The 9 best digital pianos and keyboards for home and stage

After testing a varied range of instruments, I’ve picked out the best digital pianos and keyboards available in 2025. In this selection, I’ll discuss the best instruments for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

The goal is to create a list of digital pianos and keyboards that are the best in their class, whether that’s the best for a particular buyer, budget, or scenario. Whatever you need, this list has something for everyone.

Quick recommendations

All working pianists experience the challenge of carrying a heavy stage piano from one gig to the next, and most of us complain about it. If that sounds like you, I recommend the stage-ready Studiologic Numa Compact SE, which has exceptional sound quality in a lightweight package.

If you don’t mind carrying something heavier, the Roland RD-2000 EX is my favorite stage piano for performers. It’s an incredibly powerful instrument with a vast sound bank and innovative and intuitive features.

Not everyone is ready for or wants to be on the stage, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have cutting-edge sound at home. If you’re looking for a mid-range digital piano for home practice, Kawai’s KDP120 is my value pick.

A digital piano might be too much for some beginners, and the idea of being stuck in one place is often a non-starter for younger kids. If you want something portable to practice anywhere in the house, I highly recommend the Yamaha NP-15; I love it for beginners of any age.

Contents

Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.

Why you should trust me

James Michael Nugent

I’ve been lucky enough to work in several positions in music, and nothing is more valuable than experience.

We all make mistakes, beginners and professionals alike, because, as musicians, we are constantly experimenting and encountering new things. Experience teaches us to avoid making the same mistake twice.

In terms of choosing the right instrument, the mistakes I made as a beginner and beyond enabled me to help my students make the right choices when I began teaching.

Even as a full-time professional musician, it’s tempting to buy the most popular instrument because it sounds fantastic without considering whether or not it’s the best choice for your current requirements, which I’ve learned the hard way, like many others.

In addition to choosing the right instrument from a student, teacher, and performer point of view, I’ve worked as a studio session musician and composer, so I understand small details can make an instrument perfect or useless for any given task.

I’m a firm advocate of individualism in music, but I believe my combined experiences allow me to create a well-rounded list of the best digital pianos and keyboards for players of all levels in any scenario.

How I chose and tested

As I mentioned above, my aim is to create a well-rounded list, but that doesn’t mean I’m looking for the best jack-of-all-trades instrument that does a little bit of everything.

I’m creating a well-rounded list in the sense that it will have something to offer everyone, from beginners to professionals, whether they want to play at home, in the studio, or on the stage.

I have no strict budget cap for this list, as the gap between beginner and professional instruments will be too wide. However, I keep value for money in mind as always.

I’m looking for digital pianos and keyboards that are the best in their class, which means the list won’t necessarily highlight the best digital pianos and keyboards overall in order of merit but rather a collection of instruments I consider the best for a specific type of user or use case.

To find the best instruments in any given class, I’ll start by considering some of the features and requirements players of varied experience levels might need most.

Beginner:

  • velocity-sensitive keys,
  • lightweight and portable,
  • educational features and apps,
  • relatively cheap.

Intermediate to advanced:

  • realistic piano sound,
  • realistic hammer-action keys,
  • matte finish or simulated ebony/ivory keytops,
  • intuitive interface,
  • powerful/flexible sound engines,
  • extended connectivity.

Everything above could apply to a digital piano, stage piano, or portable keyboard, but the context often changes my expectations.

For example, a powerful sound engine in a digital piano could mean several extremely high-end concert piano voices, but in a versatile stage piano, I’d also expect world-class synths, organs, and other sounds.

After testing a series of instruments that showcase the features listed above, I’ll separate the ones I think are best for specific use cases, such as:

  • studio sessions,
  • live performance,
  • home practice.

Here are my top picks for the best digital pianos and keyboards in 2025:

Be sure to check the Honorable mentions for instruments that didn’t make my top list but are too good to leave out altogether.

