AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Home Keyboards for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Casio CT-S200 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard ($140). Startone MKR 49 Kids gives you the most for the money at $37. Casio CT-S300 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 62 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Casio CT-S200 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard
CT-S200 RD · Casio
70 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.3 kg
- Keys61 keys
The CT-S200 RD is a fantastic entry point for beginners or anyone needing a super-portable keyboard. It's surprisingly fun to play with its bright sounds and engaging rhythms, and the Chordana app really does make learning easier – it's a great little package for casual players and kids.
Pros
- Extremely portable, perfect for travel or small spaces
- Bright, clear tones surprisingly good for the price point
- Chordana Play app offers genuinely helpful learning tools
Cons
- Key action is basic, lacking the feel of weighted keys
- Polyphony limit can cause noticeable dropouts with complex arrangements
92AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$140 now$140€125 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight3.3 kg
- Keys61 keys
The CT-S100 is a remarkably portable and affordable entry point into keyboard playing. It's perfect for absolute beginners, kids, or anyone needing a basic instrument for casual practice or simple song playing – don't expect a concert grand experience, but it's a solid value for what it is.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight, ideal for travel or small spaces
- Surprisingly decent piano sounds for the price range
- Simple interface makes it easy for beginners to learn
Cons
- Plastic key action feels cheap and lacks expressiveness
- Limited polyphony restricts layering of sounds effectively
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- Weight4 kg
- Keys61 keys
The PSR-E283 is a solid, budget-friendly entry point for absolute beginners or kids just starting to learn keys. It's surprisingly portable and offers a good selection of sounds and styles to keep things engaging, but don't expect a professional-grade playing experience – the key action is purely functional.
Pros
- Lightweight design (4kg) makes it highly portable for lessons or practice.
- Included PA-130 power supply eliminates immediate battery purchase.
- Decent sound quality for the price, especially for beginner learning.
Cons
- The 61-key action is synth-action, lacking the feel of weighted keys.
- Limited 32-voice polyphony can cause note dropouts with complex sounds.
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- Weight3 kg
- Keys54 keys
The Startone BK-54 is a remarkably affordable entry point into keyboard playing. It’s a great option for absolute beginners, kids, or anyone needing a very basic, portable instrument for casual practice and simple song playing. Don't expect professional-grade sounds or feel, but for the price, it’s hard to argue with the value.
Pros
- Surprisingly lightweight for its size, making it portable for lessons or small spaces.
- The included power supply eliminates the immediate need for batteries.
- 300 voices offer a decent variety for beginner exploration and simple arrangements.
Cons
- The plastic construction feels budget-oriented and may not withstand heavy use.
- Limited key range (54 keys) restricts playing more complex pieces and chords.
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- Weight3.62 kg
- Keys61 keys
The Startone BK-61 is a seriously affordable option for absolute beginners or kids just starting out. Don't expect professional-grade sounds or feel, but it offers a surprisingly complete package with a decent selection of voices and styles for casual fun and learning. It’s a solid entry point for someone wanting to experiment without a significant investment.
Pros
- Surprisingly lightweight for a 61-key keyboard, easy to move and set up.
- Includes a power supply and music stand – a good value-added starter package.
- Decent range of voices and styles for beginner exploration and casual playing.
Cons
- Plastic construction feels budget-oriented; lacks the robustness of higher-end models.
- The built-in speakers will likely be weak; headphone use is highly recommended.
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- Keys49 keys
This Startone MKR 49 Kids is a super-budget-friendly entry point for young learners or anyone needing a portable keyboard. It’s fantastic for introducing kids to basic music concepts and experimentation, but don't expect a professional playing experience. The roll-up design and USB charging are clever touches for its intended audience.
Pros
- Roll-up design offers extreme portability and easy storage for travel or small spaces.
- Includes MIDI output allowing connection to computers for music production software.
- Battery operation provides flexibility beyond needing a constant power source.
Cons
- Key action is membrane-style, lacking the feel and responsiveness of weighted keys.
- Limited speaker quality will likely necessitate headphone use or external amplification.
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Yamaha PSR-F52 61-Key Home Portable Keyboard
PSR-F52 · Yamaha
6 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.8 kg
The PSR-F52 is a solid entry-level keyboard. It's surprisingly feature-rich for the price, making it ideal for students, hobbyists, or anyone needing a portable and affordable instrument for basic practice and song learning. Don't expect professional-grade performance, but it's a great starting point.
Pros
- Excellent value for a beginner keyboard, offering a surprising range of sounds.
- The 'Smart Chord' function is genuinely useful for simplifying accompaniment.
- Compact and lightweight; easy to transport for lessons or small gigs.
Cons
- 61 standard keys offer limited expressive range for experienced players.
- Plastic construction feels budget-oriented; lacks premium keyboard feel.
