AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Home Keyboards for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Casio CT-S200 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard ($186). Roland GO:KEYS 5 61-Key Music Creation 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 WH Set · Casio
70 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.3 kg
- Keys61 keys
This Casio CT-S200 set is a fantastic entry point for beginners or anyone needing a truly portable keyboard. The included stand is a nice touch, and the Chordana Play app makes learning approachable. It's ideal for students, casual players, or those wanting a simple, affordable keyboard for practice and light performance.
Pros
- Lightweight design (3.3kg) makes transport incredibly easy for lessons or gigs
- The included KS-1001 stand offers a surprisingly stable and adjustable setup
- Chordana Play app integration provides a genuinely helpful learning experience
Cons
- The 2W speakers are adequate but lack significant power for performance
- Limited polyphony (48 voices) can cause noticeable dropouts with complex layering
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Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus 2-Channel 40-Watt 2x10" Guitar Combo
E-X10 Set · Roland
58 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.9 kg
The Roland E-X10 is a solid, budget-friendly starter keyboard set. It's perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone needing a portable, all-in-one practice solution – the included stand is a real bonus. Don't expect professional-grade audio quality, but for casual playing and learning, it's hard to beat the value.
Pros
- Velocity-sensitive keys offer expressive playing feel.
- Included stand provides immediate, functional setup.
- Built-in speakers offer decent volume for practice.
Cons
- 61 keys limit advanced playing and chord voicings.
- 2.5W speakers lack power for performance or larger rooms.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$246 now$246€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Roland GO:KEYS 3 61-Key Music Creation Keyboard
GO:KEYS 3 TQ · Roland
53 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight4.5 kg
The GO:KEYS 3 TQ is a seriously fun and accessible keyboard for beginners, hobbyists, or anyone wanting a portable, all-in-one solution. It's packed with sounds and features, making it great for casual playing, songwriting, or even lightweight gigging – especially if you prioritize portability and ease of use over ultimate keyboard realism.
Pros
- ZEN-Core sound engine delivers surprisingly rich, authentic instrument tones.
- Lightweight design and battery operation enable truly portable performance.
- Intuitive Chord Sequencer simplifies creating complex harmonic progressions.
Cons
- 61-key action lacks the depth and feel of a weighted keyboard action.
- Small display limits detailed information and navigation complexity.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$362 now$362€323 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Roland GO:KEYS 5 61-Key Music Creation Keyboard
GO:KEYS 5 WH · Roland
35 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight4.9 kg
- Keys61 keys
The GO:KEYS 5 is a seriously fun and approachable keyboard, especially for beginners or casual players wanting a ton of sounds in a portable package. Roland’s ZEN-Core engine brings a modern sonic palette, and the built-in features like the Chord Sequencer make it easy to get started with music creation. It’s a great grab-and-go solution for practice, jamming, or performing in smaller spaces.
Pros
- ZEN-Core sounds deliver surprisingly rich and modern tones.
- Bluetooth 5.0 offers reliable audio and MIDI connectivity.
- The Chord Sequencer is genuinely useful for quick song creation.
Cons
- 61-key action lacks the nuance of weighted or semi-weighted keys.
- Limited speaker power; headphones or external speakers are recommended.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$504 now$504€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight4.3 kg
The CT-X700 is a solid entry-level keyboard for students and casual players. It's surprisingly portable and has a decent range of sounds, making it great for learning basics or playing along to your favorite tracks – just don’t expect studio-quality sound or advanced features.
Pros
- Velocity-sensitive keys offer nuanced expression for beginners.
- AiX sound engine delivers surprisingly rich, usable tones.
- Compact and lightweight; easy to transport for lessons or gigs.
Cons
- Plastic construction feels budget-oriented, lacks premium feel.
- Limited polyphony can cause note dropouts with dense arrangements.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$237 now$237€211 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight7 kg
The CT-X5000 is a surprisingly capable keyboard for the price. Its AiX sounds are a real highlight, and the velocity-sensitive keys add a level of expressiveness you don't usually find in this class of instrument. This is a great option for beginners, songwriters, or anyone needing a lightweight, portable keyboard with a decent sound palette.
Pros
- Excellent AiX sound engine delivers surprisingly rich tones
- Velocity-sensitive keys offer expressive playing feel
- Portability is a huge plus for gigging or lessons
Cons
- Plastic construction feels budget-oriented, lacks premium feel
- Limited key travel may not satisfy seasoned pianists
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$409 now$409€365 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight8 kg
- Keys61 keys
The Korg EK-50 L is a solid choice for beginners, hobbyists, or those needing a portable, all-in-one entertainment keyboard. The built-in speakers are a real highlight, making it great for practice or casual performance without external amplification. It's perfect for someone wanting a wide range of sounds and styles in a compact, easy-to-use package.
