September 2022
Digital Pianos: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Digital Piano rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2022.
Summary
As of 8 Sep 2022, Roland RD-2000 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed digital piano with 4 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 digital piano' this month. It is followed by Yamaha P71 and Yamaha YDP-184 , with 4 and 2 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - September 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Digital Piano |
Gram Parsons
|
Music Critic
|
Old Time Music
|
Gearank
|
The Guitar Junky
|
Luxury Pianos
|
Best Digital Piano
|
Prime Sound
|
Run The Music
|
Music Radar
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $3000 |
Roland RD-2000
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
1
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $500 |
Yamaha P71
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $2400 |
Yamaha YDP-184
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $699 |
Kawai ES110
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
5
|
+1 | Check price |
Yamaha YDP-181
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
+1 | $809 |
Casio Privia PX-770
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
7
|
+1 | $600 |
Roland FP-10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
|
8
|
+1 | $5299 |
Nord Stage 3 88
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
|
17
|
+1 | $579 |
Casio Privia PX-160
|
-
|
8
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
+1 | $1200 |
Yamaha Arius YDP-144
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
+1 | Check price |
Roland FP-90
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
+1 | $1500 |
Roland F-140R
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
+1 | Check price |
Korg B1SP
|
-
|
7
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
+1 | $147 |
Rockjam Keyboard 561 Superkit
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
+1 | Check price |
Roland FP-30
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
24
|
+1 | $550 |
Yamaha P-45
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
25
|
+1 | Check price |
Kawai CE220
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
26
|
New * | $700 |
Yamaha P125
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
|
27
|
- | $731 |
Korg SP-280
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Roland RD-2000 #1 in September 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Roland RD-2000 as #1.
Old Time Music
|
Pros
High Quality Sound
128-Voice Polyphony
Real Time Adjustability
Wood Keys
|
Cons
Very Pricey
|
Prime Sound
Best for Live Performances
|
Pros
Eight available zones for sound mapping
The rich and natural sound
Amazing for live performance
|
Cons
You need to buy the pedal and bench separately
|
Run The Music
Best Overall Digital Piano
|
Pros
Zero-latency processor
V-Piano and SuperNATURAL sound engines
Very versatile in live performances
Extremely authentic feel
Easy to integrate with DAWs and other third party software
Available on Amazon
|
Cons
Not suitable for beginners
|
We ranked Yamaha P71 #2 in September 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Fully-weighted 88 key digital piano for a realistic sound and feel.
Good for beginners.
Dual mode which has the ability to combine two voices together.
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Affordable
Ten Different Voices
Dual Mode
|
Cons
Very Simple
Squeaky keys
|
Gearank
The Best Digital Pianos Under $500
|
Pros
88 full-size keys
Graded Hammer Standard action
Great sounding piano and e.piano
Streamlined design and interface
|
Cons
Limited to 10 Voicings
No rhythm and learning features
Dated technology and connectivity
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Digital Pianos.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Digital Pianos, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for September 2022 ranking
Gram Parsons
Music Critic
Old Time Music
Gearank
The Guitar Junky
Luxury Pianos
Best Digital Piano
Prime Sound
Run The Music
Music Radar
We ranked Yamaha YDP-184 #3 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha YDP-184 as #1.
The Guitar Junky
Recommended
|
Pros
Has clear and crisp sound with good volume
Action feels realisic, not too springy
With half-pedal capacity and has record and playback options
|
Cons
Music rest is thin
Not sufficient volume towards the higher keys
Pedals need more time to get used to
|
We ranked Kawai ES110 #4 in September 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Lightweight
192-Note Polyphony
19 Different Sounds
|
Cons
Poorly weighted Keys
|
Music Radar
Competent and compact all-rounder from Kawai
|
Pros
Bluetooth MIDI
Premium sound and action
|
Cons
No USB connectivity
|
We ranked Yamaha YDP-181 #5 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
The Guitar Junky
Runner-Up
|
Pros
Advanced Wave Memory replicates the sound of an actual piano
Auto-power off, so you don't need to do it manually
Graded hammer action feels like a real acoustic piano
|
Cons
lacks USB to host feature, you need additional MIDI to USB line
Pedals require more force to press down
|
Prime Sound
Customers’ Choice
|
Pros
Adjusts the sound when using the headphones
Can record both hands separately
Numerous modern features improve the experience of using the piano
|
Cons
The chair might damage the hardwood floor
|
We ranked Casio Privia PX-770 #6 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Gram Parsons
Best Cheap Piano for Beginners
|
Pros
A less expensive digital piano
A more portable digital piano
Has Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action II
Has Multi-Dimensional AiR Sound Source sampling
Has simulated ebony and ivory feel
Comes with a complete starter kit
|
Cons
The speakers are sub-par
Not the most feature-rich
|
Music Radar
Best value digital piano for your living room
|
Pros
Excellent sound and action
Includes triple pedal unit and cabinet
|
Cons
Not portable
|
We ranked Roland FP-10 #7 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Run The Music
Best Cheap Digital Piano for Beginners
|
Pros
Very gig-friendly and compact
Excellent escapement and ivory feel keys
Bluetooth connectivity
Rich and authentic piano sound with string resonance and simulated key-off
Extra features and sounds are available via app
|
Cons
Lacks optional 3-pedal unit
Does not offer the most powerful speakers
Lacks dedicated line out jacks
|
Music Radar
The best playing-action in its price bracket
|
Pros
Bluetooth MIDI
PHA-4 keybed at a bargain price
|
Cons
No line outputs
Relatively weedy speakers
|
We ranked Nord Stage 3 88 #8 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Prime Sound
Highest User Control
|
Pros
Two displays for optimal control and clarity
Connectivity with external devices
Multiple functions
|
Cons
It is only available in one color
|
Run The Music
Best Stage Piano
|
Pros
High quality sounds
Authentic and decent digital effects
Drawbars designed for organ tone control
Dedicated section for every voice group
Available on Amazon
|
Cons
Very expensive
The weighted action key might not suit everyone’s needs
|
We ranked Casio Privia PX-160 #9 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Not just a digital piano but a complete bundle to satisfy your playing needs.
