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 25, 2024
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The right piano bench is more important than you might think. Having the right one not only helps you stay comfortable during long practices or performance, but it also keeps your posture and stance just right so you can work the full range of the keyboard quickly and comfortably.
There are a few things which could help you to find the best piano bench. These benches come in different sizes. Some are made for a single player while others are perfect for duets. There are a few different materials to choose from, including steel, wood, and MDF. The quality of the material directly relates to the weight limit. We found benches that can hold anywhere from 300 to 440 pounds. The seat material is important, too. Real leather looks great and is pretty durable, but faux leather is usually waterproof, easy to clean, and looks just as nice. A storage compartment is nice to have, too, if you need a place to store your music and other accessories. And, of course, price matters, too. Don’t worry, we included something for every budget.
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Top 7 Piano Benches Review 2020
To put together this review, we spent hours researching these products, reading customer reviews, manufacturer’s websites, and analyses from professional and amateur musicians alike. First, you’ll find a table where you can see all of our top picks and their best features side by side. Keep reading, and you’ll come to in-depth reviews of each product, followed by a detailed Buying Guide that will help you find the best piano bench for you.
"A massive but elegant piano bench for two with genuine leather cushioned top, wood frame, storage compartment and adjustment option is a perfect variant for a professional."
"The greatest option for musicians looking for simplicity and elegance. Soft faux leather seat and solid hard wood frame available in three different color sets."
"Modest in terms of design, but durable in terms of quality a two-person piano bench by Yaheetech is a great option for those who are looking for a reliable bench for duet."
"Piano bench from GOFLAME with high-quality PU leather, spacious storage compartment and solid wooden legs. All-black color makes adds to the bench elegancy."
The SONGMICS Piano Bench is our Editor’s Choice. This one-person seater holds up to 300 pounds and a high-resilient cushion for adequate support during long practice sessions.
One of the reasons that this bench is so sturdy is the solid wood construction. There are rubber pads on the feet to prevent any scratches and or screeching. The black faux leather tufted cushion is simple and elegant and will look great next to any piano. That’s not all. The material is also waterproof and dustproof, so it’s easy to keep clean. If you’re looking for something in a lighter color, a white option is also available.
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Storage is always useful in a piano bench, and this one has a large compartment for sheet music with a hinged lid and folding support. Everything needed for assembly is included, and it should only take about 15 minutes to put together.
Users had a lot of great things to say about this product. A lot of them felt it was good quality for such an affordable price and it’s the best piano bench for kids that we found. That said, some people did comment that some screws were missing and the folding support for the lid wasn’t very reliable.
What makes it stand out?
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Holds up to 300 pounds
High-resilient tufted faux leather cushion
Solid wood construction
Rubber foot pads
Waterproof and dustproof material
Storage compartment
Easy assembly
Good value
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Some users were missing screws needed for assembly
The CPS Imports Genuine Leather Piano Bench in our view was the most resilient and the best adjustable piano bench. This is one of the most stylish looking, well-built, and best adjustable piano bench we found in our research. The frame, adjusting knob, and legs are all made of solid hardwood, and it’s strong enough to hold both you and a duet partner.
One of the most noticeable things about this bench is how comfortable it is. The thick padded cushion is tufted with 13 different buttons and covered in 100% genuine leather, which makes this the best leather piano bench around. That’s not all, the height easily adjusts from 19 ½ to 22 inches, so this is a good choice if you have multiple pianists in the family who need to practice. There’s also a built-in storage compartment for sheet music, theory book, and other accessories.
The black, high-gloss finish on the legs and frame looks great with any piano and matches most decors. Assembly is quick and easy, and everything you need is included. This bench is covered by a one-year warranty against defects in workmanship or materials.
Some users felt that the cushion wasn’t very comfortable because it was so firm while others commented that the edges were too soft and the foam collapsed with use. Another issue is that, although changing the height is easy, it takes a while for the knob to adjust to the right height.
Why are we impressed?
Solid hardwood frame and legs
Duet sized
Tufted cushion
Genuine leather seat material
Adjustable height
Easy assembly
One-year warranty
What negatives must you be aware of?
Some users found cushion too hard while others felt it was too thick
The CPS Imports Concert Piano Bench is a great choice for performances because it looks lush and is super comfortable. It features a 100% solid hardwood frame and legs and is wide enough for two players.
The 100% genuine leather padded cushion is diamond tufted with 19 buttons. It’s thick, soft, and handpicked for durability. For more comfort, this bench adjusts from 18 ½ to 21 inches high. That’s not all. You also get a built-in storage compartment with room for sheet music and other necessities.
