In this review we feature the best 88 key keyboards that are designed for beginners to expert piano players with great sound quality and advanced built-in features. They come with 88 premium full-sized weighted keys with adjustable touch response to suit your preferred playing style. Furthermore, they also come with built-in speakers for private practice, including power adapter and stereo RCA outputs. We also liked the fact that some of these digital 88 key keyboard pianos have standard, split, layer and lesson modes with 128 note polyphony and built-in FX for beginners to try out. They are also suitable for expert piano players looking for a high quality digital piano instrument to practice. If you are looking for the best 88 key keyboards to practice piano and get started with digital keyboards, be sure to check out our top picks below!
#1 Best Overall: Alesis Recital 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88-key semi-weighted key keyboard
Features: Standard, split, layer and lesson modes
What we liked: Universal responsive feel, 5 crafted piano voices
View Full Specs: Alesis Recital 88 Key Keyboard
The Alesis Recital is an 88-key digital piano which has been designed for beginners who want to learn how to play the digital piano instrument. To accommodate new players, the digital piano is equipped with educational features which enable users to learn at an accelerated rate. The piano features 5 well-implemented voices for sound versatility, namely acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, synthesizer and bass.
In addition, users have the option to user built in chorus and reverb sound effects. The Alesis Recital has a maximum of 128 note polyphony and supports multiple playing modes such as standard, split and layered keyboards. From the perspective of comfort when playing, the digital piano is full sized, and has semi-weighted keys with an adjustable touch response which can be tailored to each player individually.
The Alesis Recital has a set of built-in stereo 20W speakers which are suitable for practising. In addition, the digital piano features a 6.3mm TRS output port for connecting headphones, as well as a set of stereo RCA outputs for using an external sound system or recording device. Overall, the Alesis Recital 88 is one of the best 88 key keyboards available and we highly recommend them.
#2 Best Value: Yamaha P45 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88-key weighted action digital piano
Features: Contains 10 different voices, dual mode to combine two voices together
What we liked: Slim and stylish design, requires less space to setup
View Full Specs: Yamaha P45 88 Key Keyboard
The Yamaha P45 is one of the best 88 key keyboard pianos which have been crafted to simulate the feel of a real acoustic piano and provide a superior playing experience. The piano is full size and has 88 fully weighted keys with velocity response which deliver the same touch response as a real acoustic piano. This setup enables aspiring players to develop the correct finger technique and the playing skills are interchangeable with a real grand piano.
In addition, the P45 contains 10 piano voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos, so not only the P45 feels like a genuine piano, but it sound like one as well. The Dual Mode enables users to combine 2 voices together, such as piano and strings, opening the horizons for users to explore new sonic qualities and stimulate creativity.
The piano is slim and has a stylish and minimalistic design which conveys a sense of professionalism. It has a depth of less than 12 inches and weighs 12 kilograms, which is a suitable balance point for ease of transportation and sturdiness when sitting on a stand.
#3 Best Digital Piano: Medeli SP4200 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88 full sized hammer keys keyboard
Features: 600 voices, 128 (max) polyphony
What we liked: 120 preset songs, music tutorial system
View Full Specs: Medeli SP4200 88 Key Keyboard
The Medeli SP4200 is a full-sized digital piano with hammer actioned keys and a large number of features which enable users to explore different sonic qualities. The digital piano features 88 keys which replicate the feeling of a real grand piano, enabling players to develop a correct finger technique which is easily interchangeable with acoustic instruments.
The SP4200 88 key keyboard features a polyphony of 128 notes and 600 voices, which can accommodate any kind of playing. The digital piano can be connected to external devices using a USB connection which can turn the keyboard into a controller for any kind of Digital Audio Workstation. The backlit LCD display is a useful feature as it allows for easy menu navigation and has the option of displaying the notes currently played, which is a valuable feature for new and aspiring players.
Players have the option of adding sound processing effects such as tremolo, echo, reverb and octave. The keyboard is also equipped with a sequencer and demo songs which enables beginner players to exercise along real music straight from the instrument.
