted keys.

Alesis Concert

The Alesis Concert is the epitome of a good budget keyboard; it has everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s a full-size but lightweight 88-key instrument.

The Concert has just 10 onboard sounds, but like the Prestige Artist, it over-delivers. Also, like the Prestige Artist, the grand piano sounds lack a little depth compared to others on this list, but at under $300, it’s very impressive.

Other sounds include a nice drawbar organ, a funky clav, electric piano, and strings. Alesis provides a max polyphony of 128 notes, which is more than enough for any beginner.

The built-in speakers, powered by a 20-watt amplifier system, are very good; again, they are not the best, but excellent relative to the price.

The Concert has semi-weighted keys that might be a touch light for some players. However, starting with lighter keys can benefit some beginners, especially younger kids, so it’s less of a negative and more about personal preference.

One of the features I like to see on any beginner keyboard is Lesson Mode. This mode splits the keyboard into two identical ranges for student/teacher practice.

I’d have loved a second headphone jack to pair with Lesson Mode, but it’s hard to complain at this price. Along with a single headphone jack, you get an audio output, sustain pedal input, and USB connectivity.

Still wondering if it’s the right fit for you? Read my full Alesis Concert review to find out!

What I like

  • Excellent value for money.
  • Powerful speaker system.
  • Lesson Mode.
  • Impressive sound quality for the price.

What I don’t like

  • Semi-weighted keys.
  • Limited sounds.

Honorable mentions

Here are a few budget-friendly keyboards and digital pianos that just missed out on a top spot.

  • Yamaha P-145. The P-145 with the new compact hammer-action keyboard is a fantastic choice. I prefer the P-225 because it has the CFX concert grand sound, but it’s a little more expensive. Read review
  • Korg B2. The B2 is a more serious portable digital piano than the Liano. If you like the Korg sound but want to upgrade to fully-weighted keys, the B2 is a solid option. Read review
  • Roland Go:Piano88. The Go:Piano88 is so much fun; from the image to the sound and user experience, it’s just fun! But it does have some seriously good sounds. Read review

Conclusion

As I said at the top, budget keyboards and digital pianos are better than ever, and this list highlights my favorites. I enjoyed playing these instruments very much, and based on my experiences as a student and a teacher, I recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable keyboard or digital piano. If you want the best blend of quality and value for money, it’s on this list.

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