Pros
- Powerful built-in speakers offer surprisingly robust sound for home use
- Velocity-sensitive keys provide expressive playing feel for a budget keyboard
- The joystick offers intuitive control over modulation and effects
Cons
- The 61-key design limits complexity for serious pianists
- Plastic construction, while lightweight, lacks premium feel and durability
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$492 now$492€439 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha PSR-E383 61-Key Portable Keyboard
PSR-E383 Set · Yamaha
18 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight4.4 kg
This keyboard gives you plenty of rhythms and sounds without needing a big budget. The 61 keys feel good, but the small speakers might struggle in a large room. It's a solid choice for home practice or small gigs.
Pros
- 61 velocity-sensitive keys for responsive playing
- 650 built-in sounds including 25 drum kits
- 260 rhythm styles for full band simulation
Cons
- Requires 6 AA batteries not included in set
- Small 2.5 watt speakers for room volume
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Casio LK-S450 Casitone 61-Key Keyboard with Lighted Keys
LK-S450 Set · Casio
18 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight4.6 kg
The LK-S450 is a solid starter keyboard, especially for beginners or those wanting a portable, all-in-one practice tool. It’s got a good selection of sounds and rhythms, and the Chordana app is a real plus for learning. Don't expect studio-quality sounds or professional-grade build, but it's a surprisingly capable package for the price.
Pros
- Velocity-sensitive keys offer expressive dynamic control.
- Chordana Play app provides structured learning and engagement.
- Compact design and battery operation allow for portability.
Cons
- 2.5W speakers are adequate for practice but lack volume for performance.
- The AiX sound engine, while decent, lacks the nuance of higher-end models.
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Casio CT-X3000 61-Key Portable Keyboard
CT-X3000 Set · Casio
25 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight6.9 kg
The CT-X3000 set is a fantastic entry point for beginners and casual players looking for a portable, fun, and surprisingly capable keyboard. The AiX sounds are a real highlight, and the included stand makes it instantly usable. It's perfect for learning, songwriting, or just jamming around the house.
Pros
- Excellent AiX sound engine delivers surprisingly realistic tones
- Velocity-sensitive keys offer expressive playing feel for a budget keyboard
- Compact size and battery operation allow for easy portability and practice
Cons
- 61 keys limit advanced playing techniques and chord voicings
- Plastic construction feels somewhat lightweight and less robust
All 62 home keyboards
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Casio CT-S300 Casiotone 61-Key Portable KeyboardCT-S300 Set · Casio · 2 finishes70↑ 0.5%$220€196$220€196Check ↗
- 12
Casio LK-S250 Casiotone 61-Key Portable KeyboardLK-S250 Set · Casio · 2 finishes66Stable$241€215$241€215Check ↗
- 13
Casio CT-S500 Casitone 61-Key KeyboardCT-S500 · Casio · 3 finishes65Stable$302€269$302€269Check ↗
- 14
Casio CT-S1000V Casiotone 61-Key Vocal Synthesizer KeyboardCT-S1000V · Casio · 3 finishes64Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
- 15
Yamaha PSR-EW320 76-Key Portable KeyboardPSR-EW320 · Yamaha61Stable$334€298$334€298Check ↗
- 16
Yamaha PSR-EW320 76-Key Portable KeyboardPSR-EW320 Set · Yamaha61Stable$358€319$358€319Check ↗
- 17
Roland E-X50 61-Key Arranger KeyboardE-X50 · Roland61Stable$398€355$398€355Check ↗
- 18
Yamaha PSR-E283 61-Key Portable KeyboardPSR-E283 Set · Yamaha · 2 finishes73↑ 0.7%$175€156$175€156Check ↗
- 19
Casio CT-S1BKCasio · 6 finishes57Stable$245€218$245€218Check ↗
- 20
Startone MK-400 Deluxe BundleStartone · 3 finishes56Stable$290€259$290€259Check ↗
- 21
Yamaha EZ-310 61-Key Portable KeyboardEZ-310 · Yamaha61↓ 21.8%$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 22
Yamaha PSR-EW320 Deluxe BundleYamaha52Stable$433€386$433€386Check ↗
- 23
Yamaha PSR-E483Yamaha · 3 finishes51Stable$398€355$398€355Check ↗
- 24
Yamaha PSR-A350Yamaha · 3 finishes51Stable$432€385$432€385Check ↗
- 25
Casio CT-X800 61-Key Portable KeyboardCT-X800 · Casio · 2 finishes49Stable$290€259$290€259Check ↗
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Casio CT-S400Casio · 2 finishes48Stable$241€215$241€215Check ↗
- 27
Roland GO:KEYS 5 WH Cover BundleRoland48Stable$520€464$520€464Check ↗
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Roland GO:KEYS 5 GT Cover BundleRoland48Stable$520€464$520€464Check ↗
- 29
Yamaha DGX-670 88-Key Portable Grand PianoDGX-670 WH · Yamaha · 6 finishes91Stable$895€798$895€798Check ↗
- 30
Casio CT-S100 Casiotone 61-Key KeyboardCT-S100 Set · Casio · 2 finishes64Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 31
Roland GO:KEYS 3 RD Cover BundleRoland41Stable$398€355$398€355Check ↗
- 32
Startone MK-201 SetStartone · 3 finishes56↑ 1.6%$142€127$142€127Check ↗
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Startone MK-300 SetStartone · 2 finishes45↑ 1.3%$176€157$176€157Check ↗
