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10 Best Keyboard For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Alesis 88 Key Keyboard Piano with 480 Sounds, Speakers, USB MIDI, Carry-Bag, Stand, Headphones, Pedal and Piano Lessons for Beginners

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,362
Layout and Size

Most important from
1355 reviews

Layout and Size
The keyboard is neither too small nor too big, making it a perfect fit for beginners.

The Alesis 88 Key Keyboard Piano is designed with beginners in mind, making it a solid choice for anyone starting their musical journey. One of its standout features is the 88 full-size, touch-sensitive keys, which provide a realistic piano feel, essential for developing proper finger strength and dexterity. The built-in speakers deliver a rich sound, enhancing the playing experience. With 480 sounds, 160 rhythms, and 140 demo songs, this keyboard offers a vast library for creative exploration and learning.

Additionally, educational features like Split, Lesson, and Record Modes make it easy for students to practice and improve alongside their teachers. The USB-MIDI connection allows for seamless integration with recording and educational software, further expanding its utility for beginners. The bundle includes useful accessories such as a stand, headphones, sustain pedal, and carry case, providing everything needed to get started.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The keyboard's large size and weight (12.13 pounds) might be cumbersome for some users when transporting, despite being marketed as portable. Additionally, it lacks backlighting on the keys, which could be a disadvantage for beginners practicing in low-light conditions. Despite these minor issues, the Alesis 88 Key Keyboard Piano remains a comprehensive and user-friendly option for new players due to its extensive features, realistic key feel, and supportive learning tools.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,362
Layout and Size

Most important from
1355 reviews

Layout and Size
The keyboard is neither too small nor too big, making it a perfect fit for beginners.
#2

Yamaha, 88-Key Digital Piano with Weighted, Sound Boost, Compact Design, Keyboard, Music Rest, and Foot Switch for Home Practice or Travel, (P143B)

Rating
10.0
Keyboard Type
Layout and Size
Connectivity

Most important from
1906 reviews

Keyboard Type
The Graded Hammer Action keys provide nuanced weight and sensitivity, closely mimicking an acoustic piano.
Layout and Size
The compact size and sleek, minimalist design make it ideal for smaller spaces while retaining elegance.
Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy music playback and integration with learning apps.
Ergonomics
The setup is straightforward, and the piano is lightweight enough to move around easily.

The Yamaha 88-Key Slim Digital Keyboard (P143B) is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the world of music. One standout feature is its weighted keys, which mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, making it a great tool for developing proper techniques. The keyboard's superior sound quality, featuring 10 unique voices, provides a rich and enjoyable playing experience, allowing users to appreciate the nuances of each note. Its compact and lightweight design is also a major plus, making it easy to transport for practice sessions or performances. The inclusion of a music rest and sustain pedal adds value, ensuring that users have essential accessories right out of the box.

There are a few limitations to consider. While the built-in speakers are decent, they may not deliver the same depth of sound as larger, more professional setups, which could be a drawback for those seeking a richer audio experience. Additionally, the one-button control, while user-friendly, may feel limiting for those who want more advanced features as they progress in their skills. Lastly, although the keyboard is designed for all skill levels, more experienced players might find it lacking in certain customizability or connectivity options compared to higher-end models.

The Yamaha P143B is a solid option for beginners due to its realistic feel and quality sound, but those planning to advance their skills may want to consider potential limitations down the line.

Rating
10.0
Keyboard Type
Layout and Size
Connectivity

Most important from
1906 reviews

Keyboard Type
The Graded Hammer Action keys provide nuanced weight and sensitivity, closely mimicking an acoustic piano.
Layout and Size
The compact size and sleek, minimalist design make it ideal for smaller spaces while retaining elegance.
Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy music playback and integration with learning apps.
Ergonomics
The setup is straightforward, and the piano is lightweight enough to move around easily.
#3

Yamaha Arius, 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Beginner and Intermediate Players, Dynamic Response, Grand Piano Sound, 3-Pedal Unit, Upright Design, Bench Included, Dark Rosewood (YDP105R)

Rating
9.8
Keyboard Type
Key Switches
Layout and Size

Most important from
629 reviews

Keyboard Type
The 88 fully weighted keys with graded hammer action replicate the feel of an acoustic piano, helping develop proper finger strength and technique.
Key Switches
The keyboard uses anti-slippery materials that help prevent accidental key presses, improving playability especially for beginners.
Layout and Size
The compact size suits small living spaces without sacrificing the feel or sound quality of a real piano.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are limited and setting up features via key combinations can be tricky, sometimes requiring additional purchases like a Bluetooth adapter or headphone adapter.
Ergonomics
The sliding cover over the keys operates smoothly, just like a traditional piano, enhancing the overall playing experience.

