Best Digital Piano under $2000 – Reviews with A Detailed Buying Guide

Heading towards the market for a brand new digital piano that is best in quality and you have only $2000 in hand? Looking for one to learn on or hunting for a good upgrade, whatever your reason might be, this article will help you make the best choice under 2000 dollars that would pamper your skills to the utmost.

Digital pianos are kind of exploding the market with better quality models than before. You might be an amateur, intermediate or a professional; there is a piano out there to satisfy your needs. To help you search better, a buyer’s guide is also added including the review of top 10 digital pianos under $2000 and a few FAQs as well.

Top 10 Best Digital Pianos Under $2000 Reviews 2018

best digital piano under 2000

1. Yamaha YDP143B Arius Series Console Digital Piano Review

 

Yamaha YDP143B Arius piano under $200

Features

  • Great replacement for an acoustic piano
  • Ten voices included
  • Built-in metronome
  • Compatible with Apple devices and other music-learning apps
  • Two headphone jack
If you are concerned about your space then this 84 pounds piano is easy to move and does not eat up on space. This model is thus the ideal size that goes great along with your living room or a studio wall. For a more genuine wood appearance, it is available in black walnut and rosewood finish.

It is equipped with all three traditional pedals, plus does not have any loose wiring for such add-ons as most pedal accessories have. This trio allows playing dynamic music than with a single pedal. You will find the pedal cord hidden by a console that further runs up on the back and is attached with clips. With other pianos, having those clingy power cords that you might have tripped over but with Yamaha YPD 143B you need not worry about such a thing.

A music rest, comfortable bench, and a cabinet sliding lid are also delivered with this model. Further, if you want to transfer music from your piano to tablets or computer or vice versa, then a Bluetooth USB MIDI adapter is the accessory you should invest in.

The only drawback of this YPD 143B is its partial nature towards Apple gadgets. It is compatible with IOS or Mac devices only, which makes it difficult for non-iOS users to transfer their stuff.

Further Yamaha has offered a USB port and memory of 900 KB and that too all compatible with MIDI. You can even transfer the music directly. Record, plugin and transfer your creations. Or it also offers a direct transfer of DAW (Digital Audio Workspace) using live data of MIDI.

You get 10 voices and 50 pre-set songs that work with many Yamaha apps that include my music recorder, visual performer, NoteStar, digital piano controller, and piano diary.

To give it a less electronic look, the USB port, pedal jack, and dual headphone jack are all placed underneath the piano console. But unlike other pianos, Yamaha YPD 143B doesn’t have a screen so you completely need to rely on the keys.

Therefore, if you ask me to choose the best one from the list, then I will tell you to invest on this breath-taking piece of machinery that comes even under $1500.

Things We Like
  • High-grade hammer action on keys
  • Elegant outlook
  • Low on maintenance
  • Auto power off
  • Pure CF sound engine for an impressive acoustic piano sound
Things We Didn't Like
  • No display screen
  • No actual hammer action
  • Not a nicer portable option
  • Bit xpensive

2. Yamaha Arius YDP-181 Traditional Console Style Digital Piano Review

 

Yamaha Arius YDP-181 Traditional Console Style Digital Piano Review

Features

This is another $2000US masterpiece digital piano by Yamaha that features 88 keys. Its high-graded hammer effect while playing gives the feel akin to an acoustic piano. Those 128 polyphony notes mimic the actual piano and for enhanced control, 3 damper pedals offering half-damper effects are equipped with Yamaha YDP 181.

Yamaha has also added three levels of touch sensitivity that promote various styles of playing. Also, an advanced Wave Memory sampling is added to deliver a true acoustic sound.

  • Excellent audio sampling
  • Half-pedal effects for effective control
  • 88 keys full keyboard
  • Variable touch sensitivity

With its recording track feature through which a player can keep the detailed progress of his/her recordings.

Overall, it is a good product at this price range that creates enough audio sampling for an actual acoustic instrument feel and the weighted keys give a more realistic experience. On the other hand, the half-pedal effect heightens the versatility of a player’s skill.

Things We Like
  • High graded hammer keyboard
  • Realistic audio sound
  • Damper pedals
  • 128 polyphonic notes
Things We Didn't Like
  • Requires connection of MIDI to USB to connect the computer
  • Small bench playing
  • Pedals need a bit of pressure to press them down

3. Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano Review

 

Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano Review

Features

  • High-grade quality
  • Impressive designing
  • Compact model
  • 88 keys keyboard
  • Great sound sampling
  • Double mode to join and play two instruments at once
  • Track your own recording
  • Great controlling system
  • USB availability
  • Earphones availability
This amazing full-sized electric piano is crafted with 88 weighted keys that somewhat try to give the feel of an acoustic piano. The keys are made with Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard, which ensures the quality of keys than other brands.

