AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Home Keyboards Under $100 2026
The top pick is Casio CT-S100 Casiotone 61-Key Keyboard ($98). Startone MKR 49 Kids gives you the most for the money at $37. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Top 8
Full detail for the 8 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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
62AudioFu
Index↓ 1.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$100 · Aug 14$98 now$98€88 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha PSR-F52 61-Key Home Portable Keyboard
PSR-F52 · Yamaha
5 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.
58AudioFu
Index↓ 10.5%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$106 · Aug 14$95 now$95€85 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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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- Weight2.8 kg
The CTK-240 is a super budget-friendly starter keyboard, perfect for young kids or adults just dipping their toes into music. Don't expect professional-grade sounds or feel, but it's a solid way to learn basic chords and melodies without a big investment.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable, ideal for travel or small spaces
- Simple learning system aids beginners with Melody Cut feature
- Decent selection of sounds for basic practice and enjoyment
Cons
- Plastic key action feels cheap and lacks expressiveness
- Limited polyphony restricts layering of sounds realistically
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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.
43AudioFu
Index↓ 2.2%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$50 · Aug 14$49 now$49€44 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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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- Weight3.5 kg
This small keyboard packs a lot for the price. It has 54 keys and over 300 rhythms to keep things interesting. You can play alone or use the included lessons to learn. It works on batteries or the adapter, making it easy to take anywhere. Perfect for beginners who want a compact, fun instrument without needing a big room.
Pros
- Includes 300 sounds with layering and split modes
- Offers 300 rhythms plus 40 demo songs
- Batteries operate the unit without mains power
Cons
- No battery type or charging time is stated
- Speakers are not described in detail
Home Keyboards by the numbers
Measured across all 9 models we track, not a sample.
Median $88 — half of all home keyboards here cost less.
median of 6 models · 49–61
median of 7 models · 2.8 kg–3.5 kg
How to choose the best home keyboards
Action
Forget graded hammer action, that's a pipe dream at this price. You're looking at synth action - light and consistent, but it won't feel like an acoustic piano. It's fine for pads, leads, and comping, but won't give you that nuanced piano feel.
Sound Engine
Don't expect pristine sampled pianos. These are typically using basic synthesized sounds, which can be surprisingly usable for certain sounds (think lo-fi or electronic textures) but lack the depth and realism of a good sample library. Listen for unwanted digital artifacts.
Polyphony
This is crucial. Anything less than 32 voices is going to get frustrating fast when layering sounds or playing complex chords. Limited polyphony means notes will drop out - not ideal for a gig or even a decent recording.
Connectivity
USB MIDI is almost a given these days, which is great for connecting to a computer and using virtual instruments. Audio output is essential, but don't expect high-end headphone amps - keep the volume reasonable.
Build Quality
Plastic is the name of the game. These aren't built to withstand heavy abuse. Be gentle, avoid dropping it, and don't expect it to last forever. The keybed is often the first thing to go.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a keyboard and your wallet's screaming 'budget'? I get it. I've been there, lugging around a cheap Casio for rehearsals when I should've been focusing on the set. We're not talking about a Rhodes replacement here, but you can find something that'll get you laying down basic tracks or practicing without feeling guilty. Let's find you something usable for under a hundred bucks.
Realistically, you're trading off somewhere. The tone will be simpler, the action won't be fantastic, and the build quality won't inspire confidence. Prioritize polyphony - it's more important than a few extra sounds.
If you're serious about piano sounds, consider using it primarily as a MIDI controller and running it through a software piano VST on your computer - you'll get a far better sound.
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 9 home keyboards 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
Can I record these sounds directly into my DAW?
Absolutely, most have USB MIDI connectivity. The audio output is usually 1/4" or 1/8", so you'll need an adapter if your interface uses something different. Don't expect professional-grade audio, though.
Are these good for learning piano?
They're okay for getting started, but the action won't develop proper technique. It's better to save up for a keyboard with a more realistic feel if you're serious about learning piano. This is more for experimenting and playing around.
What's the difference between a 'workstation' and a 'keyboard' at this price?
Marketing. They're both essentially the same thing - a basic synthesizer with a keyboard. 'Workstation' just implies a few more built-in sounds and maybe a slightly more complex interface, but the core functionality is similar.
Can I connect headphones to it?
Most will have a headphone jack, but don't expect a ton of volume or great sound quality. It's fine for practicing alone, but not ideal for monitoring with a band.
Will this cut through the mix in a band setting?
Doubtful. These keyboards often lack the low-end thump and overall power to compete with guitars and drums. You'll likely need to layer sounds or run it through an external amp to be heard.
