10 Best Digital Pianos Under $1500 (2024 Reviews)

0
3208
digital piano

The more you spend on your digital piano, the more you’ll get a realistic piano experience.

Hence, our team spends time and effort in gathering the best digital pianos under $1500.

If you are serious about playing the piano and dreamed of becoming a professional pianist someday, maybe you should get a digital piano for around $1500, or even the more expensive ones at around $2000. Although you can spend too much or too little this is the price point that you can get the best of both acoustic and electronic piano. Getting the perfect digital piano will prepare you for any world-class performance, even if you need to play a real acoustic piano.

Also, at the end of this article, we provide a buying guide with some important factors to consider. You’ll need this guide to choose the one that fits your budget and your needs. Go for the ultimate gear and hone your skills professionally.

Top 10 Best Digital Pianos Under $1500

Yamaha YDP163B Arius Series

We Recommend
Yamaha YDP163B Arius Digital Piano
4.5


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

A member of the Arius series featuring Pure CF sound engine for more authentic sampled sounds for expressive playing. The Yamaha YDP163B is fitted with Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) weighted action, where you feel a heavier touch on the low keys and a lighter touch on high keys. All keys have synthetic ivory feel for superb playability.

It has three pedals for a wonderful performance, including Stereo sustain, damper resonance, and Half-damper pedal control. With the new headphone experience, you’ll be able to enjoy surround sound quality like you’re listening to a real grand concert piano. It’s capable of connecting to your computer or mobile device via USB cable, to make the most out of the recording function of the piano.

Pros
  • Weighted keys feel like an ivory-keyed acoustic piano
  • Auto power off after a certain length of time
  • Pure CF engine ensures more realistic sampled sounds
Cons
  • Doesn’t have a screen display to see the features you’re using
  • Not a portable keyboard, weighs around 136.6lbs
  • Though the action is good, it doesn’t have actual hammer action

 

Roland F-140R

Also Great
Roland F-140R Digital Piano
4.7


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

Who would think that with such a small budget, you can have a digital piano with the feel and sound quality of an acoustic piano? With Roland’s innovation and technology, we are now enjoying Roland F-140R. And the good news is, at under $1500, the best digital piano is now within your reach.

This 88-key keyboard features a SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine and PHA-4 Standard Keyboard to give you the ultimate acoustic piano experience. These features are usually found in high-end piano, so the F-140R is something very special. Additionally, the Bluetooth connectivity expands the potential of this piano, since you can access more songs and classical music scores with a mobile app.

Pros
  • SuperNATURAL is very efficient
  • The accompaniment function helps you play along with a backing ensemble
  • With 305 tones that include strings, organs, guitar, bass, synths and more
Cons
  • Has mini input/output jack, needs adaptor if you have ¼-inch standard
  • Display is basic, but still okay compared to having none
  • Music stand seems small

 

Yamaha YDP164R

Runner-Up
Yamaha YDP164 Arius Series Piano
4.8


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

If you are looking for a more traditional-looking digital piano, the Yamaha YDP164R is the one for you. It features GHS weighted action keyboard that is heavier on the low keys and lighter towards the upper keys. The matte black key tops are still very tactile without being slippery, even after hours of playing.

It has a powerful speaker that aids the CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice to recreate wonderful acoustic sounds. A half-damper control is available to achieve a continuous amount of sustain as you depress the pedal. Lastly, the Smart Pianist app gives you full control of your music for a more personalized experience.

Pros
  • Powerful speakers onboard that especially projects beautiful sounds
  • Sturdy construction, including the piano-style pedal
  • Great feel and touch of the weighted ivory top keys
Cons
  • Limited choice of sounds and presets
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
  • Difficult to control/navigate without an app

 

Kawai ES110

Kawai ES110 Portable Digital Piano Black
4.6


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

Kawai provides you a gig-friendly digital piano at an affordable price. The Kawai ES110, an 88-key keyboard featuring fully-weighted keys and Harmonic Imaging sampling for a realistic response and sounds. It comes with 19 onboard sounds, 192-note polyphony, Dual and Split modes, and 100 drum rhythms.

This Kawai digital piano has a sturdy structure and lightweight, weighing only around 12.0kg. It has built-in lessons and classical etudes so beginners can easily learn how to play the piano. It has dedicated stereo Line out and MIDI In/Out options.

