In addition to being a private violin teacher and having a degree in music from USC, Alecia started writing music-related articles and product reviews six years ago and has enjoyed this experience greatly. She likes to learn new instruments and write new compositions in her free time.
Marcus has a vast experience in digital audio and sound design. Thanks to his knowledge, he actively helps musicians with technical problems, improving their audio quality and promoting their tracks so that thousands of listeners can enjoy really good music.
Last updated: October 17, 2024
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What is the best keyboard piano under $200? If you are looking to learn how to play the keyboard or piano, it is best not to spend a lot of money and purchase affordable equipment. This way, you will have the opportunity to upgrade it once you are more acquainted with it. A keyboard piano is an enjoyable instrument that you can easily carry around and play whenever you want.
Still, purchasing the adequate one can be confusing and a bit challenging, considering a wide variety of models available on the market. Also, the budget is an important requirement, and many people don’t have so much money to spend on an instrument. For these reasons, we have tested and reviewed various models. To do that, we considered several factors: the number of keys available, the tones, polyphony, rhythms, songs, dimension, and weight of the instruments. Considering these criteria helped us present you with the best keyboards under $200 for beginner users.
"For beginners, this can be an ideal option that comes with an adjustable stand, padded stool, headphones, and keynote stickers.61 full-sized keys.50 built-in tones and 100 rhythms.Intelligent teaching with LCD display."
"Are you looking for something more affordable? Check this model with 5 percussion pads and melody lesson function.44 keys.100 tones and 50 rhythms.Piano/organ selector."
"If you want to improve your skills, this keyboard piano is ready to help you with its built-in lesson system.61 keys.400 tones and 100 rhythms.Dance music mode."
"This user-friendly option features polyphony and comes with a stand, bench, headphones, and microphone.61 keys.300 tones and 300 rhythms.Lightweight construction."
"Do you want to begin your musical journey with a keyboard piano? Try this model with dance music mode.61 keys.400 tones and 77 rhythms.USB MIDI connectivity."
"With this keyboard piano, you’ll benefit from built-in drum/SFX kits and a variety of songs.61 full-sized keys.384 tones and 143 rhythms.Quiz, lesson, and rec modes."
"This instrument features multiple inputs and outputs and a LED display. Also, the package includes everything you need for practice.61 keys.255 tones and 255 rhythms.Beginner-friendly model."
"A great pick that boasts fantastic sound quality and has record and playback functions.61 keys.255 tones and 255 rhythms.Can be powered by batteries or adapter."
More features: full-sized keys, intelligent teaching with LCD display, comes with adjustable stand, padded stool, over-ear headphones, keynote stickers, sheet stand
Are you looking for the best keyboard piano under $200? The RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano has got you covered. This instrument is worth every cent you will spend as it comes with multiple great features. Firstly, it is equipped with a digital keyboard that has 61 full-sized keys. They are perfectly arranged and provide you with the feeling close to a real instrument. You can change their sounding according to your preferences.
Secondly, the instrument comes with a collection of 50 tones and 30 songs, and 100 rhythms designed to ease your learning process. You will love the intelligent teaching with a bright LCD display. You will not have difficulties seeing or reading your notes in the dark, too.
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Did we mention that it has a great appearance and comes with the excellent sound quality? Indeed, the RockJam piano keyboard comes with concert speakers that provide you with the resonance of rich and warm tones. This way, you can listen to your songs and play your music in the best way.
Why did it make our list? It comes with over-ear headphones, a padded stool, and an adjustable stand. All these accessories are designed to help you benefit from the best experience.
What is not ideal about it? We only regret that the user manual is not great.
It is possible to purchase a piano keyboard at an affordable price, and the Casio SA76 is proof. Not only does it possess all the features of a traditional piano, but its keys are also smaller, and they make this instrument transportable and lightweight. You can easily carry it around and take it with you when you travel. This particular keyboard is designed to help you learn to play and make your own music.
Apart from being compact and light, it is also affordable. It costs less than $200, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to purchase it. Did we also mention that it comes with a lot of perfect features for beginners? You will love the collection of 44 keys, 10 tones, 10 demo songs, and rhythms that encourage creativity and exploration. Additionally, the keys make it easy for you to learn.