Something that adds to the appearance of this bench is the high gloss ebony finish. It goes well with just about any decor and looks good with multiple styles of pianos and keyboards. Assembly is easy, too. Just attach the legs to the seat using the included wrench and hardware.
There aren’t a lot of complaints about this bench. If you’re playing with a partner, the cushion may not sink evenly, causing the lighter person to feel a bit lopsided. People also commented that it was a little too firm at first but that this resolved after the bench wore in a little bit. The screws may loosen over time, but that can be easily fixed.
Why are we impressed?
Solid hardwood frame and legs
Two-person bench
Adjustable height
100% leather padded cushion
Built-in storage
High gloss ebony finish
Easy assembly
What negatives must you be aware of?
A cushion may sink unevenly when two people use the bench
The Yamaha PKBB1 Keyboard Bench is the best digital piano bench and has a simple, stylish design that customers love. It’s durable, too. The frame is made of steel and able to hold up to 300 pounds, and most users felt it was very sturdy.
One of the great things about this one is it folds up for easy storage which can be useful if you don’t have a lot of space or if you need a bench for your keyboard when traveling to different gigs.
This bench is comfortable, too. It features an extra-wide seat covered in ultra-thick padding designed to keep you in comfortable position for hours. Plus, the height is adjustable from 17.5 to 19.5 inches so it works no matter how tall you are. The low-tech height adjustment consists of two thumbscrews that are easy to use.
Some users felt that the padding was too firm while others commented that it sank and became uncomfortable that longer they sat on it. Others felt that this was a great bench for shorter gigs. As for how sturdy it is, a few people reported that it wobbled a bit, but that may come down to how tight the thumbscrews are after making height adjustments.
What makes it stand out?
Steel frame
Holds up to 300 pounds
Folds for easy storage and travel
Extra-wide seat
Ultra-thick padding
Adjustable height
Great for short gigs
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Some people felt the cushion was too hard, and the others said it sank over time
If you need something durable, take a look at the HOMCOM Piano Bench, our pick for the best tear-resistant piano bench. It has a classic, stylish design that matches any decor and looks great with any piano or keyboard. It’s available in three different finishes: black, white, and chestnut brown.
This bench has room for two. It’s lightweight and easy to move but is strong enough to hold up to 440 pounds. There’s also integrated storage for loose sheet music or music books.
The seat is made from two inches of thick spongy foam covered in smooth faux leather. It’s tufted with 13 buttons which adds more support in the seat and gives the bench a high-end, finished look. The material is soft to the touch, easy to clean, and tear-resistant so it should last a long time.
Assembly is easy. All you have to do is attach the legs with the included wrench and hardware. The fixtures can get loose over time, though, so make sure you hold onto the wrench so you can tighten the bolts when needed.
One complaint about this bench applies to the chestnut finish. The seat has a red hue which some people weren’t expecting. While this doesn’t affect quality at all, it’s still something worth noting in case you had your heart set on brown.
What are our favorite features?
Durable
Holds up to 440 pounds
Available in black, white and chestnut
Two-seater
Storage
Tear-resistant, easy to clean faux leather cushion
Our pick for best duet bench is the Yaheetech Piano Bench. The dimensions are wide enough for two players, and the MDF and wood frame is strong and durable enough to hold up to 440 pounds, making it the best quality duet piano bench.
The cushion is filled with high-density foam that’s spongy and comfortable for both players. The faux leather material is tufted with 13 buttons. It looks great and is water-resistant and easy to keep clean. Rubber pads on the feet prevent the bench from sliding around and scratching your floor.
Another thing we like about this one is it’s just a really nice looking piece of furniture. The glassy ebony finish looks great in any room and matches most pianos beautifully.
This bench has a small storage area under the lid where you can stash sheet music which keeps your music stand less cluttered. It comes flat packed and ready to assemble; all you have to do is attach the legs. Everything you need for assembly is included.
Some people reported they were missing a few washers for assembly, though this wasn’t a common problem. Another issue was that not everyone found this bench to be comfortable for long periods of time. Some people even felt the buttons were uncomfortable.
The Greenpro Adjustable Piano Bench is our budget pick and the best piano bench under 50 bucks. Not only is it exceptionally affordable, but it’s also very sturdy. The heavy-duty steel frame holds up to 370 pounds, which is one of the highest weight limits of all the benches we reviewed. It’s the best piano bench if you’re looking to get the most out of your money.
There are three different height adjustments (from 15 ¾ to 19 inches) make it suitable for just about any pianist. While some benches use thumbscrews for height adjustment, this one has a large knob which is much easier to turn. It folds up easily for travel, so it’s perfect for taking to and from gigs.
