There is a ton of options available if you’re in the market for a new digital piano, which is wonderful news. For most people, the threshold at which the graph of quality against affordability starts to level out is 1,000 pounds or dollars. However, the finest digital pianos under $1,000 offer a wide range of options, whether you’re searching for a portable piano to take on the go or a more stately model to serve as the musical centerpiece of your home or studio.
Here, we offer a wide selection of intriguing, engaging pianos that are much below the price of a grand, allowing you to access high quality even on a tighter budget. Which, though, is the best?
Table of Contents
Casio PX-870 BK Privia Digital Home Piano
- The AiR engine provides highly-accurate grand piano sounds with seamless...
- The PX-870 features a variety of 19 instrument Tones, with the ability to...
- With a generous 256 notes of polyphony, you can rest assured that even the...
Getting a flagship product signifies you’ve gotten one of their best. Casio’s flagship digital piano, the Privia PX-870, is part of the world-renowned Privia range. As a result, it’s designed to provide the greatest grand piano experience, as well as a stylish design and strong speaker system sound projection.
This portable digital piano has an 88 key digital piano with Tri-Sensor II Scaled Hammer Action piano keys, which are highly regarded. It contains a useful lesson studio, and you may use the Dual-mode function by connecting the headphone jack on the front panel. You’ll get a more thrilling piano playing experience with roughly 60 built-in songs, 256-note polyphony, and 19 instrument tones.
The Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source, which comes with an enhanced 4-layer piano tone, lies at the heart of the PX-870. It sounds quite realistic to me, and there are several reasons for this. The PX-870 accurately reproduces key acoustic piano sound elements such damper resonance, string resonance, and key on/off action noise. It also contains a Key Off Simulator, a Lid Simulator, and Casio’s own Hammer Response feature.
The PX-870’s unique 4-speaker sound projection system with 40W of output power is the second feature that sets it apart from the competition. The key action produces a rich, full sound technology that can be as loud as an acoustic piano. The dynamic range, which spans the softest pianissimo to the loudest fortissimo, is equally noteworthy. Another feature worth noticing is the 256-note polyphony, which assures that even in high-demand performance settings, the notes will sound full and genuine (fast passages, layered sounds, etc.). It’s the only piano build quality with 256-note polyphony in this price range for the best digital piano under 1000.
Yamaha P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Power Supply and Sustain Pedal
- A fully weighted digital piano with 88 full sized piano style keys
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high...
- The pure CF sound engine faithfully reproduces the tone of the acclaimed...
The Yamaha P125 digital piano is ideal for players who desire a low-cost digital piano without sacrificing sound quality. The Yamaha P125 is one of the most popular lightweight and portable digital pianos. The home pianos includes graded hhammer action keys for a realistic playing feel, despite its low weight. Even with intricate notes, 192-note polyphony will undoubtedly produce amazing sounds.
The Pure CF piano sound engine, which includes 24 preset voices, 21 demo songs, and 50 piano tunes, is responsible for all of this. The piano’s broad sound is additionally aided by the two-way speaker system. Finally, you can receive more voices, rhythms, and settings from your mobile devices with the free Smart Pianist App.
We’re all familiar with Yamaha and the hammer action keyboard they make. The portability, the P125 is an amazing piano concert play. It comes with a removable, optional piano stand, a triple pedal system, or a sustained pedal, on the other hand. The keyboard has 88 keys that are fully weighted according to the graded hammer standard. In addition, the user interface is fairly complex. There’s a metronome, a record option, and a variety of piano and electric piano sounds to choose from.
Yamaha created the Yamaha P125 by sampling the sounds of a grand performance piano. Fortunately, this piano comes with a variety of realistic acoustic piano sounds. The P125 has loudspeakers as well, but if you prefer to play quietly, you can do so by wearing headphones. The split function and layering option are two other important features.
The P125 is portable when compared to other digital pianos in its price range. It’s also enjoyable to play regardless of skill level. Furthermore, the piano has a USB MIDI capability that allows you to connect your smart device or computer. You can use this option to access the free smart pianist app, which has a variety of voices and settings in the best piano under 1000 price bracket.
