If you dream of learning piano—or getting back into it—without dropping thousands on a grand or acoustic upright, you’re in the right place!
Thanks to major improvements in digital piano technology, incredibly realistic, weighted-key instruments are now available at budget-friendly prices.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, a casual player, or someone looking for a compact practice option, there’s a digital piano out there that won’t break the bank.
In this guide, we’re exploring the best cheap digital pianos with weighted keyboards in 2025—all offering great performance, realistic touch, and quality sound without the premium price tag.
Let’s help you find the perfect one for your goals, space, and budget!
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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. AI was used for specific components of this post. But the main ideas and content are all my own.
Table of Contents
- My Piano Journey
- What is a Digital Piano?
- Key Features of Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
- Why Choose Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards?
- Best Cheap Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
- Best Cheap Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards: Buying Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
- Final Thoughts on Best Cheap Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
My Piano Journey
In case you’re new to the blog, let me give you a brief overview of my piano journey.
I started piano lessons with the local piano teacher around age 7 and continued lessons throughout high school.
Although I initially planned to become a veterinarian, I quickly changed majors once I arrived at college. Ultimately, I initially pursued a music degree instead.
After graduation, I remained passionate about playing the piano and continued playing both piano and organ at several local churches.
I also accompany whenever the opportunity presents itself and have taken on various piano students over the years.
Needless to say, I’ve played many different digital and acoustic pianos over the years and have a piano player’s perspective on quality.
Although my personal preference will always be a high-quality traditional acoustic piano, I’ve come to appreciate the conveniences of digital keyboards.
Let’s dive into why a digital piano might be a great option for your specific needs.
What is a Digital Piano?
As you may have guessed, a digital piano has an electronic sound representation that mimics the acoustic version.
The high-end models very closely replicate grand piano sounds and the feeling of an acoustic piano.
Acoustic vs. Digital
Acoustic instruments produce sound through a complex feat of engineering and thousands of tiny wood and metal parts.
A real piano, therefore, is vulnerable to changes in humidity and requires regular tunings and maintenance to ensure it stays in good working condition.
Digital instruments do not require the same type of regular maintenance because they don’t have the same tiny wooden and metal parts that produce sound.
Despite the primary difference in sound production, digital piano manufacturers have tried to replicate acoustic instruments whenever possible, and many versions offer some variation of hammer-action keys.
Although some musicians will always prefer an acoustic, it’s hard to deny that a good digital piano has the convenient benefit of a more compact size than its acoustic counterpart!
If you’re curious about more differences between acoustic and digital pianos, check out my previous post.
Weighted vs. Semi-Weighted Keys
If you’ve been searching for an electric instrument, you’ve likely encountered the terms “weighted” and “semi-weighted” keys.
Weighted keys are especially important if you want that authentic, acoustic-like feel. They help build proper finger strength and technique—skills that easily transfer to a traditional piano because they are closely modeled after an acoustic piano.
Digital pianos with weighted keyboards offer more resistance during playing, which closely resembles the acoustic piano playing experience.
Semi-weighted keys offer less resistance while playing, giving you a lighter and quicker feel.
If you’re going to be playing with a band or are focused on playing pop or rock genres, semi-weighted is generally fine.
But if you’re studying classical, the recommendation is to stick with digital pianos with weighted keyboards, so playing on the real thing won’t come as a shock.
Key Features of Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
Aside from the basics, there are a few other features to consider when shopping for digital pianos with weighted keyboards.
Polyphony Count
Polyphony is the maximum number of sounds a digital instrument can produce simultaneously.
The best digital pianos often have the highest capability, sometimes over 200 note polyphony.
Higher polyphony means better capability for producing complex sound.
Sound Quality
Having an outstanding sound is always important, whether you’re talking about a real instrument or a digital digital pianos with weighted keyboards.
Even among acoustic instruments, there is a huge range of sound quality, with spinets typically being on the lower end and concert grands producing the ultimate quality.
A poorly maintained spinet or one of those ancient uprights often produces a sound far inferior to that of even the cheapest 88-key digital pianos.
It might go without saying, but always strive for the best sound quality you can afford, regardless of whether the instrument is acoustic or digital.
Portability
When it comes to keyboard instruments intended for home use, portability is often a concern.
Acoustic instruments are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver around your house.
One neat feature of digital pianos with weighted keyboards is that they weigh between 20 and 30 pounds on average.
This means they can easily be moved from room to room by one person.
Tired of seeing the piano in the living room? Move it to the family room.
Do you want to encourage your daughter to practice more often? Move the piano to her bedroom.
Portable digital pianos can be a lifesaver when it comes to home decor!
Extra Features in Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
Few musical instruments come with a built-in headphone jack for completely private practice. Luckily for you, digital pianos are one.
