Sometimes, you just want to play out for fun or to explore your kids interests. But, in case you were holding back because you thought that the keyboard must be expensive to sound anything nice, stay with us - we’re quite sure you can go out and buy one right after you finish this reading.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Budget Keyboard Pianos
- OUR TOP PICK: Casio CTK-2550
- RUNNER-UP: Yamaha YPT260
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Casio CT-X700
Table of Contents
Can You Really Find a Quality Keyboard Piano That’s Affordable?
Technology around the keyboard world has evolved so far that even a low-budget keyboard can sound amazing. If it was only a couple of years ago, our answer and complete review would be much different.
But, luckily, except for keyboards made just for kids, probably all keyboard models have a decent piano sound today while other voices and features depend on manufacturer choices and price range. So don’t be shocked if you get much more than you expected.
It seems like the biggest manufacturers have decided that the good sound is no longer a hold of professional keyboards. They won’t come anywhere close when we talk about fine details and features, that’s for sure, but for most casual players those would be easily considered as an overkill.
And while we speak about budget, lets define what’s affordable to you. You shouldn’t expect wonders at the $100 range, but as you move closer to $200 you will be really surprised to hear what professional-grade sounds they come with. Same goes with build quality and this is even more drastically improved with higher numbers. They tend to have more modern design and some even excel regarding battery life or portability.
Comparison Chart of the Best Budget Keyboard Pianos
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Review of the Best Budget Keyboard Pianos
Let us show you some of the keyboard pianos that you can buy now. This time, we’ll put focus on budget first.
Best Overall:
Casio CTK-2550
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People think that this offer is an excellent cost effective starter pack and the reviews are overall quite positive. However, as some users stated, don’t be confused by the marketing - this Casio doesn’t provide any MIDI connection - Chordana app is available through audio input jack only.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Dance Music gives you an option to use 50 different styles so you can create electronic music on the fly using the lower keys for triggering. Effects such as flanger or filter are also included in this mode.
Who Will Use This Most
It’s definitely oriented toward beginners and it has a nice proper learning system. But, as already mentioned, it was also designed to provide an interactive play of the modern electronic music and to support typical external devices used everyday such as smartphones and tablets.
Bottom Line
This is the best deal if you’re looking for a budget solution. It’s so nice that Casio has decided to include even headphones and keyboard stand at this price so you can have everything you need to start playing.
Runner-up:
Yamaha YPT260
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers had this keyboard as their first and there is no serious complaint about it. They find it to be well-built and sounds seem to be perfect for a user without musical background. They are satisfied with this purchase although aware that this model isn’t a professional keyboard.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Yamaha always had a nice teaching system and YPT260 on-board suite doesn’t come short. Ultra stereo speakers are a nice add-on as it increases the sound quality coming out from the speakers. It’s very compact sized so you can fit it anywhere on your table.
Who Will Use This Most
Beginners will appreciate the lesson system as it comes with even nine steps so they can break down the learning process. And for those more experienced, there is a free ebook for download, too. Even teachers can benefit from Duo mode as it will split the keyboard in two so they can play together with their students.
Bottom Line
This is a perfect all-around model, ideal for seasoned players. It comes with all sounds and extra features you would expect from a manufacturer such as Yamaha, but this time, for a very affordable price.
Best for the Money:
Casio CT-X700
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
They find that this model fills the gap nicely for all people who are “advanced beginners”. Keys are reported to be excellent quality. They also report that it worked with all major software on Mac, Win, or iOS and there are comments that it works even with Android, too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Casio did an excellent job with the sounds on this keyboard. The sound selection is almost at a professional level, thanks to Casio’s new AiX sound engine. There is an interesting Step-Up lesson system for built-in songs so you can learn the correct fingering and notation.
Who Will Use This Most
While it was designed for both beginners it will be useful for advanced players thanks to the sounds it comes with and USB-MIDI connection. It can be paired with a computer so you can use it as a MIDI controller or play the software instruments, too.
Bottom Line
This Casio may be slightly out of everyone’s budget. But, the quality you get from it is just worth that extra buck. It’s going to take some while before you consider replacing it for something better.
Best Keyboard Piano Under $100:
Ohuhu 61-Key Electric Keyboard Piano
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers think this is a good buy and a perfect starter, especially for the kids or beginners. Keys are commented to be big enough for adults, too and they really love how headphones cut out the speakers so that they can practice anytime in privacy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like how the USB port for thumb drive was placed conveniently in front, just like you would expect on your desktop computer. It allows you to load more songs on board. And on top of that, it gives you an option to plug a microphone in directly and sing on built-in speakers.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a basic entry-level keyboard piano. It was designed for people who don’t take music too seriously. Beginners will definitely appreciate the option to load up more songs as they can practice more either with the three different learning modes or built-in metronome mode.
Bottom Line
It’s amazing that we can find such a well-equipped keyboard piano at this price. It won’t bring you anything special but it will be good enough to start out with keyboard piano lessons while not affecting your budget at all.
Best Keyboard Piano Under $200:
Casio CT-S300
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
They are thrilled that they have such a portable model that can also work as a MIDI controller. They love the key response and how it looks. But, sound navigation could be sorted out better as you have to dial through 300 different sounds all the time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We got used to getting almost professional quality voices that sound very modern from Casio budget models. This time, they even included a pitch wheel and USB-MIDI port. And the best thing about its ultra portability is that it has built in speakers and it can last up to 20 hours on batteries.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit has an excellent innovative design so that it becomes its own carrying case thanks to the handle hole in the top middle. It was made for youngsters and for those who would appreciate the cool design factor. And with Casio sounds evolving, we can easily imagine some street performances with this model included.
Bottom Line
Casio made this keyboard for its 40th anniversary and put a lot of effort into the design. You can’t find a more portable and versatile keyboard piano with such a terrific sound palette on the market.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Here are some key features for your purchase:
Build Quality
Budget keyboards are not famous for build quality so you shouldn’t expect too much. However, if you want to be safe, pick Yamaha or Casio models. They are well known manufacturers and should have better overall quality control level.
Kids vs. Adults
In case you’re buying a keyboard for youngsters, you should know that probably every keyboard on the market is capable of providing you enough to keep them occupied. You can even go further and buy mini size keys models if they are really young. But, if you’re buying for yourself, we would advise to be careful with models under $100.
Features
Some keyboards put their focus rather on number of sounds while others may provide you with additional pre-recorded songs, rhythms and accompaniment tracks, inputs for microphone or external devices or provide you option to record your playing.
Skill Level
You should know that there are models that are specially designed for beginners and they usually come with piano or keyboard lessons installed on board. Some may even provide a split system so that both teacher and student can sit next to each other and play the same note on the same keyboard.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found a budget model that suits you the best. Whatever you picked, don’t worry, these models are meant to be your first instrument and not your last. Take your time and invest in practicing, it will repay you a double when you decide it’s time to buy the next one.