Roland RD-2000 EX

Award: Best for performers

  • Keys: 88, full-size, weighted
  • Polyphony: Full (V-Piano), 128 notes (SuperNatural)
  • Presets: Over 1100 voices
  • Built-in speakers: No

The Roland RD-2000 EX may is the best stage piano for performers in 2025 because it offers a well-balanced blend of exceptional sounds, an intuitive interface, and extended connectivity. It’s physically identical to the older RD-2000, but the added expansion packs are a significant sound boost for pianists.

Roland RD-2000 EX
Roland RD-2000 EX stage piano | Image by Roland

The RD-2000 EX is an 88-key stage piano with Roland’s PHA-50 progressive hammer-action keyboard. The hybrid wood/plastic keyboard has synthetic ebony/ivory keytops, providing extra grip and a premium feel.

The premium keyboard is the ideal partner for the V-Piano engine (full polyphony), producing some of the most expressive and dynamic concert piano tones. For the first time, thanks to the pre-installed Upright Essentials Expansion, you get an intimate upright in the V-Piano category. You also get the stunning German Concert Expansion, with 17 variations of a stunning Steinway concert piano.

You also get Roland’s famous SuperNatural engine (128-note max polyphony) with over around 1100 voices, including excellent tonewheel organs, synth pads, basses, leads, orchestral sounds, and more.

The RD-2000 EX delivers a very realistic piano experience, but what sets it apart is how well the additional sounds pair with the intuitive interface. You have unlimited expression at your fingertips thanks to eight rotary knobs and nine assignable faders. Whether you’re adjusting a tonewheel organ or the filter cutoff of a synth patch, the RD-2000 EX  provides a speedy hands-on workflow.

Another reason performers love this stage piano is that it has eight assignable keyboard zones, perfect for playing songs or sets that simultaneously use multiple sounds. You also recall up to 100 scene memories with a single touch, another powerful live performance tool.

Although the RD-2000 EX takes a modern approach to performance, it comes with some vintage sounds and effects, including the RD-1000, MKS-20, Boss CE-1 Chorus, and Roland Dimension D.

The RD-2000 EX has extended connectivity, including three USB ports, MIDI in/out/thru, six audio outputs (two sub out), and four pedal inputs.

I’ve owned a few RD stage pianos over the years, starting with the RD-700, and it’s incredible to see how far the series has come.

Read my full Roland RD-2000 EX review for more details and test results.

What I like

  • Two powerful sound engines.
  • High-end voices and effects.
  • Assignable keyboard zones.
  • Intuitive interface

What I don’t like

  • Nothing to note.

Yamaha Clavinova CLP-835

Award: Best for home

  • Keys: 88, full-size, weighted
  • Polyphony: 256 notes
  • Presets: 38 voices
  • Built-in speakers: Yes

Although little has changed since the CLP-735, the improvements are noticeable. It’s one of the best digital pianos I’ve ever played and the best value for money in the Clavinova range. You’ll have to buy an acoustic piano if you want something more realistic for the same money.

Yamaha Clavinova CLP-835
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-835 digital piano | Image by Yamaha

The Yamaha CLP-835 is expensive, so I don’t recommend it for beginners, but if you’re an intermediate to advanced player with the right budget, it’s an incredible buy.

Realism begins at first sight; it looks stunning whether you go for the rosewood finish, matte black, or premium polished ebony.

Once you get past the visual beauty of this Clavinova, the first thing you’ll notice is the ultra-realistic keyboard action. The CLP-835 features an improved version of Yamaha’s GrandTouch-S keyboard with simulated ebony/ivory keytops.

The keyboard instantly feels authentic; every key is perfectly weighted from lowest to highest. I spent many years playing a Yamaha B1 acoustic piano, and the CLP-835 is remarkably close to the same touch.

There are several benefits to choosing a digital piano over an acoustic upright, the most obvious being volume control and headphones. However, you also get a different type of sound; while Grand Expression Modelling makes the CLP-835 sound as resonant as an acoustic instrument, it delivers the sound of a bigger concert grand.

The concert grand voices include deep-sampled Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial pianos. You also get some authentic Fortepiano voices that will delight classical pianists.

A newly enhanced built-in speaker system with two 30-watt amplifiers delivers excellent sound. Virtual Resonance Modelling enhances the sound, making the CLP-835 sound every bit like a real piano.

