AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Pianos 2026
The top pick is Yamaha U1 Acoustic Piano ($12,296). Yamaha B10 PE gives you the most for the money at $4,800. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 49 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Narrow the chart
All PianosTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Weight228 kg
- Keys88 keys
The U1 Q is a classic for a reason - it's a dependable, well-built piano that delivers a clear, consistent tone. Perfect for serious students, dedicated hobbyists, or anyone needing a reliable workhorse piano for performance or teaching. It’s a step up from entry-level instruments and offers a quality feel and sound you’ll appreciate for years.
Pros
- Solid spruce soundboard delivers a rich, resonant tone.
- Yamaha's Graduated Hammer Action provides excellent responsiveness.
- High-gloss polished white finish elevates the aesthetic appeal.
Cons
- The substantial weight makes moving it a significant undertaking.
- Premium-priced, representing a considerable investment for many.
87AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$12,296 now$12,296€10,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight210 kg
- Keys88 keys
This piano combines a real acoustic sound with digital technology using the Aures mute system. The Millennium III action feels great to play and the ABS parts keep it stable. It suits players who want the acoustic experience but need digital convenience.
Pros
- Millennium III action offers responsive touch
- ABS carbon parts ensure long-term stability
- Aures mute function enhances acoustic sound
Cons
- No soundboard material details provided
- Headphones included only for demonstration
65AudioFu
Index↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$10,729 · Aug 17$10,282 now$10,282€9,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight200 kg
- Keys88 keys
This piano offers a huge sheet music stand and a soft cover that feels nice to use. It arrives tuned and delivered by pros, but the description skips the wood inside and the action feel. Great for a home studio or teacher who wants a full set up without extra costs.
Pros
- Spacious sheet music stand covers almost full width
- Soft-close keyboard cover protects keys when not in use
- Comes with initial tuning service included right away
Cons
- No soundboard wood type is listed in description
- Action mechanism details are completely missing from text
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,800 now$4,800€4,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight220 kg
- Keys88 keys
This piano feels like a solid workhorse for a home or small studio. It comes with a big music stand and a cover that closes softly so the keys stay protected. The five-year warranty and included tuning service make it feel very safe for a buyer. It is heavy and polished black, so it looks great but is hard to move around.
Pros
- Spacious sheet music stand covers most of the piano width
- Soft-close keyboard cover protects keys when not in use
- Includes on-site initial tuning service with delivery in Germany
Cons
- Polished Black finish may show fingerprints and dust easily
- Heavy 220 kg weight makes moving the instrument difficult
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,478 now$6,478€5,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight232 kg
- Keys88 keys
This piano feels like a complete workstation with its huge music stand and soft cover. The heavy build gives confidence, and the included tuning service is a nice touch. It suits both students and pros who need reliable gear on the go.
Pros
- Spacious sheet music stand covers almost the full instrument width
- Soft-close keyboard cover protects keys from dust and debris
- Includes initial on-site tuning service right at your location
Cons
- No internal material specs like wood type or string gauge listed
- Soundboard dimensions and action mechanism details are missing
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,664 now$7,664€6,850 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight226 kg
- Keys88 keys
This K-300 ATX 4 is a serious instrument for the dedicated pianist. The acoustic action feels fantastic, and the AnytimeX-4 system is a game-changer for practice. It’s a beautifully built, premium-priced piano that will reward serious students and seasoned performers alike.
Pros
- Millennium III action with carbon ABS provides exceptional stability and responsiveness.
- Mahogany hammer cores deliver a warm, nuanced, and surprisingly organic tone.
- AnytimeX-4 system enables silent practice with high-quality digital sound reproduction.
Cons
- The substantial weight (226kg) makes moving it a serious undertaking.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
62AudioFu
Index↓ 2.3%since Aug 14$9,722 · Aug 14$9,499 now$9,499€8,490 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight228 kg
- Keys88 keys
The YUS1 PWH is a serious instrument, a workhorse for institutions and dedicated players. Yamaha's consistently excellent build quality shines here, and the sound is warm and powerful—perfect for classical, jazz, or anything requiring a refined touch and reliable performance. It's a premium choice for those prioritizing longevity and a traditional piano experience.
Pros
- Solid spruce soundboard delivers rich, resonant tone and projection
- Yamaha's renowned action provides responsive, even touch across the keyboard
- Polished white finish offers a classic, elegant aesthetic suitable for performance spaces
Cons
- Premium-priced, represents a significant investment for many aspiring pianists
- Its upright design limits space and potentially sound projection compared to grands
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$14,533 now$14,533€12,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight257 kg
- Keys88 keys
This silent piano offers 88 keys and 25 recorded sounds so you can hear the famous CFX and Imperial pianos. It connects via USB and Bluetooth and even records 10 songs for playback. Perfect for students or teachers who need a quiet practice tool with big sound options.
