Choosing your first keyboard is an exciting step in your musical journey, but with countless options flooding the market, it can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a complete novice or transitioning from another instrument, the right keyboard can make all the difference in staying motivated and developing proper technique. The keyboards I’m recommending today aren’t just budget-friendly options.
| Keyboard Model | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha PSR-E373 | 61 touch-sensitive keys, 622 voices, 205 styles, Keys to Success lessons, USB & aux input | Touch-sensitive keys, large sound library, lesson functions, good sound with bass boost, USB connectivity | Non-weighted keys, no pitch bend wheel, limited polyphony |
| Casio CT-S300 | 61 keys, 400 tones, AiX Sound Source, Dance Music Mode, app integration, battery operation | Compact and portable, powerful speakers, creative dance mode, app-based learning, modern interface | No weighted keys, limited lessons, small key size |
| Alesis Recital Pro | 88 weighted hammer-action keys, 12 voices, 20W speakers, adjustable touch response, 3-pedal input | Realistic piano feel, strong sound, good for skill growth, suitable for small performances | Heavy, fewer voices, higher cost |
| Roland GO:KEYS 3 | 61 keys, premium Roland sounds, Bluetooth, Loop Mix, Zenbeats app integration, battery powered | Wireless connectivity, pro sounds, intuitive music creation, portable, app integration | Non-weighted keys, smaller speakers, pricier than entry-level models |
| Yamaha P-45 | 88 GHS weighted keys, AWM sampling, 64-note polyphony, USB connectivity, dual/layer mode | Authentic piano touch, realistic tone, portable for size, simple interface, Yamaha reliability | Few voices, basic speakers, no recording or USB audio interface |
Yamaha PSR-E373
This 61-key portable keyboard delivers 622 high-quality voices and 205 accompaniment styles, giving beginners an impressive palette of sounds to explore. After I checked the touch-sensitive keys,
The PSR-E373 includes Yamaha’s Keys to Success lesson function, which I found particularly valuable for self-taught players. The keyboard also features a powerful onboard sound system with bass boost technology, producing surprisingly full sound for its compact size.
What really sold me on this model was its connectivity options. The USB-to-host connection allows you to interface with music production software on your computer, effectively turning this beginner keyboard into a MIDI controller for future music production endeavors. The auxiliary input lets you play along with your favorite songs from a smartphone or tablet, making practice sessions more engaging and enjoyable.
Pros:
- Touch-sensitive keys with velocity response
- Comprehensive sound library with 622 voices
- Built-in lesson functions ideal for self-learning
- USB connectivity for computer integration
- Excellent sound quality with bass boost
Cons:
- Keys are not weighted (not piano-style action)
- No pitch bend wheel for expressive playing
- Limited polyphony may cause note dropouts with complex playing
Casio CT-S300
This sleek, modern keyboard features 61 keys and 400 built-in tones that cover everything from acoustic pianos to synthesizers and ethnic instruments.
The CT-S300’s standout feature is its surprisingly powerful speaker system. The AiX Sound Source technology produces notably rich tones, particularly in the piano and electric piano categories, which are the voices beginners will use most frequently.
What impressed me most was the Dance Music Mode, which lets beginners create electronic music tracks by simply pressing keys no complex programming required. The keyboard also includes a Music Library app integration that displays sheet music on your smart device while you play, turning the CT-S300 into a comprehensive learning system. The battery operation option (six AA batteries) makes this genuinely portable for jam sessions, outdoor performances, or practice anywhere inspiration strikes.
Pros:
- Compact, portable design with battery operation
- Powerful speaker system with excellent projection
- Dance Music Mode for creative electronic music making
- App integration for displaying sheet music
- Modern, user-friendly interface
Cons:
- No weighted keys for piano technique development
- Limited lesson functions compared to competitors
- Smaller keys may feel cramped for larger hands
Alesis Recital Pro
Unlike the previous two keyboards, this 88-key digital piano features hammer-action keys that simulate the feel of an acoustic piano. The Recital Pro includes 12 premium voices, which might seem limited compared to keyboards boasting hundreds of sounds, but in my testing,
The built-in practice features deserve special mention. The adjustable touch response lets beginners start with lighter sensitivity and gradually increase resistance as they develop finger strength. The keyboard also includes two 20-watt speakers that deliver impressive volume and clarity, making it suitable for small performances or classroom use without external amplification.
Pros:
- 88 weighted hammer-action keys for authentic piano feel
- High-quality acoustic piano sounds
- Powerful 20-watt speakers
- Adjustable touch response for skill progression
- Three-pedal input compatibility for advanced techniques
Cons:
- Heavier and less portable than 61-key alternatives
- Fewer voices and styles than arranger keyboards
- Higher price point than basic beginner models
Roland GO:KEYS 3
This 61-key keyboard represents Roland’s latest thinking on entry-level instruments, combining traditional keyboard learning with contemporary music creation tools. The sound engine in the GO:KEYS 3 is where Roland’s professional pedigree shines through. The keyboard uses sounds derived from Roland’s premium synthesizers and stage pianos, giving beginners access to professional-quality tones from day one.