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- Weight4 kg
- Keys61 keys
The Startone MK-201 is a surprisingly capable entry-level keyboard. It's perfect for beginners, kids learning their first chords, or anyone needing a lightweight, portable instrument for casual playing – just don't expect studio-quality sounds or complex features.
Pros
- Surprisingly responsive touch response for budget keyboard.
- Solid build quality; feels more substantial than its price suggests.
- The included sequencer offers basic song creation capabilities.
Cons
- USB connectivity is MIDI only; no audio output via USB.
- The 2.5W speakers are weak; headphones are strongly recommended.
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- Keys61 keys
Okay, so the Startone MKR 62 is exactly what it looks like: a budget-friendly roll-up keyboard. It's a fantastic option for absolute beginners, kids learning the basics, or anyone needing a super-portable instrument for casual playing – don’t expect professional-grade sound or feel, though.
Pros
- Surprisingly decent key action for a roll-up, playable feel.
- MIDI Out opens possibilities for connection to DAWs.
- Built-in rhythms provide basic backing tracks for practice.
Cons
- Sound quality is thin and lacks dynamic range, typical of this price point.
- Roll-up design compromises feel and limits nuanced playing.
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Casio CT-S300 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard
CT-S300 · Casio
35 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.3 kg
The CT-S300 is a fantastic entry point for absolute beginners or anyone needing a super-portable keyboard. It’s surprisingly playable thanks to those velocity-sensitive keys, and the Chordana app is a real asset. Don't expect studio-quality sounds, but for casual playing and learning, it's hard to beat the value and convenience.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and portable for travel or small spaces
- Velocity-sensitive keys offer surprisingly expressive playing feel
- Chordana Play app provides a genuinely useful learning experience
Cons
- Polyphony is limited, impacting layered sounds and complex arrangements
- Plastic construction feels budget-oriented, lacks premium feel
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$191 now$191€170 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 62 home keyboards
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Casio CTK-240 61-Key Portable KeyboardCTK-240 · Casio · 2 finishes47Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
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Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus 2-Channel 40-Watt 2x10" Guitar ComboE-X10 · Roland · 3 finishes74Stable$222€198$222€198Check ↗
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Alesis Harmony 54 Portable KeyboardHarmony 54 · Alesis41Stable$89€79$89€79Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha PSR-E383 61-Key Portable KeyboardPSR-E383 · Yamaha · 3 finishes67Stable$208€185$208€185Check ↗
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Casio CT-X700 61-Key Portable KeyboardCT-X700 · Casio · 3 finishes72Stable$237€211$237€211Check ↗
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Casio LK-S250 Casiotone 61-Key Portable KeyboardLK-S250 · Casio · 2 finishes66Stable$212€189$212€189Check ↗
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Yamaha EZ-310 61-Key Portable KeyboardEZ-310 · Yamaha61↓ 21.8%$201€179$201€179Check ↗
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Startone MK-300Startone · 2 finishes46Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
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Startone MK-400Startone · 3 finishes56Stable$190€169$190€169Check ↗
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Startone MKL-201Startone42Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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Casio CT-S1WECasio · 6 finishes57Stable$230€205$230€205Check ↗
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Startone MLK-201 SetStartone41↑ 1.4%$165€147$165€147Check ↗
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Hamaril Keyboard SetHamaril36↑ 0.5%$209€186$209€186Check ↗
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Yamaha DGX-670 88-Key Portable Grand PianoDGX-670 WH · Yamaha · 6 finishes91Stable$895€798$895€798Check ↗
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Roland GO:KEYS 3 61-Key Music Creation KeyboardGO:KEYS 3 TQ · Roland · 3 finishes74Stable$362€323$362€323Check ↗
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Roland GO:KEYS 5 61-Key Music Creation KeyboardGO:KEYS 5 WH · Roland · 2 finishes74Stable$504€449$504€449Check ↗
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Korg Pa700 Professional Arranger - StandardPA-700 · Korg · 3 finishes70Stable$1,345€1,199$1,345€1,199Check ↗
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Casio CT-X5000 61-Key Portable KeyboardCT-X5000 · Casio · 3 finishes69Stable$409€365$409€365Check ↗
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Korg EK-50 61-Key Entertainer KeyboardEK-50 L · Korg · 3 finishes69Stable$492€439$492€439Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-A5000 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPSR-A5000 · Yamaha · 2 finishes69↑ 0.7%$2,031€1,811$2,031€1,811Check ↗
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Casio LK-S450 Casitone 61-Key Keyboard with Lighted KeysLK-S450 Set · Casio · 2 finishes67↓ 7.4%$296€264$296€264Check ↗
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Casio CT-X3000 61-Key Portable KeyboardCT-X3000 Set · Casio · 3 finishes67↑ 7.3%$331€295$331€295Check ↗
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Casio CT-S500 Casitone 61-Key KeyboardCT-S500 · Casio · 3 finishes65Stable$302€269$302€269Check ↗
