7 Best 88 Key Keyboards – When You Want To Get The Real Piano Feeling

At the top of our list of 88 key keyboard reviews we give you the impressive Keystation from M Audio, a trusted brand in the music industry.

This model can work for novices or pros, because it’s easy to use, but has many advanced features such as the transport and directional buttons: their interface makes it easy to control DAW and Virtual Instrument details. It means you don’t need your mouse or your track pad while you’re building your tracks. The buttons are large, making it easy to make adjustments while you play.

It’s much lighter than some other models on our list, so it’s reasonably portable. Once again, this is a plus for newbies and experienced players: if you often tour with a keyboard this one won’t weigh down your gear. And if you have to carry this to keyboard classes it’s of a manageable weight.

The feel of playing this keyboard is impressive. It doesn’t have the fully weighted keys, but a semi-weighted keyboard that’s velocity sensitive is still a wise investment.

The brand has one more benefit for all who try out this keyboard: production software that can be used on a Mac or a PC.

This model comes with 2GB of sounds in its library, which means you have over 500 options to choose from.

The keyboard has an input for a sustain pedal but note that the pedal is not included.

Why are we impressed?

• Lightweight
• Software included
• User friendly layout
• Velocity sensitive keys

What negatives must you be aware of?

• No sustain pedal
• Not fully weighted keys

This is a customer favorite weighted 88 key keyboard and therefore it comes in as our number two on this list. Part of its attraction is that the lower notes and higher notes play differently: The weighted action will be heavier when you play low notes, which is close to what you’ll experience when playing an acoustic piano. That makes this a popular choice for those who are used to playing on traditional pianos. Take note that the dynamic range isn’t exactly as an acoustic piano so you may take a while to get used to the new equipment.

Other features make it attractive to the modern market, such as the Dual Mode which empowers you to hear two audio tracks at once. Mix piano and strings, play them at the same time and enjoy the rich atmosphere the audio creates.

This one has at least a 64 polyphony rating, so it’s more impressive than some.

The advanced piece of equipment is surprisingly easy to operate: with one ‘Function’ button you can adjust metronome, voices and demo sources settings.

The Yamaha brand looked at the finest details to create a pleasurable experience: the black keys’ matte finish prevents your fingers from slipping.

It’s not very heavy, but not the lightest on our list either. If you plan on traveling with this, make sure you have a bag or case you can easily carry.

The piano does have a sustain pedal included but note this component can be improved on; and it doesn’t have a huge effect on the audio you produce. Some users also feel the keyboard’s own speakers aren’t loud enough. But if you plan on performing for others you’ll always have sound equipment at the ready, right?

What makes it special?

• Weighted keys
• Matte finish on black keys
• Pedal included
• Feel is close to acoustic piano feel

What cons did we find?

• Pedal doesn’t make much difference
• Dynamic range can improve

From LAGRIMA comes this model with multiple features that place it near the top of our best 88 key keyboard reviews list. We love the structure with three built in sustain pedals. It empowers the player to do so much more and is ideal for those used to playing on acoustic pianos. The next thing that comes close to the acoustic instrument feel is the weighted keys.

The keyboard has advanced technology incorporated too, such as the buttons on the left hand side of the keyboard. Here is where you’ll change all your settings, use transpose functions or pick the sound you want the keyboard to mimic. The LCD display screen makes it easy to see what selection you made, but there are no numbers. We feel number buttons would have made it easier and faster to pick a sound according to the provided audio list. The buttons’ size make them easy to work with, even while you’re playing.

You have a wide selection of options with 960 timbres and 200 rhythms to pick from, which is why it’s our Best Timbres model.

This one is a little more expensive than some others on our list, but since you’re getting a stand and pedals too the price shouldn’t be a deal breaker. The stand is sturdy so you’ll feel comfortable playing.

The sound may be a little more electric than truly acoustic, so if you’re planning on live performances where piano sounds are important you may want to consider a different model. Therefore we suggest this as one of the best 88 key keyboards for beginners, rather than the pros.

What are our favorite features?

• Pedals included
• Weighted keys
• Stand is sturdy

What could be better?

• More expensive than some
• Sound quality can be improved upon

This is one of the innovative pieces of equipment where one can see how brands utilize technology to benefit the owner: this model can help you learn to play piano even if you don’t know anything yet. That is thanks to the keys that can light up to show you what to play. To aid in this process the brand developed an app so you can use your iPad or various other mobile devices to learn to read sheet music. Just make sure your device is on the list of supported Android and iOS devices. Note that you have to pay for the songs you want to download and learn to play, so it does require some capital investment if this is your method of learning piano playing. Good news is that the setup also works with Synthesia. This will allow you to download MIDI files and the notes will light up and help you learn to play.

