One limiting factor of the traditional acoustic pianos is their price. It is often a significant investment even if we consider second hand options. Digital pianos on the other hand, are often much accessible. Thanks to the competition in the industry, we now have some excellent pianos to choose from under the budget of $1,000. Here is my pick of the 5 best digital pianos under $1,000 in 2019.
#1. Kawai KDP 110
If you main focus is piano play and you don’t care much about bells and whistles, the Kawai KDP 110 is in my opinion the best digital piano on the market under $1,000 right now.
To have a satisfying piano experience, key action is probably the most important to consider. The Responsive Hammer Compact II on the KDP 110 is the most realistic key action at this price range. It does an excellent job to mimic the key feel on an acoustic grand piano. After practicing on this digital piano, you would have no problem move to an acoustic grand.
With the KDP 110, you get the sound of Kawai’s world famous SK-EX concert grand. It has a distinct mellow characteristic, which is very different from the sound of a Yamaha. While sound is a personal preference, the KDP 110 from Kawai does have one major advantage. Each note is individually sampled at multiple volume levels. You really don’t get this on a digital piano at this price range. Most other model take samples in group. This enables the KDP 110 to re-produce the SK-EX concert grand with accuracy and nuances. The two 20 watt speakers do a good job transforming these digital samples into a room full of music.
To top things off, the Kawai KDP 110 also has the Grand Feel Pedal system. It’s the best Kawai has to offer. Bluetooth MIDI is also a welcome addition to this amazing instrument.
For more details, read my full review on the Kawai KDP 110.
>> Click here to check price and availability <<
#2. Casio PX-870
Casio might not be the biggest brand in the digital piano industry. But they certainly have produced some impressive instruments that offer so much value. Their new flagship of the Privia line, the PX-870 is no different. The bang you get for your bucks is beyond any other brand can offer. It is the reason I rank the Casio PX-870 the 2nd best digital piano under $1,000.
On the PX-870, you will get the best key action Casio has to offer. Their Tri-Sensor II Scaled Hammer Action has been very popular and praised by many pianists as well as reviewers. At this price range, it is one of the best key action on the market.
Sound engine on the PX-870 is also very impressive. There are many features that are exclusive to much high priced models. You will have all the details you need to produce a satisfying piano experience. It is also highly customizable. The PX-870 has a maximum polyphony of 256. Many models twice its price do not even have that many notes.
Speaker system on the PX-870 is another place where you will get massive value from. It consists of four speakers facing two different directions. With two powerful 20 watt amplifiers, the PX-870 creates a detailed, dynamic, crystal clear piano sound.
You will also be able to record your performance on the PX-870 and then export it as WAV format to a USB stick thanks to its USB to device port. Multi-track recording is another useful feature that allows you to combine two recordings in one song.
At around $1,000, the Casio PX-870 is a strong performer with huge value to offer. It is definitely one of the best digital pianos you can buy under $1,000.
For more details, read my full review on the Casio PX-870.
>> Click here to check price and availability <<
#3. Casio PX S1000
This 2019 new model from Casio creates a new standard for portable digital piano. It is currently the slimmest model on the market. Not only is the PX S1000 compact and lightweight, it can also be powered by standard AA batteries. This gives a whole new meaning to the word portable.
The key action is also a brand new design from Casio. Even though it is now only dual sensored, some clever software is running in the background to make the keys feel surprisingly authentic.
The sound engine is the same old AiR but you do get a new set of samples. These new samples include much more details and nuances.
The control panel and over design of the piano is modern and minimal. The PX S1000 is the best looking portable piano if you ask me. It also has Bluetooth audio and an impressive 192 polyphony notes.
For more details, read my full review on the Casio PX S1000.
>> Click here to check price and availability <<
#4. Kawai ES110
One models I find myself keep recommending to readers is the Kawai ES110. It is the best portable digital piano on the market right now. Being under $1,ooo, the ES110 takes the second spot on this best list.
One thing I can say about the Kawai ES110 is that very dollar you spend goes to enhance the piano experience. There isn’t much bells and whistles on it.
Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact key action is hands down the best key action you can get at this price range. Even though it’s not a triple sensor action, I still prefer the feel of it compare to key actions offered by other brands. The touch is very realistic to an acoustic piano and I find it easier to express more emotions while playing on the ES110.
There are reports that the keys on the ES110 are not evenly spaced. This shouldn’t have any impact on your playing experience and I would consider it a deal breaker. However, there are other reports that the keys become clicky after a few months. These might be isolated incidents but do make sure you have good warranty from your local retailer.
