Digital pianos are a big hit with both beginners and experienced musicians. Indeed, the popular models combine all the assets to become must-haves in the music market. Compactness, lightness, innovative features, a wide range of sounds and affordable pricing are just some of the sought-after qualities. To help you make the right choice, we present a comparison of the best digital pianos.
Comparison of the 5 best digital pianos
YamahaP-145 Black
Compact
Pleasant touch
Pure CF Sound Engine 2 technology
Affordable price
Limited functionality
Less extensive sound library than other models
398.00 €
KorgB2 Black
Educational features
Elegant design
Good value for money
Less expressive touch than some other digital pianos
449.00 €
KawaiKDP 120 BK
The sound of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX with Harmonic Imaging technology.
Dual mode for two players on the same keyboard
192-note polyphony
Lack of Bluetooth connectivity
925.00 €
RolandFP30X BK
Keyboard with escapement and ivory feel
Extended polyphony
Pleasant feel
Less extensive sound library than some models
615.00 €
NordStage 4 73
4 sections
High-quality sounds
Heavy, expressive keyboard
Very high price
Heavy weight
4199.00 €
Learn more about the 5 best digital pianos
Yamaha P-145 Black
The Yamaha P-145 Black is an entry-level digital piano. It's perfect for beginning musicians, with a built-in metronome to improve your sense of rhythm and over 300 scores for practicing. It features a GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) keyboard and a wide range of tones, making it a versatile instrument. What's more, it benefits from Pure CF Sound Engine 2 technology, which faithfully reproduces the sounds of a Yamaha CFIIIS grand piano.
The Korg B2 Black is based on simplicity and accessibility, making it one of the best choices for neophytes. Featuring an 88-key keyboard with a heavy feel, this piano offers a realistic playing feel and authentic touch. This instrument features interactive music learning software and advanced connectivity. This set of features means you'll be up and running in no time.
Pedagogical features
Elegant design
Good value for money
Less expressive touch than some other digital pianos
The Kawai KDP 120 BK is a free-standing digital piano featuring an 88-key keyboard with Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHC II) action for a realistic touch. Equipped with Harmonic Imaging technology, it faithfully reproduces the sounds of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX grand piano. With 15 instrument sounds, built-in effects and USB-Midi connectivity, it's ideal for beginners and advanced pianists seeking an authentic experience at an affordable price.
The sound of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX with Harmonic Imaging technology
Offering good value for money, the Roland FP-30X BK - Black once again demonstrates the brand's expertise. With its impressive 256-note polyphony, PHA-4 Standard keyboard with ivory escapement and touch, and SuperNATURAL tone generator, it combines the highest design quality with cutting-edge technology.
The Nord Stage 4 73 is the best professional digital piano in our comparison. Its sleek design, faders with dedicated LED bargraphs for each sound module, 4 independent sections and portability make this digital keyboard an exceptional instrument. It lets you create original pieces or efficiently accompany other musicians in a band.
It can be tricky to know which is the best digital piano when there are so many products and so many features to choose from.
To select the right model, you need to start by identifying the type of digital piano you need. There are three types of digital piano:
Portable digital pianos: Portable models are lighter and more compact than others. They are generally recommended for beginners or those who want to transport their instrument.
Portable digital pianos: Portable models are lighter and more compact, and are generally recommended for beginners or those wishing to transport their instrument. Larger in size, they are generally superior in touch and sound.
Compact digital pianos: These intermediate models combine the compactness of portable pianos with the sound quality of player pianos. They can incorporate additional features such as built-in speakers.
For each of these three types of digital piano, we present a comparison of the 3 best models.
Portable digital pianos
Yamaha P-225
The Yamaha P-225 is a portable digital piano combining authentic sound and compact design. Equipped with the 88-key GHC keyboard and the sampling of the prestigious Yamaha CFX grand piano, it offers realistic touch and outstanding sound performance. Thanks to VRM technology and Bluetooth connectivity, the P-225 is equally suited to studio practice and live performance, while remaining easy to transport for musicians on the move.