Pros
  • Has 19 built-in sounds and 192-note polyphony
  • Fully-weighted action keys feel like a real piano
  • Has Bluetooth and MIDI connection options
Cons
  • Doesn’t have a screen to display current settings
  • Spacing between the keys is inconsistent
  • Doesn’t have USB ports

 

Roland FP-90

Roland FP-90 Digital Piano (Black)
4.8


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

Getting a digital piano doesn’t always mean you need to sacrifice authentic sound quality for portability. Roland FP-90 has a premium sound engine and solid construction, yet it’s hosted in a stylish mobile body, always ready when you need it. It has a powerful speaker system onboard, which delivers rich tones with a wide dynamic range, perfect whether you play at small venues or connect to a PA.

Roland is just a very well-known brand when it comes to pianos. So, it’s not surprising that its digital piano under $1500 has the best selection of piano sounds — pro-grade electric pianos, organs, strings, and synths. If you are into recording, this piano has mic input with dedicated vocal effects, plus record your performance on a USB stick in WAV format.

Pros
  • Limitless playing complexity with 384-note polyphony
  • Nice design with easy to adjust parameters
  • The hybrid action helps you feel the ivory and ebony simulation
Cons
  • Though tagged as portable, it’s still heavy
  • No Duo mode available in most digital piano
  • One-track MIDI recorder only

 

Yamaha Arius YDP-144

Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series Piano
4.6


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

Make your music with pure fun and creativity using the Yamaha Arius YDP-144 digital piano. As another Arius piano, it’s finely crafted with GHS weighted action and CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice. So, not only will you feel the natural response from the keyboard, but also the classic acoustic sound.

Like an acoustic piano, it has realistic pedals onboard like the half-damper pedal control and damper resonance DSP. The former helps you get realistic sustain, while the latter recreates the sound of the grand piano when the dampers are off the strings.

Pros
  • Featuring Advanced CFX sound engine
  • Superb build quality
  • Includes two-track MIDI controller and 50 preset songs
Cons
  • No Bluetooth connectivity available
  • Weak speakers, you need an external one if you want to be loud
  • GHS key action isn’t an asset of this keyboard

 

Korg LP380

Korg LP380-88 - Key Digital Piano, Black
4.4


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

You’ll definitely love this slim and flat-top cabinet from Korg. The Korg LP380 is an 88-note digital piano with high-output amp and speakers to reproduce authentic piano sounds. It’s slim and sleek design is not only pleasing an elegant add-on to your room, but it also provides stability as you play.

We’re excited about the three pedals, which are normally found in a concert grand piano for a more realistic manipulation of the pedals. It features Layer mode for two sounds to be played together and Partner mode to divide the piano to two players. With a total of 30 high-quality sounds onboard, you’ll love it more than your acoustic piano.

Pros
  • Has nice sounds onboard and great functions, as well
  • Fantastic weighted keys
  • Has the best amplification
Cons
  • Lacks dynamics, so the pianissimo and the fortissimo don’t differ much in volume
  • Though the setup is easy, the instructions shouldn’t be at the back
  • Wood for the Black model seems cheap

 

Yamaha P515

Yamaha P515 88-Key Digital Piano
4.8


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

As a flagship keyboard of Yamaha’s portable series, you have an easy-to-play digital piano with great sound and feel. The Yamaha P515 features everything a pianist needs at any skill level. This boasts two of the world’s finest concert grand piano samples — from Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial.

This 88-note keyboard has natural wood action, synthetic ebony/ivory keytops, and escapement function. Yamaha uses a specially dried wood for you to have that feel and response of the acoustic piano. It has 256-note polyphony, over 500 voices onboard and a powerful two-way speaker system to get desirable sound output.

Pros
  • Exceptional sample sounds and voices onboard
  • Keyboard allows you to achieve creative and expressive playing
  • Experience various sound enhancements and spacious sound
Cons
  • Quite heavy to transport, around 48lbs (without stand)
  • No registration memory, so you can’t save your settings
  • No Mic In port and the Bluetooth doesn’t support MIDI

 

Yamaha DGX-660

YAMAHA DGX660B 88-Key Digital Piano
4.9


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

Experience the best of Yamaha technology onboard on its affordable 88-key Yamaha DGX-660 digital piano. With the Pure CF sample, the DGX-660 comes with world-class grand concert grand piano sampled sounds. The Piano Room feature gives you the freedom to choose from different piano and acoustic environment.