The buttons allow users to easily change between modes without the need to navigate through a menu. This way, you adjust the tempo and tone quickly to adapt to your preference. Also, it comes with a clear LCD screen that makes it easy for you to see and navigate through the settings.
What makes it stand out? Did we mention that it comes with a headphone jack? You can use it to listen to music without disturbing the people surrounding you. If you are looking for some privacy, you will love this feature that helps you soak deep into your music.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind? A Casio power adapter would have been useful.
If you are looking for a premium pick piano keyboard under $200, then you will love the Casio CTK-2550 model. The reputation of the brand is excellent, and it is renowned for manufacturing high-quality keyboard pianos. It is, therefore, no surprise that the CTK-2550 model appears in this review. The first reason why it is worth buying is, of course, its price. Also, it comes with a wide variety of features.
What are our favorite features? One thing we love is its collection of 400 tones. These sound options are perfect for fostering your creativity. You can use them to compose your unique music. Additionally, the instrument is rather lightweight. It weighs 7.3 lbs. which is relatively low compared to many models available in this comparison. You can, therefore, easily carry it around. With this being said, it is also important to note that it comes with 61 keys that are quite comfortable to play.
Additionally, it comes with 48-note polyphony. This means that you can play up to 48 sounds at once.
What could be better? We regret that the keyboard is not touch-sensitive. This means that you can’t change the velocity of the sound by key pressure.
The Alesi Melody 1 MKII piano keyboard is one of the best instruments under $200. What makes it stand out is the fact that it possesses good recording and playback. Not only that, but it also comes with a microphone that allows you to sing and record your songs.
You will love its educational function. This keyboard is designed to be a teaching tool, and as such, it comes with 40 demo songs, 61 keys, 300 rhythms, 300 sounds, and polyphony. All these features are meant to accompany you in your learning journey and help you improve your playing technique.
Let’s not forget to mention that it is highly portable. You can easily move it around as it is not too heavy. Also, it comes with many accessories: a stand, an adjustable bench, headphones, and a power adapter.
Why is it special? All of the instrument’s buttons are large enough and clear. You can press them while using the unit and affect the settings you want to make.
What are the flaws? While we love the built-in speakers that allow users to play music in real-time, we think that there is room for improvement. The keys are a little bit stiff, and they require strength to strike and hold.
The Casio Casiotone CT-200 piano keyboard is another candidate on our list of the best cheap keyboard pianos under $200. This instrument has been specifically designed with flexibility and easiness in mind. During the sessions, you can make use of the 61 keys to learn how to use the equipment and improve your skills. Also, you can use it in a studio, thanks to MIDI capability. It is equipped with a record and playback function that makes it easy for you to create your songs.
What stands out? The instrument comes with mic and headphones jacks. They are practical as they allow you to practice and listen to your music in quietness. Not only are you benefitting from an excellent musical experience, but you are not disturbing your roommates.
The Casio Casiotone CT-200 comes with a handful of features:
400 sounds or tones
60 demo songs
61 keys
77 rhythms
All of these help you work effortlessly and easily. We appreciate the LCD screen display and the power adapter provided.
What cons did we manage to find? A few owners said that the sound quality was not that good.
The PSR-E273 best keyboard piano under $200 is perfect for you if you are looking for an easy to use and practical instrument. It combines various styles and high-quality voices to provide you with an excellent and unique user experience. This way, it inspires beginners to learn more and to improve their piano playing technique. The quality voices, as well as the special FX and drum kits provided, bring authenticity to your music. You can create something original and outstanding.
The instrument encourages you to try different music genres: samba, rock and roll, etc. With the different features provided on this piano, you can add accompaniment instruments if you want.
Why did it make our list? We love the Smart Chord function, which is great to help you learn and develop your knowledge of keyboard playing. The keys are full-sized, and they are perfect for beginners who are just learning how to play.
What is not ideal about it? We only regret the fact that it does not come with a power adapter.
The Joymusic Jk-63M Kit is the perfect instrument if you are looking for multifunctional keyboard piano. It comes with perfect 61-keys that are helpful for beginners. Additionally, it incorporates a unique music player function for mp3 files.
For a better music experience, the instrument is equipped with many features: a collection of 255 rhythms, 255 tones, and 50 demo songs. All of these contribute to improving your music experience. Also, the piano keyboard produces high-quality effects and sounds.