Read my full Yamaha CLP-835 review for more details and test results.

What I like

  • Ultra-realistic sound and feel.
  • Immersive playing experience.
  • Powerful speaker system.
  • Great looking cabinet.

What I don’t like

  • It’s expensive.

Yamaha CP88

Award: Best vintage sound

  • Keys: 88, full-size, weighted
  • Polyphony: 128 notes
  • Presets: 57 voices
  • Built-in speakers: No

The CP88 is a fantastic stage piano overall, but I love the vintage sounds, effects, and one-to-one interface the most.

Although it’s a modern instrument, I feel like I’m playing an old-school analog keyboard because everything is just one touch away.

It sounds excellent, and it’s so intuitive you don’t need to think about anything other than being creative.

Yamaha CP88 keys closeup
Yamaha CP88 stage piano

The CP88 is a modern keyboard with a vintage vibe, paying homage to Yamaha’s 1970s Combo piano.

It features Yamaha’s NW-GH keyboard with natural wooden keys, which gives the CP88 an authentic weight/feel that’s lovely to play.

What I like most about the keyboard action is that it feels like a perfect compromise between vintage acoustic and electric pianos.

Yamaha’s AWM2 tone generator is at the heart of the CP88, offering a max polyphony of 128 notes. The powerful sound engine provides 57 voices between three sections: Piano, E. Piano, and Sub.

There are 10 acoustic pianos, 14 electric pianos, and various synths, organs, clavs, and orchestral sounds. It features three of the best concert grand samples I’ve played: Yamaha’s CFX and S700 concert grand pianos and the Bösendorfer 290 Imperial.

The CP88 is special because it competes with most instruments as a pure piano but turns into an authentic 70s throwback when you hit the electric pianos.

Along with the vintage sounds, you’ve got the authentic one-to-one interface of an actual vintage EP. The intuitive interface offers dedicated effects and controls for each section.

The effects add to the vintage character, but it doesn’t lack the convenience of modern features like seamless transitions; it’s great.

Read my full Yamaha CP88 review for more details and test results.

What I like

  • Outstanding piano sounds.
  • Vintage vibe.
  • One-to-one layout.

What I don’t like

  • Doesn’t have as many sounds as some competitors.

Nord Stage 4 88

Award: Best for studio sessions

  • Keys: 88, full-size, weighted
  • Polyphony: 120 notes (piano), 46 notes (synth)
  • Presets: 512 voices
  • Built-in speakers: No

The Nord Stage 4 is the ultimate studio session stage piano because it has very few weaknesses.

Pound for pound, it’s one of the best-sounding stage pianos ever made, and in a studio setting, it will never be found wanting.

It’s not a jack-of-all-trades; it’s closer to a master of all; there are a couple of stage pianos with a better interface and keyboard action; otherwise, it would be the best for performers, too.

Nord Stage 4 on stand
Nord Stage 4 | Image by Nord

The Nord Stage 4 is often the choice of professional musicians, and although it’s not my personal favorite, I can see why.

Like previous models, the Nord Stage 4 features three distinct sound engines: Piano, Organ, and Synth. Although I’ve often criticized the keyboard action of Nord instruments, I cannot complain about the sound quality; it’s incredible.

One of the first significant upgrades for this model is doubled sample memory, meaning sounds are produced at greater fidelity than ever.

I love the Piano engine; I’ve always considered Nord piano sounds among the most realistic, including real depth you typically don’t hear from a digital instrument.

The range of pianos is more extensive now with an enhanced collection of concert grand, upright, and electric piano sounds from the Nord Piano Library.

The Organ engine boasts multi-award-winning B3, pipe organ, and Farfisa sounds, and the new physical drawbars with LED indicators provide a hands-on tonewheel experience.

The synth sounds come from Nord’s Wave 2 engine, providing sample-base, virtual analog, and FM synthesis. The Wave 2 engine also features additional sounds like guitars, choirs, and strings.

It follows a similar but updated modular design that separates the organ, piano, and synth sections. One of the best workflow enhancements is that you can now select and fully control each layer in each section.

