Digital piano vs keyboard: Which is better for your needs?

There’s an eternal debate among aspiring musicians over which is best, a digital piano or an electronic keyboard.

The simple answer is that it depends on who’s buying; both are better in the right context, but that only leads to more questions.

So, I’m going back to square one to clear up some common misconceptions, answer frequently asked questions, and help you choose the right instrument.

Why you should trust me

I started learning piano well over 20 years ago, and I’ve been a professional pianist for almost two decades.

I’ve played nearly every type of keyboard instrument during that time, but the digital piano versus keyboard debate has been a constant throughout my time as a musician.

As a beginner, it’s a choice I had to make for myself, and later, as a teacher, I’ve had to answer many questions on the topic.

My experience as a beginner, professional musician, and teacher dealing with students of all ages and abilities is why I’m confident I can provide the answers to help you make the best choice.

Contents

Use these links below to navigate to the desired section of the article.

• What is a digital piano?
• What is an electronic keyboard?
• What’s the difference between a digital piano and a keyboard?
• Which offers better sound quality?
• Which is better at keyboard action/feel?
• Which is more portable?
• Which offers more features/functions?
• Which has better connectivity options?
• Which is more cost-effective?
• Which is better for beginners?
• Which is better for on-stage performance?
• Which is better for on-the-go use?
• Which is better for home use?
• Frequently asked question

What’s in a name?

It’s no surprise there are ongoing debates over certain keyboard instruments; even the names confuse people.

Before I start, I want to clarify a few things and remove a few unnecessary names from the conversation.

I’ll be discussing digital pianos, portable digital pianos, and electronic keyboards, and I’ll define each below.

We can remove the following names to avoid confusion:

• Stage piano: a 73- or 88-key keyboard with weighted keys that requires external amplification (no built-in speakers) and typically has performance-based features and controls.
• Electric piano: a piano that uses analog electric components to pick up/amplify sound generated by hammers striking metal tines (sometimes strings). Instruments like a Fender Rhodes or Yamaha CP-70 (often vintage instruments).
• Portable keyboard: we can assume that all electronic keyboards are portable, so we can remove this term to avoid confusion.

What is a digital piano?

A digital piano is a keyboard instrument that recreates the experience of an acoustic piano in various ways: sound, feel, and image.

Digital pianos prioritize high-quality grand piano sounds over all other voices (electric pianos, organs, strings, etc.). While some digital pianos offer many onboard voices, most have an average of around 10.

Unlike a stage piano, a digital piano has built-in speakers and doesn’t require external amplification.

A digital piano will almost always have 88 hammer-action keys, but on rare occasions, 73-key models are available.

On even rarer occasions, a digital piano may have semi-weighted keys, but this scenario is limited to budget-friendly options.

Many digital pianos have premium features like simulated ebony/ivory keys.

When I say digital piano, I’m referring to an instrument that emulates the look of a real piano. Manufacturers achieve this by building the keyboard into a wooden cabinet or console that mimics the appearance of an upright piano (traditional or modern).

Some digital pianos even have the appearance of a baby grand piano; these models typically offer the most premium sound quality and are relatively expensive.

Whether they have an upright or grand appearance, digital pianos have realistic features like a music stand, key cover/lid, and three-pedal units.

A portable digital piano is everything I mentioned above without the wooden console/cabinet, making it far easier to move.

If you want to add some style and realism, manufacturers typically offer an optional wooden stand with a three-pedal unit.

The wooden stand slightly resembles an upright piano without being as bulky, heavy, or permanent as a console.

What is an electronic keyboard?

An electronic keyboard is a lightweight and portable keyboard, typically with fun and educational features aimed at beginners of all ages.

Electronic keyboards usually offer a blend of the following qualities:

• portability,
• budget-friendly.
• versatility,
• fun.

Electronic keyboards can have any number from 25 to 61 keys, with 61 keys being the average size for anyone hoping to progress to a full-size piano.

Rather than being realistic, electronic keyboards have lighter velocity-sensitive or semi-weighted keys.

