AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Home Keyboards Under $1,000 2026

Q: Is a fully-weighted action realistic under $1000?

Highly unlikely. You'll find synth-action or hammer-action, which are decent substitutes. Focus on responsiveness rather than pure weight.

Q: What about sampling versus modeling?

Sampling generally sounds more 'authentic,' but modeling can offer more flexibility and sometimes a lighter footprint. Both have their strengths.

Q: Can I record these keyboards directly into my DAW?

Most have USB MIDI connectivity, which lets you control virtual instruments. Some have audio outputs for recording sounds directly, but quality varies.

Q: What's the deal with aftertouch?

Aftertouch lets you control parameters like vibrato or filter cutoff after you hit a key. It's a cool expressive feature, but not essential at this price.

Q: Should I buy new or used?

Used can be a fantastic way to get more for your money. Just be sure to inspect the keys for wear and tear, and test all the functions.

The top pick is Casio CT-S200 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard ($144). Yamaha DGX-670 88-Key Portable Grand Piano leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 51 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 14, 2026

51models in this chart

8brands

$301median price

39price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Home Keyboards Showing: Under $1,000 · clear

Price

Skill level

Brand

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
CT-S200 BK · Casio
70 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.3 kg
- Keys61 keys
The CT-S200 is a surprisingly capable little keyboard – it's incredibly light and fun to play around with. It's an excellent first keyboard for kids or adults just starting out, or for someone who needs a truly portable instrument for casual jamming. Don't expect studio-grade sounds, but it's a great value for what you get.
Pros
- Extremely portable and lightweight for gigging or travel
- Decent piano sounds for beginner practice and casual playing
- Chordana Play app provides a genuinely helpful learning experience
Cons
- Plastic key action lacks the feel of weighted or semi-weighted keys
- 2W speakers are weak – headphone use is strongly recommended
94AudioFu
Index
- Demand100
- Lineup100
- Price59
- Specs100
- Maker99
↓ 3.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$149 · Aug 14$144 now

$144€129 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Yamaha DGX-670 88-Key Portable Grand Piano
DGX-670 WH · Yamaha
64 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Weight21.4 kg
- Keys88 keys
The DGX-670 is a solid choice for students and hobbyists looking for an 88-key instrument with a good piano sound. It's surprisingly feature-rich for the price, offering a wide range of voices and styles, making it great for exploring different musical genres. It's a dependable, all-rounder for home practice and casual playing.
Pros
- GHS action provides surprisingly realistic piano feel for its class
- CFX grand piano sound is genuinely impressive and detailed
- IAC intelligently adjusts volume based on background noise – a clever touch
Cons
- The 6-watt speakers lack real punch for performance scenarios
- The plastic casing, while sturdy, doesn't exude premium build quality
92AudioFu
Index
- Demand98
- Lineup100
- Price50
- Specs100
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$893 now

$893€798 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Yamaha PSR-E283 61-Key Portable Keyboard
PSR-E283 · Yamaha
19 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- 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.
77AudioFu
Index
- Demand70
- Lineup56
- Price83
- Specs100
- Maker100
↓ 11.0%since Aug 14
$162 · Aug 14$144 now

$144€129 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Roland GO:KEYS 3 61-Key Music Creation Keyboard
GO:KEYS 3 TQ · Roland
47 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.
76AudioFu
Index
- Demand91
- Lineup71
- Price72
- Specs50
- Maker68
↓ 7.4%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$390 · Aug 14$361 now

$361€323 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Casio CT-X3000 61-Key Portable Keyboard
CT-X3000 · Casio
26 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight6.9 kg
The CT-X3000 is a surprisingly capable entry-level keyboard. The AiX sounds are a real step up from older Casios, and the velocity-sensitive keys add a welcome touch of expression. It’s ideal for beginners, students, or anyone needing a lightweight, portable keyboard for casual playing and song practice.
Pros
- Excellent AiX sound engine delivers surprisingly rich tones
- Velocity-sensitive keys offer expressive playing feel
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability and setup
Cons
- Plastic construction feels budget-oriented, lacks premium feel
- 61 keys limit versatility for experienced pianists
75AudioFu
Index
- Demand77
- Lineup71
- Price80
- Specs50
- Maker99
↓ 10.0%since Aug 14
$335 · Aug 14$301 now