The Yamaha Arius YDP-105R is a great choice for beginners and intermediate players who want a realistic piano experience. It has 88 fully weighted keys with graded hammer action, which means the keys feel similar to an acoustic piano and help develop proper finger strength and technique. Its traditional upright design with an elegant dark rosewood finish makes it a nice addition to any room, and it comes with a comfortable bench included.

The piano offers rich, dynamic grand piano sounds plus 9 other instrument voices, giving some variety for practice and fun. Connectivity options are simple but useful, including a headphone jack for quiet practice and dual headphone ports for playing with a teacher or friend. The built-in speakers provide clear sound, and the 3-pedal unit adds to the authentic playing experience. However, it does not have backlighting on the keys, which might make it harder to see the notes in low light, and the connectivity is limited to a 3.5mm auxiliary jack rather than more modern wireless or USB options.

Weighing over 80 pounds, it’s also quite heavy and not very portable. This model is ideal for anyone serious about learning piano at home who wants a quality instrument that mimics an acoustic piano without needing tuning or maintenance. It may be less appealing to those looking for a lightweight keyboard or advanced digital features like lighting or wireless connections.

Rating
9.8
Keyboard Type
Key Switches
Layout and Size

Most important from
629 reviews

Keyboard Type
The 88 fully weighted keys with graded hammer action replicate the feel of an acoustic piano, helping develop proper finger strength and technique.
Key Switches
The keyboard uses anti-slippery materials that help prevent accidental key presses, improving playability especially for beginners.
Layout and Size
The compact size suits small living spaces without sacrificing the feel or sound quality of a real piano.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are limited and setting up features via key combinations can be tricky, sometimes requiring additional purchases like a Bluetooth adapter or headphone adapter.
Ergonomics
The sliding cover over the keys operates smoothly, just like a traditional piano, enhancing the overall playing experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Keyboard For Beginners

Choosing the right keyboard can significantly enhance your typing experience, whether you're using it for work, gaming, or casual use. As a beginner, it's important to understand the key specifications that will help you find a keyboard that suits your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to consider when selecting a keyboard.
Keyboard TypeKeyboards come in various types, such as membrane, mechanical, and scissor-switch. Membrane keyboards are generally quieter and more affordable, making them a good choice for beginners. Mechanical keyboards offer a more tactile and responsive typing experience, which can be beneficial for heavy typists or gamers. Scissor-switch keyboards are often found in laptops and provide a balance between the two. Consider what you'll be using the keyboard for and choose a type that matches your needs.
Key SwitchesKey switches determine the feel and sound of the keys when pressed. Mechanical keyboards have different types of switches, such as linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches are smooth and quiet, tactile switches provide a noticeable bump, and clicky switches offer both a bump and an audible click. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, go for linear switches. If you like feedback while typing, tactile or clicky switches might be better. Your typing style and environment can guide your choice here.
Layout and SizeKeyboards come in various layouts and sizes, including full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), and compact. Full-size keyboards have a number pad, which is useful for data entry. TKL keyboards omit the number pad, saving space and making them more portable. Compact keyboards are even smaller and may lack function keys or arrow keys. Think about your workspace and how much portability you need. If you do a lot of number entry, a full-size keyboard is ideal. For a more minimalist setup, consider TKL or compact options.
ConnectivityKeyboards can be wired or wireless. Wired keyboards offer a stable connection and don't require batteries, making them reliable for gaming or long typing sessions. Wireless keyboards provide more flexibility and a cleaner desk setup but may need battery replacements or recharging. If you value a clutter-free workspace and don't mind occasional charging, a wireless keyboard is a good choice. For uninterrupted use, especially in gaming, a wired keyboard is preferable.
BacklightingBacklighting can be a useful feature, especially if you often type in low-light conditions. Keyboards can have single-color backlighting or RGB lighting, which allows for customizable colors and effects. If you work or game in dim environments, backlighting can improve visibility and add a stylish touch to your setup. Decide if this feature is important to you based on your typical usage environment.
ErgonomicsErgonomic keyboards are designed to reduce strain on your hands and wrists, which can be beneficial if you type for long periods. Features like split designs, adjustable heights, and wrist rests can enhance comfort. If you experience discomfort while typing or plan to use the keyboard extensively, consider an ergonomic model to help prevent strain and injury.

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