Best Digital Piano Under $300
If you’re interested in learning the piano, there are lots of instrument options. In the past, owning a piano could be problematic, as you’d need lots of space and to have the instrument professionally tuned.
With the development of digital pianos, both these concerns are no longer a problem. Modern digital pianos don’t require tuning and there are many models that don’t take up a lot of space. What’s more, a new digital piano does not need to cost the earth.
In fact, there are some great budget friendly models that can help you to get started with the hobby. This is a great choice for those who are not sure if they want to invest in a more costly instrument or are purchasing a digital piano for a child.
In this article, we’ll explore the best digital piano under $300 options on the market today.
Table of Contents
1.RockJam RJ761 61 Key Electronic Piano
Key Features:
- LCD Screen
- Includes 100 Rhythms and 100 Tones
- Full Beginner Package
The Rockjam is a full size 61 key keyboard. It features an LCD screen that has record and playback functionality for the 100 rhythms, 100 tones and 50 demo songs.
However, this electronic piano is more than a keyboard. The package includes a keyboard stand, headphones, and a stool, making it a great beginner package.
The RockJam is also supplied with a free one month subscription to the Simply Piano App. This is available for Android and iOS devices to help beginners learn basic notes, techniques, and songs without needing a teacher.
This makes the RockJam a complete learning package. You can practice, record and playback your sessions to check your progress. Everything is included to get you up and running quickly to learn to play the digital piano with a modest price tag.
However, the RockJam also has benefits for the intermediate player. Despite the modest price point, this digital piano has full standard size keys and it is built to withstand daily use.
Pros
Cons
2.Hamzer 61 Key Portable Electronic Keyboard
Key Features:
- 255 Rhythms and Timbres
- 61 Keyboard Percussions
- Standard Size Keys
The Hamzer electronic keyboard is a 61 key digital piano with 255 rhythms and timbres to select. This model has stereo outputs, a headphone jack, and built in speakers. This allows you to play aloud or practice without disturbing anyone in your home.
The keys are standard size and are designed for beginning and intermediate users. They provide sufficient feedback to offer a similar experience to an authentic piano keyboard. There is also an integrated learning system to help beginners to quickly learn.
The piano keyboard makes it easy to create complicated ensembles with single fingered and fingered auto bass chords. You can apply three effects to the tones; vibrato, ensemble and sustain.
There are also 34 demo songs that you can study and play along with. You can also set a backbeat with a choice of 61 keyboard percussions.
The Hamzer is well built and the package includes a stand and stool. However, the accessories are not made to the same standards of construction.
Pros
Cons
3.Alesis Melody 61 MkII
Key Features:
- 300 Tones
- Superb Accessory Pack
- Responsive Keys
If you’re unsure about buying the best digital piano under $300, the Alesis Melody 61 MkII is very persuasive. This keyboard fulfills many of the functions that a new or intermediate player needs.
This keyboard has 61 keys with sufficient responsiveness to improve your playing. The model also has built in speakers that sound great for practicing and could even allow you to perform live at a smaller venue.
There are 300 tones, with layering and split modes that allow you to change the sounds. There are also 300 built in rhythms and 40 demo songs that you can play along with for practice. You can also record your performance, so you can assess your progress and improve your playing style.
The Alesis Melody 61 MkII is also supplied with a lot of accessories. This includes an adjustable bench seat with three height settings, a sheet music stand, keyboard stand, a pair of headphones and a microphone. These accessories add further value to an already generous keyboard package.
Pros
Cons
4.Donner DEP 10
Key Features:
- Semi Weighted Keys
- Recording Mode
- Highly Portable
The Donner DEP 10 is a beautiful digital piano with 8 premium tones and 128 polyphony. This model is equipped with two speakers and a headphone output. There are multifunction settings with four types of beats. However, even with all this functionality, this keyboard weighs only 19 pounds, making it highly portable.
While the keys are molded plastic, they are light and not flimsy for a good playing effect. Since the keys are full size, you get a classic piano playing experience. You can switch between the eight instruments, so you can tackle more complex songs.
While this model may lack the accessory pack available with other digital pianos on this list, you’ll feel more than compensated for this by the authentic piano playing experience.
The keys are semi weighted and there is a pedal for a richer, better practice experience. You can also use the recording mode to store or arrange your music.
