Buying Guide: 5 Best Piano Keyboards for Beginner Kids

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If you’re in the market for your child’s first piano, you’re in the right place!

Finding the right beginner-friendly keyboard for your aspiring pianist is tricky.

With so many electric keyboards on the market, the decision can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t play the piano yourself.

Fortunately, I’ve waded through all the noise and am bringing you only the best instruments for your child.

This post covers my top 5 picks in various categories so you can easily find the best option for your situation.

If you’re short on time, click the links to jump directly to the description of each option.

Best Bang for Your Buck: Alesis Melody 61 Keyboard Piano
Most Portable Keyboard: EYTSE 88 Key Foldable Electronic Keyboard
Best Option for Longer Term Learning: Casio Privia PX-S110 Keyboard
Best Sound Quality: Yamaha P71, 88 Key Weighted Action Keyboard
Most Extra Features: RockJam 61 Key Touch Display Keyboard Piano Kit

Ready? Let’s get to it!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an affiliate of the Amazon associate program, Modacity, Dr. Josh Wright ProPractice, Musicnotes, Playground Sessions, and Piano Marvel, I may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information and privacy policy. I take no credit for the images appearing on this page. Specific photos are courtesy of Canva. Although I am a nurse practitioner, I am not YOUR medical provider. The information in this post is for informational purposes only. It does NOT replace individualized health information from a qualified medical professional. Please see a qualified medical professional for individualized assistance with your health and wellness.

What Makes Me Qualified to Give Advice on Keyboards

Before we get started, I think it’s important to explain why you should trust my advice on the best keyboards for your child.

First of all, I’m a mom of 3 kids.

I understand the challenges of guiding your kids through the exploration of different sports and hobbies.

Sometimes, being a parent feels like playing a game of life-sized whack-a-mole.

You’re constantly balancing ALL THE THINGS as your kids grow, change, and shift their interests.

This can be especially challenging if your kids’ interests are completely opposite your own.

And this is where the second reason you should trust my advice comes in.

I love pianos!

I’ve been a piano player for over 30 years and understand the importance of finding a high-quality instrument for improved learning.

Authenticity is a key part of who I am, and I’m not going to pretend I have personal experience with all the keyboards on this list.

But based on relentless research and my years of experience playing all kinds of pianos and keyboards, I understand the features that truly matter and those that don’t.

Here’s a recent video of me playing one of my favorite pieces!

Keyboard Terms

When it comes to musical instruments, many different terms are thrown around.

The piano is no different.

Let’s take a minute to cover the different available instrument options.

Acoustic Piano

An acoustic piano is a “real piano.”

These instruments are an intricate assortment of wood, felt, and steel parts.

They require regular tuning and maintenance to keep them functional and sounding beautiful.

If your child is interested in playing classical music, I recommend an acoustic piano rather than a digital piano or keyboard.

There are a couple of different types of acoustic pianos.

Upright Pianos

An upright piano takes up much less floor space in your living room than a grand piano but can still be heavy and hard to maneuver.

As a general rule of thumb, the taller the upright, the better the sound quality.

These are often the pianos you’ll find on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist.

And they’re often at the very affordable price of free.

Occasionally, you’ll find uprights listed for outrageous prices because they’re “antiques.”

Regarding pianos, age doesn’t mean more valuable; in most cases, it actually means less value.

This is especially true if the piano hasn’t been consistently maintained.

Grand Pianos

As someone who loves playing classical music, grand pianos are my favorite of all the different piano options.

But they aren’t my initial recommendation for most kids starting piano lessons for the following reasons:

Grand pianos are expensive.
Acoustic pianos generally take up more space than digital pianos or keyboards.
This type of piano can be more challenging to resell if your child loses interest.

Although grand pianos are an excellent option for some kids, it’s best to wait for this investment until your child has demonstrated commitment to the instrument.

Similar to uprights, grand pianos require routine tuning and maintenance to keep them functional.

Digital Pianos

The next piano category can be a nice option for beginners.

Digital pianos are designed to be digital versions of the acoustic original.

This means no regular tuning and maintenance.

Digital pianos are not designed with portability in mind.

They are designed to be a digital replica of an acoustic with a more authentic sound.

Although many keyboards are advertised as “digital pianos,” actual digital pianos will be built into a case and are meant to be stationary rather than portable.