It does have various inputs so you can connect Jack cables, a pedal and more. Just note that the sustain pedal is not included in your original purchase.

Although many features benefit newbies, advanced players can also get value from this keyboard because the weighted keys provide a comfortable playing experience. With the large number of tones and audio options you can also use this in music production.

Overall it uses advanced features, but the simple layout without too many features ensures it’s not overwhelming for new players.

What do we love it for?

• Teaches you how to play
• Multiple inputs
• Weighted keys
• Many sounds to use

What were we disappointed with?

• Must pay for songs on app

This model from Alesis impresses with its quality hammer action keys as well as the fact that it can help new players learn piano.

The keys are impressive because you can actually adjust the touch response. If you’re used to an acoustic piano you can make changes until playing on this model feels comfortable and familiar.

Your skills in piano playing will be thanks to Skoove: you get a three month subscription to learn the basics of keyboard playing.

It’s also a practical design for those practicing at home because you can plug in headphones and the audio will be channeled there instead of being played via the speakers: no need to bother anyone with your sounds.

This model can accommodate a sustain pedal, so everything a professional player needs is possible. Thanks to the 12 built in voice options that include organ, strings and synth, most of the sounds the pros use will be easily accessible.

We appreciate the user friendly layout. With all the buttons spaced out across the top of the unit it’s easy to press what you need, even during a performance.

This model impresses with its 128 polyphony.

You may also be impressed by the battery driven option: if you’re playing an open air show or forgot the power supply, simply pop in 6D cell batteries!

Why are we impressed?

• User friendly button layout
• Hammer action keys
• Free piano lessons
• Battery powered if needed

What negatives must you be aware of?

• Pedal not included

Casio is another respected brand when it comes to music equipment and this Privia shows you why. With such a high number of polyphony you can be assured of quality audio.

This purchase includes all you may need to get started and play comfortably since you get the stand AND a bench. Yes, it comes with a higher price tag but it gives you all you want in one go.

When you buy this, once again the brand helps you improve your skills with free lessons included in the purchase. There’s even a book to help and a DVD with instructions.

The black structure looks stylish so you can make this a permanent fixture in your home without spoiling the aesthetics.

The three pedals will appeal to experienced players and the brand even gives you a polishing cloth to make maintenance easy.

Some nifty features include the fact that you can connect two headphones at the same time: play your audio for someone without disturbing others in the room. You can also opt for the DUET mode which changes the pitch of the notes to simulate two keyboards with fewer keys. That makes this an ideal investment for piano teachers because you and you student can play together: teach by asking them to copy your actions. Or play duets on the same instrument.

Setting up the instrument can be a hassle, so you may need assistance from a handyman if the instructions don’t make sense to you.

What are our favorite features?

• Aesthetically pleasing instrument
• High polyphony
• Free online lessons
• Bench included

What could be better?

• Expensive
• Difficult to set up

Limited budget? Don’t fear. You can still get a quality model on our list of best 88 key keyboard reviews. Our best budget 88 key keyboard is a roll up version so you can easily take it anywhere! As it weighs under 5lb you can now take your instrument wherever you go. You don’t need other equipment because there is a built in speaker.

Of course, this one can’t give you the authentic feel or pressing down on piano keys, and it may take some time to get used to and gauge exactly how hard you have to push for the silicone note to register; it can take a little more effort than pushing down on synth keys. But if you don’t have space for one of the best 88 key keyboard models to become a permanent fixture in your home and you really want to start playing piano, this is an innovative way to do it. Just roll it out and play.

Just because it’s our budget option doesn’t mean you’re left with mediocre features: this one has a polyphony of 128 which is rather impressive.

It can also connect via Bluetooth, can accommodate a sustain pedal or a microphone and has USB connectivity. There are many features to help you create a setup that works for you as a pro music producer. As a teacher that offers lessons in various places around town, the portable setup makes it easy!

Of course, one of the main draw cards is that it is battery operated so you can play anywhere.

What are its best features?

• Portable
• Battery operated
• 128 polyphony
• Various connections

What could be improved?

• Doesn’t feel like normal piano
• Requires effort to produce sounds