The new control over each layer means that you can apply effects per layer rather than on a global basis, and it is especially impressive for tone-shaping with the synth section, which offers three layers.

The hammer-action keyboard is the best I’ve ever played from Nord, and it has brought me another step closer to being a Nord convert.

Read my full Nord Stage 4 review for more details and test results.

What I like

  • Amazing sound quality.
  • Improved keyboard action.
  • Upgraded workflow.
  • Great for performers.

What I don’t like

  • Very expensive.

Kawai KDP120

Award: Best mid-range digital piano

  • Keys: 88, full-size, weighted
  • Polyphony: 192 notes
  • Presets: 15 voices
  • Built-in speakers: Yes

I’m a massive fan of Kawai digital pianos, and the sound is exceptional, even at this price point.

The KDP120 is one of my favorite digital pianos and a marked improvement on previous KDP models. You’d have to spend significantly more money for a more realistic piano experience.

Kawai KDP120
Kawai KDP120 digital piano

Kawai has a long history of building some of the finest acoustic pianos in the world, so it’s no surprise that they also make fantastic digital pianos.

The KDP120 is a mid-range digital piano with Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action. Although the word compact often suggests compromising some realism for an overall lighter product, there are no such concerns here.

The keyboard action is excellent, and Kawai’s hammer-sensing key-detection technology delivers realistic upward and downward motion for every key. The weight progression from the heaviest to lightest keys (low to high notes) is consistent with that of an acoustic piano.

The flagship sound is an impeccably sampled Kawai SK-EX nine-foot concert grand piano. This incredibly detailed sound comes to life, whether playing loud or soft, and the depth in the bass is particularly impressive.

The balance between the responsive keyboard action and stunning concert grand sound creates an immersive piano experience that’s the best in class.

The KDP120 boasts 15 onboard voices (EP, church organ, jazz organ, strings, etc.) with a max polyphony of 192 notes.

While it’s not the most versatile instrument, it has a decent feature set, including a built-in recorder (three songs), 55 internal songs, and a Grand Feel pedal system.

There are also a few features to enhance the already outstanding sound quality, like six reverb types, brilliance, low volume balance, and the Virtual Technician function to fine-tune every aspect of the piano.

Read my full Kawai KDP120 review for more details and test results.

What I like

  • Outstanding concert grand sound.
  • Expressive keyboard.
  • Excellent value for money.

What I don’t like

  • Not the most versatile.

Studiologic Numa X Piano GT

Award: Best keyboard action

  • Keys: 88, full-size, weighted
  • Polyphony: 300 notes
  • Presets: 200 voices
  • Built-in speakers: No

The Numa X Piano GT is the stage piano I use most, and it has been since shortly after its initial release.

As someone who prioritizes a realistic piano feel over most other things, I still haven’t found a better keyboard than this one.

The concert piano sounds need a little tweaking to get the best out of them, but it’s a small price to pay for such a realistic action.

Studiologic Numa X Piano GT keys and controls closeup
Studiologic Numa X Piano GT | Imag by Studiologic

The Numa X Piano GT is all about the pure piano experience, but it’s more versatile than you might think, with over 200 onboard sounds.

The onboard sounds come from Studiologic’s True Sound engine, and I firmly believe it’s one of the most underrated sound engines available. The sound library includes acoustic/electric pianos, organs, synths, guitars/basses, orchestral sounds, cinematic sounds, and more.

The sound quality across the entire library is excellent but not quite elite: it doesn’t give you synths or organs like a Nord Stage 4, but they are still very good.

The main selling point of this stage piano is the graded hammer-action keyboard by Fatar with monophonic aftertouch. Fatar produced a keyboard that looks and feels like natural wood but utilizes a more stable synthetic material that won’t warp over time.

Fatar keyboards are always great, but since Studiologic and Fatar are part of the same company, I think they saved the best for the Numa X Piano GT. Besides the weight and feel of the keys being perfect, enhanced features like escapement add even more realism.

The other thing that makes the Numa X Piano GT such a great buy is the intuitive color-coded interface.

