AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Stage Pianos for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano ($334). Thomann SP-120 gives you the most for the money at $162. Yamaha P-225 88-key Digital Piano leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 71 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 10, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight11.5 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
If you want a keyboard with 88 weighted keys that feels like a piano under your fingers, this one is worth a look. It comes with 10 tones, reverb and chorus, and built-in speakers, so you can play right away at home. Because it weighs 11.5 kg and its speakers are small, it suits practice and home playing best.
Pros
- Graded Hammer Standard keyboard gives 88 weighted keys for a piano-like touch
- AWM stereo sampling provides 10 tones with up to 64 voices of polyphony
- Built-in 2x 6 watt speakers let you play without an external amplifier
Cons
- Built-in speakers are only 2x 6 watts, so the sound is limited to small rooms
77AudioFu
Index↓ 9.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$368 · Aug 17$334 now$334€298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight12.3 kg
- Keys88 keys
- Key actionWeighted keys
You get 88 keys with hammer action, so playing feels closer to a real piano under your fingers. It has many built-in sounds, including pianos, electric pianos, organs and strings, and you can split or layer them. It suits you if you want one keyboard for practice or playing at home, with a power supply, music holder and pedal already in the box.
Pros
- 88 keys with hammer action for a realistic piano touch
- PHA-4 standard keyboard gives you a consistent playing feel
- SuperNATURAL technology with 4 pianos, 2 electric pianos and 9 other instruments
Cons
- Weighs 12.3 kg, so it is not very easy to carry around
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight11.4 kg
- Keys88 keys
- Key actionWeighted keys
You get an 88-key stage piano with hammer action, so the keys feel close to a real piano. It has two concert grand piano sounds and built-in speakers, which makes it a good pick if you want to play at home, practice, or play simple gigs. It weighs 11.4 kg, so it suits you best if you keep it in one spot.
Pros
- 88 keys with hammer action for a weighted feel close to a real piano
- Three velocity curves (easy, normal, heavy) to suit your playing style
- Two concert grand piano sounds, made in Italy and Germany, with string and damper resonances
Cons
- Weighs 11.4 kg and measures 1312 x 117 x 336 mm, so it is not very portable
77AudioFu
Index↓ 6.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$491 · Aug 17$458 now$458€409 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight6.2 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The Thomann SP-120 is a fantastic entry point for beginners or those needing a compact, affordable stage piano. It's surprisingly versatile for practice and basic performance, especially if you're on a tight budget and need something easily transportable – think students, songwriters, or occasional gigging.
Pros
- Surprisingly good sound for the price range, usable across genres
- Lightweight and portable – ideal for gigging or lessons
- Complete package: includes sustain pedal, power supply, music stand
Cons
- Lightly weighted keys lack the feel of a proper acoustic piano action
- Limited sound selection – not for advanced users seeking nuanced tones
47AudioFu
Index↓ 8.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$178 · Aug 17$162 now$162€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight6 kg
The Korg Liano is a remarkably portable and affordable entry point into the world of stage pianos. It's a solid choice for students, bedroom players, or anyone needing a lightweight option for occasional gigs where a full-sized, weighted action isn't essential. Don't expect studio-quality sounds or a nuanced feel, but for the price, it's hard to argue with its practicality.
Pros
- Lightweight design (6kg) makes it truly portable for gigging musicians.
- Included damper pedal is a nice touch for expressive playing.
- Velocity-sensitive keys offer a surprising level of dynamic control.
Cons
- The plastic key action feels budget-oriented; lacks the depth of a weighted action.
- Limited 8 voices restrict versatility for advanced or diverse musical styles.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$353 now$353€315 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight11.1 kg
You get an 88-key weighted keyboard with built-in speakers, so this works well if you want a piano you can play at home or on a small stage without extra gear. It has Bluetooth and a USB port for connecting to a computer, plus 303 extra songs to learn through the Smart Pianist app. It suits beginners and players who want a real piano feel in a compact body.