The cushion uses ultra-thick padding and is covered in faux leather. It’s a good size, too. In fact, some users said that they liked to turn the bench and use it longways instead of sideways, so there’s a lot of space.
Non-slip rubber pads keep the legs from sliding around for more stability and protect your floor. Some people complained that the bench wobbled a bit, but others commented that they didn’t have this problem or, if they did, it wasn’t anything too severe. Any wobble usually disappears when this bench is used on a carpeted floor. There were also some complaints about sloppy welding, but this was not something that most people experienced with this best affordable piano bench.
Our pick for best compartment storage piano bench is the CPS Imports Walnut Grand Piano Bench. This duet-sized bench is big enough for two and features 100% hardwood legs and frame. It’s a great bench for home but is durable enough to be used in a church or concert hall as well.
The cushion features a soft, synthetic leather seat that’s smooth, durable, and easy to clean. There’s a storage area below the seat that’s a great size for holding sheet music, books, or any other accessories you need while playing.
Assembly is easy; all you have to do is attach the legs using the wrench and hardware provided. The high gloss finish looks great. In fact, a lot of people were surprised by the quality and said it was much nicer than they thought it would be. This is a great piece for the price plus it’s covered by a one-year limited warranty.
Overall, people were pretty satisfied with this bench though there were mentions that the color was closer to cherry than walnut. The bolts might have to be tightened every few months as they have a tendency to loosen a little with use.
The GOFLAME Piano Bench Stool has an elegant design that will add a touch of class to any piano setting. The main frame is constructed with solid wood with a durable feel that should last for years. The seat is padded with a high-resilience sponge that’s ideal for long periods of practice. The piano bench is covered with soft PU leather which feels extremely comfortable and the smooth surface is easy to clean,
Like any good piano bench stool, this product has built-in storage for your sheet music and other items. The top lid can be lifted with the seat and the connection to the main frame is a premium grade bracket lock. So, you can keep the seat pad in a fully upright position as you search through the storage compartment. If you like to play with someone else, this piano bench will accommodate two full grown adults easily.
The GOFLAME Piano Bench Stool comes in a flat pack format but it’s easy to put together. A full instruction manual is included with both graphic and written information to make the process simple. Every pin and screw is coded to ensure that you know where each part is supposed to go. GOFLAME have installed anti-skid pads under each leg of this bench to protect your floor from scratching which is a nice touch. This really is a well conceived piano bench that’s comfortable, durable, easy to clean and simple to assemble. This is a practical and affordable bench with a selection of finishes to match it to your existing decor.
We included a few portable benches in this review, but the RockJam KB100 Adjustable Piano Bench is the best one. The steel frame supports up to 340 pounds. It uses high-quality bolts and has been thoroughly tested for strength and durability.
There are four different height adjustments between 18 and 21 inches to adjust to your height or playing style. The large knob makes finding the right setting easy, though some users felt it was a little difficult to adjust. Plus, the rubber feet pads to protect your floors and prevent the bench from sliding around while you play.
This bench has a simple X-frame design and is all black which matches just about any electric piano or keyboard. It’s a good choice for short gigs and practice sessions.
The cushion is thick and designed to keep you comfortable for hours. Some people felt that it was too firm while others said that it sank quite a bit after sitting on it for hours. A few people also felt that it absorbed heat and was a bit uncomfortable after playing for a while.
What are its best features?
Folds for easy transport
Steel frame
Holds up to 340 pounds
Four adjustable height settings
A large easy-to-use adjustment knob
Rubber feet pads
Thick cushion
What could be improved?
Height adjustment can be tricky
Some people felt the cushion was too firm
Some felt the cushion lost support over time
The cushion can absorb heat with prolonged use
Things to Consider
If you’re looking for the best piano bench, you’re in the right place. Here’s all you need to know to find the right one for you.
Features to consider while choosing a piano bench
Not everyone wants the same thing when it comes to a piano bench, but you need to know what you’re looking for to find the right one for you. Let’s take a look at some of the main features to look for while you shop.
Size
Size refers to dimensions which determine how many people can fit on the bench. If you always play the piano by yourself, a single seat is all you need. On the other hand, if you play duets occasionally, teach piano lessons, or just want a little more wiggle room, there are two-seater options, too.
Height is another thing to consider.
A lot of the options we included in our reviews are adjustable, but not all of them are. Most standard piano benches are an appropriate height for players of average height, but those who are really tall or short could benefit from an adjustable bench. More on that later.