$301€269 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus 2-Channel 40-Watt 2x10" Guitar Combo
E-X10 · Roland
58 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.9 kg
The E-X10 is a solid, budget-friendly option for beginners or those needing a portable keyboard for simple practice and casual playing. It's perfect for students or anyone wanting to explore music creation without a huge investment, though serious players will quickly outgrow its limitations.
Pros
- Surprisingly responsive velocity keys for entry-level feel
- Roland's sound engine delivers usable, decent-quality tones
- Compact size and lightweight design make it very portable
Cons
- 61 keys limit expressive playing, especially for classical or complex pieces
- 2.5W speakers are underwhelming; external amplification highly recommended
74AudioFu
Index
- Demand96
- Lineup71
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker68
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$222 now

$222€198 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Roland GO:KEYS 5 61-Key Music Creation Keyboard
GO:KEYS 5 GT · Roland
35 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight4.9 kg
- Keys61 keys
The GO:KEYS 5 GT is a seriously fun and approachable keyboard, especially for beginners or casual players wanting instant gratification. Roland's ZEN-Core engine brings a surprising amount of sonic depth to a portable package, and the built-in features like the Chord Sequencer and arpeggiator make it easy to create music on the fly. It's a great grab-and-go option for practice, songwriting, or light performance.
Pros
- ZEN-Core sounds deliver surprisingly rich, nuanced tones for the price.
- Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable audio and MIDI connectivity.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it exceptionally portable and giggable.
Cons
- 61-key action lacks the feel of a weighted or semi-weighted keyboard.
- Limited display resolution hinders detailed editing and parameter adjustments.
74AudioFu
Index
- Demand84
- Lineup56
- Price50
- Specs100
- Maker68
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$502 now

$502€449 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Casio LK-S250 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard
LK-S250 · Casio
23 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.4 kg
The LK-S250 is a solid entry-level keyboard, perfect for beginners or those wanting a lightweight, portable option for casual playing. The backlit keys are a nice touch, and the Chordana app is genuinely helpful for learning. Don't expect a pro-level experience, but for the price, it’s a fun and functional instrument.
Pros
- Backlit keys offer visual clarity for learning and performance
- Compact size and lightweight design facilitate portability and storage
- Chordana Play app integration provides a structured learning experience
Cons
- Key action is plastic and lacks the feel of weighted keys
- Limited polyphony restricts layering of sounds and complex arrangements
72AudioFu
Index
- Demand75
- Lineup56
- Price91
- Specs50
- Maker99
↓ 13.7%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$245 · Aug 14$211 now

$211€189 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Casio CT-X700 61-Key Portable Keyboard
CT-X700 · Casio
31 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- 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
Index
- Demand81
- Lineup71
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker99
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$236 now

$236€211 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Casio CT-S300 Casiotone 61-Key Portable Keyboard
CT-S300 · Casio
38 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
71AudioFu
Index
- Demand86
- Lineup56
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker99
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$190 now

$190€170 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗

All 51 home keyboards

Sort

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

11
Casio LK-S450 Casitone 61-Key Keyboard with Lighted KeysLK-S450 · Casio · 2 finishes

Index 68↓ 10.2%
68
↓ 10.2%$266€238
$266€238Check ↗
12
Casio CT-X5000 61-Key Portable KeyboardCT-X5000 · Casio · 3 finishes

Index 68Stable
68
Stable$408€365
$408€365Check ↗
13
Korg EK-50 61-Key Entertainer KeyboardEK-50 L Set · Korg · 3 finishes

Index 68↑ 5.7%
68
↑ 5.7%$502€449
$502€449Check ↗
14
Yamaha PSR-E383 61-Key Portable KeyboardPSR-E383 Set · Yamaha · 3 finishes

