Electric Piano roundup

Electric Piano: A Complete Buyer's Guide

A practical guide to buying an electric piano: budget ranges from entry-level to professional, why weighted keys matter, new versus used, and how to choose based on your needs.

By Jennifer Hill 20 August 2025 6 min read

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Budget Ranges and What Each Offers

Electric pianos range from around £200 for basic portable models to £2,000–£5,000 for professional stage instruments to £10,000 or more for sophisticated home instruments that rival the finest acoustic pianos.

In the £200–£500 range, you'll find portable keyboards and entry-level 88-key weighted instruments. These suit absolute beginners and casual players. The touch is adequate but not exceptionally refined, and the tonal palette is basic. They're good for exploration and deciding whether you're serious about piano.

The £500–£1,200 range represents good value for serious students and amateur players. Weighted keys are well-designed, sampling is high quality, and build quality is solid. This is where most people find the right balance between cost and capability.

Professional stage pianos (£1,200–£3,000) prioritise lightweight portability, extensive connectivity, and expressive capability. These suit gigging musicians, teachers and professionals who move between venues regularly.

Home instruments (£1,500–£5,000 and beyond) feature superior sound engines, weighted keys with escapement, built-in speaker systems and substantial wooden stands. These are designed for dedicated practice rooms or living rooms where the piano becomes a focal point of the home.

New Versus Used

Used electric pianos offer genuine value, particularly entry-level models from established brands. A used Yamaha or Roland from five years ago may be cheaper than a new budget model and likely higher quality. Check the condition of keys, listen to the sound, test all functions, and verify you're buying from a reputable source.

Be cautious of very cheap used instruments: they may have worn key mechanisms, degraded speakers or unresolved technical issues. A modest investment in a quality used instrument from a trusted seller often beats a new budget model.

Weighted Keys: Non-Negotiable for Serious Players

If you're planning to learn piano properly or transition from an acoustic piano, weighted keys are essential. They're the single most important feature to invest in. Unweighted keys feel light and springy, suitable only for synthesiser playing. Weighted keys teach your fingers correct strength and touch, making the transition to or from acoustic piano seamless.

Look for keys weighted across the entire 88-note range (not just some notes). Better models include escapement—a subtle catch that mimics the feel of acoustic piano action—which dramatically improves the playing experience and teaches proper technique.

Touch and Sound Quality

Play the instrument before buying if at all possible. Spend time with pieces you know well, paying attention to how the keys feel and how tone responds to your playing. Does it feel alive under your hands? Does the sustain feel natural? Are you drawn to the sound, or does it feel cold or synthetic?

Listen critically to the speaker system (if included). Entry-level speakers often sound thin and flat. If speaker quality matters to you, consider models with substantial built-in amplification or be prepared to invest in external speakers.

New Technologies and Features

Modern electric pianos include features that were impossible a decade ago. Dual-voice modes let you play piano and strings together or split the keyboard. Recording functions capture your playing. Connectivity via USB and MIDI lets you integrate the piano with computers and music software. Smartphone apps control some models' settings wirelessly.

These features are nice to have, but don't let them overshadow core considerations like key weight and sound quality. A piano with mediocre touch and tone is no bargain, regardless of how many features it offers.

Portability Versus Home Setup

If you gig regularly or move frequently, a portable stage piano (40–70 kilos) is worth the premium. If you have a dedicated practice space and won't move the instrument, a home model (80+ kilos with a substantial wooden stand) delivers better sound and touch in exchange for being stationary.

Consider where you'll place the instrument. A flat with space for only a compact keyboard requires a different approach than a house with a dedicated music room. Honestly assess your space and portability needs before buying.

Amplification and Output

Most portable electric pianos include built-in speakers and can run on batteries or AC power. Check speaker quality by listening at volume levels where you'll actually play. Larger home models often have better built-in amplification or can be plugged into external speaker systems for greater flexibility.

Verify that headphone output is high quality: some cheap models deliver weak headphone sound, which defeats the purpose of silent practice. Try headphones before buying if possible.

Reputable Brands

Yamaha, Roland and Korg dominate the market for good reason: they build reliable instruments with excellent key mechanisms and sound quality. Kawai is respected for exceptional weighted keys. Nord makes stage pianos favoured by professionals. Casio offers budget options that are decent value.

Avoid unfamiliar brands sold through discount retailers. A piano is a long-term investment; buying from an established brand ensures parts availability, support and resale value if you later upgrade.

Warranty and Support

Check the warranty coverage. Reputable brands typically offer one to three years' coverage on defects. Longer warranties are nice but shouldn't be the primary factor in your decision. More important is knowing you can find a technician and replacement parts if needed.

The Long View

An electric piano is a significant investment, but less so than an acoustic piano. A quality instrument in the £600–£1,200 range will serve you well whether you're a dedicated student or an active player for years. Spending a bit more for weighted keys and good touch pays dividends in your playing and learning. Don't skimp on this feature; everything else is secondary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you spend on an electric piano?

Budget models start around £200–£500; £500–£1,200 represents good value for serious students; professional stage pianos cost £1,200–£3,000; premium home instruments cost £1,500–£5,000 or more. Most people find the right balance in the £600–£1,200 range.

Are weighted keys really necessary?

Yes, if you're learning piano or transitioning from acoustic pianos. Weighted keys teach proper finger strength and touch control. Unweighted keys feel light and springy, suitable only for synthesiser playing. This is the single most important feature to invest in.

Should you buy a new or used electric piano?

Used instruments from established brands often offer better value than new budget models. Check condition, test all functions, and buy from reputable sources. Avoid very cheap used pianos with worn keys or technical issues.

What is the difference between portable and home electric pianos?

Portable stage pianos (40–70 kilos) suit gigging musicians and those who move frequently. Home models (80+ kilos with substantial stands) provide better sound and touch for dedicated practice spaces. Choose based on your portability needs and where you'll place it.

What brands are most reliable for electric pianos?

Yamaha, Roland and Korg are industry standards with excellent key mechanisms and sound quality. Kawai excels at weighted keys. Nord specialises in professional stage pianos. Avoid unfamiliar brands sold through discount retailers.

What features should you prioritise when buying?

Prioritise weighted keys above all else. Sound quality through built-in or headphone speakers matters more than extra features. Try the instrument before buying, paying attention to how keys feel and how tone responds to your playing.