#4 Best Value: Casio Privia PX-160BK 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88 key full size digital piano
Features: Built-in speaker system (2 x 8 watts) for maximum hearing
What we liked: Multi-dimensional AiR sound generation system
View Full Specs: Casio Privia PX-160BK 88 Key Keyboard
The Casio Privia PX-160BK is a high quality 88 key keyboard digital piano which is suitable for both beginner and intermediate players, enabling them to perform and rehearse on a convenient instrument which feels as good as a real grand piano. It is a full-size piano with 88 keys and features Casio’s Tri-Sensor scaled hammer action which emulates ebony and ivory textured keys, ensuring the dynamics are captured accurately.
The keyboard features a built in stereo speaker system with a power of 8 watts per speaker, making them suitable for at home rehearsing and playing at a comfortable level. The line-out port allows users to easily connect to external loudspeakers for added output volume. The PX-160BK has 18 authentic piano tones built in, which offers a great deal of variety which can help players to suit the sound for their preferred style.
This 88 key keyboard also has built-in sound effects such as a reverberation, chorus and more, either simulating real spaces such as halls to replicate an authentic live performance, or using the effects to add a creative element to music, typically associated to modern types of music.
#5 Most Versatile: ONE Smart 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88 key full-sized hammer action keys
Features: Built-in speakers with 128-note maximum polyphony
What we liked: Connects to your PC via USB-MIDI output
View Full Specs: ONE Smart 88 Key Keyboard
The ONE Smart Keyboard Pro is a digital piano which replicates the feel and quality of real pianos, creating a comfortable experience for professionals and allowing beginners to develop correct playing techniques. It is a full sized instrument which features 88 hammer-actioned keys which have an adjustable touch response.
The keyboard has built-in speakers which are suitable for at-home rehearsing and playing. This instrument is suitable for aspiring musicians as the digital piano comes with a free application which features multiple learning modes such as light-up sheet music, integrated video lessons, piano games and a crash course. The One Smart Keyboard Pro can connect to a computer using a USB-MIDI output, enabling users to use virtual instrument plugins and also record performances straight onto the connected computer.
The keyboard has a 128 instrument sounds available which enables users to experiment with different types of sounds and learn how to perform depending on the sonic feedback. The output sound quality is high as the instrument uses 16 bits for sampling accurately, as well as 128-not polyphony, enabling the keyboard to play as realistic as a piano instrument.
#6 Most Compact: Casio CDP-240 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88 key weighted, scaled hammer action
Features: 700 tones and 152 built-in songs
What we liked: 200 auto-accompaniment rhythms, 64 note polyphony
View Full Specs: Casio CDP-240 88 Key Keyboard
The Casio CDP-240 is a full size digital piano equipped with many features which offer users a wide variety of sonic outputs, suitable for playing and rehearsing all types of music genres, from classical to rock music and electronic. The CDP-240 has 88 weighted keys with a scaled hammer action, which recreates a genuine piano feel. The 3 levels of touch response lets users play more expressively and explore the whole range of dynamics.
The keyboard has a database of 700 tones, 152 built-in songs and 200 auto-accompaniment rhythms, which offers players a huge set of options for practicing, playing and rehearsing. It offers beginner players the ability to experiment with different keyboard sounds, as well as rehears on different styles of music and rhythm sections.
The design of the instrument is compact and slim, which makes it easy to be handled and transported. The keyboard has a 64 note polyphony which is more than enough for most playing styles to create authentic and sustained sounds, further enhancing the accurate representation of a real, acoustic piano.
#7 Best Design: Korg Digital 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88-key digital piano
Features: Clean and streamlined controls, volume setup
What we liked: Natural acoustic sound, adjustable key touch control
View Full Specs: Korg Digital 88 Key Keyboard
The SP-170S Korg digital piano is an accurate representation of an acoustic grand piano which reproduces genuine sounds and has replicated the feel of the real instrument. All piano sounds have been skilfully sampled, capturing all the nuances and details of a grand piano. In addition, the keyboard can also replicate other instruments such as electric pianos, harpsichord, organs and strings.
