AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best General Digital Pianos for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Casio CT-S200 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard ($1,007). Kawai CN201 88-Key Digital Piano leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 48 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
Casio CT-S200 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard
AP-S200 WE · Casio
70 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Weight34 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The AP-S200 WE is a surprisingly capable entry-level digital piano. It's a great option for students, beginners, or anyone needing a compact, affordable instrument for practice and casual playing – the key action is a genuine highlight at this price point.
Pros
- Excellent value for an 88-key weighted action piano.
- Smart Scaled Hammer Action feels surprisingly responsive and nuanced.
- Compact design allows for placement in smaller living spaces.
Cons
- Sound engine lacks the depth and complexity of higher-end digital pianos.
- Pedal unit feels plasticky and lacks the refinement of professional units.
90AudioFu
Index↓ 18.2%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,232 · Aug 14$1,007 now$1,007€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight43 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The CN-201 R is a really solid entry-level digital piano. The action is genuinely impressive for the price point, and it looks great with that Rosewood finish. It's perfect for beginners or intermediate players who want a realistic piano feel and a decent sound without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Responsive Hammer III action convincingly replicates acoustic piano feel
- Rosewood finish adds a touch of elegance and warmth to the instrument
- Bluetooth MIDI offers convenient connectivity for modern music production
Cons
- Limited sound selection compared to higher-end digital pianos
- Recorder functionality is basic, lacking advanced editing capabilities
65AudioFu
Index↑ 0.8%since Aug 14$1,377 · Aug 14$1,388 now$1,388€1,239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight47.5 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The CN-301 W is a solid choice for intermediate players and beginners looking for a realistic piano experience without the premium price tag. The RHIII action is genuinely impressive for this class of instrument, and the Bluetooth features are a welcome addition. It’s a great all-rounder for home practice and casual performance.
Pros
- Responsive Hammer III action delivers surprisingly realistic key weighting.
- Satin white finish is elegant and resists fingerprints well.
- The built-in speaker system provides a full, warm sound for practice.
Cons
- Limited sound selection compared to higher-end Kawai models.
- The OLED display, while clear, is relatively small for detailed editing.
64AudioFu
Index↓ 1.3%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,747 · Aug 14$1,725 now$1,725€1,539 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight57 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The CLP-835 is a solid, reliable digital piano offering a surprisingly authentic playing experience. The GrandTouch-S action is a standout feature, and the sound quality is excellent. This is a great choice for intermediate to advanced players wanting a high-quality instrument for home practice and performance, without the bulk and maintenance of an acoustic grand.
Pros
- GrandTouch-S action convincingly replicates acoustic piano feel.
- CFX and Bösendorfer sounds offer a genuinely premium tonal palette.
- Built-in recording capabilities simplify composition and practice workflows.
Cons
- The synthetic ivory/ebony feel isn't quite the same as real ivory.
- Limited speaker power might necessitate external amplification for larger spaces.
60AudioFu
Index↓ 1.2%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,894 · Aug 14$1,870 now$1,870€1,669 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight37 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
This piano feels great to play with its 88 weighted keys and smooth action. It offers three real Shigeru Kawai grand sounds plus plenty of polyphony. The small size makes it perfect for a home studio or a bedroom. It is a solid choice for players who want a reliable, compact instrument without needing a huge setup.
Pros
- 88 weighted keys using Responsive Hammer Compact II action
- Three specific Shigeru Kawai grand piano tones included
- 192 voice polyphony handles complex chords well
Cons
- Only 40 watts output limits loudness
- Missing USB audio for direct recording
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,321 now$1,321€1,179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight37.6 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The AP-S450BK is a really interesting offering – Casio’s Smart Hybrid action provides a surprisingly good playing experience for the money, and the Bechstein collaboration is a nice touch. It’s a great choice for students, apartment dwellers, or anyone wanting a portable, full-sized piano with a decent sound without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Smart Hybrid Hammer Action offers surprisingly realistic key feel.