Yamaha CFX grand piano sampling
88-key GHC keyboard for a realistic playing feel
Bluetooth audio and integrated Smart Pianist application
Fewer advanced features than other models in the range
The Roland FP-10 BK portable digital piano is a compact, affordable instrument. It features an 88-key Hammer Action keyboard that simulates the feel of a real acoustic piano. The sound quality is enhanced by Roland's SuperNATURAL modeling technology. There are also educational features such as metronome, recording and integrated lessons.
The Kawai ES 920 BK is the best high-end digital piano in our selection of portable instruments. Nothing is left to chance here: keyboard with Responsive Hammer III graduated action, Harmonic Imaging XL sampling technology and a huge variety of sounds. This model is packed with features and functions.
The Yamaha CLP-825 is a high-end digital piano designed to faithfully reproduce the feel of a grand piano. Equipped with GrandTouch and Grand Expression Modeling technology, it offers precise touch and a wide range of musical expression. With the sumptuous sounds of the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial, VRM technology for natural resonance, and modern features such as Bluetooth audio, this model is a benchmark for demanding pianists seeking an authentic experience in digital format.
GrandTouch keyboard for grand-piano feel
Rich, authentic sounds of Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial
Enhanced VRM technology for natural resonance
Advanced features (Bluetooth, binaural sampling)
Fewer features than the higher-end models in the CLP series
The Yamaha CLP-845 is an elegant digital piano featuring a GrandTouch-S keyboard with wooden keys, offering a grand piano-like playing experience. It features the sounds of Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial concert pianos, and incorporates VRM technology for rich, natural resonances. Its Bluetooth® Audio connectivity and multiple digital features make it a versatile instrument for all pianists.
GrandTouch-S action with wooden keys
2-way amplification
Bluetooth® Audio function
Exceptional sound thanks to Grand Expression Modeling technology
The Kawai CA-701 is a remarkable piano. The piano's quality is evident not only in its design, but also in its equipment. It features an 88-key weighted keyboard, Grand Feel III (GFIII) hammer action and synthetic ivory and ebony keytops. This combination is perfect for realistic key resistance. Add to this high polyphony, a wide range of sounds and a 5" touchscreen.
This Kawai KDP 75 BK compact digital piano has been designed by the Japanese brand to offer an authentic, immersive experience, close to that of an acoustic piano. To achieve this, it is equipped with a heavy-touch 88-key keyboard and Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) action. It also benefits from the sampling of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EK concert grand piano for a striking rendering.
A true concentrate of technology, the Yamaha YDP-145 B incorporates the innovative Stereophonic Optimizer for an optimal headphone experience, VRM Lite technology reproducing the sounds of a grand piano, and the Dual function dividing the keyboard into two parts. Tones are sampled from the Yamaha CFX, and the piano features Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard action.
The Korg C1 WH compact digital piano features a heavy 88-key velocity-sensitive keyboard and an included triple pedal. This makes for a pleasant playing experience, especially as the instrument features 30 tones of acoustic and electric pianos, guitars and stringed instruments. The recording function is also very useful for listening to your performances again and again, to help you improve.
When you're wondering which digital piano to choose, one way to make the right choice is to look at the best digital piano brands. That way, you can be sure you're investing in a safe bet. Here are the 4 must-have brands when buying a digital piano.
Yamaha: a benchmark in the music market
Yamaha is often mentioned, as the Japanese brand is regarded as the industry standard. It offers a very wide range of instruments, from portable digital pianos to concert grand pianos. With their realistic touch and authentic sound, these pianos have won over beginners and professionals alike.
Roland: a versatile, innovative brand
Roland is a lesser-known yet excellent brand. It markets products that are often innovative, as it continuously develops highly relevant technologies. One example is the SuperNATURAL feature, capable of reproducing the sound of an acoustic piano in a realistic way. What's more, their pianos are versatile, thanks to the many functions they incorporate.
