Choosing the right digital piano is an important step in your musical journey.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a returning pianist, the instrument you practise on will have a significant impact on your motivation, progress, and enjoyment.
At the London Piano Institute, we specialise in teaching adults and have curated this comprehensive guide to help you find the best digital piano to suit your goals, lifestyle, and budget.
- Yamaha P-145 – Best all-rounder for beginners and returning pianists.
- Roland FP-30X – Excellent for those seeking more advanced features and sound.
- Casio PX-870 – Ideal for committed home pianists wanting a premium experience.
Why Choose a Digital Piano?
- Compact and space-efficient
- Ideal for silent practise with headphones
- Maintenance-free (no need for tuning)
- Generally more affordable than acoustic pianos
- Equipped with modern features such as recording, metronomes, and app integration
- Easy to move and set up, making them perfect for city living or frequent relocations
Key Features to Consider
Before purchasing a digital piano, consider the following criteria:
1. Weighted Keys and Hammer Action
Choose a model with fully weighted keys and graded hammer action. This replicates the feel of an acoustic piano and supports proper technique.
2. Polyphony
Polyphony refers to how many notes can sound simultaneously. A minimum of 128-note polyphony is recommended for expressive playing and complex passages.
3. Pedal Compatibility
Ensure the model supports at least a sustain pedal, with half-pedalling functionality if possible. Many higher-end models include a full three-pedal unit.
4. Sound Quality
Look for realistic piano samples from well-respected brands such as Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, and Casio. The quality of the piano’s sound engine will make a noticeable difference.
5. Connectivity and Extras
Many digital pianos feature USB, MIDI, Bluetooth, and app integration for learning and recording purposes.
Some models also offer built-in lesson functions and rhythm accompaniments, which can be helpful for practise and creativity.
Recommended Digital Pianos for Adult Beginners
Yamaha P-145
A sleek, entry-level digital piano featuring Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) key action for an authentic playing feel and clear, expressive sound.
An excellent choice for those who value simplicity, quality, and ease of use.
- Price: £499
- Weighted keys: Yes (Graded Hammer Compact)
- Number of keys: 88
- Sound Engine: Yamaha tone generator (unspecified)
- Connectivity: Headphone output
- Speakers: Standard stereo speakers
- Pedals: Basic sustain pedal (upgradeable)
- Other Features: Compact design, beginner-friendly
Casio CDP-S110
An ultra-slim and lightweight digital piano featuring scaled hammer action keys, 10 high-quality tones, and built-in DSP effects for expressive playing.
With USB connectivity, a headphone output, and optional battery power, it’s an excellent choice for beginners looking for portability, simplicity, and solid sound on a budget.
- Price: £249
- Weighted keys: Yes (Scaled Hammer Action)
- Number of keys: 88
- Sound engine: AiR Sound Source (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator)
- Polyphony: 64-note
- Connectivity: USB-MIDI, headphone output
- Speakers: 8W x 2 built-in speakers
- Pedals: Sustain pedal input (pedal not included)
- Other Features: Includes built-in metronome, recording features, and a compact, portable design
Alesis Recital Pro
An affordable 88-key digital piano featuring fully weighted hammer-action keys, 12 built-in voices, and adjustable touch response for a realistic playing experience.
With powerful 20-watt built-in speakers, a headphone output for private practise, and lesson, layer, and split modes, it’s an excellent choice for beginners and casual players seeking versatility without a high price tag.
- Price: £379
- Weighted keys: Yes (Fully Weighted Hammer Action)
- Number of keys: 88
- Sound engine: 12 built-in voices
- Polyphony: 128-note
- Connectivity: USB-MIDI, headphone output, sustain pedal input
- Speakers: 2 x 20W built-in speakers
- Pedals: Sustain pedal input (pedal not included)
- Other Features: Layer, split, and lesson modes; adjustable touch response; built-in metronome and recorder
Intermediate-Level Digital Pianos
Roland FP-30X
A compact and powerful digital piano featuring Roland’s acclaimed PHA-4 Standard keyboard for authentic touch and feel, paired with the expressive SuperNATURAL piano sound engine.
It offers Bluetooth MIDI and audio connectivity, powerful onboard stereo speakers, and extensive polyphony (256 notes)—ideal for serious learners and home performers alike.
- Price: £599
- Weighted keys: Yes (PHA-4 Standard Keyboard)
- Number of keys: 88
- Sound engine: Roland SuperNATURAL sound engine
- Polyphony: 256-note
- Connectivity: Bluetooth MIDI/audio, USB
- Speakers: 2 x 11W built-in speakers
- Pedals: Compatible with DP-10 or KPD-70 (optional 3-pedal unit)
- Extras: 300+ sounds, dual headphone outputs, app integration, compact design suitable for home or stage use
Yamaha P-225
A refined upgrade to the popular P-125, the P-225 features Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, a new compact design, and improved sound via Yamaha’s CFX concert grand sample.