- AiR sound engine delivers a warm, nuanced piano tone.
- Compact design balances portability with full 88-key functionality.
Cons
- The spruce/plastic hybrid action isn't a true acoustic feel.
- Limited sound selection compared to higher-end digital pianos.
59AudioFu
Index↓ 11.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,512 · Aug 14$1,344 now$1,344€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight45 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The CLP-825 WH is a seriously capable digital piano, especially for intermediate to advanced players who want a realistic feel and premium sounds without the absolute top-tier price tag. The GrandTouch-S action is a highlight, and the sound engine is surprisingly expressive. It's a great choice for home practice and smaller performance spaces.
Pros
- GrandTouch-S action delivers nuanced dynamics and realistic escapement.
- CFX and Bösendorfer sounds offer exceptional clarity and richness.
- Bluetooth MIDI expands connectivity and learning options seamlessly.
Cons
- Limited onboard recording capabilities compared to higher-end models.
- Speaker system, while adequate, lacks the power for larger spaces.
59AudioFu
Index↓ 1.5%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,545 · Aug 14$1,523 now$1,523€1,359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight47.1 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The AP-300 BN is a surprisingly capable entry into the digital piano world. It's a great option for beginners or intermediate players looking for a reasonably-sized, attractive instrument with a decent key action and a warm, inviting tone. It's a solid, dependable choice for practice and casual playing.
Pros
- Solid brown finish adds a touch of class to any room.
- Smart Scaled Hammer Action provides surprisingly realistic key feel.
- The built-in speaker system is surprisingly full and balanced for its size.
Cons
- Sound engine, while decent, lacks the nuanced realism of higher-end models.
- The included pedal unit feels a bit plasticky and basic.
57AudioFu
Index↓ 12.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,400 · Aug 14$1,232 now$1,232€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight53.6 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The AP-750 BK is a solid choice for intermediate players or those wanting a realistic piano experience at a premium-priced level. The hybrid action is a genuine highlight, offering a surprisingly natural feel, and the AiR Grand piano sound is quite impressive. It’s well-suited for home practice and smaller performance spaces.
Pros
- Smart Hybrid Action offers surprisingly realistic key feel.
- AiR Grand engine delivers a warm, nuanced piano tone.
- Built-in recording features simplify capturing performances.
Cons
- Cabinet design feels somewhat basic for the price point.
- Limited sound selection beyond the core piano voices.
57AudioFu
Index↓ 12.3%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$2,184 · Aug 14$1,915 now$1,915€1,709 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight49.5 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The AP-550 BK is a seriously impressive instrument, especially considering its price bracket. The key action is surprisingly good thanks to the hybrid design, and the sounds are very usable, offering a solid foundation for learning and performing. It’s a great choice for intermediate players or those wanting a realistic piano experience without the premium price tag of a full acoustic.
Pros
- Smart Hybrid Action delivers surprisingly realistic key feel.
- AiR sound engine provides a wide range of usable, expressive tones.
- The 3-way pedal unit adds nuance for advanced playing techniques.
Cons
- The spruce wood/plastic hybrid action, while good, isn't a full wood action.
- Limited sound editing capabilities compared to higher-end digital pianos.