Korg: performance and mobility for the musician
If you're looking for a compact, mobile piano that doesn't compromise on performance, a Korg model is perfect. This brand stands out for its pianos with excellent portability. For all nomadic travelers or those looking for original designs or features, Korg is a great choice.
Kawai: Japanese excellence for an unrivalled experience
Kawai, for its part, focuses on the sound quality and realistic touch of its digital pianos. It's not for nothing that Kawai digital pianos are often compared to acoustic pianos in terms of playing experience. If you're looking for a digital piano that best simulates a classical piano, the Kawai brand is one of the best options.
Essential accessories to buy with a digital piano
To exploit the full potential of a digital piano, we strongly recommend that you complement your purchase with certain essential accessories. To help you make your selection, we present the best accessories for your digital piano.
Headphones
If you want to practice without disturbing those around you, headphones are essential. With them, you can enjoy a good sound experience, in total silence. This is essential if you want to be able to practice on a regular basis.
Piano stand
To play in the best possible conditions, the piano needs to be at the right height. By choosing a piano stand, your instrument is stable and you can play comfortably.
Carrying case
If you plan to move your instrument from time to time or regularly, it's a good idea to buy a carrying case. This will protect your portable digital piano from damage during transport.
Sustain pedal
A sustain pedal is used to prolong the sound of a note after the key has been released. If you want to play complex pieces or express yourself fully, the addition of such a pedal is essential.
Steps to take before choosing the ideal digital piano
Before looking for the ideal digital piano, you need to ask yourself the right questions and go through a number of preparatory steps. This ensures you make the right choice.
Follow these steps:
Define your needs :
Think long and hard about how you want to use your instrument. Will you be playing alone or in a group, at home or on stage? What style of music will you play?
Set a budget:
Then set a price limit and prioritize essential features to identify a price range.
Consider your playing level:
Assess your playing level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) to find a suitable keyboard that will enable you to progress or deliver live performances.
List desired features:
Take the time to list the features that are most important to you, such as an 88-key keyboard, high polyphony, the presence of a metronome or special technology.
How to choose the ideal digital piano?
Once you've done the groundwork, it's time to choose your ideal digital piano. Your selection should be based on the following objective criteria:
Number of keys: Ideally, opt for a full range of 88 keys, as on an acoustic piano.
Type of touch : Light, semi-weighted or heavy touch depends on your playing level and preferences.
Sound library : A wide range of sounds enriches your playing experience.
Polyphony: The higher the number, the easier it is to play complex pieces.
Connectivity: Headphone, USB, MIDI and Bluetooth inputs/outputs are available.
Portability: If you need to move your instrument, choose a lightweight, compact model.
Learning features: Some models include sheet music or even lessons to help you learn to play the piano.
FAQ
What is a digital piano?
A digital piano is an electronic musical instrument capable of reproducing the sound of a classical acoustic piano with great fidelity. To do this, it uses sampling technology to reproduce the sounds of the piano when a key is pressed.
Why opt for a digital piano?
Digital pianos offer many advantages. With a touch, playing comfort and sound quality close to that of a classical piano, it also offers great versatility. Incorporating powerful features and sounds from a wide range of instruments, it's perfect for creating original pieces, while generally benefiting from good portability.
What are the differences between a digital piano and an acoustic piano?
The main difference between a digital piano and a classical piano is the way sounds are produced. On a traditional piano, sound is produced by the vibration of strings struck by hammers. On a digital piano, the sound comes from electronic technology, usually sampling.
What is the ideal size for a digital piano?
The ideal size for a digital piano depends above all on your needs and desires. If you're new to the piano and want a portable, affordable instrument, then a portable digital piano with contained dimensions is perfect. If, on the other hand, you're looking above all for a realistic playing feel and the best possible sound quality, a cabinet digital piano will better meet your expectations. Its heavier, larger keyboard and set of pedals will let you explore your creativity to the full.
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