Pros
Cons
5.Yamaha NP 32
Key Features:
- Available in Black or White
- Minimalistic Aesthetic
- 76 Keys
The Yamaha NP 32 is a minimal, thin digital piano that is available in a white or black finish. This is a light and portable model with some nice features, despite the low price point.
On the white version, you can see the oval speakers under mesh covers, but they are hidden on the black version. There is a minimal number of buttons, which support this minimalistic aesthetic.
The keys are sensitive to touch and soft graded. So, while it will not feel like you’re playing a grand piano, you can enjoy a nice dynamic. It also features 76 keys, which is only twelve notes shy of a full range. This is quite impressive for a keyboard weighing just 12 pounds when most portable keyboards only have 49 or 61 keys.
Although the NP 32 feels light to play, it sounds great. There are two 6 watt speakers and 64 note polyphony without dropped notes. The grand piano sound is actually sampled from a Yamaha Concert Grand, which creates a nice sound with the NP 32 soft keystrokes. In fact, the key sensitivity creates nice dynamics as you play.
Although the sounds are limited apart from the grand piano, this is a great model for beginners to get to grips with playing.
Pros
Cons
6.Yamaha EZ 220
Key Features:
- USB Midi Connection
- Battery Powered
- Full Learning Suite
Another Yamaha offering for the best digital piano under $300 is the EZ 220. This model has 61 lit keys that can help you to learn with touch sensitivity and 100 free songs.
You can buy the EZ 220 as a stand alone instrument or as part of a kit that includes a stand, power supply, and headphones.
As a beginner, there are three different modes for a full learning experience. You can listen as you play a song and watch the keys light up, press the keys as they light up to play a song or watch the illuminated keys for each hand.
Despite this functionality, the EZ 220 is at a reasonable price point. While there are other keyboards that are cheaper, Yamaha is well regarded for its high quality products and decent sounds.
The EZ 220 also has great connectivity. There is USB Midi to connect to music editing programs. You can also use this to record and export your tracks. There is a port to attach a sustain pedal and headphone jack.
While you can use a power supply, you can also use the EZ 220 on battery power, so you can improve your playing skills anywhere.
Pros
Cons
7.Casio CTK 3500 61 Key Portable Keyboard
Key Features:
- Mains or Battery Power
- Over 400 Tones
- 150 Built in Rhythms
Casio is a brand that is synonymous with keyboards and digital pianos. The CTK 3500 is at the budget end of the Casio product line, but it still has many of the features you would associate with more expensive keyboards.
The model has 61 keys that are not quite full sized, but they do allow you to play many two hand melodies. Additionally, the keys are touch sensitive, so you can play at different volumes and velocities.
In addition to over 400 tones, there are 150 built in rhythms, together with a Dance Music Mode that can be used to play along or compose electronic style music.
Many of the features are aimed at more experienced players. While this is a great beginner digital piano, there are a variety of effects, so you can compose and play your own songs with altered sound.
While the Casio CTK 3500 does not have an authentic piano feel, it is a great choice if you like synth sounds and would like to learn to compose and play songs.
Pros
Cons
8.The One Smart 61 Key Portable Digital Piano
Key Features:
- Battery or Mains Power
- Over 400 Tones
- Compatible with the Smart Piano App
The One Smart digital pianos have become increasingly popular among beginners and intermediate players. If you’re an aspiring pianist, this model allows you to build your knowledge and explore playing at your own pace.
While this isn’t the cheapest option on this list, it is compatible with the Smart Piano App that can help you with hundreds of techniques and myriad songs. This app works with various devices including tablets and phones. The app illuminates keys to help you know which notes to play. You can use it to go through your favorite songs or specific exercises. You can even work through piano based games to learn the basics.
The digital piano itself features over 400 tones and it can be powered by batteries or using an adapter. Yet, it weighs only 11 pounds, making it easy to take with you and learn on the go.
If you are a complete beginner and want to learn independently, the One Smart is a great option. With its connectivity and associated app, you can learn the fundamentals and more complex techniques without needing to hire a tutor.
Pros
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9.Alesis Recital 88 Key Digital Piano
Key Features:
- Sensitivity Adjustable Keys
- Quality Sounds Modeled on Acoustic Instruments
- 20 Watt Speakers
There are few 88 key digital pianos with a price tag of less than $300, but the Alesis Recital fits the bill. It is marketed as a beginner’s model, but it is a full sized and good quality instrument.