Elegant look with an improved quality of sound given by its redesigned speaker system.
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Affordable
High-Quality Speakers
Tri-Sensor Key Tech
|
Cons
Squeaky Keys
|
We ranked Yamaha Arius YDP-144 #10 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
The Guitar Junky
|
Pros
Quality digital piano, especially the pedal system
Has two-track MIDI recorder and USB audio interface
Beautiful sounds from its flagship CFX concert grand
|
Cons
Comes with minimal effects and options
GHS key action isn't as realistic in this model
No Bluetooth connectivity option
|
We ranked Roland FP-90 #11 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
The Guitar Junky
|
Pros
Super fun to play, especially the acoustic pianos
You can feel the fully-weighted action
Has powerful speakers you can hear wonderful tones from
|
Cons
No Duo mode that most digital pianos have
Modeled sounds aren't everyone's choice
It's still hefty, though advertised as portable
|
Prime Sound
Most Acoustic-Like
|
Pros
Produces great acoustic-like sound
Four integrated speakers
Connectivity with tablets or smartphones
|
Cons
Does not include the stand
|
We ranked Roland F-140R #12 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Gram Parsons
Best Intermediate Piano with Weighted Keys
|
Pros
Has USB and Bluetooth connectivity
Has SuperNATURAL Piano sampling
Has Progressive Hammer Action
Has 34 different effects
Can support a 128 note polyphony
Has 316 different voices
|
Cons
A more expensive digital piano
Not many customization options
|
The Guitar Junky
|
Pros
Great sound quality, thanks to the SuperNATURAL sound engine
Bluetooth connectivity for MIDI and iOS devices
Fully-weighted keys with ivory feel
|
Cons
Comes with mini input jacks, you need an adaptor
No multi-track recorder function
Limited options for sound customization
|
We ranked Korg B1SP #13 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
88 keys with weighted hammer action for a realistic feel.
The sound is close to an acoustic piano thanks to the MFB (Motional Feedback) servo technology.
It comes with three pedals as well as damper, sostenuto and soft.
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Very Affordable Package
Fully Weighted Keys
|
Cons
Basic Keyboard
Mediocre Sound
|
We ranked Rockjam Keyboard 561 Superkit #14 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Comes equipped with 61 full-size keys.
The size of this digital keyboard is pretty compact making it a very portable digital piano.
100 keyboard sounds, 100 rhythms, and 50 demo songs will help along your learning experience.
LCD screen.
|
We ranked Roland FP-30 #15 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Run The Music
Best Digital Piano for Intermediates
|
Pros
Excellent key action together with ivory feel keys and modified escapement
Bluetooth MIDI connectivity
Powerful 22W onboard speakers
35 built-in piano sounds
Gig-friendly with SuperNATURAL sound engine
|
Cons
Only few sound customizations
Lacks line out jacks
Lacks lesson mode or function
|
We ranked Yamaha P-45 #16 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Music Radar
Most affordable Yamaha digital piano is a bestseller
|
Pros
Great sound quality
Premium brand at entry-level price
|
Cons
Only 64-note polyphony
No smartphone app integration
|
We ranked Kawai CE220 #17 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Wooden Keys
Attractive Stand
192 Internal Sounds
29-Songs
|
Cons
Pricey relative to performance
Stand vulnerable to cosmetic wear
|
The Guitar Junky
|
Pros
Adjust the dynamics of individual layers of various instruments
Three-pedal configuration adds to the authenticity of this piano
Has superb sampled sounds and effects
|
Cons
Inconsistent, some keys are stiffer
Not portable because of it's shape, not its weight
Simple metronome won't accomodate complex time signature
|
We ranked Yamaha P125 #18 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Gearank
Under $750
|
Pros
88 full-size keys
Superb graded weight action
Great sounding piano and e. piano
Versatile features via Smart Piano App
|
Cons
Bulky and heavy
Limited physical controls
|
Music Radar
A feature-packed portable beginner’s piano from Yamaha
|
Pros
Wide range of excellent sounds
50 onboard songs to play along with
|
Cons
No Bluetooth capability
|
We ranked Korg SP-280 #19 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Digital Pianos” rankings.
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Easy to Transport
Moderate Price
Low Profile Stand
Good Keyboard
|
Cons
Low quality onboard speakers
|
Prime Sound
Best Volume Potential
|
Pros
A total of 30 instrument sounds
High potential when it comes to volume
Lightweight design
|
Cons
The weighted keys could be better
|