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I’ve tested over 50 digital pianos under $1,000 since 2013, and I personally own every model mentioned in this guide. With over 25 years of piano playing experience, both as a solo player and as a member of the major label band Vinyl Theatre, I know what makes a digital piano stand out for sound, feel, and value.
We’ll start with the best portable digital pianos under $1,000, perfect if you need something lightweight and versatile. Then, we’ll cover the best console-style digital pianos under $1,000 if you want a more permanent, upright-style instrument for your home.
I’ve selected the Kawai ES120 as the best possible choice under $1,000 due to its incredible stock piano sounds.
If you’re looking for something a little bit more budget friendly, check out the Casio Privia PX-S3100 and its impressive slim profile, with surprising key action.
And for those looking for a console or upright style, check out the Kawai KDP75, as it’s the best console option for the price point, or for a budget console, check out the Donner DDP-80 Plus.
At Keyboardkraze, we take pride in reviewing every digital piano at each price point. Check out our roundup of digital pianos for every price point here.
Feature | Kawai ES120 | Roland FP-60X | Casio Privia PX-S3100 | Kawai KDP75 | Casio Privia PX-770 | Donner DDP-80 Plus |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Action | Responsive Hammer Compact | PHA-4 Standard with Escapement | Smart Hybrid Hammer Action | Responsive Hammer Compact | Scaled Hammer Action | Heavy Weighted Hammer Action |
Polyphony | 192 notes | 256 notes | 192 notes | 192 notes | 128 notes | 128 notes |
Sound Engine | SK-EX Concert Grand Sampling | SuperNATURAL Piano Engine | AiR Sound Source + 700 tones | Harmonic Imaging Sound Tech | AiR (Acoustic & Intelligent) | Standard PCM Sample Engine |
Built-in Voices | 25 sounds | 350+ sounds | 700+ tones, 200 rhythms | 15 sounds | 19 sounds | 8–10 basic tones |
Speakers | 2 x 12 cm, 2 x 8 W | 2-way, 26 W total | Dual 8W speakers | 2 x 4.7”, 2 x 9 W amplifiers | 2 x 12 cm, 2 x 8 W | Dual 20 W speakers |
Weight | 26 lbs (11.8 kg) | 41 lbs (18.6 kg) | 25.1 lbs (11.4 kg) | 80 lbs (36 kg) | 69 lbs (31 kg) | 46 lbs (21 kg) |
Bluetooth | MIDI & Audio | MIDI & Audio | MIDI & Audio (with adapter) | MIDI | No Bluetooth | No Bluetooth |
Pedals Included | Sustain pedal | Sustain pedal | Sustain pedal | Triple pedal unit integrated | Triple pedal unit integrated | Triple pedal unit integrated |
Best For | Pure piano tone, authentic feel | Best key action, versatility | Portability, feature-packed | Authentic console experience | Compact console, bright tone | Budget buyers, aesthetic lovers |
Best Portable Digital Pianos Under $1,000
Kawai ES120 — Best Digital Piano Under $1,000
The Kawai ES 120 surprised me from the second I played my first seventh chord on it. It's warm, while incredibly bright and delivers an overall tone much more expensive than what it costs.
The Kawai ES120 earns its top spot thanks to its superb acoustic piano sound. Kawai’s SK-EX concert grand samples deliver rich, detailed tone, and its Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) action feels wonderfully balanced under the fingers.
Pros
- Gorgeous, expressive piano sounds
- Excellent key action with great touch response
- Lightweight at 26 lbs
- Bluetooth MIDI and audio for connectivity
Cons
- Limited onboard sounds compared to some competitors
- Simple interface without fancy screens or editing features
What I Like
I love the clarity and warmth of the ES120’s piano tones — they really stand out compared to other boards in this price range. The key feel is satisfying, making it a joy to practice or perform on. Plus, at just 26 lbs, it’s impressively portable for such a high-quality instrument.
What I Don’t Like
It’s not packed with extra sounds or deep editing functions, so if you want a digital piano that doubles as a full workstation, you might feel a bit limited here.
Who It’s Best For
Perfect for players who care most about pure piano tone and touch. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or hobbyist composer, the ES120 gives you an authentic playing experience you’ll love, however, I would say it’s more intermediate to advanced quality wise.
Roland FP-60X — Best Key Action Under $1,000
The Roland FP 60 X is one of the most popular digital pianos available. With incredible key-action, great piano sounds, and a slim sleek design, it's hard to compete near this price point.
