Music is food for the soul! And there’s no better way for your little one to start their musical journey than with a piano. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve rounded up the top 10 best pianos for kids that every age and skill level will enjoy.
My main recommended digital piano is the Alesis Recital Pro. Its weighted keys mimic the feel of a real piano, making it ideal for piano performances for learners.
As the second recommended portable keyboard, I suggest the Casio Mini Keyboard SA-76. It is a lightweight and compact keyboard, making it perfect for beginners and children.
After thorough research and testing of various pianos, I have gained a deeper understanding of their features and capabilities, especially in relation to pianos designed for children.
Contents
- The 10 Best Piano Keyboards for Kids (2024)
- 1. Alesis Recital Pro
- 2. Casio Mini Keyboard SA-76
- 3. Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
- 4. KORG Tiny Piano
- 5. Alesis Melody Keyboard Piano Bundle
- 6. Yamaha NP12 Portable Keyboard
- 7. Melissa & Doug 30-Key Classic Grand Piano
- 8. RockJam 54-Key Keyboard Piano Bundle
- 9. VTech KidiStudio
- 10. Hamzer 61-Key Digital Piano Keyboard
- What is a Piano for Kids?
- Key Points to Consider When Choosing Piano for Kids
- Piano for Kids FAQs
- Verdict
The 10 Best Piano Keyboards for Kids (2024)
1. Alesis Recital Pro
When it comes to choosing a piano for your child, the Alesis Recital Pro is a fantastic option that ticks all the boxes. It has an appropriate size, touch response, and adjustable features to cater to a child's developing skills. Plus, educational features like lesson and record modes can help your child learn and grow musically.
A feature that I appreciate about the Alesis Recital Pro is its weighted keys, which provide a realistic touch and feel so that when your kids eventually perform on or transition to better pianos, they already have somewhat gained a feel for it. Those who have played this consider it good because it is simple to set up and play.
Overall, the Alesis Recital Pro represents an excellent investment in your child's musical learning and growth, and one that is sure to inspire and motivate them for years to come.
Pros
- High-quality sound library
- Touch-sensitive keys
- Has a Display
- Can be used as a MIDI controller
- Weighted keys
Cons
- Sustain pedal not included
2. Casio Mini Keyboard SA-76
If you're in search of a piano for kids, the Casio SA-76 44-Key Mini Personal Keyboard is an excellent option to consider. It features mini-size keys that are perfect for those with smaller hands, making it easy for children to learn and play the instrument.
What I appreciate about the Casio SA-76 44-Key Mini Personal Keyboard is appreciated for its user-friendly layout, which includes well-labeled buttons and a display that makes it easy for children to operate. It also comes with a melody on/off lesson function and pre-installed practice songs that aid in the learning process, making it a highly recommended purchase for beginners.
In general, the Casio SA-76 keyboard is lightweight and easy to carry, which is perfect for your kids or musicians who travel frequently. It is also a reasonably priced option for entry-level musicians who want an easy keyboard.
Pros
- Various educational features
- Good sound quality for the price
- Portable and lightweight
- Convenient to move around
- Affordable
Cons
- No sustain pedal
- Keys are not touch sensitive
- Keys are not full width which may not be suitable for all kids
3. Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
The Yamaha P45 is a popular choice among parents and teachers as it has excellent features and includes all the necessary accessories(which I appreciate) making it a complete package that enables your child to practice proper finger technique and get familiar with the instrument.
It features weighted keys, a great high-quality sound library, and a built-in speaker system. But what I appreciate the most about the Yamaha P45B is its digitally recorded tones from authentic Yamaha acoustic grand pianos, somewhat giving your child a taste of what it feels and sounds to play an authentic Yamaha grand piano. With its sound library, your child can explore different sounds ranging from traditional piano melodies to strings, organs, and other instruments.
Overall, the Yamaha P45B is an excellent piano for kids who want to learn, practice, and have fun exploring their musical skills.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Great value for the price
- Includes power adapter, sustain pedal, and music rest
- Weighted keys
- Durable and well-built
Cons
- No display
4. KORG Tiny Piano
The Korg TinyPiano is an excellent option if you want to delight your toddlers or kids with a compact piano. What I like about the Korg TinyPiano is the design, resembling a miniature upright piano, which can capture the attention and imagination of children.