The smart interface not only makes it easy to identify, turn on/off, and edit any parameter within each layer. All parameter and FX knobs become dedicated controls for the selected layer. So, effectively, you have a one-to-one interface of sorts, avoiding any menu-diving.

With a max polyphony of 300 notes, DSP effects, up to eight insert effects, and a built-in four-channel mixer, the Numa X Piano GT is ready for any task.

Read my full Numa X Piano GT review for more details and test results.

What I like

  • Excellent acoustic piano sound.
  • Most realistic keyboard action to date.
  • Smart one-to-one interface.

What I don’t like

  • Piano voices require a little tweaking.

Yamaha NP-15

Award: Best for beginners

  • Keys: 61, full-size
  • Polyphony: 64 notes
  • Presets: 15 voices
  • Built-in speakers: Yes

The NP-15 is the perfect portable keyboard for beginners. It appeals to a broad spectrum of users because it looks like a serious instrument for adults with all the functionality kids need from a beginner keyboard.

I love it now and would have loved it even more as a beginner.

Yamaha Piaggero NP-15
Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 | Image by Yamaha

The Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 is a beginner keyboard with 61 velocity-sensitive keys. Although it’s a small, portable keyboard, it has full-size keys, making it suitable for players of all ages.

It offers 15 onboard sounds, including some of the best acoustic piano voices in its class. The sound comes from Yamaha’s AWM stereo sampling engine, which has a stellar reputation for quality in the beginner to intermediate range.

Besides the impressive acoustic piano voices, you get electric pianos, strings, and organs.

The overall sound quality is exceptional for the money. If I have one minor complaint, I’d like to see a higher max polyphony (64 notes), but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Besides the sound, my favorite thing about the NP-15 is its stylish, classy, all-black design.

It also has a built-in recorder capable of capturing up to 7000 notes, a valuable tool for beginners. It’s extremely portable and ready to play anywhere.

Read my full Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 review for more details and test results.

What I like

  • Incredible sound quality.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Great for beginners of all ages.

What I don’t like

  • Not enough features for some beginners.

Roland F701

Award: Best for modern pianists

  • Keys: 88, full-size, weighted
  • Polyphony: 256 notes
  • Presets: 324 voices
  • Built-in speakers: Yes

The F701 is a modern alternative to something like the Kawai KDP120. It’s not the most realistic piano in its class, but it is one of the most versatile.

It features a massive sound bank and a sleek, slimline design that looks fantastic.

Roland F701
Roland F701 digital piano | Image by Roland

The sleek modern design is the first thing you notice about the F701, and unless you’re set on a traditional upright look, most people would agree it looks great. It features a folding lid that doubles as a music stand when open.

Although I think pianos like the KDP120 sound better, the F701 is powered by Roland’s outstanding SuperNatural sound engine. What I love most about this sound engine is its attention to detail, such as enhanced velocity response, note decay, and key-range behavior.

Unlike some digital pianos, the F701 doesn’t just sound like a real piano; it mimics the small nuances of an acoustic instrument very well.

The F701 has 324 onboard voices, which is a dream for anyone looking for a versatile digital piano. Onboard sounds include electric pianos, brass, organs, synths, and more, which is rare for a digital piano.

Another rare feature is the choice of 10 temperament types, and although it’s not a requirement, it adds another layer of versatility.

A typical complaint about digital pianos is that browsing/switching sounds can be a pain, especially with over 300 sounds to navigate. Thankfully, the F701 has a handy OLED display, making navigating the vast sound bank easier.

The interface looks fantastic, too; the OLED display and stylish buttons match perfectly with the instrument’s modern design.

The F701 has 377 internal and 287 lesson songs, showing that it’s an excellent instrument for students, not just style over substance.

Read my full Roland F701 review for more details and test results.

What I like

  • Sleek modern design.
  • Versatile range of voices.
  • Beginner-friendly features.

What I don’t like

  • Not as robust as larger consoles.

Studiologic Numa Compact SE

Award: Best budget stage piano

  • Keys: 88, full-size, semi-weighted
  • Polyphony: 200 notes
  • Presets: 148 voices
  • Built-in speakers: Yes

I loved the Numa Compact 2, and the SE is even better. It doesn’t have fully-weighted keys, which isn’t ideal for pianists, but the lighter keys are perfect for many other onboard sounds, so it’s a worthy compromise.