If key feel is what matters most, the Roland FP-60X is a standout. Its PHA-4 Standard keybed offers incredible dynamic control, with a firm, responsive touch that feels closer to an acoustic piano than anything else in this price range. Add inRoland’s SuperNATURAL piano engine and over 350 sounds, and you’ve got a highly versatile, performance-ready instrument.
Pros
- Outstanding key action with escapement and ivory feel
- Excellent piano tones from the SuperNATURAL engine
- Over 350 sounds and customizable EQ
- Bluetooth MIDI and audio built in
Cons
- Heavier than other portables (41 lbs)
- Menu navigation can feel clunky at first
What I Like
The key action here is easily the best under $1,000 — firm, nuanced, and incredibly satisfying to play. I also appreciate the wide range of sounds, the customizable EQ, and the built-in Bluetooth MIDI and audio, which make it easy to integrate with apps and studio gear.
What I Don’t Like
At about 41 lbs, it’s a bit heavier and less portable than other picks, which can make transport less convenient. The menu system can also feel clunky until you get familiar with it.
Who It’s Best For
Great for intermediate and advancing players who want premium key feel and flexibility. It’s an ideal choice if you want an instrument versatile enough for home, stage, or studio use.
Casio Privia PX-S3100 — Best Slim, Portable Design
The PX-S3110 has taken the market by storm with incredible portability and a powerful sound engine.
The Casio Privia PX-S3100 has shaken up the market with its incredible portability and sleek design. Weighing just 25 lbs and offering 192-note polyphony, over 700 tones, and Bluetooth connectivity, it’s a feature-packed option perfect for players on the go.
Pros
- Ultra-slim, lightweight design (25.1 lbs)
- Over 700 tones and 200 rhythms
- Impressive speaker clarity for the size
- Bluetooth MIDI and audio ready (with adapter)
Cons
- Piano tones aren’t quite as realistic as Kawai or Roland
- Key action, while solid, feels a bit lighter compared to rivals
What I Like
The PX-S3100’s design is stunning — slim, modern, and easy to navigate, even on a dark stage. I enjoy the flexibility it offers, with so many sounds and rhythms to explore, plus Bluetooth support for connecting to apps and backing tracks.
What I Don’t Like
While the keys feel good, they don’t quite match the realism of the Kawai or Roland for pure piano play. Also, if you’re a tone purist, you might notice the piano samples lack the depth and nuance you’d get from the top-tier picks here.
Who It’s Best For
An excellent choice for beginners, songwriters, or gigging musicians who prioritize maximum portability and a wide variety of sounds. If you need something lightweight and versatile, the PX-S3100 is a top contender.
Best Console Style Digital Pianos Under $1,000
If you love the look and feel of a full upright piano, console style digital pianos are worth considering. While they lack the portability of slimmer portable models, they often come with bigger speaker systems, built-in triple pedals, and designs that blend beautifully into a home space.
Pros of Console Style
- Traditional upright piano look, enhancing your room’s aesthetic
- Often better sound projection thanks to cabinet resonance
- Built-in triple pedals (sustain, soft, sostenuto) included
Cons of Console Style
- Heavy and bulky, difficult to move or travel with
- Takes up more space, which can challenge smaller living areas
While I personally lean toward portable options under $1,000 for flexibility, there’s no denying some players will prefer the upright look, bigger cabinets, and fuller sound of console models. Here are my top console style picks.
Kawai KDP75 — Best Console Digital Piano Under $1,000
The Kawai KDP75 gives pianists one of the most realistic plays/sounds a digital piano can give for its price-point.
The Kawai KDP75 stands out as the best overall console digital piano under $1,000. Weighing nearly 80 lbs, it’s built like a tank but rewards you with some of the most realistic piano sounds you’ll hear in this price range. Kawai’s acoustic piano samples are next-level, and the Responsive Hammer Compact action makes the keybed feel balanced and expressive.
Pros
- Excellent key action with responsive hammer feel
- Gorgeous, clear piano sounds with deep bass
- Sturdy, well-built cabinet with impressive speaker output
- 192-note polyphony for smooth, complex playing
Cons
- Heavy and bulky, not designed for moving
- Limited preset sounds compared to some competitors
What I Like
The KDP75 is all about authenticity — the acoustic piano tones are some of the best I’ve heard at this price, and the low-end bass response is incredibly satisfying. The key action is beautifully balanced, giving you dynamic control whether you’re playing delicate pieces or heavy chords.