The ES110 is equipped with Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging technology. It’s currently not the best sound engine from Kawai. But at this price range, I can not find anything to complain about it. The tonal characteristic in my opinion is great for classical music. The ES110 has a maximum polyphony of 192.
Being a portable digital piano, the ES110 is weak on its speaker system. There are two 7 watt speakers. They are enough for home practicing. But compare to a speaker system like on the Casio PX-870, the ES110 is definitely much weaker. However, at the same time, being portable has its own advantage. You can carry it around and that’s why the ES110 is very popular among gigging musicians.
Bluetooth is usually not a feature you would look for at this low price range. But the Kawai ES110 has it. It’s a very useful feature that you can easily connect the piano with your smart device and utilize many different app.
You can record up to 3 songs internally on the ES110. There is no multi track recording so you won’t be able to mix your performance together. However, with the help of Bluetooth, there are many solutions to achieve that through app.
The ES110 does not come with a three pedal unit like the Casio PX-870 since it’s a portable digital piano. But the one sustain pedal that comes with the ES110 is a very good one. Unlike many portable digital pianos at this price range, this pedal actually supports half pedaling and is very responsive. It’s a big advantage because you won’t have to purchase a separate pedal unit.
For less than $800, the Kawai ES110 offers massive value and has features that are only found on much more expensive models. It ranks number four on my best list and I’m sure you will not be disappointed by it!
For more details about the ES110, read my full review here.
>> Click here to check price and availability <<
#5. Casio PX-160
There are many models I would consider for this 5th spot on the list, like the Roland FP-30 and the Yamaha P-45. But the Casio PX-160 offers a clear cut combination of low price and solid piano experience.
Being an entry level model, the PX-160 does not have many impressive features. But you do get an instrument that’s capable of producing a satisfying piano experience.
With its amazingly low price, you still get the best key action Casio has to offer. The Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II key action is the cheapest triple sensor on the market. And it is one of the best key action as well.
You also get the best sound engine from Casio. The Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source is the same engine you will find on Casio’s PX-870. Driving through two 8 watt speakers, the PX-160 definitely sounds a lot more expensive than it is.
Low price comes with compromises. The PX-160 only has a maximum polyphony of 128 notes. This is lower than its competitors. However, I would like to point out that for most beginners, the low polyphony makes no difference and will not be noticed.
You can record one song up to two tracks on the PX-160. It does not have a USB to device port or Bluetooth. But with the price, that’s is to be expected.
For about $500, you get the best key action and sound engine from Casio. This alone wins the 5th spot on my best digital piano under $1,000 list.
For more details about the Casio PX-160, read my full review here.
>> Click here to check price and availability <<
Leave a comment and share your experience with digital pianos under $1,000.
Hi Wei
How are you? Seems a great blog and you are doing great work mate. I was looking for a piano for my 10year old son. He is just about to start and I was thinking Yamaha P45 and came across your blog which says its not a good choice in 2020 and now its 2022. What would you suggest now in the same budget as Yamaha P45 which is Australia $700. Please advice.
Thanks
Raj
Hi Raj,
Thanks for reading our blog and your kind words. I’m glad you found my blog helpful.
In 2022 there are now better options available within the same price range of Yamaha P45. If you’re looking for a digital piano in the $700 range, I would recommend checking out the Kawai ES110. This piano offers more features and better sound quality than the Yamaha P45.
I hope that this information is helpful and that you are able to find the perfect digital piano for your son soon!
Thank you Wei. Appreciate your quick response.
Thanks a lot . will look for Kawai ES110.
Cheers
Raj
We are leaning toward getting the KDP110 based on your extremely helpful reviews. But we also just came across the KAWAI KDP70 for sale for $200 less. We are looking for a piano-focused piece of equipment that feels and sounds as close to an acoustic piano as possible. We don’t care about numerous voices. But, we do want to have functionality like headphone jacks, decent speakers, and we would like tools useful for teaching a beginner. We welcome your advice and thanks!
As always, your budget is one of the most important factor. If we are talking about around $1,000, the KDP110 is a great choice. The KDP70 is not bad either and it might provide even more value thanks to the lower price.
The two other options at this price range would be the Roland F-140R and the Casio PX-870. All of these have headphone jacks and should meet your needs. The feel and sound is different for each model and it really comes down to your personal preference.
Hi Wei, thanks a lot for sharing this!