Bench Top Material
Most of these bench tops are made of leather or faux leather. They look similar, but there are a few differences between them.
Nothing compares to real leather. It’s luxurious, and each piece is unique. Over time, real leather wears and ages beautifully and becomes softer and more comfortable. It’s super durable and easy to take care of. Most real leather is treated to prevent stains, so you just have to wipe it off regularly with a damp cloth.
On the other hand, genuine leather is a lot more expensive than faux leather and doesn’t tolerate direct sunlight well. You have to wipe it off quickly if it gets any moisture on it because it absorbs it quickly and can stain.
Faux leather is much more affordable but has the look and feel of real leather. Because faux leather is artificially made, it has an even and consistent construction. It comes in just about any color and won’t fade in the sun.
That said, faux leather isn’t quite as durable as real leather and does not age gracefully. Rather than develop interesting looking wear spots and patina, faux leather just cracks or tears. Care is easy, but it most likely won’t last as long as its real leather counterpart.
So, what does this mean for you? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something that’s made to last and holds up to a lot of use, go for real leather. On the other hand, if you want something to take with you from one place to another, to use outdoors, or to let your kids sit on, faux leather might be a better choice.
Construction Material
There are a few options when it comes to material. Most of the portable benches, like the RockJam KB100 Adjustable Piano Bench or the Yamaha PKBB1 Keyboard Bench, are made of steel. This makes a lot of sense. Steel is really durable, which is exactly what you want for a bench that you’re going to fold up and transport from place to place.
When deciding which is right for you, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something that’s going to last a long time, consider investing in a more durable material.
Piano Bench Adjustment
Height adjustment is pretty important, especially for pianists who are particularly short or tall. The bench has to be the right height for the player to reach the full range of the keyboard and the pedals are the same time. Adjustable benches let you raise or lower the height of the bench as needed. The range isn’t huge, but there are usually about two or three inches to play with.
Another thing to think about is the mechanism for changing the height. Some are easier to use than others. Some portable benches use thumbscrews to make adjustments. Others, like the Greenpro Adjustable Piano Bench, use a large knob to make adjustments. Stationery benches, like the CPS Imports Genuine Leather Piano Bench, use a knob as well. Knobs a little easier to hold onto but can take a little longer to manipulate.
Storage Compartment
It’s not really possible for portable benches to have a storage compartment because they’re specifically designed to be sleek and fold conveniently. If you’re looking for a bench to use at home, though, a storage compartment is a great feature. They’re not big, just a few inches deep, but it’s enough space to put sheet music, books, or other important things you might need while playing.
As we mentioned, there are two different types of mechanisms to adjust the height. If you have a bench with thumbscrews, just unscrew them, adjust the height, and tighten them again. It can be difficult to get the height exactly right, but with a little practice, it’s not a problem. Benches that use knobs are a little easier to adjust. All you have to do is turn the knob. Some of them take a while to move, and they usually only have three or so heights to choose from, but they’re a little more convenient. This is the type of mechanism you’ll find on most benches made to use at home. There’s no “right height” for a piano bench, and it depends on who is playing it. The forearm should be parallel to the floor with the hand able to sit naturally on the keys. Feet should be able to reach the pedals comfortably.
Not necessarily but it’s probably something you’ll need to invest in down the line. Some people prefer to grow into a high-quality bench and start with something smaller and more affordable, while others might prefer to start out with the best of the best. It’s a good idea to start with a basic bench for children, as long as it’s height adjustable. Kids can be hard on furniture, so it makes sense to start with something basic and upgrade to a concert bench as they mature.
Piano benches don’t offer a lot of storage, but it is enough to the necessities: sheet music, music theory books, pencils to make notes, or even an electronic metronome. This might not seem like much, but it’s definitely enough room to keep clutter from the top of your piano.
Our Verdict
Our top pick is the SONGMICS Piano Bench. This bench can hold up to 300 pounds and has a convenient storage compartment. It features solid wood construction and a black faux leather tufted cushion that’s comfortable and looks great in any room.
We recommend the Yamaha PKBB1 Keyboard Bench for electric pianos and synths, especially if you’re looking for something portable. The steel frame holds up to 300 pounds and features an extra-wide seat with thick padding that’s super comfortable. Plus, its height is adjustable, which makes it suitable for a wide range of musicians.
Finally, check out the Greenpro Adjustable Piano Bench. This one is made out of heavy-duty steel and holds up to 370 pounds. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something under 50 bucks. A large knob adjusts the height, and the ultra-thick cushion is really comfortable. It’s your best bet if you have a tight budget.