Keyboards

And finally, we arrive at the keyboard category.

Keyboards can be a nice option for beginners because they can be cheaper, more portable, and require no maintenance.

They also often come with extra features not found in a digital piano, such as recording features and extra sounds.

Keyboards might have light-up keys or a dance music mode, often making them more fun.

Both keyboards and digital pianos often come with a headphone jack, a very nice feature for busy households.

Although keyboard prices often increase with the number of advanced features, they’re still a cheaper option than an acoustic baby grand piano.

And way more portable!

Reselling them can also be easier if your child loses interest.

Weighted vs. Unweighted Keys

When shopping for a keyboard, you will see mention of weighted versus unweighted keys.

Because the keyboard is a digital replica of the thousands of tiny parts that make up an acoustic piano, it doesn’t naturally function the way an acoustic would.

Manufacturers have gotten around this by creating weighted keys.

This means that when you play a keyboard with weighted keys, the pressure required to press down the key will feel similar to that of a regular piano.

An unweighted keyboard has virtually no resistance when you play it.

Most piano teachers recommend that kids taking lessons have access to a keyboard with weighted keys so the transition to an acoustic piano is seamless.

But depending on your child’s goals, unweighted keys might be just fine.

It’s a very common term encountered when purchasing a keyboard and can be confusing for people without knowledge of the instrument.

88 Keys vs. 61 Keys

Another common issue parents encounter when looking for their child’s first keyboard is the number of keys on the keyboard.

Aside from a few higher-end instruments, acoustic pianos have a standard 88 keys.

You can find keyboards with 61 or even fewer keys.

Most beginning students spend most of their time playing in the middle of the keyboard, so fewer keys shouldn’t be a huge barrier.

But if your student is very interested in playing classical music, it might be worth it to get a keyboard with 88 keys right off the bat.

Otherwise, keyboards with fewer keys are generally cheaper, so it may be worth considering if this is a deciding factor for you.

5 Best Piano Keyboards for Beginner Kids

Best Bang for Your Buck: Alesis Melody 61 Keyboard Piano

If you’re not sure whether your child will stick with piano, the Alesis Melody 61 Keyboard Piano is the model you need.

Ringing up at less than $130, it has the basic features your child needs to get started on the instrument.

This keyboard has a sizable sound library with 30 demo songs.

It also has a built-in metronome to help with rhythm, and it even comes with headphones to help you keep your sanity as your child has a blast at the keys.

The Alesis comes complete with a USB-MIDI connection, which makes it easy to integrate learning software such as Skoove or Melodics.

Speaking of software, it even comes with a free trial of Skoove and Melodics to help your child start off on the right note with the instrument.

Most Portable Keyboard: EYTSE 88 Key Foldable Electronic Keyboard

In terms of portability, it’s tough to beat this keyboard that literally folds in half.

Weighing just over 10 pounds, this keyboard is hands-down the most portable keyboard I’ve ever seen.

It comes with a handy carrying bag, which increases the portability factor.

This keyboard features semi-weighted keys, meaning playing it will feel similar to an acoustic one.

It also has wireless and MIDI connectivity to integrate with online learning platforms.

The EYTSE has a function where the keys light up, which can be helpful with note identification.

Whether you’re using it strictly at home or packing it up for gigs with other musicians, this keyboard is the best choice for portability.

This brand also offers a 61-key version, which is slightly cheaper and weighs about 4 pounds less than the full version.

One downside of this instrument is that it does not have weighted keys, so transitioning to an acoustic may be more challenging.

It also has only 61 keys, so if your child continues with the instrument, you will likely need to upgrade it at some point.

But the size and price make this model the best option for price-conscious parents!

Potential for Future Growth: Casio Privia PX-S1100 Keyboard

The Casio Privia PX-S1100 Keyboard has all the essential functions required for progressing in piano lessons.

It comes with a pedal shaped like an acoustic pedal.

And this particular model also comes with a stand and bench.

Amazon advertises it as a digital piano, but given its portability, it fits more into the keyboard category.

The sound is decent compared to other keyboards on the market, and it also features USB-MIDI connectivity for easy integration with learning software.

This Casio features a smart scaled hammer action keyboard, making playability similar to an acoustic.