Index 67Stable
67
Stable$236€211
$236€211Check ↗
15
Yamaha EZ-310 61-Key Portable KeyboardEZ-310 · Yamaha · 3 finishes

Index 67↓ 19.1%
67
↓ 19.1%$256€229
$256€229Check ↗
16
Casio CT-S500 Casitone 61-Key KeyboardCT-S500 · Casio · 3 finishes

Index 66↓ 2.2%
66
↓ 2.2%$301€269
$301€269Check ↗
17
Casio CT-S1000V Casiotone 61-Key Vocal Synthesizer KeyboardCT-S1000V · Casio · 3 finishes

Index 66↓ 5.4%
66
↓ 5.4%$312€279
$312€279Check ↗
18
Casio CT-S100 Casiotone 61-Key KeyboardCT-S100 Set · Casio · 2 finishes

Index 63↓ 3.0%
63
↓ 3.0%$144€129
$144€129Check ↗
19
Yamaha PSR-EW320 76-Key Portable KeyboardPSR-EW320 · Yamaha

Index 61Stable
61
Stable$333€298
$333€298Check ↗
20
Yamaha PSR-EW320 76-Key Portable KeyboardPSR-EW320 Set · Yamaha

Index 61Stable
61
Stable$357€319
$357€319Check ↗
21
Korg Pa300 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPA-300 · Korg · 2 finishes

Index 61↓ 3.2%
61
↓ 3.2%$670€599
$670€599Check ↗
22
Korg Pa600 61-Key Arranger WorkstationPA-600 · Korg

Index 61↓ 2.5%
61
↓ 2.5%$872€779
$872€779Check ↗
23
Startone MK-201Startone · 3 finishes

Index 60↓ 9.2%
60
↓ 9.2%$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
24
Casio CT-S1RDCasio · 6 finishes

Index 60↓ 7.1%
60
↓ 7.1%$234€209
$234€209Check ↗
25
Roland E-X50 61-Key Arranger KeyboardE-X50 · Roland

Index 59↑ 4.7%
59
↑ 4.7%$397€355
$397€355Check ↗
26
Yamaha PSR-F52 61-Key Home Portable KeyboardPSR-F52 · Yamaha · 2 finishes

Index 58↓ 10.5%
58
↓ 10.5%$95€85
$95€85Check ↗
27
Startone MK-400Startone · 3 finishes

Index 56Stable
56
Stable$189€169
$189€169Check ↗
28
Yamaha PSR-SX600 61-Key Digital WorkstationPSR-SX600 · Yamaha

Index 54↓ 1.7%
54
↓ 1.7%$782€699
$782€699Check ↗
29
Yamaha PSR-SX600 61-Key Digital WorkstationPSR-SX600 Set · Yamaha

Index 54↓ 0.5%
54
↓ 0.5%$822€735
$822€735Check ↗
30
Startone BK-54Startone · 2 finishes

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$66€59
$66€59Check ↗
31
Startone BK-61Startone · 2 finishes

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$77€69
$77€69Check ↗
32
Casio CT-S400 SetCasio · 2 finishes

Index 52↓ 7.9%
52
↓ 7.9%$260€232
$260€232Check ↗
33
Yamaha PSR-EW320 Deluxe BundleYamaha

Index 52Stable
52
Stable$432€386
$432€386Check ↗
34
Yamaha PSR-E483Yamaha · 3 finishes

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$397€355
$397€355Check ↗
35
Yamaha PSR-A350 SetYamaha · 3 finishes

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$454€406
$454€406Check ↗
36
Yamaha PSR-E583Yamaha · 3 finishes

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$546€488
$546€488Check ↗
37
Yamaha HD-300 Harmony Director 61-Key KeyboardHD-300 Harmony Director · Yamaha

Index 50Stable
50
Stable$710€635
$710€635Check ↗
38
Casio CT-X800 61-Key Portable KeyboardCT-X800 · Casio · 2 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$290€259
$290€259Check ↗
39
Roland GO:KEYS 5 GT Cover BundleRoland

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$519€464
$519€464Check ↗
40
Roland GO:KEYS 5 WH Cover BundleRoland