Pros
- Features 25 distinct recorded piano sounds including CFX and Imperial
- Includes MIDI recording and playback for exactly 10 songs
- Has built-in USB audio recorder and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Missing a listed soundboard material specification in description
- No mention of specific action mechanism type used
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$20,127 now$20,127€17,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight213 kg
- Keys88 keys
The P 116 M PE is a fantastic choice for apartments or smaller homes where space is at a premium, but you still want a genuine upright piano experience. It offers a surprisingly mature sound and a respectable action for its size, making it ideal for students, beginners, or anyone wanting a beautiful, compact instrument. The included accessories are a nice touch too.
Pros
- Compact size belies a surprisingly rich, full tonal range.
- High-gloss black finish elevates aesthetics for any room.
- Solid spruce soundboard contributes to resonance and clarity.
Cons
- Smaller size limits low-end extension compared to larger uprights.
- High-gloss finish can show fingerprints and require more maintenance.
54AudioFu
Index↓ 2.9%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$7,820 · Aug 14$7,597 now$7,597€6,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight235 kg
- Keys88 keys
The Yamaha U3 SQ PE is a beautifully crafted upright piano offering a professional level of touch and tone. It's an excellent choice for serious students, intermediate to advanced players, and those seeking a reliable, high-quality instrument for home or studio use—it nails the traditional upright piano experience.
Pros
- Advanced scale design delivers exceptionally even and rich tonal balance
- Specially selected hammer materials provide responsive and durable performance
- Soft-close fallboard adds a touch of luxury and protects the keyboard
Cons
- The U3’s footprint is substantial, demanding adequate space in a room
- Being a traditional upright, it lacks the dynamic range of a grand piano
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$14,533 now$14,533€12,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 49 pianos
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Kawai K 15 ATX 3-L E/P PianoKawai · 4 finishes53↑ 3.3%$6,925€6,190$6,925€6,190Check ↗
- 12
Yamaha b1 SC3 PECYamaha52↓ 6.5%$6,478€5,790$6,478€5,790Check ↗
- 13
Kawai K-500 ATX 4 E/P PianoKawai · 3 finishes52↑ 3.2%$14,533€12,990$14,533€12,990Check ↗
- 14
Kawai E 200 PianoKawai · 2 finishes51Stable$5,032€4,498$5,032€4,498Check ↗
- 15
Yamaha b3 PWHYamaha · 3 finishes51↓ 9.1%$6,702€5,990$6,702€5,990Check ↗
- 16
Kawai K-400 E/P PianoKawai · 2 finishes51↑ 1.1%$10,729€9,590$10,729€9,590Check ↗
- 17
Yamaha P 121 M PEC "Silver Edition"Yamaha · 5 finishes50Stable$9,387€8,390$9,387€8,390Check ↗
- 18
Yamaha B2 TC3 PEYamaha · 2 finishes49↓ 8.2%$8,827€7,890$8,827€7,890Check ↗
- 19
Yamaha SU 118 C PEYamaha49Stable$18,337€16,390$18,337€16,390Check ↗
- 20
Yamaha SU 7Yamaha49Stable$30,196€26,990$30,196€26,990Check ↗
- 21
Kawai E 300 PianoKawai48Stable$5,807€5,190$5,807€5,190Check ↗
- 22
Seiler Piano 116 AccentSeiler · 2 finishes47↓ 11.1%$13,423€11,998$13,423€11,998Check ↗
- 23
Yamaha YUS 5 SH3 PE Silent PianoYamaha · 3 finishes47Stable$22,365€19,990$22,365€19,990Check ↗
- 24
Kawai K-600 E/P PianoKawai46↑ 4.2%$13,862€12,390$13,862€12,390Check ↗
- 25
Yamaha DU1 EN PE Disklavier SilentYamaha43↓ 2.6%$21,246€18,990$21,246€18,990Check ↗
- 26
Seiler 116 Konsole ChromSeiler · 2 finishes42Stable$16,211€14,490$16,211€14,490Check ↗
- 27
Blüthner Model DBlüthner · 4 finishes42Stable$20,351€18,190$20,351€18,190Check ↗
- 28
Yamaha DYUS1 EN PE Disklavier SilentYamaha42Stable$22,365€19,990$22,365€19,990Check ↗
- 29
Seiler 122 Ritmo, black polishedSeiler41↓ 4.0%$10,617€9,490$10,617€9,490Check ↗
- 30
Seiler 122 Konsole black polishedSeiler41↓ 3.9%$13,974€12,490$13,974€12,490Check ↗
- 31
Seiler 116 Ritmo Modern blackSeiler40↓ 2.2%$10,058€8,990$10,058€8,990Check ↗
- 32
Seiler 116 Ritmo, black matSeiler39Stable$11,065€9,890$11,065€9,890Check ↗
- 33
Seiler 116 Ritmo, black polishedSeiler39Stable$11,177€9,990$11,177€9,990Check ↗
- 34
Seiler 116 Ritmo, white polishedSeiler39Stable$11,848€10,590$11,848€10,590Check ↗
- 35
Seiler 122 Ritmo, white polishedSeiler39Stable$12,743€11,390$12,743€11,390Check ↗
- 36
Seiler 126 Ritmo, black polishedSeiler39Stable$12,855€11,490$12,855€11,490Check ↗
- 37
Seiler 116 Impuls S ChromSeiler39Stable$15,093€13,490$15,093€13,490Check ↗
- 38
Seiler 116 Impuls Walnut waxedSeiler39Stable$15,988€14,290$15,988€14,290Check ↗
- 39
Johannes Seiler Piano 114 Modern ChromJohannes Seiler37↓ 6.8%$6,142€5,490$6,142€5,490Check ↗
- 40
Seiler 116 Ritmo, black pol. AdsilentSeiler37↑ 3.7%$15,652€13,990$15,652€13,990Check ↗
- 41
Thomann UP 123 E/P PianoThomann36↓ 2.5%$4,352€3,890$4,352€3,890Check ↗
- 42
