Finding the right instrument is one of the most tumultuous dilemmas that musicians will face. Regardless of if you're just starting out or if you're a seasoned professional, you need to have a digital piano that makes playing intuitive and accessible.
To help you navigate the vast world of digital pianos, we've created a buyer's guide with information on what to look for and which products are the best!

Buying Guide

How to Choose the Best Piano

The best digital piano for you will depend on what level of pianist you are and what type of music you intend to play. For example, if you are someone simply looking for a keyboard to use for composing on, then you likely don't need something too nuanced. In this situation, it is completely fine if you get something that is not very expensive, as you will just need it to hear certain tonalities.

Things to Look for When Looking for a Digital Piano 

When looking at which pianos are best for certain types of music, it is important to consider all of the features that differentiate pianos:

• Number of Keys: If you want to get a full range that compares to an acoustic piano, you should be focused on getting an 88-key piano. This will allow you to have nuance with your playing and not be missing any notes when trying to read scores.
• Weighted Keys: When you press a key on an acoustic piano, the key triggers a hammer that then hits a string. As you can imagine, pressing the key harder will cause the hammer to hit the string harder, allowing players to express themselves in how hard they press the keys. Pianos with weighted keys recreate this feature, making it possible to have dynamic expression with each note. This is especially useful for types of music that require a lot of nuance with dynamics (i.e. classical music), but might not be as necessary for other types of music that rely on effects and other methods of expression (i.e. electronic dance music).
• Comes with a Stand: If you are someone who wants to purchase a piano that you can begin playing right out of the box, it might be useful to purchase a product that comes with a piano stand. If you don't do this, you risk not being able to properly play the piano when you open it! Another option is buying a piano stand with your piano, but that would be an added cost.
• Different Voicings: One of the benefits of using a piano as opposed to an acoustic one is that a digital instrument can also double as a synthesizer. If you want to use your piano as a synthesizer, we recommend that you get one that has multiple voicings. With different voicing settings, you can make your piano sound like a variety of instruments and sounds!
• Built-In Speakers and Headphone Support: Those looking to only play at home should look into instruments that either have built-in speakers or have the option to connect headphones to the output. If you are simply looking for something to use for performance, though, then getting a piano that has a ¼" output will suffice. With a ¼" output, you can connect the piano to speakers and amplifiers!

What Are the Advantages of Digital Pianos?

The main advantage of using a piano is that you can bring your instrument wherever you go. Unlike an acoustic piano, pianos are typically easily transportable by only one person. They are also very intuitive to set up at home, allowing anybody to have a piano without having it take up a lot of space in their living area.

If you are someone who is frequently performing music, having a piano is also helpful for making sure that you are able to carry all of your equipment with you to the venue. Having to always find spaces that have acoustic pianos either in storage or available for rental can be costly and inconvenient, making it necessary for you to supply as much of your equipment as possible.

What is the Best Way to Use a Digital Piano?

The best way to use a piano is simply as a digital instrument. One of the biggest misinterpretations that people have when purchasing a piano is that it will fill their need for an acoustic piano. Though pianos are perfectly acceptable instruments in both professional and casual situations, it is important to recognize that they are not acoustic instruments. Because of this, you'll never get the exact same sound that you do with an acoustic piano. You shouldn't let this deter you from purchasing a piano, though—in today's technological age, they are the most affordable and accessible way to play piano.

Precautions to Take When Using a Piano

Before using your piano, you should familiarize yourself with the entirety of the device's manual to make sure that you are using it properly. Though pianos are very intuitive instruments to play, you want to make sure that you are not putting yourself in a potentially harmful situation by plugging it in or setting up the instrument incorrectly.