Portable Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review

The baseline for piano comparison is on these fundamental criteria:

• Have 88-keys,
• At-least “Graded Hammer Standard” Key Action Technology, and
• At-least 32-note polyphony.

These criteria would ensure the piano be suitable for a beginner. In general, the odds of outgrowing the piano diminishes as you opt for more features, but then costs also rise proportionally. For a beginner, it is a tough call as there is always a risk– a large percentage of beginner piano learners (especially kids) drop out within the first few years.

Note: Yamaha models are not in this review - please refer to our Yamaha specific comparative review for Yamaha models. Also, please see links under "Related Posts" below.

Below are the different portable digital piano models from the major manufacturers :

Brand and Model	Features	List Price	Best Price	Comments
Casio Privia PX-150	Tri-Sensor scaled hammer-action keyboard w. ebony ivory feel keys 2. 3 sensitivity levels, 4 layer stereo piano, hammer response & damper resonance simulator, multi-dimensional morphing AiR sound source, 128 polyphony, 18 built-in tones, duet/layer/split/octave shift, reverb-4, chorus-4, brilliance, DSP, transpose, tuning, Music Library - 60 preset songs and 10 user songs, 900KB capacity, Lesson Function, metronome, tempo, 2-track 1-song recorder, real time recording, SP-3 pedal w. half-damper, USB to Host, heaphones-2, and 8W x 2 speakers.	NA	$470
Casio Privia PX-160	Features of Casio Privia PX-160 with the following differences: redesigned speaker system, string ensemble & electric piano tones, dual headphones in front, weighted scaled hammer action keyboard, Accompaniment - 60 song music library, MIDI Recorder - 2 track 1 song (5000 notes capacity),   17 preset temperaments Scale Function, and Line Out (L/Mono, R).	$549	$499
Casio Privia PX-350	Features of Casio Privia PX-150 w. the following differences: 250 built-in tones, Auto Harmonize, 180 built-in rhythms, rhythm editor, Music Library - 3.2MB capacity, demo songs-6, 300 built-in music presets w. editing parameters, Registration, Memory setups - 4 areas x 24 banks, 17-tracks 5-songs recorder, punch in/out, audio recording/playback wav, LCD with backlight, pitch bend wheel, USB to Device, MIDI In/Out, and Line In/Out.	$1,099	$699
Casio Privia PX-360	Features of Casio Privia PX-350 with the following differences: Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II, 550 built-in tones, Key Off Simulators, Digital Effects: reverb-17, chorus-16, delay-6, Master EQ, 16 multi-track + 1 system track MIDI recorder, 50000 notes capacity, Song & Track Edit: Delete/Copy/Rename, 100 song recording/playback audio recorder (wav), 74 mins recording per song, 200 built-in rhythms, Music Library - 32MB capacity, demo songs-6,cord progressions, USB Flash Drive Port, Pedal: 2 (damper assignable), Audio In, and 5.3" Color LCD Display.	$1,199	$899
Casio Privia PX-560	Features of Casio Privia PX-360 with the following differences: 650 built-in tones, 4 bands parametric EQ, 305 built-in music presets, modulation wheel, expression pedal available, , and 5.3" Color LCD Touch Display.	NA	NA
Casio Privia PXA-100	Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II, multi-dimensional morphing AiR, 128 polyphony, duet mode, 2 track recorder, 10 preset grand piano tones (18 built-in), all Simulator function, layer/split, music library - 60 songs, lesson function - 10 songs, metronome, panel lock, SP-3 pedal, headphones x 2, USB (type B), and 8W x 2 speakers.	$899	NA	Special release for Privia's 10-year anniversary.
Casio Privia PX-5S	Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard, polyphony 256, 370 tones, Keyboard Instrument - 60 preset, 50 user, Hex Layer - 50 preset, 150 user, 100 user stage settings & 4 zone configurations, controllers: 4 knobs, 6 sliders, picth & modwheel, 2 pedal, 4 simultaneous programmable 16 step Arpeggiators, Phrase Sequencer: 8 tracks & up to 1000 phrases, USB/File & Audio recording, Effects - System/Insert/Piano/Master (4 band EQ & compressor), Independent USB & MIDI I/O, and Audio I/P Terminals.	$1,299	NA	Professional Stage Piano.
Roland FP-50	Ivory Feel-G Keyboard with Escapement, 5-level fixed touch, whole/dual/split keyboard modes, SuperNATURAL, Piano Sound, MIDI: GM2/GS/XGlite, 128 polyphony, 372 tones, 8 types temeraments, stretched tuning, master tuning, transpose, Effects: ambience, 4-band equalizer, Soundboard behavior, cabinet/damper/string/key off resonance, rotary slow/fast (organ only), metronome, tempo, beat, SMF Recorder, Keyboard & Accompaniment Parts, 1 song, 30000 notes storage, controls: song select, play/stop, rec/rewinding/fast-forwarding, beginning/previous/next, tempo, all, count-in. Tempo, 90 x 2 types variations in Rhythms with controls, wav audio playback/recording, Recording: keyboard, SMF data, song, & rhythm, transpose, tempo (75-125% playback speed) w. controls, External USB Flash Memory, Playable Song Formats: MIDI, Roland original format, & wav. Save Format: MIDI, wav, registration set files (Roland). 30 Internal songs, 20 registrations, 12W x 2 speakers, Custom LCD Display, I/O phone jacks, USB memory port (A), and MIDI In/Out.	$1,799	$1,499
Roland FP-80	Features of Roland FP-50 w. the following differences: Ivory Feel-S Keyboard with Escapement, 100-level fixed touch, Effects: harmony & ambience (for Mic I/P), Chord Progresssion: Input w. keyboard or auto, 90 type chord pattern controls, 25 registrations, 4-way speakers (7W x 2, 6W x 2), V-LINK, MIDI Visual Control, Tone Demo, Edit Tone Wheel, Roland Wheel Connect, Wireless USB adapter, and Graphic LCD 128 x 64 dots.	NA	$1,799