- 34
Yamaha PSR-F52 61-Key Home Portable KeyboardPSR-F52 Set · Yamaha · 2 finishes56↓ 2.7%$121€108$121€108Check ↗
- 35
Hamaril Keyboard SetHamaril36↑ 0.5%$209€186$209€186Check ↗
- 36
Casio CTK-240 61-Key Portable KeyboardCTK-240 Set · Casio · 2 finishes47Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 37
Korg Pa700 Professional Arranger - StandardPA-700 · Korg · 3 finishes70Stable$1,345€1,199$1,345€1,199Check ↗
- 38
Startone MLK-201 SetStartone41↑ 1.4%$165€147$165€147Check ↗
- 39
Yamaha PSR-A5000 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPSR-A5000 · Yamaha · 2 finishes69↑ 0.7%$2,031€1,811$2,031€1,811Check ↗
- 40
Startone BK-61 SetStartone · 2 finishes52↑ 2.1%$109€97$109€97Check ↗
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Startone BK-54 SetStartone · 2 finishes53↑ 1.2%$99€88$99€88Check ↗
- 42
Startone MKL-201Startone42Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 43
Yamaha PSR-SX920 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPSR-SX920 · Yamaha62Stable$2,068€1,844$2,068€1,844Check ↗
- 44
Yamaha PSR-SX920 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPSR-SX920 Set · Yamaha62Stable$2,096€1,869$2,096€1,869Check ↗
- 45
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 ↗
- 48
Yamaha PSR-SX720 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPSR-SX720+ Set · Yamaha57↓ 5.7%$1,479€1,319$1,479€1,319Check ↗
- 49
Yamaha PSR-SX600 61-Key Digital WorkstationPSR-SX600 · Yamaha53Stable$784€699$784€699Check ↗
- 50
Yamaha PSR-SX600 61-Key Digital WorkstationPSR-SX600 Set · Yamaha53Stable$824€735$824€735Check ↗
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
The keybed is everything. A semi-weighted action is a minimum for intermediate players; you need some resistance to get expressive dynamics. Fully weighted actions mimic a real piano, offering the best articulation and control, but they're pricier and heavier.
Sound Engine & Voicing
Forget basic presets. Look for keyboards with multiple engines (Rhodes, B3, piano) and a decent selection of sounds. The voicing is critical - a bright, thin piano sound won't cut it; you want something with warmth and sustain that doesn't sound sterile.
Connectivity & MIDI
As an intermediate player, you'll want more than just headphone out. MIDI in/out is essential for expanding your rig, and USB audio is a must for simple recording. Aux sends and effects loops are a bonus for live work.
Polyphony & Memory
Limited polyphony will kill your creativity. Aim for at least 64 voices, and enough memory to store your own sounds and custom setups. Nothing's worse than a note dropping out mid-comping because you hit too many keys.
User Interface & Learning Curve
A confusing interface will slow your progress. While complexity can be a good thing, it shouldn't be overwhelming. Look for clear labeling, intuitive controls, and a logical layout - you want to play, not decipher a manual.
Buying guide
So, you've moved past those beginner Casios and are looking for something with a little more meat on its bones. As an intermediate player, you're probably craving more expressive control, better sounds, and maybe even the ability to lay down some tracks without hauling a full-sized stage piano. This isn't about the cheapest option; it's about finding a keyboard that'll actually inspire you to practice and grow, and that can hold its own in a band rehearsal or even a small gig.
Don't be swayed by flashy features you won't use. The action is paramount - a bad action will kill your technique. Budget for a decent pair of headphones or monitors, too; tinny laptop speakers will mask the keyboard's true potential.
And remember, a little bit of latency is unavoidable with USB audio, but anything over 20ms starts to feel sluggish.
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
Is a weighted action really necessary?
If you're serious about developing piano technique, yes. It's the closest you'll get to a real piano feel, allowing for nuanced dynamics and articulation. However, a good semi-weighted action can be a decent compromise if budget is a concern.
What's the deal with aftertouch?
Aftertouch allows you to control parameters like vibrato or filter cutoff after you hit a key. It's a cool expressive tool, but not essential for most intermediate players. Don't prioritize it over a better action or sound engine.
Can I record directly to my computer with these?
Most keyboards with USB connectivity can act as audio interfaces. Just make sure your DAW recognizes it and you have the appropriate drivers installed. Latency can be an issue, though, so a dedicated audio interface is still preferable for critical recording.
How much memory do I really need?
It depends on how many custom sounds and patches you plan to create. 128MB is a good starting point, but 256MB or more will give you more breathing room, especially if you like layering sounds.
Are used keyboards a good option?
Absolutely! You can often find great deals on used models, especially if you're willing to do a little research and inspect the keyboard in person. Just be sure to check the action for any signs of wear or damage.
