Finding the best digital piano keyboard under 2000 dollars can be a challenge, because there’s a huge variety of models available…
The good news is for that amount of money you can find an amazing keyboard that has many of the features of a traditional acoustic piano, and sound exactly like the real thing (an acoustic piano), with samplings from high quality grand pianos and other instruments.
We’ve done extensive research into the best models under $2,000, and in our opinion the best-of-the-best is theYamaha P125.
We also recommend these top-value models:
- Best digital piano with 88 weighted keys under 2000: Yamaha P515
- Best stage keyboard under 2000: Roland Juno DS88
- Best digital piano for church under 2000: Yamaha YPG535
- Best digital piano for home under 2000: Yamaha YDP143
Let’s take a closer look at our top choices…
Table Of Contents Best Digital Pianos Under 2000 Dollars: Summary TableBest Digital Pianos Under 2000 Dollars: ReviewsRunners-UpAn Alternative ProductThe Benefits of Playing the PianoDigital Pianos Under 2000 Dollars – What to Look ForWhat is a “Real Piano” (vs a Digital Piano)Conclusion
Best Digital Pianos Under 2000 Dollars: Summary Table
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Best Digital Pianos Under 2000 Dollars: Reviews
The purpose of the following sections is to provide you with information on what we think are the best digital pianos that cost less than $2000. We cover the main features of each model, as well as the pros and cons:
Yamaha P125: Best Digital Piano Under 2000
Yamaha is not a new name in the music industry or rather any technological industry. However, the manufacturer’s piano keyboards are one of a kind. Let’s begin with a classic model, which is now favored among many amateurs and professional players alike.
When it was first introduced in the market, this particular piano keyboard replaced its predecessor, the P115. There were new features built into the piano that allows the player with advanced skills to polish their capabilities.
This mid-range piano offers realistic performance in a portable, lightweight, and sleek chassis. There is a nice balance of touch and tone in the 88-key model. If features Graded Hammer Standard Action, has 192-note polyphony, 24 instrument voices, 21 demo songs, and 50 classical piano pieces.
While the presets are impressive, the piano also has headphone jacks, an aux out jack, a USB MIDI port, and built-in speakers. You can also easily connect the keyboard with the Yamaha Smart Pianist mobile application.
The app allows players to play along to other songs and record their sessions directly on their phones or tablets.
If you want to mix and layer sounds, the piano can be split to give you more opportunities. It can also be played in dual and duo modes, to allow adding instrument and another player to play the piano respectively.
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Summary
The Yamaha P-125 is a modern mid-range piano keyboard that could be used for multiple purposes. The dual-mode makes learning and teaching easy as you can add another person to the set. The 88 keys are more than enough for an intermediate to advanced-level learner. It’s a bit expensive as a beginner’s piano keyboard but for more advanced players, this piano comes with features that produce rich sounds.
Yamaha P515 : Best Digital Piano with 88 Weighted Keys Under 2000
Compared to some of the other popular Yamaha piano keyboard available in the market, this one is a relatively new model. However, despite being new, it has already found favor among serious learners and even many teachers.
It came out in 2018 as a replacement to the Yamaha P-255. Since then, it has become the flagship model of the P-series of Yamaha’s piano keyboard line. This became popular very quickly as this model featured many of the new technology that was previously only in the Clavinova range.
Like the Yamaha P-125, this model also features 88 weighted keys. The key action is one of the finest of its kind, known as Natural Wood X (NWX). This offers an added layer of realism to the fingers while playing and responding smoothly.
The P-515 also has the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial Grand piano samples. These are considered two of the finest grand pianos of all times. This model brings that sound to your fingertips.
You can also choose from a variety of acoustic and other instrument sounds. Besides the piano tones, the P-515 comes with an extensive library consisting of organs, string, synth pads, and more. In total, it comes with more than 500 presets, a powerful sound system, audio jacks, and USB ports. You can connect the keyboard to a tablet or phone and play along to your favorite songs.