This means practicing is possible at any time of the day (or night!) without disturbing anyone else in the house.
Most digital pianos also have Bluetooth connectivity to maximize online learning with apps.
Some models also feature apps that allow you to finetune how your electric piano sounds.
Digital pianos with weighted keyboards also sometimes offer different instrument sounds, so you can transform your piano into an organ or synthesizer with the simple click of a button.
Why Choose Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards?
Consider digital pianos with weighted keyboards if you’re on a tight budget but want a quality piano.
The models featured on this list are cheaper than their quality acoustic counterparts and require no regular tuning or maintenance.
Digital keyboards with hammer action keys have a similar enough feel to an acoustic that they are great for beginner kids or adults.
The touch-sensitive keys on these models allow the type of expressive play that nurtures pianistic skills.
Digital pianos are also an excellent choice for musicians interested in electronic music or non-classical genres.
These instruments are also a great choice for people who don’t have the space in their living room for a large acoustic instrument.
If you’re not sure whether you’ll continue playing the instrument for any length of time, you should also consider a digital piano with fully-weighted keys.
In summary, there are many situations in which digital pianos with weighted keyboards are the most logical option.
Best Cheap Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
Now that we’ve covered the main features and reasons why you should consider a digital piano, let’s dive into the best cheap digital pianos with weighted keyboards!
Of note, the prices reflect those at the time this post is published. Prices may fluctuate over time.
Donner DEP-20 (<$300)
The Donner DEP-20 is a feature-rich, budget-friendly digital piano ideal for beginners and early intermediate pianists.
It boasts 88 full-sized, fully weighted hammer-action keys with adjustable touch sensitivity, providing a more realistic acoustic piano feel.
This digital piano offers 238 tones along with 128-note polyphony for expressive performances.
You can also toggle between various instrument sounds, including ukulele, violin, and saxophone.
Built-in dual 25W stereo speakers deliver rich sound, while dual headphone jacks enable silent practice.
The DEP-20 also includes a simple recording function. Connectivity options encompass USB-MIDI, MP3 input, audio in/out, and sustain/triple pedal inputs.
Weighing in at approximately 25.5 pounds, it’s relatively portable and comes with a sustain pedal and power supply cord.
Although it has several great features, remember that the Donner DEP-20 is at the cheapest end of the spectrum. You may not achieve the same sound quality as other instruments in this review.
Mosen Digital Piano (<$320)
The Mosen is a full-size, 88-key digital piano designed to deliver an authentic acoustic experience.
Its fully weighted hammer action keys replicate the touch of a traditional piano, offering dynamic expression and more precise finger control than semi-weighted models.
This digital piano offers over 100 rhythms and 100 demo songs, all supported by 128-note polyphony, comparable to the Donner model.
And unlike the Donner model, the Mosen offers a music stand along with triple pedals, similar to an acoustic piano, at this fairly low price point.
The piano features dual Bluetooth modes and USB-MIDI connectivity, allowing seamless integration with teaching apps and music software.
With the Mosen digital piano purchase, you’ll also have access to the POP Piano music app for 30 days, which is especially valuable if you’re a beginner.
Additional functions include dual keyboard mode, recording/playback, and an LCD panel for easy navigation.
Alesis Recital Pro (<$385)
The Alesis Recital Pro is an 88-key digital piano with fully weighted hammer-action keys and adjustable touch sensitivity. It offers a realistic playing experience.
The Alesis includes 12 built-in voices—such as acoustic piano, electric piano, and organ—that can be layered or split across the keyboard. With 128-note polyphony and 20W built-in speakers, it delivers rich, expressive sound.
Educational features like Lesson Mode divide the keyboard into two identical zones for student-teacher practice, while Record Mode allows for performance playback.
The Alesis Recital Pro also comes equipped with 3 free months of a Skoove premium membership and premium content from Melodics to launch your piano learning.
Additional tools include a built-in metronome and adjustable effects like reverb, chorus, and modulation.
Connectivity options encompass USB-MIDI for software integration, ¼” stereo outputs, a headphone jack for private practice, and a sustain pedal input (pedal not included).
The Recital Pro can be powered via the included adapter or six D-cell batteries, making it suitable for both home and portable use.
Casio CDP-S160 (<$385)
A familiar name in the electronic music world, Casio has been making quality instruments since the 1970s, and the CDP-S160 is no different.
The Casio CDP-S160 is the middle ground between quality and affordability.
This model features scaled hammer-action keys to simulate an acoustic experience while offering the convenience of a digital instrument.
Casio offers an app called Music Space, which integrates with this model and gives you the experience of a live concert simulator and other learning features.
This model features a few other instrument sounds, including organ and harpsichord, to give your music a unique sound.
Similar to the Alesis, it runs on either an included adapter or 6 AA batteries, giving you the flexibility to play anywhere.