In addition to being lightweight and portable, electronic keyboards have built-in speakers and usually offer optional battery power so you can play anywhere.

Sound quality, although it can be high, isn’t always a primary concern, and many electronic keyboards focus on quantity over quality.

It’s not unusual for an electronic keyboard to have hundreds of onboard sounds, making them versatile and a lot of fun for experimenting beginners.

Most electronic keyboards offer a wide range of accompaniments, demo songs, and practice lessons (lessons are sometimes available via apps rather than built-in to the keyboard).

Electronic keyboards are relatively cheap as the target market is primarily children, beginners, and first-time buyers.

The lower average prices make them the ideal choice for anyone who wants to test the waters before making a larger financial commitment.

So, what’s the difference?

The most significant difference is that a digital piano focuses on realism while electronic keyboards concentrate on fun and convenience (cheaper, portable, versatile).

Digital pianos typically offer fewer sounds but higher sound quality and a more realistic keyboard action than electronic keyboards.

In most cases, a digital piano is a stationary instrument and not as readily portable as an electronic keyboard.

Digital piano vs keyboard: An in-depth comparison

To help you determine which instrument is best for you, I’ll compare the two types in the most common areas.

Sound quality and authenticity

The Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 is one of my favorite electronic keyboards because it has a beautiful grand piano sound.

However, if I compare it to an entry-level portable digital piano, like the Alesis Recital Pro, I’d still favor the digital piano.

Even if the Yamaha uses a better piano sample, you can’t get the best out of it with lighter keys. For that reason, digital pianos will almost always sound more authentic.

Keyboard action/feel

A digital piano with hammer-action keys will always feel more realistic, and I recommend learning on fully-weighted keys if you can.

But some players, especially kids, struggle with weighted keys, and I’d prefer a student make good progress on lighter keys than waste time struggling.

If you struggle with weighted keys, I recommend an electronic keyboard with semi-weighted/velocity-sensitive keys until you can transition to something more realistic.

Please try both before you buy.

Portability/size/weight

Digital pianos with an upright console or grand body are essentially stationary instruments, just like a real piano. These are the best options if you want something that looks and sounds beautiful at home.

A portable digital piano offers a compromise for those who prioritize realism but want a more portable option.

But it’s important to remember that a portable digital piano is still far heavier than an electronic keyboard and not something younger learners can carry around freely.

Besides being bulkier and heavier, digital pianos have more keys. I prefer that students learn with 88 keys, but the weight issue discussed above is where you should decide. If heavier keys are a problem, I suggest a 61-key electronic keyboard.

If your priority is a lightweight instrument that you can move around the house quickly or even take outdoors, an electronic keyboard is the best option.

Features/functions

On average, electronic keyboards have more features and functions than a typical digital piano.

Digital pianos have fewer features because the goal is to provide a realistic piano experience.

However, they usually have an important feature that many electronic keyboards don’t: a built-in recorder. I encourage all students to record themselves for critical listening.

Electronic keyboards often have many features, such as:

• light-up keys (indicating which notes to play),
• play-along songs,
• extended sound/rhythm/accompaniment banks,
• Intro/Fill/Ending functions for rhythms,
• drum kits.

Those are some common features, and they make electronic keyboards incredibly fun.

The downside of having so many features is that some younger students are easily distracted, and a fun practice can turn into just fun.

I always advise parents, guardians, or relatives buying for younger children to choose an instrument that best suits their personality/temperament.

Connectivity options

I don’t consider connectivity a serious concern with these instruments because the average user won’t need much.

A digital piano commonly offers MIDI via USB, a 1/4-inch audio output, at least one dedicated headphone jack, and a three-pedal unit input.

Electronic keyboards typically offer less with MIDI via USB, a headphone jack, and sustain pedal input.

The above are standard examples, and there are exceptions. However, I think a few things are important in certain situations.

If you plan to take lessons from a piano tutor, a digital piano with dual headphone jacks is ideal (it keeps the rest of the household happy).

More expensive digital pianos should offer extended audio out/in options (for potential performance or studio recording).