You will love the LED display screen that allows you to use a reflect function. Not only does it help you perfectly see, but it also guides you to choose correct notes to press into your demo songs. This way, you gain better control and learning.
Why are we impressed? This keyboard piano for under $200 comes with multiple patterns and functions. You can control its percussion, volume, use the fingered chord, etc. Additionally, it is delivered with multiple inputs and outputs, a stand, headphones, a stool, and a power adapter.
What negatives must you be aware of? Unfortunately, the instrument’s keys are not weighted.
More features: record and playback functions, mic and headphone jacks, can be powered by 6 x AA batteries or adapter, lightweight, comes with microphone and sticker sheet
Are you looking for better sound quality? The Hamzer piano keyboard has got you covered! The instrument is designed for beginners and intermediate users as it is equipped with many features to serve them right. One of the things you will love about this instrument is the fact that you can play the keys with one hand while the other is busy operating settings and making changes to the sound control.
What makes it special? This model features a collection of 24 demo songs, 61 keys, 255 tones, and 255 rhythms. It also boasts various functions and features along with some accessories:
A record and playback function
Mic and headphone jacks
Sticker sheet and microphone
Finally, it can be powered either by 6 x AA batteries or an adapter. We love that it is easy to use, portable, and lightweight.
What cons did we find? It’s a shame that the keys are smaller than usual and the mic needs to be improved.
The keyboard piano under $200 is a convenient instrument to use if you are on a tight budget or want to learn how to play the piano. It is versatile and helps you improve your playing techniques. You will love the fact that most of them are portable and lightweight, so you can carry them around with ease.
Moreover, they come with so many features like a variety of built-in voices, a wide range of connectivity options and effects, etc. They are compatible with headphones jacks and provide you the best atmosphere for silent practice.
What to expect from keyboard pianos under $200?
It is possible to find a good piano keyboard under $200. But can you expect to have weighted keys? Probably not. It is, actually, one of the features that you will compromise on. That does not mean that there are not great starter instruments. Most models come as a full kit, like a traditional piano. Not only are they lightweight, but you can install them using their stand, stool, and power supply.
Next, some models are portable and are specifically designed for performances. If you are a musician who likes to move from place to place, you can bring your instrument with you at your events. Also, these models are easy to adjust in a matter of seconds.
They provide you with high-quality sounds, a variety of demo songs, more than enough rhythms, and polyphony. All these features help make a difference and improve your learning and user experience.
Things to consider before buying a keyboard piano under $200
What are the criteria to consider when trying to purchase the best keyboard piano under $200? This is the question you probably ask yourself. We know that there is a variety of models available on the market, and making the right choice can be difficult. First, it is important that you keep your needs in mind: how often are you going to use the instrument? Will you need to transport it, or do you want to install it at home only? What is your playing experience? With all these questions answered, you will know which model will satisfy your needs.
Apart from that, it is also crucial to check some useful features. We have put them together, and comparing them will also help you make an informed choice.
Keys
The first thing you need to consider when purchasing a piano keyboard is the number of keys provided. Concerning the number of keys, they vary and range from 25 to 88, like in a traditional piano. The more keys are available, the more you benefit from an accurate piano experience. If the size is limited, this means that playing some songs can be a bit difficult.
We generally recommend going for the range of 44 to 88 keys, with 61 keys being enough for your needs as a casual player or a debutant.
With that being said, all of the models available in our keyboard piano under $200 reviews above range from 44 to 61 keys, with the RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano being a great model at the higher end of the scale.
Polyphony
Polyphony is another important factor to consider when searching for the best cheap keyboard piano under $200. It refers to how many individual sounds or notes you can play at once. It goes without saying that if you are looking to play your instrument without being limited by the cutting of some notes, you must have all the flexibility you need. That can be achieved by buying a keyboard piano that has polyphony. Also, this characteristic is important if you plan to play along backing tracks or layer multiple sounds on top of each other.
In our keyboard piano under $200 reviews above, the Casio CTK-2550 and Casio Casiotone CT-S200 are two models that possess the highest polyphony (48 notes each). By purchasing them, this means you can produce 48 sounds at once.