You can also unlock a free month of Playground Sessions by registering the keyboard on the Casio website.

Sound Quality: Yamaha P71, 88 Key Weighted Action Digital Keyboard

I may be biased, but Yamaha makes the best quality musical instruments in the business.

They’re leaders in both acoustic and electronic instruments, and this Yamaha 88 Key Weighted Action Model is no different.

Although advertised on Amazon as a digital piano, it technically doesn’t come in a case, so I would categorize it as more of a keyboard.

It comes with 10 different instrument options, including organ, strings, and electric piano.

All options sound realistic and not toy-like, as I’ve heard on other keyboards.

Yamaha uses sound-sampling technology for their electric and digital instruments, meaning they base the final sound on a combination of different acoustic instruments.

The keyboard comes with a music stand and sustain pedal, which rounds out the instrument nicely.

The pedal is not shaped like an acoustic pedal and may tend to slip out of place, but this isn’t a dealbreaker.

If you’re serious about a decent-sounding keyboard, don’t miss the Yamaha!

Most Extra Features: RockJam 61 Key Touch Display Keyboard Piano Kit

The RockJam 61 Key Touch Display model is just plain fun!

It comes with various instrument sounds and rhythms so your kid can experiment to their heart’s content!

This model comes complete with a sustain pedal, which is a nice feature as your child begins to play more advanced music.

There’s also a record and playback function, so your kids can hear themselves play.

Aside from the fun that comes from hearing yourself play, self-analysis is actually a key feature of musicianship.

Although it seems like just a fun feature, it’s actually a foundational skill that your child can master at an early age with this keyboard.

If your kid is creative and wants to experiment with music, this is the keyboard you need!

And it comes with several free months of Simply Piano to help them gain the basics of playing.

Parents and kids agree this model is a fun and interactive keyboard option!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy a piano if my child wants to take piano lessons?

Although you don’t have to rush out and buy a grand piano the minute you enroll your first grader in lessons, your child should have access to an instrument for practicing.

Luckily, there are so many options out there that are both affordable and portable.

If you have no experience with pianos, I recommend checking out one of the above options. All of them are great choices for any budding pianist!

What are the benefits of enrolling my child in piano lessons?

Playing an instrument has many fantastic benefits, including inspiring a lifelong love of music!

Another popular reason for enrolling kids in lessons is that it can help develop fine motor skills and improve hand-eye coordination.

Research also suggests that learning an instrument develops areas of the brain helpful in language and math.

If you’re looking for even more benefits of launching your child’s musical journey, check out my previous post, Why You’ll Never Regret Enrolling Your Kids in Piano Lessons.

What’s the difference between a piano and a keyboard?

Generally speaking, the term “piano” most often refers to an acoustic piano, an instrument made of thousands of tiny parts.

A “keyboard” generally refers to the electronic version.

The fundamental difference between the two lies in how sound is produced.

Sound is produced from a felt hammer striking a string on an acoustic piano, while on a keyboard, the sound produced is an electronic replication of the acoustic version.

What is the best piano keyboard for beginner adults?

The best piano keyboard for beginner adults is the one you’ll actually play!

There are many different models on the market, but you can check my previous post for specific recommendations.

How often should my child practice piano?

This is a tricky question.

Ideally, daily practice time is the best for making progress at anything.

But when it comes to kids, this is challenging advice.

In today’s world, kids are juggling so many obligations.

Between soccer practice, dance recitals, and school, kids’ schedules are busier than ever.

Although there is something to be said about teaching your kids how to establish routines, sometimes you have to pick your battles.

Forcing your kids into regular practice sometimes causes kids to lose interest in the instrument.

When your kids are young, making practice sessions fun is the best way to foster a lifelong love of music.

For more specific advice about kids and piano practice, check out my previous post, The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Kids to Practice Piano.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this post has taken some of the mystery out of finding the right piano keyboard for your child.

Remember that even if your kid isn’t the next Mozart, learning to play a musical instrument has incredible benefits.

And by investing in your child’s learning, you are helping guarantee a brighter future!

If you have additional questions after reading this post, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below!

And feel free to browse my other piano-inspired content.

Buying Guide: 5 Best Piano Keyboards for Beginner Kids

What Makes Me Qualified to Give Advice on Keyboards