Thomann UP 121 E/P PianoThomann35Stable$3,345€2,990$3,345€2,990Check ↗
- 43
Seiler Piano 116 ImpulsSeiler35↓ 7.9%$12,865€11,499$12,865€11,499Check ↗
- 44
Seiler 126 KonsoleSeiler35↓ 7.1%$14,533€12,990$14,533€12,990Check ↗
- 45
Seiler 132 RitmoSeiler34↓ 6.0%$12,296€10,990$12,296€10,990Check ↗
- 46
Grotrian-Steinweg Concerto G-113 WHP PianoGrotrian-Steinweg34Stable$15,652€13,990$15,652€13,990Check ↗
- 47
Seiler 132 KonzertSeiler34↓ 5.9%$17,890€15,990$17,890€15,990Check ↗
- 48
Blüthner Haessler Model HB 116Blüthner Haessler · 2 finishes30Stable$12,967€11,590$12,967€11,590Check ↗
- 49
Steinway & Sons V-125Steinway & Sons · 2 finishes30Stable$21,805€19,490$21,805€19,490Check ↗
Pianos by the numbers
Measured across all 652 models we track, not a sample.
Median $10,506 — half of all pianos here cost less.
median of 620 models · 9 kg–308 kg
median of 213 models · 73–88
most common · 344 models
How to choose the best pianos
Action
This is HUGE. It's the mechanical feel of the keys - the weight, the responsiveness, the escapement. A sluggish action will kill your dynamics and articulation, making everything feel flat and lifeless. A good action should feel consistent across the entire range and inspire you to play faster and more expressively.
Sound/Voicing
Are you after a bright, glassy electric piano tone, a warm, mellow acoustic, or something in between? Different pianos have drastically different tonal personalities. Listen for things like the low-end thump, the midrange character - is it that fat midrange honk or a thinner, more scooped sound? - and the high-end sparkle - does it cut through the mix or sound harsh and ice-picky?
Polyphony & Engine
For digital pianos, polyphony is critical. Running out of voices mid-song is a nightmare. The sound engine itself matters too - does it sound like a sample library or a convincingly modeled instrument? Pay attention to how the sustain pedal feels and responds; a clunky or unresponsive pedal can ruin the feel.
Build Quality & Durability
Gigging pianos take a beating. Key stability, chassis robustness, and overall construction are essential. Cheap gear often uses flimsy plastic components that will crack or break under the stress of transport and repeated use. Check the key bed for wobble and the overall heft of the instrument.
Connectivity & Features
Beyond just the sound, consider your needs. Do you need MIDI connectivity for sequencing? Line outputs for recording? USB for silent practice? Headphone jacks for late-night sessions? These features can significantly impact the piano's versatility.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a piano. Whether you're chasing that lush Rhodes vibe, a concert grand for recording, or just need something reliable for gigging, choosing the right one can be a real rabbit hole. It's not just about how it looks; it's about the feel, the sound, and how it'll hold up under the pressure of a live set or a demanding session. Let's break down what you actually need to consider.
Don't fall for marketing hype. A piano's tone is subjective, but the action is not - try before you buy if possible. Cheap digital pianos often skimp on the action, resulting in a plasticky, unsatisfying feel.
Spending more on the action is almost always worth it, especially if you're serious about your playing. And remember, a piano's true value is in how it inspires you to play, not its price tag.
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 143 pianos from the Thomann catalogue (of 652 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 weighted and graded hammer action?
Weighted actions generally try to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, but the weight isn't always consistent. Graded hammer action attempts to replicate the heavier feel in the lower register and a lighter feel in the higher register, for a more realistic piano experience. It's usually a step up in feel.
Are all digital piano sounds created equal?
Absolutely not. Some manufacturers use better sample libraries or more sophisticated modeling techniques. Listen carefully to the different sounds and see which ones resonate with your ears - and how they sit in a mix.
How important is the sustain pedal?
Crucially important. The sustain pedal is essential for many piano styles, and a cheap or unresponsive pedal will drastically limit your expression. Test it thoroughly before you buy.
Can I get a good piano sound from a budget keyboard?
You can get passable sounds, but you'll likely be sacrificing on the action and overall feel. The compromises will be noticeable, especially if you're a more experienced player.
What about stage pianos vs. home digital pianos?
Stage pianos are built for gigging - they're more robust, often lighter, and have more focused features for live performance. Home digital pianos prioritize sound quality and often include more bells and whistles for practice and recording.