Yamaha offers two different packing of this model, one is with the only keyboard and the other you get be shedding bit more bucks for add-on accessories like piano stand, effects pedal and pair of headphones.

Another great feature of the Yamaha P71 is its slim and lightweight design with a depth of only 13 inches. A fantastic purchase for those looking to jump-start their career as musicians. We must say that Yamaha has worked tirelessly to bring a high-quality piano machine that works according to your needs.

Sound quality is a great testament to P71, which is integrated with digital audio sampling to bring natural and realistic sounds. It is very easy to notice a clear low and a high tone. This piano is loaded with 10 instrumental voices offering a wide array of musical performances.

You can even play different sounds with help of its Duel Mode that gives the effect of a fuller performance. Further, it also helps in recording from a digital audio workstation. Versatile connectivity is also offered to the computer via USB. For a smooth-running, a power adapter and a headphone jack are available and you can even connect an amplifier to a powerful performance.

Things We Like
  • Practical sound
  • Weighted keys for a realistic acoustic experience
  • Smooth outlook
  • Double mode for different sounds
  • Simple playing
Things We Didn't Like
  • Restricted playing
  • Lack of LED screen

4. Casio Privia PX-160 Digital Piano Review

 

Casio Privia PX-160 #4 $2000 digital piano

Features

Casio has been ruling the keyboard market for a very long time. PX160 is one of its many manufacturing’s that gain a special position due to its design and good electric quality play. Being an attractive entry-level piano, it comes in solid black and muted gold color, both just look so natural and can be fit anywhere.

This keyboard is sleek except for the tits top section, which is a house with many central functions. This 88 keys keyboard is well crafted and feels soft on your fingers. No complex menus but only a simple set of controls make it a great keyboard for beginners.

  • Different mode options
  • 60 built-in songs
  • Capable of multi-track MIDI recording
  • Various functions to adjust the pitch of the keyboard
  • Metronome to for a steady tempo
  • Auto power off operation lock for unintentional button operation

It features 128 polyphonic notes and the speakers are surprisingly impressive. Loaded with a good bass it helps the room to fill with a great sound without any external devices.

This keyboard is equipped with a 3-sensor set up for a better translation of the key motion that results in an accurate sound. For a more acoustic feel, the keys are topped with synthetic ivory and an ebony finish. This might be a small detail but perfection lies in each and every segment of this model.

The other benefit of this material is the absorption of the sweat that is accumulated with an intense session. Finally, the keys are fully graded which means lower keys offer more resistance than higher registered keys.

In terms of connectivity, there is a pair of audio outs that can be used with a computer, mini stereos, external speakers, and even headphones. Overall, this model believes in bringing high-class features and the most natural-sounding digital pianos, especially for beginners. This piano can be a great deal for under $1000 USD.

Things We Like
  • 3-sensor hammer action
  • Plug and play technology reduced the extra downloading of various drivers
  • Portable keyboard
  • 128 polyphonic notes
  • Built-in 2 track system
  • 16W speakers
  • 60 built-in songs for practice
Things We Didn't Like
  • Bit noisy keys
  • No display screen
  • Sustain pedal is bit flimsy

5. Casio Privia PX160BK 88-Key Full Size Digital Piano Review

Casio Privia PX160BK 88-Key Full Size Digital Piano Review

Features

  • Elegant outlook
  • Enhanced speaker system
  • Dual headphones output
  • Available in champagne gold and black finish
  • 18 authentic tunes
  • The new speaker system of 2x8w
  • 3-year warranty
This model is equipped with an AIR sound source and Tri-sensor scaled hammer action. It is an upgraded model of 160 with more enhanced sound quality and features. Its functioning and performance are unbeatable in this price range.

Casio’s patent AiR (Acoustic Intelligent Resonator) delivers a high-class sound similar to that of an acoustic piano. For impressive performance and remarkable realism, a damper pedal is used for AiR stimulation. These make the Casio PX160 a top digital stage piano for under 2000 USD.

Talking about the keyboard features it is stimulated with ebony and ivory textured keys for a grand acoustic feel and its three sensors readily captures a dynamic performance with accuracy. Its ultimate key to sound is unmatched by other brands.

Furthermore, the chassis has been improved for a more elegant look with an 8w speaker system studded inside for remarkable and rich sound quality. They are ported to the backside of the piano for easy projection especially in a classroom where the sound is well echoed towards the audience.

