One of the things that makes Casio so good for the beginner digital piano market is that they always push the limits of what’s possible on a tight budget.
Continuing that trend, Casio has released the CDP-S160, a successor to the popular CDP-S150. The newer model comes with a higher price tag, so I will find out if it’s worth the extra money and who it suits most in this review.

Final verdict 4.5
The Casio CDP-S160 is a great buy and worth every penny. However, I have one major issue, and it’s that it’s almost identical to the previous CDP-S150, yet it’s over $100 more expensive. Ultimately, it makes little difference to new buyers, but I have to point it out.
In any circumstances, a full-size digital piano with scaled hammer-action keys for around $500 is always worth considering. The CDP-S160 features a newly enhanced grand piano tone, which accounts for some of the price hike, and it sounds and feels great for the money.
What I like
- Scaled hammer-action keys.
- Enhanced grand piano tone.
- Built-in recorder.
- Casio apps.
- Outstanding value for money.
- Ideal for beginners.
What I don’t like
- Limited voices.
- Only one headphone output.
Why you should trust this review

I’m a pianist, composer, and music educator with over 25 years of experience in the music industry.
As a professional pianist, I’ve played and tested everything from a Bösendorfer 290 Imperial concert grand piano to budget-friendly beginner keyboards.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
- Sound quality 4.6
- Speakers 4.3
- Keyboard 4.8
- Features 4.2
- In use 4.8
- Build quality 4.0
- Connectivity 4.3
- Comparisons
Sound quality 4.6
Like the previous CDP-S150, there are 10 voices in total, with a max polyphony of 64 notes. Sometimes I’d complain about such a low max polyphony, but the reality is it shouldn’t be a problem for beginners at all.
The built-in voices include most of the usual suspects, including acoustic/electric pianos, strings, organs, and harpsichord.
Although the sound quality of the older model was already well above average for a beginner digital piano, I’d have loved to see a more significant upgrade to the sound engine for the CDP-S160. We didn’t get a complete overhaul, but we did get an enhanced grand piano tone, which is the flagship voice anyway.
The newly-enhanced grand piano tone has the same core character as the original, but it has improved bass and a richness that wasn’t present before. It’s not a complete transformation, but it’s better, which means it’s still one of the best around $500.
The quality of a grand piano tone might matter less to a complete beginner than a pro, but the sound must be good enough to help beginners develop dynamics and expression in their playing. In my opinion, the CDP-S160 does that well enough.
The other voices are pretty good with nothing extraordinary, which is what’s to be expected in a cheap digital piano. I don’t feel it’s enough to justify a higher score, even with the enhanced grand piano tone.
Built-in speakers 4.3
The Casio CDP-S160 comes with the same speaker system found in the CDP-S150. As far as I can tell, nothing has changed. The built-in speakers are the same size, 4.7 inches, and are powered by dual 8-watt amplifiers.
In listening to the CDP-S160, there is no noticeable difference in sound quality from the speakers. If there is any difference, it likely comes from the fact that the grand piano tone has been improved.
The same slight issue remains regarding the position of the speakers, which perhaps isn’t the best. But, I understand that it’s designed to allow the CDP-S160 to be as slim as possible, which brings its own benefits.
Keyboard feel 4.8
I had a bit of a more complicated decision scoring the keyboard feel than I expected. It features the same keyboard and scaled hammer-action keys as the previous model, so it gets the same score.
However, I did consider a slightly lower score because the price increase has brought no improvement to the feel. In the end, I decided that would be unfair, as I wouldn’t complain about the quality of this keyboard action under any other circumstances.

It’s still an excellent starting point for beginners who aren’t used to weighted keys. Also, being a scaled hammer-action keyboard provides a more authentic piano experience, which means players have to work a little harder for the lower (heavier) notes. At this price, it’s hard to fault.
Features 4.2
Casio’s CDP-S160 is a digital piano for beginners, and as such, it doesn’t come with an extensive feature set. Although, I’m glad to see the focus on the sound and feel rather than additional features.
Keyboard modes
It comes with the same keyboard modes found in most digital pianos, Layer and Duet modes.
Layer mode lets you combine two sounds to create a new voice. Given that there are only 10 voices to choose from, there aren’t too many combinations to explore. But, it’s a lot of fun for beginners, and some combinations can lead to exploring new playing styles.
Duet mode is important if you have a piano teacher or practice partner. It creates two identical zones with the same pitch range for both players.
Built-in effects
The built-in effects are limited to reverb and chorus, which isn’t overly impressive, but it’s pretty standard in this keyboard class. Typically on any beginner piano, you’d get around four types of reverb and one chorus. The CDP-S160 provides 10 types of reverb and four types of chorus.
Casio Music Space app
With the Casio CDP-S160, you’ll get access to the Casio Music Space app. It features everything from interactive lessons to enhanced/remote control over keyboard features such as recording and audio playback.
Metronome
I stress the importance of using a metronome all the time, but it’s vital for beginners. It’s essential to develop a sense of rhythm and timing that doesn’t become too mechanical, but it all starts with a metronome.
Built-in recorder
I would have liked to see some improvement to the built-in recorder, too, but it’s the same as the previous model. Again, that’s not exactly a complaint, and it’s not less than you should expect for the money.
The CDP-S160 has a one-song, max 2500 notes, built-in recorder. Ideal for capturing ideas or studying practice sessions.
Demo songs
There are only two onboard demo songs, but you’ll get access to more through Casio’s piano apps.
In use 4.8
Despite the increased price and my disappointment that there weren’t more significant improvements, I still consider the CDP-S160 one of the best digital pianos for beginners.
The simple but intuitive layout makes it easy to use, even for absolute beginners. The slim and lightweight design is perfect for kids who like to practice around the house or bring the keyboard to the family room to show off what they have learned. It’s also ideal for parents who want an instrument that can be easily put away when not in use.
I want to point out that the CDP-S160 isn’t just for kids. It’s an ideal first piano for beginners of any age. Being a budget instrument doesn’t mean it has to be toy-like, and the CDP-S160 is a great example.
Build quality 4.0
The build quality is as expected. I’m talking about one of the slimmest and lightest digital pianos on the market, so it will never be built like a tank.

There are a few options that feel more solid and might be less prone to damage by over-enthusiastic kids. But, those options are bulkier and not quite as portable or nice-looking. At just over 23 lbs, it’s as well-built as it could be.
Connectivity 4.3
The Casio CDP-S160 comes with a single 1/8-inch audio input and 1/8-inch headphone output. If I were being a little bit fussy, I’d say it would have been nice to see an additional headphone output for use with Duet mode.
It also features USB (type B), a 1/4-inch damper pedal input, and a 6-pin pedal connection for an optional three-pedal setup. SP-3 damper pedal included.
Compared to others
Given that so many worthy beginner instruments are available, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t give you a few more suggestions. Here are some of my favorites.
Casio CDP-S160 vs Roland Go:Piano88
If you want a more fully-featured option, and don’t mind sacrificing hammer-action keys, the Go:Piano88 is an excellent choice. It’s a lot of fun for beginners. Read the full review
Casio CDP-S160 vs Alesis Recital Pro
The Recital Pro is outstanding value for money. It doesn’t feel as authentic as the CDP-S160, but it will save you a bit of money and still do a great job. Read the full review
Casio CDP-S160 vs Alesis Prestige
Despite the enhanced grand piano tone, the Alesis Prestige probably still beats the CDP-S160 on sound. It would be a good idea to test both and see which you think feels more comfortable. Read the full review
Who is the Casio CDP-S160 best suited for?
The CDP-S160 suits beginners of any age, particularly those who need a lightweight/portable digital piano.