Pros
- Graded Hammer Compact keyboard gives 88 weighted keys for a real piano feel
- Yamaha CFIIIS sound engine with damper resonance for a realistic piano tone
- Built-in 2x 7 watt speakers let it play without an external amp
Cons
- Weighs 11.1 kg, so it is not a light piano to move around
- Needs the optional LP-5A pedal unit for a full pedal setup, and it is not included
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$442 now$442€395 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight11.5 kg
You get a full 88-key keyboard with weighted keys, so it feels closer to a real piano under your fingers. It has built-in speakers and comes with a music stand and sustain pedal, so you can set it up and start playing. It suits you if you want a keyboard that works on its own with a built-in speaker system, and you should plan on keeping it near a power outlet since it needs its power supply.
Pros
- 88 keys with Graded Hammer Compact weighted action for a piano-like feel
- Yamaha CFX Virtual Resonance Modeling Lite sound generation with Key-Off Samples
- Built-in 2x 7 Watt speakers, so it plays without an external amp
Cons
- Needs its external 12V power supply to run
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$629 now$629€562 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight12.5 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The Thomann DP-28 Plus is a surprisingly capable entry-level stage piano, offering a decent weighted action and useful features for the price. It's an excellent choice for beginners or students needing a functional, portable instrument for practice and basic performance. Don't expect premium sound quality, but it’s hard to beat the value proposition.
Pros
- Solid weighted action provides a surprisingly realistic piano feel
- Twinova mode allows for dual piano lessons or performance versatility
- Comprehensive connectivity including MIDI Out and USB host functionality
Cons
- Sound engine lacks the nuance and depth of higher-end stage pianos
- Plastic casing feels budget-oriented, impacting long-term durability
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- Weight16 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The Korg D1 is a surprisingly capable entry-level stage piano. It's a great option for students, beginners, or anyone needing a compact and portable instrument for practice or basic gigging – the RH3 action is much better than you'd expect at this price point, making it feel more premium than it is.
Pros
- RH3 action provides surprisingly realistic weighted piano feel
- Compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces and transport
- Solid build quality for a piano in its price range; feels stable
Cons
- RH3 key action lacks the nuance of higher-end hammer actions
- Limited sound selection; lacks advanced sound editing capabilities
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$559 now$559€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight14.8 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The KaE1-LB is a surprisingly capable entry-level stage piano. It's a great choice for students, gigging musicians on a budget, or anyone needing a portable and self-contained performance instrument. The action is decent for the price, and the Bluetooth connectivity is a real bonus.
Pros
- Solid H1 action provides surprisingly good dynamic response.
- Compact design and battery power offer excellent portability.
- Decent onboard sounds cover a wide range of performance needs.
Cons
- H1 action lacks the nuanced feel of higher-end hammer actions.
- Built-in speakers are adequate, but not ideal for larger venues.