Yamaha DGX-660 88-Note Digital Piano
- The Pure CF Sound Engine faithfully reproduces the tone of a meticulously...
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low register and lighter in the high,...
- Score display puts music notation of MIDI songs on the screen, helping you...
The Yamaha DGC-660 also has a bright LCD display with easy-to-read music scores and lyrics. You’ll learn not just how to play the piano, but also how to read music sheets. To prepare you to play a real piano, this 88-note weighted GHS keyboard is heavier on the bottom end and lighter on the high end.
You can hear voices and sound samples that are very close to the sound of a 9-foot concert grand piano with the Pure CF engine onboard. By connecting a microphone to the built-in track and saving it to your USB device, you can sing along with it. The Piano Room, a 6-track recorder, and other amenities are included.
This Yamaha DGX-660 piano is ideal for musicians who enjoy performing and composing music with piano voices. If you enjoy singing, the piano has a microphone input and will display your lyrics on the display, ensuring that you never forget them! The piano can accompany you in 200 different styles; all you have to do is choose one (or play a few bars from your song and let the piano choose for you!) and play the chords.
Your sheet music and lyrics will be displayed on the Yamaha DGX-660’s display for the best user experience. The Yamaha DGX-660 has a microphone input and may be connected to a computer. The Yamaha DGX-660 also includes an accompaniment aid, which allows you to play a chord and have it accompanied in the style of your choice. It has over 200 styles and, if you like, it will even suggest styles that suit your song! The Yamaha DGX-660 contains an audio recorder that you may use to save music on a USB port stick or connect to your computer for the top rated digital pianos under 1000.
Kawai ES110 88-key Digital Piano with Speakers
- 88-key Digital Stage Piano with Responsive Hammer Compact Action
- Built-in Stereo Speaker System
- Bluetooth MIDI pts
The Kawai ES110, the only Kawai digital piano on this list, boasts fascinating features that make it one of the best digital pianos under $1000. The innovative Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) keyboard action makes this ultra-portable keyboard feel like a real acoustic piano. The authenticity of the sample aboard is preserved thanks to Harmonic Imaging technology.
The Kawai ES110 is one of the most innovative models on the market. It’s a fantastic digital piano for both beginners and advanced players. The keyboard has 88 weighted keys with graded hammer action and a matte finish on each key for a smooth touch. It also has a simple, easy-to-understand instrument screen, a pedal, and a music rest. For practice, you’ll find a variety of piano sounds, electric piano, metronome, and other instrument voices.
A Bluetooth setup, a virtual technician app, various demo songs, a record function, and Alfred piano lessons for novices are all included in the keyboard. Because this bundle does not include a triple pedal unit or a keyboard stand, you will need to purchase them separately.
This console pianos features up to eight piano sounds captured from a grand performance, the keyboard provides authentic sounds to the player. The electric piano and other noises were also fantastic. It’s also worth noting that the built-in speakers are sufficiently loud. If you wish to practice quietly, though, you may connect a headphone connection to the keyboard.
The ES110 is lightweight and portable. You may transport it from one location to another and from one gig to the next. If you want to use it at home, the manufacturer includes a matching keyboard stand as well as a triple pedal set that stands alone.
It’s ideal for gigs because it’s Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to connect to any device. You may tailor your playing experience by using Kawai’s free iOS app to modify numerous parameters of the piano. Kawai just gave you one of its greatest with 19 sounds onboard, 192-note polyphony, and half-dampening capacity.
Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano
- Bundle includes Casio CS-67 furniture stand, Casio SP-33 triple-pedal...
- Casio's best-selling digital piano; new version of Casio PX-150
- Elegant look with redesigned speaker system
If looks are important to you you’ll love Casio Privia PX-160! It’s available in classic black, which is nice enough, but the piano really shines in the second color option which is a champagne goldish color that looks amazing. The piano is also very slim and sleek and is perfect if you want a compact piano that is easy to move around.