I don’t look for much from an electronic keyboard, but I urge you to choose one with a sustain pedal input.

Although most do, some don’t, and, instead, provide a sustain button, but getting used to pedaling is vital.

Cost

An electronic keyboard costs anywhere from under $100 to a few hundred dollars and is significantly cheaper than the average digital piano.

To provide some context, the Yamaha NP-15 (61-key electronic keyboard), which I love, costs around $270, whereas the Yamaha YDP-105 (entry-level digital piano) costs around $1100.

If budget is a deciding factor, then your choice is simple. But cheaper alternatives don’t mean that something like the YDP-105 isn’t good value for money because it is.

My advice to anyone of any age who wants to learn to play the piano is that a digital piano is the better choice if you have the budget, can handle heavier keys, and don’t need something more portable.

However, if you or the beginner you’re buying for isn’t certain that learning piano will be a long-term endeavor, I suggest buying a cheaper electronic keyboard.

You can always buy a digital piano when you’re sure it’s a worthwhile investment.

For beginners

If we forget about budget for a minute, here’s what I recommend:

• Digital piano: beginners of any age who don’t need a portable instrument;
• Portable digital piano: teen/adult beginners who want realism but don’t have space for a larger console;
• Electronic keyboard: younger beginners who need something light, portable, and more fun.

For stage/performance

Electronic keyboards aren’t built for the stage; you can perform with any keyboard that has an audio output (or even use the headphone jack), but it’s not the intention of these instruments.

Things like arranger keyboards are great for performing and are technically electronic keyboards. However, musicians tend to separate them from the beginner electronic keyboards I’m describing in this article and refer to them specifically as arranger keyboards or arrangers.

Digital pianos aren’t ideal for performance either unless used as a house piano in a venue due to their size and weight.

If you’re looking for an instrument to practice on and take to the stage, it’s a portable digital piano.

On the go/travel

There’s only one winner here, and that’s an electronic keyboard. It has everything you need to practice or create on the go: it’s light, battery-powered, and has built-in speakers.

Some portable digital pianos are battery-powered, but it’s a much heavier journey wherever you take it.

For home use

Each type is ideal for home use as long as you choose the one that suits your requirements.

But, the ultimate home playing experience is a digital piano with a beautiful upright console (or grand if you have the budget). These instruments go beyond the music and make stunning home decor additions.

Frequently asked questions

Since the very first issue of this guide early in 2021 here at Higher Hz, we’ve constantly received questions about digital pianos, keyboards, and how they compare to each other in different situations.

I’ve compiled these questions, and in this section, I will address some of the most common concerns to help you make an informed decision.

Can I learn to play the piano on a keyboard?

Absolutely! You won’t get the same level of expression and dynamics, but as I said, a keyboard with lighter keys is the best choice for some first-timers.

Are digital pianos very expensive?

Some models are, but you can buy an entry-level portable digital piano for a few hundred dollars and an entry-level upright console for around $700 upwards.

Do keyboards come with built-in learning tools?

Not all, but many do.

Can I use a sustain pedal (or just pedals) with a keyboard?

Yes, and I recommend that you avoid keyboards without a pedal input (unless very young, perhaps).

Can keyboards replicate the sound of other instruments?

Electronic keyboards and digital pianos can replicate the sound of other instruments, like organs, strings, and vibraphones. Electric keyboards usually have more sounds and include a diverse range of instruments.

How long do digital pianos and keyboards typically last?

They will last as long as you care to look after them. Unless there is a manufacturer’s fault, these instruments will last for many years. Electronic keyboards often suffer more damage because, well, kids will be kids!

Are digital pianos more durable than keyboards?

They are certainly more robust due to the larger wooden consoles/stands. Even portable digital pianos feel more robust than a typical electronic keyboard, but keyboards aren’t too fragile, so don’t worry.

Final thoughts

I hope this article has clarified some common misconceptions regarding digital pianos and electronic keyboards.

As always, it’s not about one being better than the other; it’s about one being the best for you.

The information above should help you start on the right foot by choosing an instrument that will enhance your learning and not slow it down.