A two-track recorder is also set for playback and recording practice sessions. Duet mode, on the other hand, divides this high-end keyboard piano into two halves so that teacher and student can work on it simultaneously. Also, its optional stand gives the piano an accurate height for easy usage.

For versatile connectivity, it has two headphone outputs located in the front for amplification and its class-compliant USB connectivity does not need any extra drivers on your computer. Thus, for maximum pleasure playing at home, this up-gradation is the right choice for you.

Things We Like

  • Mimics mechanical piano
  • Good sustain
  • Remarkable sound quality
  • Realistic key action
  • Clear sound
Things We Didn't Like
  • No proper customer support service
  • Speakers might wear out after a few months

6. Yamaha P115 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano Review

 

Yamaha P115 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano Review

Features

  • Great CF sound engine
  • Graded hammer standard piano that mimics real acoustic piano
  • Weighted keys
  • Proper stereo experience
  • Several built-in rhythms
  • Versatile connectivity
A budget-friendly digital piano for those looking for a feel of the professional piano. This is because of grad hammered system keys whose weight exactly mimics that of an acoustic one. Another worth mentioning feature is its controller app that lets the user perform many tasks using a remote.

For great amplification, its built-in speakers do all the work. You can even connect your AUX or headphone for a different sound feel. There are numerous voices and tunes loaded on the piano but don’t expect a rich treasure like Casio. But Yamaha believes in quality thus its successors are much more satisfying.

In addition, this model offers instrumental voices such as Wurlitzer, Grand piano, rock, and bright piano. Its 10 piano styles deliver a cool functioning that plays chords in selected styles and let your hands-free for fuller melodies. Thus, if you are an advanced musician and looking for an upgrade then this is probably the best fit. In a word, this is certainly a great 88 key keyboard under $2000 that is worths every penny you pay for it!

Things We Like
  • Made of heavy material
  • Auxiliary connections for both headphones and speakers
  • 3-year warranty
Things We Didn't Like
  • Headphones jacks to be replaced with 6.5 mm except 3.5 mm
  • No actual hammer action
  • Speakers are not compatible with stage-level performance
  • Affordable intermediate piano rather than for a beginner

7. Yamaha P255 Professional Digital Piano Review

 

Yamaha P255 Professional Digital Piano Review

Features

A great model with a certain class and elegance, which will surely catch your eyes. It might look hefty at first glance but it is modest of all with the weight of 38 pounds. In fact, it is a wonderful machine that weighs so little in spite of accommodating so much of the technology inside.

You will find a small 7 segmented area on the interface occupied with a LED-backlit display with red lightning. Also, this interface is equipped with a few buttons out of which some are designated to voices and others for sound effects. A couple of sliders are also loaded for EQ and volume.

  • The expandable Internal memory of 1MB
  • Two track recording system
  • Advanced connectivity
  • Speaker cut off feature to mute the built-in speakers when connected to the amplifier
  • Panel lock button to avoid unwanted pressing of buttons
  • Controller app for IOS

Yamaha has specially made this piano for emitting realistic and clear voices for a real piano feel. It is fully loaded with 24 pre-set tones, which includes 4 organs, 4 electric pianos, and 4 grand piano sounds, including another assortment of sounds. With Yamaha’s Key Off Sample you will get an amazing sound quality with an incredible effect of legato and staccato playing together.

All thanks to its CF Sound Engine that is technologized to capture the full effect of tones on the system. Also with Graded Hammer key set adds weight to the keys for a full bass experience. The keys are designed in such a way that they absorb moisture from the palms of the player to avoid slippage and extend their playing time.

P255 comes with an app controller, which is specially designed for IOS. It is an innovative app to allow users to change or split their voices and recordings. With 2 15w speakers, this piano boasts a sound that automatically enhances the volume of this piano for a LIVE performance feel.

Things We Like
  • 88 key Graded Hammer key set
  • Ivory keys to retaining moisture
  • 3 EQ sliders for acoustic settings
  • Built-in 256 polyphony notes
  • CF sampling
  • Sound boost feature
Things We Didn't Like
  • Few preset voices
  • Lack of due mode
  • Few reverbs

8. Yamaha YDP-143B Arius Console Digital Piano Review

 

Yamaha YDP-143B Arius Console Digital Piano Review

Features

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Built-in recording function
  • IOS compatibility
  • 50 built-in songs
  • 88 weighted key action
  • Half-damper pedal control
  • Variety of colors
  • Stereophonic optimizer
  • Intelligent Acoustic Control
This 88 key piano comes with an integration of Graded Hammer Standard, which is perfect for any player to feel the traditional piano experience. The pedals are so uniquely set that they provide a mellow reverb once the damper pedal is pressed.