The piano has 18 different instrument sounds and extremely good built-in speakers for this price point. If you want to record or compose music you can easily connect it to a table or computer with MIDI.
It comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, which feels good. It means that Casio not only takes responsibility in case something should be wrong with your piano that isn’t your own fault, but they also have great confidence in their products.
The grand piano tones in the PX-160 are provided by Casio’s unique sound source, “AiR” (Acoustic and intelligent Resonator). Casio recorded the sound of a 9-foot concert grand at four different dynamic settings. This sound is delivered with smooth dynamics by the AiR engine, resulting in a wonderfully expressive and powerful performance. When the damper pedal is pressed, AiR simulates damper resonance for spooky realism.
Casio’s famed Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard is used in the PX-160. For a fantastic feel, this action has new replicated Ebony and Ivory textured keys, and its three sensors capture the dynamics of a performance with remarkable speed and accuracy. The Hammer Response function, developed by Casio, considers the speed at which various sized hammers travel inside an acoustic grand piano in relation to the velocity at which the keys are played. This time precision creates an unrivaled key-to-sound experience that is unequaled by other brands’ conventional actions.
Yamaha YDP143R Arius Series Console Digital Piano with Bench
- The Pure CF Sound Engine faithfully reproduces the tone of a meticulously...
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high...
- 50 classic piano songs are provided in the built in song memory as well as...
The Yamaha Arius YDP-143 combines real piano sound and feel to provide an exceptional playing experience. Yamaha’s high-tech sampling system has been integrated into the Arius YDP-144, giving you the rich sound of Yamaha’s flagship 9′ CFX concert grand. While pedaling, Damper Resonance digitally recreates the depth of tone of a real acoustic piano, while high-quality reverbs simulate the sound of playing in a range of rich environments.
The classic design of the Arius YDP-144 will look great in your house, church, or school, and children and teachers will love the onboard song recorder. Go with the Yamaha Arius YDP-144 if you’re searching for a great digital piano at a reasonable price.
Yamaha, the world’s best acoustic piano manufacturer, is also one of our favorites when it comes to digital pianos. The Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series gives you the ease of an electric piano without sacrificing the organic feel of an acoustic. This is ideal for experienced players who require new equipment as well as those who are just getting started.
It’s an 88-key keyboard with Yamaha’s GHS weighted action, which means the low keys are heavier and the upper keys are lighter. With the Pure CF engine, you may get a more dynamic playing experience by properly reproducing sampled sounds. Plus, the 50 classic piano tracks included onboard will have you playing like a pro in no time.
The expansive stereo grand piano sound of the Yamaha Arius YDP-144 is the result of Yamaha’s century-plus expertise in creating acoustic pianos, combined with their industry leadership in digital sampling technology. The way the Arius YDP-144 responds to your touch is uncanny, sending full, glossy grand piano music across the room. The Arius YDP-144 provides true acoustic piano sound and touch, making it ideal for novice pianists. The GHS weighted keyboard aids in the development of finger strength and right technique for a smooth transition to acoustic piano.
Frequently Asked Questions
How good are sub $1000 digital pianos?
Today, a grand will get you a lot of digital pianos with real piano sounds that are more realistic, more polyphony so you can play more notes simultaneously, and high-tech features like virtual string and cabinet resonance modeling to simulate the sound of multiple notes resonating simultaneously in the soundboard and wooden body of the real thing.
The majority of big manufacturers have also given up using bulky onboard displays to reduce costs, choosing instead to allow you to control your piano’s sounds and settings using an app on your smartphone or tablet. This not only enables you to purchase a piano with better audio quality and more features for a lower price, but it also provides access to the many educational and online piano lesson services that are compatible with your device, many of which were created by the manufacturers themselves, such as Yamaha’s SmartPianist, Casio’s Chordana Play, or Roland’s Piano Partner 2.