I want to but an electric piano just to play it at home. I’m between a few options : Casio Privia PX 770, Roland Fp 30, Casio PX 160 maybe?
I love acoustic pianos, so basically im looking for the closest action key feeling and sound possible. I prefer cabinet ones cause the way they look like casio px 770 but i heard the the speakers are not good enough? Also no many features maybe.
If you can help me out here and give me your opinion about which one is the best one I would be very glad, thanks in advance!
Hi Leonardo,
If you don’t plan to move your piano, I would definitely recommend upright style digital piano. The portable ones have to make compromises for the size and weight.
Here’s my pick of the best ones in 2020. See if it helps you narrow it down.
Hi Wei,
Thanks for your reply. I checked your selection but here I can only get Casio Px 770 or Roland FP 30. The Casio one looks much nicer but I heard that the Roland one has a better and louder sound and also more features like rithms (looks like casio doesn’t have them) Also bluetooth. Would you still go for the Casio one?
Thank You!
Hi Leonardo,
You make a valid point. The FP-30 does have more features and a slightly more powerful speaker system.
However, I do want to point out that there might be some extra cost for the Roland FP-30.
First, you will probably need to buy a stand. Putting it on a table is not ideal due to its downward facing speakers.
Second, the sustain pedal that comes with the FP-30 is a binary switch. It’s either on or off, which is terrible for piano play.
If in your region, adding a stand and a pedal unit would make the FP-30 more or less same price as the PX-770, then I do recommend it.
Thank you so much Wei! I will see what i do then, very appreciated your help!
Thank you!
You are always welcome Leonardo.
Do come back and share with us which piano you end up buying and your experience with it.
Thank you so much for your review. I will get Kawai KDP 110.
Thank you for your kind comment. Really glad my work helps. The Kawai KDP 110 is really an excellent digital piano and I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Do come back and share with us your experience and thoughts on this model.
Thank you for your great elaboration. I read some of your reviews and a question just came to my mind:
Why “Kawai KDP 110” wasn’t your choice in best under 1000 pianos? The price is completely the same in UK (£699) and you rated them almost the same (8.5 and 8.4).
Hi Soheil,
You caught me! I reviewed the KDP 110 after I compiled the best list. I haven’t gotten the chance to upgrade the list yet. It’s on my to-do list.
Apologies for the confusion.
Oh I see! No worries 🙂
Now I’m so so doubtful between these two models. Same price, good rated, good for beginners to intermediate level, but which one is better? or what are the advantages of each of them.
I googled it and couldn’t find good comparison between them, though seems to be a question of many users like.
https://www.reddit.com/r/piano/comments/b7ej09/kawai_kdp110_vs_casio_px870/
What is your idea about?
This is a tough one. These two models are so close and it’s really hard to say which one is better.
Feature wise, they each has its own advantage. While the PX-870 has more polyphony number, the KDP-110 has Bluetooth.
Both key actions are realistic. If I have to pick a winner, I’d lean slightly toward the Kawai. It feels to me a tad more expressive.
The KDP-110 does have a distinct advantage and that’s the sound engine. It probably is the only model at this price point that samples each individual note of an acoustic piano. Other models, including the PX-870 take samples in groups.
You really can’t go wrong with either of these two models. But in my personal opinion, I’d recommend the KDP-110 slightly over the Casio.
Sorry, this was the wrong post. I meant to post this on the “Best digital pianos in 2019” article.
Hi Wei, excellent review as usual…!, what about the Roland FP10/30?…, please tell me which key action is faster, more responsive, confortable and reliable between PHA-4 Standard, Kawai RHC, and RHII (ES7/MP7). Is the clicky Roland keybed more present in FP10 or FP30?, How compare the let-off with the above mentioned kawai’s actions?. Thanks a lot friend!…
Hi Fer,
Nice to see you again. I see you are still researching on key actions. The RHII from Kawai is significantly better than the RHC and the PHA-4 from Roland. You might need to pay extra for that but I think it’s worth it.
As you know, I personally am not a fan of let-off on the current Roland key actions. I would much prefer playing on the Kawai RHII.
Hi Wei, thanks for your quicker response… Yes, jejeje, i’m back cause your guidance and honest reviews are very helpful for me!…, ok, key action is No. 1 for me right now…!, well is RHC, PHA-4 Standard and Concert and PHA-50, so sluggish compared with RHII?…, i’m looking for a better key action in faster response, more confortable, responsive and more reliable than the RHII. It seems that the Kawai triple sensor plastic key actions are the best for portable (under 25 kg) in the world right now?…
You are always welcomed here Fer. May I ask your budget? And are you only looking for portable options?
