#1
Roland FP-30X
88-Key Digital Piano · PHA-4 Standard weighted action, SuperNATURAL piano sound, Bluetooth$350–$500 usedBest for: Students and adults who want a real piano feel
The FP-30X uses Roland's PHA-4 Standard key action — the same basic mechanism used in Roland's professional pianos, not a cost-cut student action. The SuperNATURAL piano engine is multi-sampled with no looping artifacts. Bluetooth connectivity lets you use Roland Piano Partner 2 for guided practice without cables.
What to check used: The built-in speakers are adequate but small. Connect to powered monitors or headphones for serious practice.
#2
Yamaha P-45
88-Key Digital Piano · GHS weighted action, Yamaha CF concert grand sample, 64-note polyphony$280–$400 usedBest for: Budget-first buyers who still want proper weighted keys
The Yamaha P-45 is the best-selling entry-level digital piano for a reason: it works. The GHS graded hammer standard action has a heavier weight in the bass and lighter in the treble — just like an acoustic piano. Used P-45s are everywhere at $280-400 and sound better than the price suggests.
What to check used: 64-note polyphony is lower than competitors. Complex classical pieces with sustain pedal engaged can cause note dropouts in the extreme bass. A limitation but rarely a practical problem for beginners.
#3
Casio PX-S3100
88-Key Digital Piano · Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard, 700 sounds, Bluetooth MIDI$420–$550 usedBest for: Players who want a large sound library alongside a quality piano engine
The PX-S3100 packs 700 built-in sounds including strings, organs, and choirs in addition to a multi-sampled piano. The Smart Scaled Hammer Action is Casio's best key action to date — weighted, velocity-sensitive, and wider key-spacing than older Casio models. Bluetooth MIDI connects wirelessly to apps.
#4
Yamaha P-125A
88-Key Digital Piano · GHC graded hammer compact action, Pure CF piano sample, 192-note polyphony$380–$500 usedBest for: Students upgrading from the P-45 who want more polyphony
The P-125A improves on the P-45 with 192-note polyphony (vs 64), a slightly improved key surface texture, and better audio processing. The difference in sound clarity between a sustained chord on the P-45 versus P-125A is real. One step up in the Yamaha line for $50-80 more used.
#5
Korg B2
88-Key Digital Piano · Natural Weighted Hammer action, 12 sounds, RH3 key feel option in B2SP$250–$370 usedBest for: Budget beginners wanting a Korg sound engine
Korg piano sounds have a distinct character — slightly brighter and more present than Yamaha or Roland at the same price tier. The B2 uses Natural Weighted Hammer action and comes in at the lower end of the price scale with features that match more expensive competitors.
#6
Alesis Recital Pro
88-Key Digital Piano · Hammer-action graded weighted keys, 12 voices, lesson function$220–$320 usedBest for: Young students needing an affordable first piano
Alesis builds honest instruments at honest prices. The Recital Pro has hammer-action graded keys — not just semi-weighted — at a price point that makes first-piano investment accessible. The built-in lesson function splits the keyboard for teacher/student side-by-side instruction.
What to check used: Sound engine quality is behind Roland and Yamaha at similar price points. For serious piano study, step up to a P-45 or FP-30X.
#7
Williams Allegro IV
88-Key Digital Piano · Semi-weighted hammer action, USB MIDI, 15 voices$200–$300 usedBest for: Casual players and complete beginners on the tightest budget
Williams is Guitar Center's house brand for digital pianos — instruments designed for accessibility over performance. The Allegro IV is the best of the Williams lineup: a proper 88-key instrument with semi-weighted action and USB MIDI for connecting to DAWs and apps.