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Casio CT-S1000V Casiotone 61-Key Vocal Synthesizer KeyboardCT-S1000V · Casio · 3 finishes64Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-SX920 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPSR-SX920 · Yamaha62Stable$2,068€1,844$2,068€1,844Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-SX920 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPSR-SX920 Set · Yamaha62Stable$2,096€1,869$2,096€1,869Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-EW320 76-Key Portable KeyboardPSR-EW320 · Yamaha61Stable$334€298$334€298Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-EW320 76-Key Portable KeyboardPSR-EW320 Set · Yamaha61Stable$358€319$358€319Check ↗
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Roland E-X50 61-Key Arranger KeyboardE-X50 · Roland61Stable$398€355$398€355Check ↗
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Korg Pa300 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPA-300 · Korg · 2 finishes60Stable$672€599$672€599Check ↗
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Korg Pa600 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPA-600 · Korg60Stable$874€779$874€779Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-SX720 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPSR-SX720+ · Yamaha57↓ 5.9%$1,456€1,298$1,456€1,298Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-SX720 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPSR-SX720+ Set · Yamaha57↓ 5.7%$1,479€1,319$1,479€1,319Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-SX600 61-Key Digital WorkstationPSR-SX600 · Yamaha53Stable$784€699$784€699Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-SX600 61-Key Digital WorkstationPSR-SX600 Set · Yamaha53Stable$824€735$824€735Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-EW320 Deluxe BundleYamaha52Stable$433€386$433€386Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-E483Yamaha · 3 finishes51Stable$398€355$398€355Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-A350Yamaha · 3 finishes51Stable$432€385$432€385Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-E583Yamaha · 3 finishes51Stable$547€488$547€488Check ↗
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Yamaha PSR-SX620 SetYamaha51↓ 15.5%$1,098€979$1,098€979Check ↗
Home Keyboards by the numbers
Measured across all 143 models we track, not a sample.
Median $335 — half of all home keyboards here cost less.
median of 140 models · 3.3 kg–20.1 kg
most common · 6 models
median of 51 models · 54–88
How to choose the best home keyboards
Action & Key Feel
This is HUGE. A heavy, uneven action will kill your progress and make playing feel like a chore. Look for something with a decent, consistent feel - semi-weighted keys are a good starting point, offering a bit more resistance than purely synth-action keys, which can feel like playing a toy.
Sound Engine & Voicing
Don't chase endless sounds you won't use. A few well-voiced piano, electric piano, and organ sounds are more valuable than a thousand mediocre ones. Listen for clarity and responsiveness - does the note sustain naturally? Does the tone have some character or is it sterile?
Number of Keys
61 keys is often enough to get started, but 76 or 88 keys offer a fuller range and feel closer to a traditional piano. Consider space constraints and budget - more keys generally mean a higher price.
Connectivity & Features
Basic MIDI connectivity is a must for future expansion (connecting to a computer for recording or using virtual instruments). Features like built-in speakers are nice for practice, but don't expect studio-quality sound. A sustain pedal input is also a plus.
Learning Curve & Interface
A complicated menu system will just frustrate you. Look for a keyboard with a straightforward layout and intuitive controls - you want to be playing music, not deciphering a manual.
Buying guide
So, you're diving into the world of keyboards - awesome! It's more than just hitting keys; it's about finding an instrument that inspires you and lets you explore. Picking your first keyboard can be overwhelming, especially with all the options out there, but don't get bogged down in features you won't use. Let's cut through the noise and find something that'll actually help you learn and make some music.
Beginner keyboards often cut corners on key action, so prioritize that above all else. Don't be swayed by a ton of sounds you'll never touch; a few quality voices are far better. A weighted or semi-weighted action is worth the extra investment, as it'll build proper technique and make the transition to a real piano much smoother down the line.
Budget around $200-$400 for a decent starter keyboard - anything cheaper will likely feel and sound noticeably cheap.
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 125 home keyboards from the Thomann catalogue (of 143 in the category). 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 synth-action, semi-weighted, and weighted keys?
Synth-action keys are light and springy, like a toy. Semi-weighted offer a bit more resistance, mimicking a piano action. Weighted keys try to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano, offering the most realistic feel but also the highest price.
Do I need a sustain pedal?
Absolutely. Sustain is a fundamental part of piano playing, and most keyboard sounds are designed with it in mind. A basic sustain pedal is relatively cheap and will dramatically improve your playing experience.
Can I record with a beginner keyboard?
Yes, but it's limited. You'll need a way to connect it to a computer - usually via USB MIDI. The keyboard itself won't have high-quality recording capabilities, so you'll rely on software on your computer.
What's the best way to learn keyboard?
Consistent practice is key! Online lessons, apps, and a good teacher can all be helpful. Start with basic chords and scales, and focus on developing good technique from the beginning.
Should I buy a keyboard with built-in speakers?
Built-in speakers are convenient for quiet practice, but don't expect them to sound great. For any serious playing or recording, you'll want to connect it to external speakers or headphones.