We liked the fact that this 88 key keyboard interface is clear and the design is minimalistic, enabling users to easily select the desired sounds and control the volume output. To re-create the feel of a real piano, the keyboard is equipped with Korg’s natural weighted hammer action technology which takes into consideration the finer details of the instrument. The adjustable key touch control offers 3 levels of sensitivity to match the keyboard’s response to any playing style, making this instrument versatile and suitable for all music genres.
The SP-170S is equipped with a stereo speaker system which is suitable for rehearsing and playing in small spaces, eliminating the need for a permanent amplification system. The keyboard is also equipped with sound effects such as reverberation and chorus, adding another level of versatility to the playing styles suitable for this instrument.
#8 Best Full Setup: Casio PX150PKG 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88 key digital piano with scaled hammer action
Features: 2-track recorder, 128 note polyphony
What we liked: Sleek design, made of high quality components
View Full Specs: Casio PX150PKG 88 Key Keyboard
The Casio PX150PKG is a digital piano designed to provide a genuine playing experience for piano players. The keyboard has a sleek and modern design and comes with a solid stand which secures the keyboard in place, allowing for comfortable and convenient playing. It features 88 keys with which are scaled with hammer action, recreating the feeling of an acoustic grand piano which is familiar to any trained piano, or which can help new aspiring players to develop correct playing techniques.
The Casio PX150PKG 88 key keyboard has an 128-note polyphony which ensures a full authentic experience, every note being independent and capable of being sustained as long as desired. The Casio PX150PKG is also equipped with a built in 2-track recorder which enables players to record their playing sessions and identify areas which need improvement, all from the convenience of the piano without the need of an external computer.
The keyboard is also equipped with stereo speaker system which is suitable for indoor usage, whether it’s for rehearsing, practicing or playing, without the need of an external sound system.
#9 Best Full-Sized Keyboard: Yamaha YPG-535 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88 piano style keys with graded soft touch
Features: USB to device, large wave ROM features
What we liked: Backlit LCD displays lyrics, chords and notation
View Full Specs: Yamaha YPG-535 88 Key Keyboard
The Yamaha YPG-535 is a full size digital piano designed to provide a high quality and convenient piano playing experience. It’s a full size keyboard, featuring 88 keys which are equipped with graded soft touch for an accurate representation of all details which go into piano playing. The keyboard comes with a stand, adapter and sustain pedal included, meaning that no additional purchases need to be made to have the setup ready to play.
The YPG-535 can be connected to a computer using a USB port which allows users to download songs and education programs into the keyboard. The piano sound is a high quality sampling of a real grand piano which creates a feeling of authenticity when playing. Besides the piano sound, the Yamaha keyboard can also reproduce additional instruments such as trumpet, flute, saxophones and more.
The keyboard is equipped with a backlit LCD which displays lyrics, chords and notations which are suitable for performers. The YPG-535 has a built in stereo speaker system which is suitable for indoor usage, whether it’s playing, rehearsing or practicing.
#10 Best Budget: Roland Digital Piano 88 Key Keyboard
Type: 88-note, PHA-4 standard keyboard
Features: Compact and lightweight body, built-in Bluetooth connection
What we liked: Powerful amplifier, impressive sound performance
View Full Specs: Roland Digital Piano 88 Key Keyboard
The Roland FP-30 is a portable digital piano with advanced functionality suitable for playing, rehearsing and music performances. The keyboard recreates an authentic sound and responsive tone provided by Roland’s Supernatural Piano sound engine. It’s a full size instrument, featuring 88 keys which ensure an authentic playing experience with maximum expression.
The FP-30 is equipped with a built in stereo speaker system which delivers powerful output, making the instrument suitable for indoors usage, whether it’s for rehearsing, playing or practicing. In addition, the Roland keyboard also features a headphones line output which allows users to easily plug in their headphones for a personal experience. The FP-30 can have a 3-pedal unit connected enabling the users to access maximum functionality identical to that of an acoustic piano.
One distinguishing feature of this keyboard is its Bluetooth connectivity option, allowing users to use the piano alongside popular music applications for smartphones or tablets such as GarageBand and others. This instrument is suitable for both beginners and advanced players as all the features can enhance their musical experience while maintaining an authentic acoustic piano feel.