The best piano for intermediate players who want to upgrade their learning through a book. This piano even mirrors a jukebox on its own. Its built-in recording capability is another asset that avoids the player to hassle with extra equipment. With its recording system, you can record two tracks simultaneously. The output file you get is in SMF format that is used widely with the standard MIDI file, which further allows playback on almost every computer.

A unique feature offered only by this grand Yamaha piano is a stereophonic optimizer or a headphone device, which has the ability to split the sound from the piano. This is a true experience to hear how your own recorded sound.

Another intelligent feature loaded in this piano is Intelligent Acoustic Control that helps in playing you at low volume. It is cleverly made to adjust the volume of bass and treble especially the music of a louder volume with more depth.

With an acoustic optimizer, the flow of sound is regulated in such a way that no matter what hits the tone or sound inside the cabinet the rhythm of the sound is not affected. You can invest in a Lightning USB Camera Adapter to directly the piano with a computer or smartphone wirelessly. Once you are done hooking up your piano with an external device then you can also interface it with a variety of music apps.

Things We Like
  • Traditional Acoustic piano alike sound
  • Graded hammer standard keyboard
  • Improved CF engine
  • Working pedals
  • 192 polyphony notes
Things We Didn't Like
  • Not a portable piano
  • Expensive. But the features make it a worthy investment

9. The ONE Smart Digital Piano Review

The ONE Smart Digital Piano Review

Features

ONE Smart is the ideal piano under $2000 for those caught up in the hype of buying a technologically advanced piano. It features 88 Graded Hammer Action keys and 3-foot pedals. Due to its heavyweight, it becomes difficult to port it but it comes with a great outlook that blends seamlessly with your home décor.

This sleek manufactured piano is equipped with a built-in metronome and controller for volume, which can be easily adjusted through both hardware and the app. It comes with 64 polyphony notes, which is less when compared with other pianos having 128 or above. But if you are a beginner then it is not a bad option to start from.

  • 88 key model
  • 3-foot pedals
  • Built-in speakers
  • 64 notes of polyphony
  • USB MIDI port
  • Audio Jack
  • Free gold adapter
  • App available in both android and IOS

The LED functioning of ONE is advanced in such a way that on whichever key the player hits it automatically lights up. This light is visible on top of every key where different colors mark different hands. For example, red denoted right hand and blue for the left hand. Thus, it is a great start for those who think the piano is playing is difficult all you need to do is follow the lights. You can even choose from its sheet music to learn various genres like jazz, blues, and pop.

Things We Like
  • Worth its price tag
  • Several learning apps
  • Appealing outlook
  • Easy assembling
  • Matte finish colors
  • 3-foot pedals
  • Simple connectivity
  • Great speakers
  • Lighted keys
Things We Didn't Like
  • Keys are incomparable with expensive digital pianos
  • Some users are not happy with the features

10. Yamaha YDP163 Arius Console Digital Piano Review

 

Yamaha YDP163 Arius Console Digital Piano Review

Features

  • 3 damper pedals
  • Best upright piano
  • Pure CF engine sound
  • 192 polyphony notes
  • 88 weighted hammer keys
  • Duel layering
  • Duet mode
  • Easy splitting into two parts
  • Energy conservation
Yamaha Arius series is specially designed for a home digital piano, which includes a hefty setup inside and cannot be easily ported to anywhere. It is meant to stay in one place and stand upright with its sheer elegance and class. It’s each and every feature is technologized to enhance the skills of every pianist.

It includes 3 pedals with an 88 GHS keyboard that allows blowing a powerful sound and you can even record your music directly on the piano. Also, this model features synthetic ivory keys that give a purely aesthetic pleasure of fingering on these keys.

An impressive 192 polyphony note is compiled in this piano along with 50 play-along songs included in a book to help you in learning the play. There are four types of reverb, which help in stimulating and filling the room with a variety of sounds. Once your piano is plugged into the computer, all the notes are readable on a computer screen.
For further practice and play, a built-in headphone jack is equipped that allows the teachers to listen without everyone else listening to your music. So, if you don’t want a portable piano, then this YDP163 can be a perfect digital piano for yourself that too comes under your budget.

Things We Like
  • Different options in color
  • 3-year warranty
  • Loaded with accessories intelligent acoustic Control
  • Headphones connectivity auto power off
Things We Didn't Like
  • No display screen
  • No hammer action as claimed
  • Difficult to port
  • Expensive for beginners

Why you should buy a digital piano?