Roland RD-300NX	Stage Piano – no speakers, SuperNATURAL sound engine w. E. Piano sounds, intuitive UI, instant live sets selection, wireless USB adapter, 128 polyphony, Wave Memory – 128MB, Tones –939, General MIDI 2 – 256, Rhythm Sets – 5, General MIDI 2 Rhythm Sets – 9, Setups – 32, Effects – 78 types, 6 reverbs, 2-band digital equalizer, Standard MIDI File: format-0/1, Audio File: WAV, AIFF (44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear), MP3, 200 rhythm patterns, 128 x 64 dots graphic LCD with backlit, 1MB memory, Controllers: Zone Level slider x 3 (Assignable), Equalizer knobs, Pitch Bend/Modulation lever, Assignable Switches (S1, S2), Connectors: Output Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch phone type, DAMPER Pedal, Control Pedal, MIDI (IN, OUT), USB (MIDI, Memory), Headphones Jack: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type, DC IN Jack. E.Piano Sounds, Sound Focus feature.	$2,099	$1899	Stage Piano
Roland RD-800	PHA-4 Concert keyboard with escapement, easy tonal manipulation, color LCD (320 x 240 dots) and panel knobs with LED indicators, wav recording/song playback and user memory backup, Master MIDI keyboard controller features, four external pedal connections, 1113 tones, 200 live sets, 3 display themes, USB ports (A, B), phones, AC in jack, Output jacks (phone - L/Mono,R, XLR - L,R), and stereo miniature phone type input jack.	NA	$2,399	Professional Stage Piano
Roland V-Piano	V-Piano can be tuned, adjusted, played, and appreciated like an acoustic. Has the "living piano" engine that breaks the digital-sampling barrier in a stand-alone instrument. PHA III Ivory Feel keyboard, analog (XLR & 1/4") outputs, digital output (coaxial), USB memory port, MIDI I/O, 264-string (max) tone-producing virtual strings, 124 tones, 100 setups, V-Piano editing params, Effects: 12 ambience, 4-band digital equalizer, GM2 sound generator section, 128 polyphony, 1-track realtime recording, 30000 notes capacity, tempo, metronome, 240 x 64 dots graphic LCD display with backlit, 4MB internal memory, V-Link, and numerous connectors.	$6,999	$5,500	Revolutionary "living piano"
Kawai ES100	Advanced Hammer Action IV-F (AHA IV-F) keyboard, Harmonic Imaging (HI) sound source, 192 polyphony, reverb-4, 5 sound settings, 3-song 1-track internal recorder, 15000 notes storage, 4 memory registration, Alfred Basic 1A & 1B lesson function, metronome, 100 drum rhythms, 12 demo songs, dual/split keyboard modes, transpose, tuning, temperament, MIDI Functions - Transmit program change, channel, local control, & multi-timbral mode, MIDI In/Out, Damper, Headphones x 2, and 7W x 2 speakers.	$999	$799
Kawai ES8	Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) keyboard w. let-off, triple sensor, & counterweights, Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL) sound source, 34 internal sounds, 256 polyphony, dual/split/four hands keyboard modes, reverb-6, parameters-2, Effects types, virtual technician touch curve, voicing, 10-song 2-track recorder, 90000 notes, MP3/WAV/SMF USB Functions Playback, MP3/wav record, overdub audio, convert song to audio, load internal song, registration functions, metronome, 100 rhythms x 2 variations, 4-part accompaniment, 100 preset chord sequences, extensive demos, 16 x 2 characters LCD, MIDI In/Out, USB to Host, USB to Device, Line In Stereo, Line Out (L/Mono, R), headphones x 2, and Speakers 15W x 2.	$2,999	$2,427
Kawai MP7 professional stage piano	RH2 Action with let-off, ivory touch and triple sensor detection keyboard, Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine, USB Audio Play/Record MP3/wav, 256 polyphony, 256 sounds, 256 user setups, 256 user memories, 4 internal/external zones, virtual technician, 7-types temperament & tuning, 4-band equalizer, 10 songs 90000 notes internal capacity, metronome, 100 drum patterns, Sound & setup - 256 memories, 128 x 64 pixel LCD with backlight, and extensive connectors.	$2,199	$1,799	Professional Stage Piano
Kawai MP11 Professional Stage Piano	Grand Feel (GF) wooden-key action w. let-off, triple sensors, & ivory touch sensors, Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL), 40 voices, 256 polyphony, full/upper split/lower split/zone keyboard mode, Exernal: MIDI 4 zones, reverb-6, 129 types, 10 params, amp simulator, virtual technician, 7 types temperament & tuning, 4-band equalizer, 10 songs 90000 notes internal recorder, metronome, 100 drum rhythm patterns, Internal Memories: 40 sound, 208 setup, poweron, USB Functions, Edit Menu, MIDI Zones w. 62 params, System Menu w. 50 params & functions, 128 x 64 pixel LCD w. backlight, multiple panel controls, and connector jacks.	$3,299	$2,899	Professional Stage Piano
Korg SP-170	Natural Weighted Hammer Action w. three touch control, stereo sampling, 120 polyphony, 10 sounds, reverb, chorus, 10 demo songs, headphone/line output x 2, MIDI Out, Damper pedal connection, and 9W x 2 speakers.	$599	$499
Korg SP-280	Features of Korg SP-170 with the following differences: Pitch - transpose, fine tuning, 9 kinds temperament, 30 sounds, Effects: brilliance, reverb, & chorus at 3 levels each, 30 demo songs, metronome, damper pedal w. half-pedal support, Line Out (L/Mono, R), Line In, MIDI In/Out, and 22W x 2 speakers.	$855	$655
Korg HAVIAN 30	Weighted Hammer velocity-sensitive keys, complete keyboard sound library (Factory - 950 sounds, GM2 sounds, 64 drum kits, User - 256 sounds, 128 drum kits, full editing), 128 voices, 129 Effects, Three band EQ per track, Limited & 4 band parametric equalizer, mini-joystick, auto accompaniment (factory - 420 configurable preloaded styles, user - 1040 available), Style Structure - 13, stle controls, four keyboard tracks, Performance/STS, Song Play, MP3 Recorder, Sequencer, Fully programmable music DB, i-series & Pa series compatibility, 5" TFT color graphical TouchView display, Assignable Pedal, Headphones/Audio Out, USB to MIDI using USB device port, USB-MIDI interface, To Device, USB Mass Storage, and 25W x 2 speakers.	$2,099	$1,499	Digital Ensemble Piano.
Korg SV-1	"LIVE" front panel with single-function knobs, 73 or 88keys GHA, European & Japanese Grand Piano Sounds, 8 favorites buttons, 36 keyboard sounds, stereo i/o, XLR stereo stage/recording outputs, damper pedal & music rack.	$1829	$1499	Stage Vintage Piano