This list of the top digital pianos under $1,000/£1,000 features 88-note, fully-weighted keyboards with actions that have been painstakingly designed to imitate the weight and bounce an acoustic piano’s keyboard mechanism produces. Moreover, they should be weighted from left to right so that higher notes can be played with a lighter touch.
We chose a mix of traditional pianos in the console style that look nice in your living room and portable pianos that can be placed and moved anywhere, though many of these have optional matching stands and pedalboards available to complete the traditional look of a proper piece of musical furniture. Each piano on the following list offers the full complement of necessary characteristics you should search for when purchasing a top-notch digital piano. Check out our selection of the top digital pianos under $1000 that we think you should consider purchasing – yes, the pun was intended.
Why buy digital in the first place?
There are many reasons why you might select a digital piano over an acoustic one, but the main one is that digital pianos require less maintenance than their acoustic counterparts. The sound and keyboard action of certain digital pianos nowadays are almost identical to those of an acoustic grand, thanks to advancements in technology. They never need tuning, provide multiple piano sounds, have a much smaller physical footprint, and weigh far less—some portable, cabinet-less models only weigh 12kg or less.
Do digital pianos have pedals like regular pianos?
Yes, in most cases, digital pianos come equipped with three pedals, mirroring the setup found on acoustic pianos. From left to right, the pedals perform the following functions:
a) Unacorda pedal: The una corda pedal on a digital piano alters the sound of the instrument, producing softer and mellower notes.
b) Sostenuto pedal: The sostenuto pedal sustains specific notes while others can be played without sustaining. This pedal is useful for creating intricate harmonies.
c) Damper (sustain) pedal: The damper pedal sustains all notes played on the piano, allowing for a rich and resonant sound. Releasing the pedal stops the sustain effect.
What factors should I consider when setting up a digital piano at home?
When setting up your digital piano at home, several factors warrant consideration to ensure optimal playing experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
a) Placement: Find a suitable location where your digital piano can be placed securely, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Additionally, ensure adequate space for comfortable seating and proper posture while playing.
b) Connectivity: Check the available connectivity options, such as USB, MIDI, or Bluetooth, to connect your digital piano with external devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones for enhanced functionality and learning opportunities.
c) Headphones: Using headphones allows you to practice privately without disturbing others. Look for a digital piano that offers a headphone output for convenience.
d) Accessories: Consider additional accessories like a piano bench, music stand, or keyboard cover to enhance comfort, organization, and protection for your instrument.
How do I choose the best digital piano buying guide
Selecting the right digital piano involves assessing various factors to align with your specific requirements and preferences. Here are some aspects to consider:
a) Type: Digital pianos come in various types, including upright and grand cabinet styles, each offering unique aesthetics and space considerations. Choose the one that fits your desired look and available room.
b) Features: Explore the available features such as weighted keys, touch sensitivity, number of voices, polyphony, recording capabilities, and additional functions like metronome or built-in learning tools. Identify the features that align with your playing style and goals.
c) Budget: Determine a suitable budget range and explore digital pianos within that range. Consider the quality, durability, and longevity of the instrument when assessing price points.
d) Reviews and Recommendations: Read customer reviews, seek recommendations from experts or musicians, and test play different models if possible. Gathering opinions and experiences from others can provide valuable insights.
How do digital pianos compare to acoustic pianos?
Digital pianos offer several advantages over acoustic pianos, making them a popular choice for many players. Here are some key factors to consider:
a) Size and Portability: Digital pianos are generally smaller, lighter, and more portable than their acoustic counterparts. They take up less space and can be easily moved when needed.
b) Sound versatility: Digital pianos often come with a wide range of built-in sounds, including various piano tones, strings, organs, and more. This versatility allows players to explore different musical styles and experiment with various sounds.
c) Maintenance: Unlike acoustic pianos, digital pianos do not require regular tuning and maintenance. They are typically more resilient to environmental changes and do not suffer from string tension or other issues associated with acoustic instruments.
d) Volume control: Digital pianos offer the advantage of volume control, allowing players to adjust the sound output or use headphones for private practice.