What I Don’t Like
There’s not a lot of preset variety here, and at nearly 80 lbs, this is a piano you’ll want to set up once and leave in place.
Who It’s Best For
Perfect for players who want a beautiful, authentic piano experience at home and don’t care about portability. Beginners and intermediate pianists will love the realistic feel and tone, and even advanced players will appreciate the expressiveness for the price.
Casio Privia PX-770 — Best Compact Console Style
The PX-770 packs a punch with its sleek design and impressive price tag. I believe this is a great choice for beginners to intermediate players.
The Casio Privia PX-770 delivers surprising power and flexibility in a sleek, space-saving cabinet. It’s one of the most compact console style models, making it a great option for small apartments or rooms. With Casio’s AiR sound engine and simulated ebony and ivory keys, the PX-770 balances great design with solid piano tone.
Pros
- Compact, space-saving design
- Lightweight for a console style
- Strong built-in speaker system
- Split keyboard mode for lessons or duets
- Eleven onboard effect types
Cons
- Fewer sounds than some competitors
- Key action feels a bit noisier and lighter
- No USB-to-device port
What I Like
The PX-770 is beautifully designed, and I appreciate how compact and modern it feels. The AiR processor delivers bright, sparkling piano sounds, and the split mode is great for lessons. It’s also lighter than many console models, making setup easier.
What I Don’t Like
The action isn’t as refined as Kawai’s, and there’s less tonal depth compared to top-tier options. Also, if you want lots of presets, this board keeps things simple.
Who It’s Best For
Great for beginners and intermediate players who want a stylish, space-friendly console digital piano with good sound and useful features — all at a budget-friendly price.
Donner DDP-80 Plus — Best Budget Console Pick
The Donner DDP-80 is one of the most innovative digital pianos near its price point, offering solid key-action and impressive speakers.
The Donner DDP-80 Plus is a true budget pick and, in terms of aesthetics, probably the best-looking console option available under $1,000. While it doesn’t match the feel or tone of higher-end brands, it offers a striking wooden design and super heavy key action that some beginners or decorators may love.
Pros
- Beautiful, modern wood finish — great for decor
- Very affordable price point
- Includes triple pedal setup
- Simple, clean interface
Cons
- Heavy key action, which may feel stiff to some players
- Limited onboard sounds and features
- Speaker quality is passable but not standout
What I Like
The DDP-80 Plus really shines in its design — it looks fantastic in living spaces and has a sleek, minimalist vibe. For a beginner or someone focused on aesthetics, it’s an affordable way to get a full console feel.
What I Don’t Like
The key action is very heavy and can feel a bit sluggish, making it less ideal for fast or advanced playing. The sounds are decent but nowhere near the Kawai or Casio level.
Who It’s Best For
Perfect for budget buyers who want an attractive, acoustic-style digital piano mainly for casual play or decor. It’s a solid pick if looks matter more than top-tier sound or feel.
Console VS Portable Digital Pianos
Above is me with my Donner DDP-80, which you can see is more of a console style that is perfect for homes/apartments.
Let’s quickly look at the difference between console and portable pianos. Both styles have pros and cons and will work better depending on your needs.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of console-style digital pianos:
Pros Of Console-Style
- Design: Console-style digital pianos look closer to a traditional acoustic piano than a portable digital piano. Some may prefer this as it adds to an apartment or house look.
- Sound: The sound can sometimes be better on a console-style digital piano as more resonance will be throughout the cabinet.
- Pedals: Console-style digital pianos have three pedals attached, which can save you money should you go the portable route. Remember that you typically really only need a sustain pedal, and most portable options come with one included nowadays.
Cons Of Console-Style
- Lack of portability: The biggest downfall of console-style digital pianos is that they are typically large and heavy, so you can’t travel with them as quickly. They also might be too big for your living situation, should you have a smaller place.
Portable-Style Pros
- Portability: While this might seem a no-brainer, portable digital pianos have become slimmer and lighter over the years, making them perfect for smaller homes and gigging.
- More connectivity: I find that portable digital pianos sometimes have more connectivity as brand manufacturers understand musicians playing portable options might be using them for gigging.
How Did I Grade My Favorite Digital Pianos Under $1,000?
Below are the criteria I used to grade each of these options:
- Sound
- Key Action
- Speakers
- Features
2 comments
Just bought the PX-S3100 because of your review, Chris. It’s good to see Casio making great keyboards again.
Cheers
Love to hear that, thank you!