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$519€464
$519€464Check ↗
41
Thomann AK-X1100Thomann · 4 finishes

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$621€555
$621€555Check ↗
42
Casio CTK-240 61-Key Portable KeyboardCTK-240 · Casio · 2 finishes

Index 46Stable
46
Stable$95€85
$95€85Check ↗
43
Startone MK-300Startone · 2 finishes

Index 46Stable
46
Stable$144€129
$144€129Check ↗
44
Yamaha PSR-SX600 Deluxe BundleYamaha

Index 45↓ 1.6%
45
↓ 1.6%$893€798
$893€798Check ↗
45
Startone MKL-201Startone

Index 44↓ 4.8%
44
↓ 4.8%$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
46
Startone MKR 62Startone

Index 43↓ 2.2%
43
↓ 2.2%$49€44
$49€44Check ↗
47
Startone MKR 49 KidsStartone

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$37€33
$37€33Check ↗
48
Startone MLK-201 SetStartone

Index 42↓ 1.3%
42
↓ 1.3%$164€147
$164€147Check ↗
49
Roland GO:KEYS 3 RD Cover BundleRoland

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$397€355
$397€355Check ↗
50
Alesis Harmony 54 Portable KeyboardHarmony 54 · Alesis

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$88€79
$88€79Check ↗
51
Hamaril Keyboard SetHamaril

Index 36↑ 0.5%
36
↑ 0.5%$208€186
$208€186Check ↗

Home Keyboards by the numbers

Measured across all 109 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $301 — half of all home keyboards here cost less.

<$50$50–150$150–300$300–500$500+

Keys61

median of 36 models · 54–76

Weight4.5 kg

median of 107 models · 3 kg–9.4 kg

How to choose the best home keyboards

Key Action

Forget the plastic mush. We're looking for something with at least a semblance of weighted action, even if it's synth-action. A responsive action makes a world of difference for dynamics and articulation.

Sound Engine/Sounds

Don't expect pristine, sampled Grand Piano quality, but listen for usable sounds - Rhodes, electric pianos, organs, synths. A decent selection and decent voicing is key to versatility.

Connectivity

MIDI in/out is a must. USB MIDI is almost universal now, but check for audio outputs (1/4" or XLR) if you plan to record directly or plug into a PA.

Build Quality

Plastic cases are common at this price, but look for something that doesn't feel like it'll rattle apart on stage. Key stability and overall solidity matter.

Polyphony & Features

64 voices is generally the minimum for serious playing. Features like aftertouch, a decent sequencer, or a good selection of effects can elevate the experience - but don't prioritize these over core sound and feel.

Buying guide

So, you want a keyboard for your home studio or to spice up your gigs without blowing your rent money? It's a common goal. Under $1000, you're not going to get a flagship workstation with a million knobs and a boutique piano engine, but you can find some seriously capable instruments that'll get you playing and creating. Let's cut through the noise and find you something that sounds good and feels right.

At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Key action is almost always the first thing to be compromised - don't expect a buttery-smooth, fully-weighted action. Pay close attention to the sound engine - listen for a warm, usable electric piano tone rather than a brittle, digital one.

If you're gigging, prioritize portability and a robust build; if it's purely for home use, focus on sound quality and features.

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 109 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

Is a fully-weighted action realistic under $1000?

Highly unlikely. You'll find synth-action or hammer-action, which are decent substitutes. Focus on responsiveness rather than pure weight.

What about sampling versus modeling?

Sampling generally sounds more 'authentic,' but modeling can offer more flexibility and sometimes a lighter footprint. Both have their strengths.

Can I record these keyboards directly into my DAW?

Most have USB MIDI connectivity, which lets you control virtual instruments. Some have audio outputs for recording sounds directly, but quality varies.

What's the deal with aftertouch?

Aftertouch lets you control parameters like vibrato or filter cutoff after you hit a key. It's a cool expressive feature, but not essential at this price.

Should I buy new or used?

Used can be a fantastic way to get more for your money. Just be sure to inspect the keys for wear and tear, and test all the functions.