55AudioFu
Index↓ 10.4%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,624 · Aug 14$1,456 now$1,456€1,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 48 general digital pianos
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Thomann DP-140BP UWThomann · 6 finishes54Stable$1,118€998$1,118€998Check ↗
- 12
Kawai CX-102 WKawai · 4 finishes53Stable$1,007€899$1,007€899Check ↗
- 13
Gewa DP 520 BlackGewa · 2 finishes52↓ 2.0%$1,097€979$1,097€979Check ↗
- 14
Gewa UP 540 BlackGewa · 2 finishes52↓ 3.6%$1,512€1,349$1,512€1,349Check ↗
- 15
Thomann DP-51 BPThomann · 6 finishes56↓ 4.1%$783€699$783€699Check ↗
- 16
Gewa DP 510 WhiteGewa · 4 finishes55Stable$783€699$783€699Check ↗
- 17
Kawai ES-120 WKawai · 8 finishes59Stable$671€599$671€599Check ↗
- 18
Gewa CP 510 BlackGewa · 2 finishes51Stable$783€699$783€699Check ↗
- 19
Thomann DP-95 WHThomann · 4 finishes53↓ 5.2%$615€549$615€549Check ↗
- 20
Hemingway DP-501 MKII RWHemingway · 6 finishes54↓ 5.4%$593€529$593€529Check ↗
- 21
Thomann DP-32 WHThomann · 4 finishes53↓ 5.9%$558€498$558€498Check ↗
- 22
Casio GP-310 Celviano Grand Hybrid 88-Key Digital PianoGP-310 WE Celviano · Casio · 4 finishes68↓ 3.9%$2,800€2,499$2,800€2,499Check ↗
- 23
Gewa PP-3Gewa · 4 finishes50Stable$498€444$498€444Check ↗
- 24
Kawai CA701 88-Key Digital PianoCA-701 W · Kawai · 8 finishes63↑ 1.1%$2,980€2,659$2,980€2,659Check ↗
- 25
Yamaha CLP-845 WBYamaha · 9 finishes62↓ 4.7%$2,487€2,219$2,487€2,219Check ↗
- 26
Alesis Concert 88-Key Digital PianoConcert · Alesis57↓ 13.6%$300€268$300€268Check ↗
- 27
Roland GO-61P GO:PIANO 61-Key Digital PianoGO:PIANO 88PX · Roland · 2 finishes54↓ 30.4%$308€275$308€275Check ↗
- 28
Casio GP-510BP Celviano Grand Hybrid 88-Key Digital PianoGP-510 BP Celviano · Casio · 2 finishes56Stable$4,246€3,789$4,246€3,789Check ↗
- 29
Gewa PP-2Gewa · 2 finishes46Stable$414€369$414€369Check ↗
- 30
Kawai CA-401 WKawai · 6 finishes55↑ 2.7%$2,128€1,899$2,128€1,899Check ↗
- 31
Yamaha CLP-875 WHYamaha · 5 finishes55Stable$3,664€3,270$3,664€3,270Check ↗
- 32
Casio CT-S1 76 WECasio · 4 finishes54↓ 34.7%$256€228$256€228Check ↗
- 33
Kawai CA-501 WKawai · 6 finishes54↑ 6.1%$2,520€2,249$2,520€2,249Check ↗
- 34
Kawai CA901 88-Key Digital PianoCA-901 R · Kawai · 8 finishes53↑ 0.6%$3,742€3,339$3,742€3,339Check ↗
- 35
Yamaha CSP-255 WHYamaha · 3 finishes51Stable$3,093€2,760$3,093€2,760Check ↗
- 36
Yamaha CSP-275 BYamaha · 3 finishes51Stable$4,113€3,670$4,113€3,670Check ↗
- 37
Yamaha CLP-885 BYamaha · 3 finishes51Stable$5,547€4,950$5,547€4,950Check ↗
- 38
Yamaha CVP-909 BYamaha · 3 finishes51Stable$11,598€10,350$11,598€10,350Check ↗
- 39
Yamaha CSP-295 BYamaha · 5 finishes50Stable$6,443€5,750$6,443€5,750Check ↗
- 40
Yamaha CVP-701 Clavinova 88-Key Digital PianoCVP-701 PE · Yamaha · 4 finishes49↓ 2.6%$3,798€3,389$3,798€3,389Check ↗
- 41
Yamaha NU1XA Avant GrandYamaha · 2 finishes49Stable$6,532€5,829$6,532€5,829Check ↗
- 42
Yamaha CVP-905 BYamaha · 2 finishes49Stable$7,004€6,250$7,004€6,250Check ↗
- 43
Yamaha CLP-895GP PEYamaha · 2 finishes49Stable$11,531€10,290$11,531€10,290Check ↗
- 44
Kawai Novus NV-6Kawai46Stable$9,514€8,490$9,514€8,490Check ↗
- 45
Kawai Novus NV-12Kawai46Stable$15,677€13,990$15,677€13,990Check ↗
- 46
Yamaha N-1X Avant GrandYamaha41↑ 10.1%$8,626€7,698$8,626€7,698Check ↗
- 47
Korg Poetry MagnifiqueKorg37Stable$2,184€1,949$2,184€1,949Check ↗
- 48
Roland GO:PIANO Bag BundleRoland17Stable$357€319$357€319Check ↗
General Digital Pianos by the numbers
Measured across all 200 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,725 — half of all general digital pianos here cost less.