And at less than 25 pounds, the Casio is not a beast to lug around.
Overall, it is a solid instrument at a reasonable price.
Yamaha P-45 ($<400)
Another reputable, longstanding brand in the instrument space is Yamaha.
My personal piano is an acoustic G2, and I adore this piano!
Although the P-45 isn’t comprised of thousands of tiny moving parts, it’s a fairly exceptional instrument.
This digital piano features the Graded Hammer Standard, which means more resistance in the bass notes and less as you travel up the keyboard, similar to an acoustic piano.
Their electronic sound version is sampled from their concert grand pianos, which are truly exceptional instruments.
The Yamaha also features a 3-month membership to Flowkey to launch your piano learning and comes with a sustain pedal for more authentic-sounding performances.
Although the Yamaha P-45 is a solid instrument, it doesn’t come with a stand, so you will need to purchase one separately or find a table to set it.
Aklot Touchscreen Weighted Keyboard Piano (<$450)
Another newer name in the music instrument space is Aklot.
Similar to the Mosen, the Aklot digital piano offers a triple pedal, a fairly unique feature among digital pianos.
Although the most expensive model on this list, it has one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs, and you can choose between two different wood finishes.
This digital piano additionally comes with a lesson book.
Similar to the Yamaha, this digital piano comes equipped with Graded Hammer Standard keys, which feature more resistance lower in the bass section and less as you travel toward the upper treble.
This feature more closely simulates the experience of playing an acoustic instrument.
It also features slightly more polyphony than other models featured on this list, with 136.
Like other models on this list, it features 100 different rhythms to back your epic songs and adjustable reverb depending on whether you’re in a small room or a large venue.
Although it weighs 39 pounds, slightly heavier than other models reviewed in this post, this Aklot model does come with a stand, so you won’t need to invest in an extra stand or table.
And it has rounded corners, another useful feature if you have kids running around the house!
Best Cheap Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards: Buying Tips
Regardless of the model you’re considering, here are a few extra things to consider while searching for your perfect digital piano.
Try Before You Buy
I always recommend trying an instrument before you buy it to ensure it fits your needs.
Test out the various settings and the touch sensitivity of the keys.
Listen to see whether you like the piano’s sound. It can also be helpful to have someone else play the instrument so you can form your own opinion.
Think Long-Term
Consider your long-term goals when making this purchase.
I’m not saying this has to be the last piano you buy, but consider whether you’ll still want to play it in five years.
Hopefully, your goal is to play for many years to come, and you want an instrument that will continue to surprise and delight you.
Consider Accessories for Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
Each of the above digital pianos has a headphone jack, so an obvious starting point would be headphones.
Several models also come equipped with a month or more of premium memberships to online piano learning software, but you may consider additional lessons to ensure you reach your ultimate piano goals.
If you’d like information on additional piano learning programs, I’ve reviewed several in previous posts, including Piano University with Zach Evans, Piano Marvel, and the ProPractice program.
Depending on the instrument, additional accessories may include a bench and a stand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
What is the difference between weighted and semi-weighted keys?
Weighted keys offer some resistance during playing and simulate the experience of playing an acoustic piano.
Some manufacturers incorporate modified hammer-action keys to more closely simulate the acoustic experience.
Semi-weighted keys are often based on spring action and offer less resistance when playing.
Opt for weighted keys if you’re interested in learning classical piano and eventually transitioning to an acoustic piano.
But if you’ll be playing with a band or are strictly interested in pop, rock, or other non-classical genres, semi-weighted might be the better option.
Can I learn piano digital pianos with weighted keyboards?
Yes! Digital pianos have incredible benefits over acoustic pianos, including portability and fewer ongoing costs.
When searching for a digital piano, look for one with higher polyphony and a more authentic playing experience.
Are cheap digital pianos good enough for beginners?
In many cases, yes. But the full answer depends on your goals.
If you aspire to become a concert pianist, explore the world of acoustic pianos.
But digital pianos are a great option if you just want to learn chords and how to jam out with your friends.
Do I need 88 keys to learn piano?
Again, it depends on your overall goals. There are keyboards with fewer keys, and they are often cheaper than the full-size ones.
Fewer keys will still enable you to learn the note names, but they will decrease the instrument’s speaking range.
If you’re interested in jamming out with friends on the weekends, it’s probably not a big deal.
But if you aspire to play Rach 3 with the Berlin Philharmonic someday, opt for a full-size keyboard.
Final Thoughts on Best Cheap Digital Pianos with Weighted Keyboards
Finding an instrument for yourself or your child can be confusing, but I hope this post has shed light on the main features to look for in your search.
Whether you opted for one on this list or an alternate model, my goal is always to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your individual piano needs.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to comment below!
Happy practicing!