If you can live with semi-weighted keys, you won’t find a more flexible or better-sounding stage piano at a similar price.

Studiologic Numa Compact SE
Studiologic Numa Compact SE | Image by Studiologic

The Numa Compact SE is an 88-key stage piano with semi-weighted keys with aftertouch.

The semi-weighted keys won’t suit everyone, but they are a perfect compromise for a stage piano with 148 onboard sounds. The keyboard action is particularly good for organ and synth sounds.

The Numa Compact SE features four independent sound engines: Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, and Synthesizer.

Although the keyboard action is not ideal for pianists, the grand piano tones are beautiful for the price. An enhanced acoustic engine perfectly duplicates string/duplex resonance and hammer/damper noise.

The electric piano sounds are just as detailed with damper noise and tine control. I’d use this stage piano for live performance, and I especially like the organ and synth sounds combined with the monophonic aftertouch.

The Numa Compact SE isn’t so much a new stage piano but rather an enhanced version of the older Numa Compact 2.

Besides the increased sound bank, some of the most significant enhancements 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 at once.

The icing on the cake is that it weighs just 15 lbs (7 kg); performers love it.

What I like

  • Outstanding sounds.
  • Incredibly flexible.
  • Lightweight.

What I don’t like

  • Semi-weighted keys.

Honorable mentions

Here are a few instruments I like that just missed out on a place on my list.

  • Yamaha CK88. The CK88 is a cheaper alternative to the CP88, offering graded hammer-action keys, physical drawbars, and over 300 sounds in a lightweight package.
  • Alesis Recital Pro. It’s one of the best budget stage pianos money can buy. It offers a good concert piano sound and hammer-action keys for under $400 – fantastic.
  • Korg LP-380U. The LP-380U is somewhat similar to Roland’s F701 but doesn’t have nearly as many sounds. However, it looks great, and if the acoustic piano sounds are all you care about, you might prefer the LP-380U.
  • Yamaha YDP-105. Yamaha’s Arius range is as solid and dependable as it gets. The YDP-105 is the entry-level model, providing an authentic feel and sound for beginners to intermediate players.

Recent updates

  • June 25, 2024: I’ve improved the structure to the latest standard, added quick recommendations, and replaced the Numa Compact 2 with the newer SE model.
  • January 4, 2024: I’ve verified the accuracy of picks and explained the picking criteria.
  • July 6, 2023: I’ve published an updated list, replacing older instruments and those underperforming in their price range. The RD-2000 and CLP-735 are still my top picks for stage and home use, respectively.
  • January 3, 2023: I’ve checked all the picks to ensure the recommended pianos are still widely available for purchase and scheduled a future update.
  • July 5, 2022: I’ve adjusted the structure and added a list of featured instruments for convenience and easier navigation.
  • January 7, 2022: I’ve verified the accuracy of picks. No changes in recommendations.
  • September 10, 2021: After testing a wide range of digital pianos and keyboards, I’ve compiled a list of the best instruments to suit different needs and budgets.

Final thoughts

It’s important to remember that there are different classes and price ranges for a reason. The idea that the most expensive instrument or feature-packed is always best often does more harm than good.

This list should remind you that the best instrument is the one that fits your needs and budget, whether you’re a beginner or a professional performer.

Join the discussion

3 comments
  • I have Yamaha DGX670
    Looking for something equal or better with built in speakers.
    Love the Roland RD-2000 but no built in speakers

    • Hi Donald! If you want something with versatility, features similar to the DGX-670, 88-key arranger keyboard options in a similar price range are the Korg XE20SP and Roland FP-E50. Both are great and sound different, but I like the DGX-670, and switching to another arranger might not be worth it.

      Stage pianos like the RD-2000 are excellent, but you won’t find one of that standard with built-in speakers. But, if you want to consider a stage piano with speakers, the Roland RD-88 is very good, the Casio PX-S3100 is a great lightweight option, and Kawai’s ES920 is outstanding if you prioritize an expressive/dynamic piano voice.