Connect a microphone, then, play and sing along, plus add digital effects for more versatile playing experience. Since the keyboard features weighted keys, you’ll enjoy playing and learn proper finger technique. With the crystal-clear LCD, you’ll be able to read music score or lyrics, plus more options available on the DGX-660.

Pros
  • Has very useful LED screen
  • Loaded with tons of excellent features you can’t expect for its price
  • Allows microphone input, USB recording, and playback
Cons
  • Overall volume is not very loud
  • Stand isn’t foldable and a bit wobbly
  • Heavier and not ideal to be moved often

 

Roland FP-60

Roland 88 keys FP-60
4.9


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

Getting a 288-note polyphony to recreate realistic acoustic piano sound and response isn’t bad. And for its price, the Roland FP-60 could be a great choice under $1500. This best digital piano from Roland features the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine and PHA-4 keyboard with ivory feel. It includes different sounds like electric pianos, organs, synths, and strings from some of Roland’s high-end instruments.

To complement the great built-in sounds onboard, Roland equipped this digital piano with a speaker system that provides rich and powerful sounds — like in a live performance. With Bluetooth wireless technology, you can easily connect to your smartphone or tablet. Roland’s free Piano Partner 2 app helps you access more resources and access to rhythm accompaniments for a more enjoyable performance.

Pros
  • Bluetooth-enabled with recording and playback functions
  • User-friendly interface and controls
  • Has over 100 sounds and 288-note polyphony
Cons
  • No lesson functions, especially if you’re a beginner
  • Limited onboard effects available
  • Don’t have many upgrades compared to its predecessor

 

What to Consider When Buying a Digital Piano Under $1500

The $1500 budget for a new digital piano is just right. If you don’t want to spend too much for an acoustic piano or too little for a controller keyboard, this is the perfect budget. And, to aid your decision-making process, here are four points you should consider:

best digital piano under $1500

What’s Your Skill Level?

If you are a beginner investing in a decent digital piano, ensure that you get lesson features onboard. You have to make sure that you are supported and you can learn faster with the piano you purchase.

On the other hand, if you are an intermediate and experienced player, perhaps some bells and whistles to enhance your performance. Of course, you have to be picky about the response and velocity sensitivity of your piano.

Do You Want Something Portable?

There are different types of the digital piano to respond to the demands of modern music. You can get a home piano or a stage (portable) piano. If you are planning to bring your piano to school or church, then, you need something portable. However, the problem with some portable piano is that they don’t have speaker systems and the three pedals of the real piano.

If you just want to get something that’s closer to an upright or grand piano, then, get a console-type digital piano with speakers and the three-pedal system. There are usually installed permanently in your home or in the studio and not the portable type.

best digital piano under S1500

Number of Tones

While it’s an advantage to have a lot of voices and sounds onboard, this could be distracting for beginners. If you want to develop some skills and piano techniques, then, it’s better to only get a digital piano with some useful sounds and not with an excessive amount of tones. However, as you become a pro, you might need some extra built-in sounds to spice up your performance.

Speakers

Some digital pianos, especially stage pianos, don’t have speakers because they are designed to be connected to much bigger speaker systems. However, if you buy a practice piano, then, go for something with built-in speakers. But, the bigger the size of the speakers onboard, you’ll also have a much heavier keyboard.

This YouTube video further explains the things you need to check on a digital piano. The critical consideration should be the feel of the keys. You can replace everything else in your piano, but the feel and response of the keyboard are irreplaceable.

 

Our Top Pick

We Recommend
Yamaha YDP163B Arius Digital Piano
4.5


CHECK PRICE ON SWEETWATER CHECK PRICE ON GUITAR CENTER
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you.

This list is dominated by Yamaha digital pianos. So, it’s very obvious that our choice for the best digital piano under $1500 is also a Yamaha — Yamaha YDP163B Arius Series. This isn’t the only Yamaha Arius on the list, but why the YDP163B of all the Yamahas mentioned?

There are two things we need to emphasize here — realistic piano experience and tons of modern perks. It has the response and feel of a real piano — heavier touch on the low keys and a lighter on the upper keys. The three-pedal system helps you achieve the wonderful performance of the legendary pianists.

While it offers you a realistic playing experience, you can also enjoy connectivity and authentic sampled sounds onboard. The good thing about the YDP163B Arius is the auto-off function, just like your real piano that you don’t need to turn it off. If you’ll get this digital piano from Yamaha, you’ll surely be one step closer to your dream.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.