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Summary
This is a great alternative to the Yamaha P-125 and definitely a better version of the preceding models in the P-series. Considering the features, pros, and cons of the P-515, it is a great piano keyboard for intermediate learners. It can also be just as good for advanced players, especially with theYamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial Grand piano samples included.
Roland JUNO-DS88 : Best stage keyboard under 2000
Ever since Roland introduced the Juno-DS88 synthesizer, it has become a favorite among stage performers. Today, you won’t find many lists that don’t mention the DS88 piano keyboard as one of the best instrument within this price range.
In fact, some even consider it to be comparable to some of the best models manufactured by Yamaha and Korg. This particular model is an evolution of some of the previous DS and Di series keyboards.
One of the best features of this Roland models is that it allows players to upload their own sounds right into the engine. You also get the option to tweak and improve other sounds with 8 pads and the built-in vocoder.
It also features 88 touch-sensitive weighted keys that feel like the real thing, which is definitely a plus for professional players. The maximum polyphony is 128 notes with preset memory stored with over 1200 patches, 30 drum kits, 64 performances, and more.
The model also has a pedal hold and control jacks, mic and audio jacks, MIDI and USB ports, and other ports for better connectivity. Other than that, it connects with tablets for recording your original creations.
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Summary
This Roland synthesizer might not be the king of all synthesizers but it sure is hardworking. It comes packed with many features and a plethora of presets that allow you to make unique creations and save them directly in the keyboard’s memory. It is an affordable upgrade for learners who are crossing over to the intermediate level. It is also optimal for performing on stage in smaller events.
Runners-Up
Yamaha YPG535 : Best Digital Piano for Church Under 2000
There is no denying that Yamaha has revolutionized the realm of piano keyboards. Since the beginning, they have created masterpieces that allowed both learners and hobbyists to pick up advanced skills before moving on to the acoustic versions.
One example of a great Yamaha production is the YPG-535 model. This piano keyboard is definitely not new in the market. However, during the time it was launched, it quickly became a people favorite. The same model still remains one of the most popular 88-key piano keyboards under the 2000 dollar range.
The YPG series is a portable grand series, meaning that it is supposed to feature realistic grand piano features. It comes with built-in speakers and a matching stand, giving players a compact instrument.
The 88 keys are semi-weighted with Graded Soft Touch Action and 3 types of touch sensitivity. The presets include 32-not polyphony, 30 preset songs, and 500 built-in sounds that include 127 panels, 12 drum kits and more.
It can be played in split and dual modes. Also, you can connect the keyboard with the Yamaha Education Suite to learn how to play chords and have easy to read sheet music.
The piano also has several connection ports and built-in speakers that allow players to record their own creations and play them out loud.
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Summary
One important thing to consider with the YPG-535 model is that it has weighted-keys. It won’t have the same feel of an acoustic piano. But that doesn’t mean it still isn’t a good piano. If you’re still a beginner or only want something for recreational playing in church or local events, this will get the job done right.
Yamaha YDP143 : Best Digital Piano for Home Under 2000
We couldn’t leave out the Yamaha YDP-143 model from this list. Even though the piano was launched in 2016, it is still considered a respectable instrument in this price range. However, there are some downsides to the model that don’t quite cut it as the overall best in the list.
Starting with the look, the YDP-143 is simple but sleek and beautiful with a wooden texture that stands out. Moving on to the features, this model uses the Pure CF Sound Engine. It produces more refined sound and does a splendid job of reproducing the Yamaha CFIIIS 9-foot concert grand.
You have options of 3 grand piano, 2 electric piano, organs, harpsichords, string, and vibraphone sounds. There are more than 192-note polyphone, 10 demos and 50 piano songs, 10 reverb settings, and more.
The 88 keys on the piano have 4 key sensitivity levels you can choose from; fixed, medium, soft and hard. There are 2 headphone jacks and a USB port to connect other devices. As for the recording feature you, you can record 1 song and 2 tracks.