It has built-in speakers that allow children to practice and learn independently, while the 25 pre-loaded sounds and 50 demo songs keep them entertained.
The Korg TinyPiano offers a fun playing experience without being overwhelming for young children with its 25 manageable keys, making it a great gift option for toddlers and young children who are just beginning to learn piano.
Pros
- Perfect size for toddlers
- Engaging design
- Comes with many sounds and demo songs
Cons
- Limited keys
5. Alesis Melody Keyboard Piano Bundle
For parents looking to nurture their child's musical abilities, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII digital piano is a great choice.
I really appreciate that it comes packaged with everything you need to get started - including a stand, microphone, bench, and headphones - making it a convenient purchase.
However, the drawback here is that they compromised a bit on the sound quality. But despite its decent sound quality, a lot of people would tend to agree that it's a good value for the price making the Alesis Melody 61 MKII a practical choice for parents looking for a basic piano bundle that is functional and affordable.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Comes with a lot of accessories
- Good quality for the price
Cons
- Sound quality is fairly average
6. Yamaha NP12 Portable Keyboard
The Yamaha Piaggero NP12 is a high-quality keyboard that meets all your child's piano learning needs. The touch-sensitive keys give your child the sense of playing a real piano.
I appreciate the keyboard's durable and straightforward design, as well as the 10 tone options that are adequate and not overwhelming for children. I also like that there is an app by Yamaha that is designed to work with this keyboard piano as well. That’s why people who have also tried the Yamaha NP12 keyboard recommend it as an excellent choice for beginners.
Like any other Yamaha product, the Yamaha Piaggero NP12 is an above-average keyboard that provides good value for your money, especially if you're looking for a sturdy and simple digital piano that serves its purpose well for your kids.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Excellent value for the price
- Simple and sleek design
- Comes with an accompanying app
- Durable
Cons
- No power adaptor included
7. Melissa & Doug 30-Key Classic Grand Piano
The Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play Classic Grand Piano is an ideal toy for kids to play piano. I really appreciate that its 30 keys are hand-tuned and that they color-code and label the keys, making it easy for children to play and learn.
Some standout features that I like about this piano are its beautiful design and that it is made with high-quality materials, ensuring its sturdiness and durability. This piano is an excellent and enjoyable way to introduce children to music.
Pros
- Color-coded and labeled keys make it easy for young kids to learn on
- Cute and esthetically pleasing
- Good quality
- Affordable
- Easy to assemble
- Good for developing motor control
Cons
- Limited keys
- Fairly average sound quality
8. RockJam 54-Key Keyboard Piano Bundle
If you're considering a piano for your child and you’re on a budget, then the RockJam 54 Key Keyboard Piano is a great option to consider. I really like that the keyboard comes with note stickers for the keys, which help children identify keys when playing and help them learn. I also appreciate that you can gain access to exclusive content within the Simply Piano app.
Because of its lightweight design, it is easy to set up and use. While not of professional quality, this product is an affordable option for kids to practice on. In general, RockJam 54 Key Keyboard Piano is an economical, kid-friendly instrument that can serve as a great gift as well.
Pros
- Access to exclusive content in the Simply Piano app
- Great for kids
- Portable and easy to set up
Cons
- Fairly average sound quality
9. VTech KidiStudio
VTech KidiStudio is a reliable and entertaining toy for your child that can spark their interest in music.
The VTech KidiStudio is an affordable and captivating toy for kids to nurture their musical creativity. Its lively colors, tempo, and melody features add to the fun, as does the microphone and voice changer which can be engaging to children. Also, the ability to record and playback their own voice is a standout feature, allowing children to use their imagination and improve their musical skills.
If you want a piano toy that includes a variety of sounds, then the VTech KidiStudio is the best option for your kids.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Engaging features for kids
- Great gift option
Cons
- Not really designed to be a proper piano
10. Hamzer 61-Key Digital Piano Keyboard
The Hamzer Electronic Keyboard is a good option for parents looking to buy a piano for their child. It comes with a microphone so kids can enjoy singing while making music.