Functions
Whatever piano keyboard you are purchasing, you want to make sure that you’ll have unique experience. This means paying attention to small details like the functions provided on the instrument so that you can decide whether or not it is worth your money and if it will suit you.
If you want to be able to switch between different rhythms and sounds while playing, you might consider purchasing a model that has an LCD display, as it helps to go through the menu. If you are a beginner, a model with a learning system will best suit your needs and help you hone your skills.
Other functions worth considering include a quiz and record and playback options. The latter comes in handy if you want to record and listen back to your recordings to monitor your progress.
Number of tones
It may not seem like a big deal, but the number of tones available on a piano keyboard is important. You might want to consider this criterion when purchasing your instrument. Tones or sounds they create have an impact on the quality of the music created. Not only will the music be rich, but it will also sound beautiful and enjoyable.
The number of tones varies from model to model. Whatever instrument you are buying, having hundreds of tones to choose from will enhance your sound and improve your creativity. For example, the Casio Casiotone and Casio CTK-2550 models in our reviews above have the highest number of tones (300).
Rhythms
The rhythms represent another category of sounds available on a piano keyboard. They are also an important feature to look for when purchasing the instrument. Drumbeats and other rhythms that are programmed into this type of equipment vary. They are available for different musical styles, and the choice will depend on your preferences.
We recommend choosing one that is versatile and provides you with as many rhythms as possible. In our reviews above, that will be the Alesis Melody 61 MKII model.
Songs
Another criterion to consider when purchasing the best piano keyboard under $200 is the number of songs provided. Here, we mean the demo songs available. They help you learn more and improve your playing technique.
Moreover, you can use the demo songs to show off the keyboard’s sound capabilities, and you will know exactly how your instrument performs. The number of built-in songs varies, and the more there are available, the better you will enjoy your piano keyboard. The Yamaha PSR-E273 model from our review, for example, comes with 112 songs.
Inputs and outputs
The inputs and outputs are important on a piano keyboard. They help you make better use of your instrument.
Some models come with headphones. They help you practice in silence without disturbing others around you. You might also want to make sure that your instrument has a microphone that will help you record and/or sing. Moreover, a few of them include MIDI. This is used to connect your keyboard to your computer.
Accessories
Accessories improve the experience that you get from a piano keyboard. You might want to consider purchasing an instrument that is provided with some useful accessories. These include a microphone, a stool, headphones, stickers, a stand, a power adapter, etc. Almost all of the models available in our reviews above come with accessories.
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions and weight are other important features to consider when buying your keyboard piano under $200. They determine whether you will be able or not to transport your instrument and carry it around.
Concerning the dimensions, we recommend that you consider the space you have at home and buy an instrument that will fit right in.
Concerning the weight, it is advisable to buy a lightweight instrument that you will transport without needing help. That is the case of the Casio SA76 Keyboard in our review. It is ultra-light and weighs only 3 lbs.
Yes, keyboard pianos under $200 are good for beginners. If you are a debutant, learning how to play the instrument should not be expensive. The keyboard piano comes with a variety of features that facilitate your learning process. Whether it is the demo songs available, the rhythms, the tones, the keys, etc., they are meant to teach and guide you into the improvement of your technique.
Once you are comfortable enough to upgrade, you can buy a classical piano and further improve your skills and master the art of playing the instrument.
A MIDI port is one of the most important tools that you can use on your keyboard piano. It is a port that allows you to connect your piano keyboard to your computer. This way, it acts as a communication port between the two, and you can share your music compositions using special software as well as upload new tones in some cases.
The longevity of a keyboard under $200 depends on the quality of construction and heavy use. If you take it with you regularly, it has a chance of lasting less long than the one that is kept at home. The reason is that carrying it around exposes it to risks of breaking during transportation. With that being said, we recommend purchasing a strong model and get a carrying case for it.
Our Verdict
Purchasing the best keyboard under $200 depends on your playing experience and your needs. We recommend our Editor’s Choice – the RockJam 61 Key model. Not only does it come with a handful of accessories, but it is also easy to use and beginner-friendly.
If you are on a tight budget, then the Casio SA76 model has got you covered. It is easy to use, ultra-lightweight, and extremely affordable without compromising on the learning quality.
The Casio CTK-2550 will suit you if you prefer a premium instrument. It has more sounds included, and the learning process it offers is unique!