The Alesis Recital features 88 semi weighted keys that may not be realistic as a hammer action key, but feel more dynamic than basic plastic keys when you’re playing.
You can even alter the semi weighted keys for more or less sensitivity according to your playing style.
There are five included voices, which is a lot less than many of the digital pianos on this list. However, Alesis has chosen to focus on good quality sounds that are modeled on acoustic instruments rather than an abundance of sampled sounds.
The Recital also features a split mode that allows you to play different sounds with your left and right hand. You can also layer two sounds across your whole keyboard. The inbuilt effects include chorus, reverb, and resonant.
The 20 watt speakers are surprisingly powerful for home practicing, but you can also plug in a set of headphones if you prefer to play in private.
Pros
Cons
10.Novation Launchkey 49 Key USB Keyboard Controller
Key Features:
- Includes a copy of Ableton Live Lite
- MIDI Controller and Digital Piano
- Multiple Tracks
While this is not specifically a digital piano, it is worth inclusion on this list. Novation is well regarded for its innovative products and when you connect this keyboard to a computer and DAW, it provides an excellent way to learn and play the piano.
While it may need to be connected to your computer, this does offer some benefits. The Novation Launchkey also has faders, knobs, and drum pads you can assign to different areas of your software.
This means that the Launchkey can perform double duty as a digital piano to learn how to play and as the centerpiece of your home studio, using multiple tracks to create an incredible performance.
The Novation Launchkey works on PC and Mac and you don’t need to purchase any additional software. It is supplied with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so you can also experiment with producing your own songs.
Although portable only with a laptop, this is a fantastic MIDI controller that can allow you to develop your piano playing and music production skills in one.
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Considerations to Choose the Best Digital Piano Under $300
With so many great options, it can be daunting for a beginner or less experienced player to choose the right digital piano. Fortunately, you can narrow down your choices by assessing these considerations.
Number of Keys:
A standard piano has 88 keys, which allows you to play full octaves. If you’re on a tight budget and are looking to spend less than $300, you may struggle to get 88 keys. However, there are still some great options with 61 keys. If you want to play multi octave songs and need the full 88 keys, you will need to look for models like the Alesis Recital, but you may need to compromise in other areas.
The Type of Keys:
Hammer action keys can mimic the actions of an acoustic piano. Since acoustic pianos have hammers that strike the strings to create a sound, a hammer action key creates the feeling of a mechanical piano without any physical hammers.
However, at this price point, you are unlikely to find a model with hammer action keys. Instead, you may need to settle for weighted action keys. These are often velocity sensitive, and offer resistance, so you can create a different sound depending on how hard or soft you press the key.
Key resistance is crucial to play advanced musical compositions that provide players with some feedback and make transitioning to an acoustic piano a little easier.
Voices:
The voices refer to the number of piano styles the digital piano is equipped with. The voices allow you to create more authentic piano sounds or even produce your own sounds.
It is important to consider not only the number of voices, but also the type of voices. For example, the Alesis Recital only has five voices but these are modeled on acoustic instruments. If you’re looking for a more genuine piano experience, this will appeal. However, if you like the idea of creating your own synth wave sounds, you’ll appreciate an instrument with more varied voices.
Portability:
Another consideration is the weight and dimension of the digital piano. If you plan on taking your new digital piano to a friend’s home to jam or take lessons away from home, you’ll need to look for a lightweight model.
Most digital pianos are quite lightweight, but there are bulkier models, particularly those with a bench or stand.
The weight and dimensions may also be an issue if you have limited space in your home. A smaller, slimmer model is easier to store when not in use. So, if you don’t have room to have your digital piano permanently set up, choose a lightweight model.
Accessories:
If you’re a complete beginner, you may appreciate a digital piano that is supplied with all the accessories you need to get started. This could include a stand, power supply, and even headphones. These accessories can expand the functionality of your piano and also keep the initial cost down.
Just be aware that many accessories supplied in a kit tend to be lower quality. So, while they may be sufficient to get you started, you may need to upgrade later.
As you can see, if you want to learn to play piano or would like to further develop your playing skills without breaking the bank, there are some great options. In our list of the best digital piano under $300 options, we’ve shown that you can gain access to some superb functionality, learning features, and quality sounds. So, you don’t need to wait for a lottery win to become a competent pianist.Follow me!