47AudioFu
Index↓ 2.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$447 · Aug 17$435 now$435€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 71 stage pianos
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Korg SP-280SP-280 BK · Korg · 3 finishes57Stable$637€569$637€569Check ↗
- 12
Studiologic Numa Compact 2x 88-Key Semi-Weighted PianoNuma Compact SE · Studiologic · 2 finishes55Stable$621€555$621€555Check ↗
- 13
Korg Liano Live!Korg42↓ 2.0%$547€489$547€489Check ↗
- 14
Roland FP-40 88-Key Digital PianoFP-40 WH · Roland · 6 finishes82↓ 13.7%$850€759$850€759Check ↗
- 15
Roland FP-90X 88-Key Digital Portable PianoFP-90X WH · Roland · 2 finishes79↓ 3.6%$2,047€1,829$2,047€1,829Check ↗
- 16
Clavia Nord Electro 7 HPClavia Nord71Stable$3,334€2,979$3,334€2,979Check ↗
- 17
Roland V-Stage 76 Digital Stage PianoV-Stage 76 · Roland70↓ 2.5%$3,031€2,708$3,031€2,708Check ↗
- 18
Yamaha P-S500 88-Key Digital PianoP-S500 WH · Yamaha · 4 finishes68Stable$1,655€1,479$1,655€1,479Check ↗
- 19
Yamaha CP88 Stage PianoCP88 · Yamaha68↓ 7.9%$2,405€2,149$2,405€2,149Check ↗
- 20
Casio PX-S6000 Privia 88-Key Digital PianoPX-S6000 · Casio · 2 finishes66Stable$1,420€1,269$1,420€1,269Check ↗
- 21
Roland RD-2000EX 88-Key Digital PianoRD-2000 EX · Roland65↓ 0.8%$2,663€2,379$2,663€2,379Check ↗
- 22
Roland V-Stage 88 Digital Stage PianoV-Stage 88 · Roland65↑ 1.3%$3,402€3,039$3,402€3,039Check ↗
- 23
Kawai ES920 88-Key Digital PianoES-920 B · Kawai · 4 finishes63Stable$1,398€1,249$1,398€1,249Check ↗
- 24
Kawai MP7SE 88-Key Digital Stage PianoMP-7 SE · Kawai · 2 finishes62Stable$1,616€1,444$1,616€1,444Check ↗
- 25
Korg Grandstage X 88-Key Digital PianoGrandstage X · Korg62Stable$2,237€1,999$2,237€1,999Check ↗
- 26
Roland FP-E50 88-Key Digital PianoFP-E50 · Roland61↑ 0.6%$782€699$782€699Check ↗
- 27
Roland RD-08 88-Key Digital Stage PianoRD-08 · Roland61Stable$894€799$894€799Check ↗
- 28
Yamaha CP73 73-Key Digital Stage PianoCP73 · Yamaha61Stable$2,103€1,879$2,103€1,879Check ↗
- 29
Clavia Nord Electro 7 61Clavia Nord61↓ 0.9%$2,461€2,199$2,461€2,199Check ↗
- 30
Roland RD-88EX 88-Key Digital Stage PianoRD-88 EX · Roland60Stable$1,387€1,239$1,387€1,239Check ↗
- 31
Studiologic Numa X GT 88-Key Digital PianoNuma X Piano GT · Studiologic · 2 finishes59Stable$2,002€1,789$2,002€1,789Check ↗
- 32
Clavia Nord Electro 7 73Clavia Nord59Stable$2,999€2,679$2,999€2,679Check ↗
- 33
Kawai ES-520 BKawai · 3 finishes56↓ 11.0%$894€799$894€799Check ↗
- 34
Kawai MP11SE 88-Key Digital Stage PianoMP-11 SE · Kawai · 2 finishes56Stable$2,417€2,159$2,417€2,159Check ↗
- 35
Rhodes Mk 8-73 FX ClassicRhodes · 4 finishes54↓ 3.9%$13,990€12,499$13,990€12,499Check ↗
- 36
Clavia Nord Piano 6 88Clavia Nord53↓ 6.1%$3,693€3,299$3,693€3,299Check ↗
- 37
Viscount Legend `70s Compact EXViscount · 2 finishes52Stable$2,551€2,279$2,551€2,279Check ↗
- 38
Korg SV-2 73Korg · 4 finishes51↓ 4.0%$1,790€1,599$1,790€1,599Check ↗
- 39
Kurzweil SP8Kurzweil50↓ 5.7%$1,678€1,499$1,678€1,499Check ↗
- 40
Clavia Nord Piano 6 73Clavia Nord50Stable$3,469€3,099$3,469€3,099Check ↗
- 41
Casio PX-S7000 Privia 88-Key Digital PianoPX-S7000 HM Set · Casio · 3 finishes49↓ 9.4%$2,787€2,490$2,787€2,490Check ↗
- 42
Crumar Seventeen 73-Key Digital PianoSeventeen · Crumar48Stable$1,443€1,289$1,443€1,289Check ↗
- 43
Crumar ParsifalCrumar47Stable$1,432€1,279$1,432€1,279Check ↗
- 44
Dexibell Vivo S8MDexibell · 2 finishes47Stable$2,573€2,299$2,573€2,299Check ↗
- 45
Viscount Legend '70s Artist WViscount · 2 finishes47Stable$2,674€2,389$2,674€2,389Check ↗
- 46
Kurzweil KaP1-WHKurzweil · 2 finishes46Stable$894€799$894€799Check ↗
- 47
Casio PX-S5000Casio45↓ 6.2%$816€729$816€729Check ↗
- 48
Clavia Nord Stage 4 CompactClavia Nord45Stable$4,225€3,775$4,225€3,775Check ↗
- 49
Clavia Nord Stage 4 73Clavia Nord45Stable$4,576€4,088$4,576€4,088Check ↗
- 50
Clavia Nord Stage 4 88Clavia Nord45Stable$4,785€4,275$4,785€4,275Check ↗
Stage Pianos by the numbers
Measured across all 125 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,616 — half of all stage pianos here cost less.