What really sets this keyboard apart is its Bluetooth connectivity and integration with Roland’s Zenbeats music production app. The keyboard can stream audio from your device through its speakers, making it easy to play along with lessons from platforms featured in our instruments category. The compact, battery-powered design means you can literally make music anywhere, and the built-in recorder captures your practice sessions or creative ideas for later review.
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio and app integration
- Professional-quality sounds from Roland’s premium instruments
- Loop Mix function for intuitive music creation
- Compact and battery-powered for ultimate portability
- Excellent integration with learning apps and software
Cons:
- Keys are not weighted (piano-style action not included)
- Slightly more expensive than basic portable keyboards
- Smaller speaker system compared to home digital pianos
Yamaha P-45
This 88-key digital piano features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which means the lower keys feel heavier than the upper keys just like a real acoustic piano.
The P-45 uses Yamaha’s AWM sampling technology to capture the sound of a full concert grand piano. The 64-note polyphony ensures that even when using the sustain pedal extensively or playing complex passages, notes don’t drop out a common issue with cheaper instruments that can be frustrating for developing players.
The minimalist design philosophy here is intentional. The keyboard includes 10 voices (including electric pianos, organs, and strings), a metronome, and dual/layer mode for combining sounds. The USB-to-host connectivity allows you to connect to computers and use with educational software or digital audio workstations. For students comparing gear across different categories, this piano-focused approach contrasts nicely with the multi-featured arranger keyboards, much like choosing between different tools in our compare headphones section sometimes specialization beats versatility.
Pros:
- 88 weighted keys with Graded Hammer Standard action
- Excellent acoustic piano sound quality
- Slim, portable design despite full-size keys
- Reliable Yamaha build quality and reputation
- Straightforward interface perfect for focused practice
Cons:
- Limited voices and features compared to arranger keyboards
- Basic speaker system (external amplification recommended for performances)
- No built-in recording or USB audio interface
Choosing the Right Keyboard for Your Journey
Selecting from these five excellent keyboards ultimately depends on your specific goals and circumstances. If you’re drawn to piano technique and classical training, the weighted keys of the Alesis Recital Pro or Yamaha P-45 provide the most authentic foundation. For students interested in exploring diverse sounds and music production, the Roland GO:KEYS 3 or Yamaha PSR-E373 offer more creative possibilities. From my experience with beginner musicians, Much like finding the right audio equipment through our compare earbuds tools, the perfect keyboard matches your current needs while providing room to grow.
Remember that your keyboard is just the beginning of your musical toolkit. As you progress, you’ll want to explore other instruments and gear that complement your growing skills, which you can discover in our comprehensive songs category for inspiration on what to play next. The most important decision isn’t necessarily which keyboard you choose from this list it’s making the commitment to sit down and practice regularly, letting your passion for music guide your journey forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a keyboard and a digital piano?
Keyboards typically feature 61 or 76 keys, include hundreds of sounds and styles, and have unweighted or semi-weighted keys designed for versatility across music genres. Digital pianos focus on replicating the acoustic piano experience with 88 weighted keys, hammer-action mechanisms, and premium piano sounds. While keyboards excel at exploring different instruments and music production, digital pianos prioritize developing proper piano technique and authentic playing feel.
How many keys do I need as a beginner?
Most beginners can start successfully with 61 keys, which provides enough range for learning fundamentals, playing most popular songs, and exploring music theory. However, if your goal is to develop classical piano skills or play advanced repertoire, investing in an 88-key instrument from the start prevents having to upgrade later.
Do I need weighted keys as a beginner?
Weighted keys aren’t absolutely necessary for all beginners, but they’re highly recommended if you plan to eventually play acoustic pianos or develop classical technique. From my experience testing both types, weighted keys build proper finger strength and touch sensitivity that translates to better overall playing. However, if you’re primarily interested in electronic music, pop, or exploring different sounds, unweighted keys on portable keyboards offer more versatility and easier playability initially.
Can I learn piano on a 61-key keyboard?
Yes, you can absolutely learn piano fundamentals on a 61-key keyboard, and many students do exactly that. After I checked the range available on 61-key instruments, However, some classical pieces and advanced repertoire require the full 88-key range, so you may eventually need to upgrade if you pursue piano seriously. For starting out and determining if you enjoy playing, 61 keys provides an affordable, portable entry point.
What is the best budget for a beginner keyboard?
From my experience reviewing entry-level keyboards, I recommend budgeting $200-$500 for an instrument that will serve you well during the first 1-2 years of learning. Keyboards under $150 often compromise on key quality, sound, and features in ways that can actually hinder learning and motivation. Investing in this range means your keyboard remains useful even as your skills advance, rather than needing replacement after just a few months.