There are many advantages of choosing digital pianos over acoustic pianos. Some of them are stated below:

Acoustic pianos are expensive and difficult to maintain whereas digital ones are super affordable piano and easy to maintain their outlook and performance

  • Another solid reason for choosing a digital piano is that it requires no tuning. An acoustic piano requires manual tuning after 6 months. And if you are a constant home changer then choosing an acoustic piano is not a good idea as it goes out of tune when exposed to frequent moving around
  • Although no digital piano can beat the sound quality of an acoustic piano still it’s nowhere less. Sounds of digital pianos are produced electronically and use sound sampling to produce excellent sounds.
  • Almost every digital piano comes with a MIDI connectivity, which allows easy transfer and direct recording from piano to computer or smartphones. An acoustic piano does not allow all this transfer and direct recording
  • Another most important advantage of a digital piano is that it allows the connectivity of headphones. Therefore, if you want to practice in quiet then this becomes a great opportunity

How to choose your Digital Piano within your Budget?

Look for the following things to choose the right digital piano under $2000 especially in 2018 :

Keys

This is the most vital factor when looking for a good keyboard as they range from 888 to 25 keys. For those who are serious regarding their piano passion, they need to opt for 88 keys. it is a great point to start with a fewer number of keys but if you think that being a pianist is your career then investing initially in the 88 keys set keyboard is a wise decision.

Sound

Many times the buyers ignore this factor without knowing the fact that it affects the sound of the keyboard while playing it. Type of sound is purely dependent on the quality of keys. heavy weighted keys are preferable as lightweight keys often produce sound when clicked.

Display quality

While going for a digital piano, the display quality should be an important aspect to keep in mind. It should have the capabilities to display all the functions and spellings while you are playing the piano.

Connectivity

All digital pianos have MIDI functionality. It enables you to connect the digital piano with different musical instruments and even computer systems. For added convenience, some pianos are equipped with a USB port.

Cost

Your budget is the deciding factor when you are out for buying a piano. It is advised to check the online rates of a piano rather than ending up in purchasing from an expensive dealer. This is always helpful especially in the case of the high-end digital piano.

Types of Digital Piano

Now when you have known about the basic features of a digital piano, you must now decide amongst an apt type of digital piano.

Digital Pianos

These are either grand, portable, or upright. They occupy a permanent space in your home and are chosen after the acoustic pianos. Their built-in speakers and weighted keys are the assets of digital pianos and organs.

Arrangers

When you want to have fun with different sounds and other accompanying features, this keyboard is the ideal choice.

Stage Pianos

This offers an onstage performance for a professional keyboard sound. There are no built-in speakers; you need to attach an amplifier to them. It offers a music rack and a sustain pedal but you need to purchase a piano stand and other accessories of your need.

Workstation

This comes in 61, 73, and 88 key sets. It is basically a computer, which is equipped with a keyboard. It has everything that a pianist need from sequencing, recording, computer-integration to sound sampling. These babies are quite expensive but if you have big musical dreams then it is a worthy investment.

Synthesizers

If you are interested in manipulating waveforms, analog, and digital sounds, and filters. Newer synthesizers are now coming with some good preset sounds.

FAQs

Q: Are keyboards good to learn piano?

A: Keyboards give a proper feel of an acoustic they mimic those hefty acoustic pianos pretty well. It is a good bargain at a cheaper price than those difficult-to-port grand pianos.

Q: What is the best keyboard that sounds like a piano?

A: Yamaha YDP V240 is a great console with 88-weighted key action, which properly sounds like an acoustic piano.

Q: How many keys do you need to learn piano?

A: If you are interested in pursuing your career as a musician then you should invest in an 88 keyboard but if it is for your fun sake then 61 or 73 key set would work well.

Q: What is the best keyboard to buy in 2018?

A: Yamaha DGX 660 and Yamaha YPG 235 both are the best keyboards of 2018.

Q: What is a good piano for a beginner?

A: Yamaha PSRE 253 and RockJam 54 key piano are two great options for a beginner to pamper their musical passion.

Q: What is the best brand of piano keyboard?

A: Yamaha and Casio are the two best brands in the market for keyboards.

Conclusion

The above-reviewed pianos are our recommended choice but which one you choose becomes a personal preference. It is tempting to spend overload of cash and get the best of the heap but it is recommended to dig inside and look for an ideal digital piano that would not burn a hole in your pocket.

Happy shopping!

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt has been a tech geek for as long as he can remember. Whether it's laptops, cameras, or projects, he's obsessed with it all. When he's not researching the latest tech products, he likes to go on long hikes with his dogs.

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