If you are looking for an action better than the RHII, I would advise you to checkout the RHIII from Kawai. You can find this action on the ES8. Check my review for it.
Here’s a list of Kawai’s various key actions.
As you can imagine, the best of the best can only be found on console style pianos. That’s why portability is the first question I ask. Well, first after budget…
Hi Wei and thanks for your kind words!…, Yes i need to stay lightweight and portable but with the best and more reliable action available, for that reason i’m looking for slab pianos or stage pianos route, in my case please i need your help for to choose between these used options: Yamaha CP4, Roland 700NX/800 and Kawai MP7… Thanks!…
Hi Fer,
I’m not sure why you would put the Roland 700NX in the list. The PHAIII on that model is an old key action and the PHA4 has improved a lot from it. If key action is the main criteria, I would first take the 700NX off the list. If you can find a used Roland FP 60/90, that would be more comparable to the Yamaha and Kawai.
With that said, key action is again very personal and since you are looking for used options, you can always go to the buyer and request testing before you purchase. I know you want me to give you a definitive answer so that you can make the decision easier. But among these three actions (PHA4, NWX and RHIII), you really have to try for yourself.
Ok Wei, i understand your point, i don’t really want to buy an used item if really i can buy a something better new keybed, but i sadly can’t try these key actions directly, for example a new MP7SE over a MP7, can you tell me the improvement?, cause people says that they are almost the same, and that only RHIII is slightly heavier than RHII, but at the same time a bit bouncier and noisy…, my concern over Kawais keys is reliability. How compare Roland PHA50 over the Kawais?, people complaints that they are very sluggish, a weird letoff and heavy feel respect Kawai and Yamaha. And finally, the Yamaha NWX is a faster keybed, but with an over heavy downweight than make the action a less precise…!. Please, could you give a more detailed comparison between these key actions and thanks again for your help my friend!…
Hi Fer, It seems like you have done your homework and know everything there is to know about these key action.
The difference between RHII and RHIII isn’t much and yes, there has been some complaints about Kawai’s key. The PHA50 from Roland is pretty good but some people swear the PHA4 standard is even better. As for the NWX, some don’t like the heavy weight, others find it more expressive.
Hi Wei, which key action between RHII and RHIII is more versatile and confortable for play non piano sounds, like EPs, organs, pads and synth riffs?…, as letoff is more pronounced in RHIII than RHII, IMHO this condition could impact the synth playability over these boards…, what do you think about it?. Thanks for your helpful answers!…
Hi Fer,
I don’t play much the non piano sounds. I don’t think the let off would be a problem for these but since I’m not playing these sounds on a performance level, I can’t be sure.
Hi Wei. between Kawai MP7 and Roland FP90 which key action did you prefer?, and which is heavier, faster, responsive and confortable?, did you feel a difference playing near to the fulcrum on the pivot point between both key actions?… Thanks!…
What a nice post you wrote! I really enjoyed reading it and I could not be silent about your post so I decided to leave my comment here and say Thank You! For sharing this quality post with others.
Actually this is exactly the information that I was looking for about digital pianos and when I landed to your website and read this post, it answered all my questions in details.
So I’m happy that you decided to write about this topic and share it with people. It’s very useful and can definitely be used as a great source for digital pianos.
I will come back to your website again for sure and I’m looking forward to read your new posts.)
Thanks!
Hi Ali,
Welcome and thank you very much for your kind comment. It pleases me the most that you find my post useful. That’s why I’m doing this.
Come back for more digital piano reviews and share with us your own experience and opinions about piano.
Hi Wei
What a fantastic time I had listening to them all.
As a piano player from days gone by on a normal old fashion piano I could appreciate all the different style and sounds. I am glad I don’t have to make a choice!
It was a thorough in depth review of the young masters of piano and people will have a great choice.
You have a great site thank you.
Stella
Bush Lady
Hi Stella the Bush Lady,
Welcome and thank you for your kind remark. I’ll keep working on my site and update with new models. Make sure you come back for more reviews.
This is a great article Wei. You have convinced me about the Casio PX-870 being a great buy. I hope to be in the market for a digital piano in a few months so I am saving your website on my computer. I can tell you are an experienced piano player by the way you have so thoroughly evaluated these pianos.
Hi Stone,
Thanks for dropping by. I’m glad you find my article useful to you. When you get your PX-870, come back and share with us your thoughts and experience with it.