median of 197 models · 12 kg–104 kg
median of 23 models · 88–88
most common · 181 models
How to choose the best general digital pianos
Action
This is the big one. A heavy, unresponsive action will kill your dynamics and articulation. We're looking for something that mimics a real acoustic piano action-some resistance, some give-without being punishing. A graded hammer action is almost mandatory at this level, but the quality of that action varies wildly.
Sound Engine & Piano Voicings
That bright, sparkly clean tone is nice, but you need a piano that can also deliver a warm, intimate sound or a powerful, resonant tone for different styles. Multiple piano voicings (Steinway, Yamaha, Bösendorfer, etc.) give you versatility, and a good sound engine will respond realistically to your touch-dynamic swells, subtle changes in timbre, the whole deal.
Polyphony & Effects
128-note polyphony is the baseline these days. Beyond that, good effects (reverb, chorus, tremolo) can add depth and character to your playing, especially when recording. But be wary - cheesy, overly-processed effects can ruin a perfectly good piano sound.
Connectivity & Features
MIDI connectivity is essential for expanding your sonic palette with external instruments and software. USB audio output for recording is a must. Other features like split/layer modes, lesson functions, and built-in speakers are nice bonuses, but not dealbreakers.
Build Quality & Reliability
Let's be honest, digital pianos can be workhorses. You want something that can withstand gigging and years of use. Solid construction, reliable components, and a decent warranty are all signs of a piano that will last.
Buying guide
So, you're past the beginner stage, comfortable with basic chords and scales, and itching to really dig into some nuanced playing. A decent digital piano isn't just about hitting notes anymore - it's about feel, expression, and having a reliable tool for everything from bedroom practice to tracking a decent piano part. This isn't a list for absolute beginners; we're focusing on what intermediate players need to level up.
Don't get hung up on a ton of features you won't use. Prioritize the action and sound engine-those are the things that will directly impact your playing. Cheaper pianos often cut corners on the action, resulting in a mushy or inconsistent feel.
Spending a little more for a better action is always worth it. Consider your space - full-sized 88-key pianos are the standard, but if space is tight, a compact model with a decent action might be a good compromise.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 200 general digital pianos from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between graded hammer action and weighted keys?
Weighted keys just mean the keys have some resistance. Graded hammer action simulates the heavier feel of the lower keys and lighter feel of the higher keys on an acoustic piano - it's a significant step up in realism and expressiveness.
Do I need a stand and bench?
Absolutely. The built-in stands on some models are flimsy, and the included benches are often...functional. Invest in a sturdy stand that brings the piano to a comfortable playing height, and a bench that's comfortable enough for longer practice sessions.
Can I use headphones with these pianos?
Most definitely. A decent headphone jack is a must for silent practice. Just make sure you have a pair of closed-back headphones for the best isolation and sound quality.
What's the deal with USB audio interfaces?
USB audio output lets you connect the piano directly to your computer to record. It's a much cleaner signal than routing it through the piano's internal speakers or amp.
Is it worth buying a used digital piano?
It can be, but be very careful. The action is the first thing to degrade, so try before you buy. Look for models known for their reliable actions and good sound engines - you can often find great deals that way.