It supports the Smart Pianist app for intuitive control and learning, and includes USB audio/MIDI interface for seamless connectivity.
A great all-rounder for beginners and advancing players.
- Price: £749
- Weighted keys: Yes (Graded Hammer Standard action)
- Number of keys: 88
- Sound engine: Yamaha CFX Grand Piano sample
- Polyphony: 192-note
- Connectivity: USB Audio/MIDI, Smart Pianist app compatibility
- Speakers: 2 x 7W built-in speakers
- Pedals: Sustain pedal included (optional 3-pedal unit)
- Other Features: Compact design, ideal for beginners and advancing players, portable, ideal for home practise or performance
Korg B2SP
A full-featured digital piano bundled with a matching stand and three-pedal unit, the B2SP features Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) for realistic response, 12 built-in sounds, and USB MIDI for easy connectivity.
Its intuitive interface and built-in metronome make it ideal for intermediate learners and home use.
- Price: £479
- Weighted keys: Yes (Natural Weighted Hammer Action)
- Number of keys: 88
- Sound engine: 12 high-quality instrument sounds (including piano, electric piano, organ, and more)
- Polyphony: 120-note
- Connectivity: USB-MIDI, headphone output
- Speakers: 2 x 15W built-in speakers
- Pedals: Includes a 3-pedal unit (sustain, sostenuto, soft)
- Other Features: Includes a matching stand, intuitive control panel, built-in metronome, ideal for beginners and home use
Premium Digital Pianos for Serious Learners
Roland FP-60X
A performance-grade digital piano with PHA-4 Standard keyboard, SuperNATURAL sound engine, and an impressive 288-note polyphony for seamless expression, even in complex pieces.
Its powerful 26W stereo speaker system, Bluetooth MIDI/audio, and extensive tone library (over 300 sounds) make it perfect for advanced learners, stage use, or anyone seeking professional features in a sleek format.
- Price: £1,199
- Weighted keys: Yes (PHA-4 Standard)
- Number of keys: 88
- Sound engine: Roland SuperNATURAL sound engine
- Polyphony: 288-note
- Connectivity: Bluetooth MIDI/audio, USB
- Speakers: 26W stereo speaker system
- Pedals: Optional KPD-90 3-pedal unit or DP-10
- Other Features: Over 300 sounds, app integration, compact and stage-ready design, perfect for advanced learners and performing musicians
Yamaha YDP-145 (Arius Series)
A classic upright-style digital piano designed for serious home practise, featuring Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, Yamaha’s CFX concert grand piano sample, and a full three-pedal system including half-pedal support.
With stereophonic optimiser technology, 192-note polyphony, and a traditional furniture-style cabinet, it’s a perfect long-term solution for dedicated learners and family use.
- Price: £849
- Weighted keys: Yes (Graded Hammer Standard)
- Number of keys: 88
- Sound engine: Yamaha CFX concert grand piano sample
- Polyphony: 192-note
- Connectivity: USB to host, headphone output
- Speakers: 2 x 8W built-in speakers
- Pedals: Full 3-pedal unit (sustain, sostenuto, soft) with half-pedal functionality
- Other Features: Stereophonic optimizer, classic upright design, ideal for home practise and long-term learning
Casio PX-870
A flagship home digital piano from Casio’s Privia line, the PX-870 features Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keys, four-speaker projection system, and AiR sound engine with multi-dimensional morphing for dynamic tonal variation.
It offers 256-note polyphony, lid simulator, adjustable hammer response, and a sleek cabinet design—making it an elegant and expressive instrument for the committed home pianist.
- Price: £1,099
- Weighted keys: Yes (Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II)
- Number of keys: 88
- Sound engine: AiR (Acoustic & Intelligent Resonator) with multi-dimensional morphing
- Polyphony: 256-note
- Connectivity: USB, audio in/out, headphone output
- Speakers: 4-speaker projection system
- Pedals: 3-pedal unit included (damper, soft, sostenuto)
- Other Features: Lid simulator, adjustable hammer response, built-in recorder, sleek cabinet design—ideal for home use and serious practise
Recommended Accessories
To complete your setup, consider the following accessories:
- Adjustable bench – For proper posture and comfort
- Headphones – For silent and immersive practise
- Sustain pedal – Preferably with half-pedalling functionality
- Digital piano stand – Either a foldable X-frame or furniture-style base depending on your model
- Protective dust cover – To keep your instrument clean and in top condition
Conclusion
Selecting the right digital piano is a critical part of your musical success.
The models listed in this guide have been carefully chosen for their reliability, playability, and suitability for adult learners.
If you are unsure which model is best for you, consider your space, goals, and long-term commitment to learning.
A well-chosen digital piano can provide years of musical growth, creativity, and enjoyment.
Remember, the most important step is to start playing and enjoy the process!
You can start with us in person at London Piano Institute or online from anywhere on the globe!