Note: If you are on the lookout for the best value, please check-out our article that picks the best values among digital pianos.




Some history on the portable digital piano models from the major manufacturers:

• Recently discontinued Casio models (after 2012): Casio Privia PX-110, PX-120, PX-130, PX-320, PX-330, PX-3S, and Casio CDP-100.
• Recently discontinued Roland models (after 2012): Roland FP-4F, FP-7F, RD-700GX, and RD-700NX.
• Recently discontinued Kawai models (after 2012): Kawai EP3 Stage, ES6, MP6 professional stage, and MP10 professional stage. 
• Recently discontinued Korg models (after 2012): Korg SP250. 
• Casio Priva PX-100, PX-200, PX-300, PX-310, PX-400, PX-500, and PX-575 are older models. The CDP-200 and PX-410 are announced but not yet widely available.
• Roland RD-300SX and RD-700SX are older models.
• Kawai portable digital piano models ES-1, ES-3, ES-5, and ESX are older models. Kawai professional stage piano models EP-2, MP9000, MP95000, MP4, MP5, MP8, MP8II, and K1 are older models.
• Korg SP-200, SP-300, SP-500 etc. are older models.

Related Posts:

1. Portable Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review (this post).
2. Non Portable (Home) Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review.
3. Digital Pianos (Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Kawai, Korg) - An introduction for Digital Piano Shoppers.
4. Portable Yamaha Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review.
5. Non Portable (Home) Yamaha Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review.
6. Yamaha Digital Pianos - An Introduction to Different Models.
7. Acoustic Piano (Yamaha M-460, Cable Nelson Yamaha CN-116, Kawai K-15, etc.) - Review, Best Values, Pricing, & Shopping Experience.
8. Yamaha P65 & the new Yamaha P45 Digital Piano Review.
9. Teach your kids Piano with learn piano online for free – well, almost!!

Last Updated: 04/2017.