The piano also has a sustain pedal that supports half-pedaling. Other than that, the model is an all-rounder in terms of basic features but it does have some modern features that are lacking.
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Summary
This particular model by Yamaha can be considered the best one for at-home use. It can be the first piano for you and/or the kids to get introduced to the instrument and maybe make some funky tracks. It performs well enough for a beginner. But it lacks certain features that might be a problem for more advanced players.
An Alternative Product
Another digital piano we can’t resist talking about is the KORG SV188BK. When you hear the name KORG, you automatically know that you are getting a quality instrument. This is an 88-key digital piano that is known for its retro sound.
If you like the sound of an electric piano, this stage model is going to be right up your alley. It has 1/4” stereo outs and ins, and costs less than $1,800. It even comes in a small bundle package that includes a polishing cloth and a pair of stereo headphones.
The Benefits of Playing the Piano
There are several benefits to playing a musical instrument, particularly the piano. For instance, it can lead to an increase in cognitive development. Also, it can really help to improve hand-eye coordination, because you are reading music while using your hands to play the instrument. Here are a few more ways that you can benefit from playing the piano.
Improved Self-Discipline | ||||
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Improved Self-Discipline | |||
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It takes a lot of dedication and perseverance to play a musical instrument, and this is something that is going to carry over into other areas of your life, including school and work. |
Reduced Anxiety and Stress | ||||
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Reduced Anxiety and Stress | |||
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It is true that music does indeed sooth the savage beast. When you play the piano or any other musical instrument, it helps you to relax, and it helps to relieve stress. Music has even been known to lower blood pressure. |
Mental Health Issues | ||||
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Mental Health Issues | |||
Mental Health Issues | ||||
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Playing the piano has been known to affect one’s mental health. Often, those who suffer from depression can benefit from playing the piano or another instrument. It can also help to ease social pain and loneliness. |
Digital Pianos Under 2000 Dollars – What to Look For
When shopping for a high-end digital piano, there are a bunch of important things you need to think about. After all, you’re going to be spending up to a couple thousand dollars, so you want to know that it has all the features you really need…and that you aren’t paying for a lot of features that you don’t need.
Don’t discount lesser-known name brands either, because often you’re paying hundreds more just for a popular name.
Some of the things that you need to consider when looking at digital pianos include:
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Look for a digital piano that has quality keys, preferably made from wood. Many of the cheaper models have plastic keys that just don’t feel right, but a good digital piano will have good keys that feel like the ones on a real piano. |
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The keyboard should have 88 keys that range from Ao to C8, with middle C being C4. This is something that is less common in cheaper keyboards, but you should be able to get this from a digital piano in the $1,500 to $2,000 range. |
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If you are an experienced piano player, you probably know exactly which features you want in a digital piano. Some of the most important features are piano sounds and other instrument sounds, a record and playback feature, Bluetooth connectivity, and good speakers. |
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You also need to consider your location, or where the digital piano is going to be used. If this is to be a home unit that has a furniture cabinet, take future accommodations into consideration. If it is to be used on stage, you will want something that is portable. |
What is a “Real Piano” (vs a Digital Piano)
Conclusion
Out of the five piano keyboards we have reviewed here, the Yamaha P125 comes out on top. It is the best piano keyboard under 2000 dollars that delivers on performance on value.
You get all the features of the P-515 and YPG-535 in a sleek and simple chassis. Not only is the model suitable for learners but also for intermediate and advances players to polish and perfect their skills on.
Whether you are looking for a digital piano for your home, church, or to take out for stage performances, the models we have discussed today will handle all of your keyboard needs. They all have great piano sounds, and they are all built with good speakers that have plenty of volume.
These are all 88-key digital pianos that have weighted keys, so they have the feel of a real acoustic piano, and some of them even have wooden keys with a simulated ivory feel.
If you choose any of these digital pianos, you’re going to be more than happy with your choice!