median of 123 models · 8.4 kg–26 kg
median of 47 models · 73–88
most common · 62 models
How to choose the best stage pianos
Action
A good action is everything. You want something that's responsive and feels close to an acoustic piano, even if it's weighted plastic. A mushy, unresponsive action will kill your technique before you even start - and you'll be fighting it onstage.
Sound Engine & Voicing
Beginners often get caught up in the number of sounds, but quality trumps quantity. Look for a piano with a handful of genuinely good sounds - a usable acoustic piano, a decent electric piano (Rhodes or Wurlitzer), and maybe an organ or synth voice. Don't chase the "massive sound library" - focus on tones that inspire you.
Ease of Use
Complex menus and convoluted effects chains are a nightmare for beginners. You want something intuitive to navigate, with sounds you can access quickly. Spending 30 minutes tweaking a reverb isn't how you learn to play.
Portability
Let's be realistic - you'll probably be moving this thing around. Gigging, rehearsals, even just moving it from your bedroom to the living room. Weight and size matter, especially if you're on your own.
Connectivity
Basic connectivity is essential: MIDI in/out, sustain pedal input, and at least one decent quality line output for plugging into a PA or amp. USB connectivity for connecting to a computer for recording is a huge bonus for capturing ideas.
Buying guide
So, you're getting into the world of stage pianos? Awesome! It's a huge step up from a basic keyboard, letting you nail those Rhodes tones, vintage electric pianos, and piano sounds that cut through a band mix. But picking your first stage piano can be overwhelming - there's a lot of gear out there. Let's cut through the noise and find something that'll actually inspire you to play, without breaking the bank or frying your brain with menus.
Don't fall for the "more is more" trap. Many stage pianos pack in features you won't use for years. The biggest corner that gets cut on cheaper models is almost always the action - it's hard to fake a good feel.
Spending a bit more on a model with a decent weighted action will pay dividends in the long run. Also, listen critically to the sounds through headphones and a PA - what sounds amazing in your bedroom might disappear in a band mix.
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 stage pianos 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
What's the difference between a stage piano and a digital piano?
Digital pianos are usually designed for home practice - they prioritize realism and often have furniture-style cabinets. Stage pianos are built for gigging, prioritizing portability and sound quality through a PA system.
Do I need a weighted key action?
Absolutely. A non-weighted action won't develop your technique properly, and it'll feel weird when you eventually play an acoustic piano. There are different types of weighted actions - graded hammer action is the most realistic, but can be heavier. Start with something manageable.
How important is the number of sounds?
Not that important, especially as a beginner. A few high-quality sounds are better than a hundred mediocre ones. Focus on finding tones that inspire you to play.
Can I record with a stage piano?
Most stage pianos have USB connectivity, allowing you to connect to a computer and record MIDI data. You'll need a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software on your computer to turn those MIDI notes into actual sounds.
What's a 'velocity sensitivity'?
Velocity sensitivity determines how the volume of a note changes based on how hard you hit the key. A good stage piano has a wide velocity range - meaning you can play really soft, subtle notes and loud, powerful ones, just like on an acoustic piano.