The Hamzer Electronic Keyboard is designed with kids and beginners in mind, featuring clear stickers on the keys to aid in learning and improving note memory. In addition to its affordable price, it offers an impressive selection of 255 Timbres, 255 rhythms, 61 keyboard percussions, and 24 demonstration songs which I personally appreciate.
While it is definitely not of concert quality, it is a piano that children will love to play. If you are looking for a functional keyboard for kids, the Hamzer Electronic Keyboard is a great choice.
Pros
- Lots of sound options
- Lightweight and portable
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Sound quality is not great
What is a Piano for Kids?
A piano for kids is a miniaturized version of the standard piano designed for children ages 3 and up. It is shorter than an adult piano, has small-width keys that usually have 25-61 keys, and sometimes comes in attractive colors and designs.
Key Points to Consider When Choosing Piano for Kids
It’s important to make sure that you’re purchasing a piano that will suit your child’s level and learning style, as well as your budget. Here are important considerations to keep in mind when buying a piano for kids:
Size
It’s crucial to select the correct size of instrument for a child, as it can impact their ability to learn. A child’s height is a determining factor in the range of keys they can comfortably reach, so it’s essential to consider this when selecting an instrument. Luckily, there are smaller models available for children, such as the KORG Tiny Piano which is suitable for toddlers. For children aged 5 and up, the Alesis Recital Pro and Yamaha P-45 are recommended options.
Budget
Determine your budget before shopping for a piano. If you’re on a budget but still want a piano keyboard that has good quality, the RockJam 54-Key Keyboard Piano Bundle is a decent choice.
But if you have more money to spare and want a higher-end and long-lasting piano that closely resembles the real thing, then it’s worth considering investing in the Yamaha P45 Digital Piano. Keep in mind that higher prices do not always guarantee the higher quality, so research and compare prices to find the best value for your budget.
Brand
Ensure that the brand has a history of producing quality pianos and can offer maintenance and repair services if necessary. Established brands like Yamaha and Alesis, which includes the Yamaha P45 and Alesis Recital Pro, are some examples. Try out pianos from different brands to get a feel for their unique sound and features.
Durability
Choose a piano made with quality materials and construction to ensure durability. Look for warranties and guarantees to protect your gear in case things go wrong.
Accessories
Consider any necessary accessories, such as a bench, pedals, or covers, when selecting a piano. Some pianos may come with accessories included, while others may require additional purchases.
To ensure a child’s comfort while practicing, it’s necessary to purchase a piano bench or other accessories. If you don’t want to bother searching for accessories then the Alesis Melody Keyboard Piano Bundle is a great example that includes all the necessary accessories, such as a stand, microphone, bench, and headphones, ensuring that your child has everything they need.
Generally, buying a piano for kids can be a daunting task, but keeping these considerations in mind will make it easier to choose the best piano suitable for your child.
Piano for Kids FAQs
What size piano should I get for my child?
It depends on the age and height of your child, but generally, a 25- to 32-key keyboard or mini piano is suitable for toddlers, while a 61- to 88-key keyboard is recommended for older children.
Should I choose an acoustic or digital piano for my child?
A digital piano is recommended for children due to its affordability, portability, and adjustable volume control, and it also comes with a variety of features such as pre-recorded songs and learning tools.
What is the best brand of piano for kids?
Brands such as Casio, Yamaha, Korg, and Roland are popular choices for piano keyboards for kids due to their durability, affordability, and range of features.
Verdict
Exploring pianos for kids is worth it as it can keep our children happy and motivated. These top 2 recommendations will help you find the perfect piano for your child, whether it’s for entertainment or learning purposes.
My main recommended digital piano is the Alesis Recital Pro. With its weighted keys, premium sound quality, and powerful educational features, the Recital Pro is the ideal piano for any young musician to hone their skills on. Plus, it is a kid-friendly digital piano that fits any playing style.
For those looking for a more portable and affordable option, my second recommended product is the Casio Mini Keyboard SA-76. This keyboard packs a punch with its 44 keys. It is a mini keyboard designed for kids, a perfect option for portable practice.
In conclusion, whether you opt for the Alesis Recital Pro or the Casio SA-76, both pianos will provide an avenue for your child to express their creativity and hone their musical talents. So, let’s kick-start your little one’s musical journey!