If you're a student, you've likely got a laundry list of needs when you're looking for a good digital piano. You want it to be relatively portable in case you need to take it to class or gigs, compact enough to slip into a dorm room, and still offer a full, weighted 88-key keyboard, three pedals, and decent construction. There are some really good options for the best digital piano for students, but our best choice, the Yamaha YDP103 Arius series digital console Piano (opens in new tab) fulfills all these requirements while remaining compact. That's not to say they aren't other options to consider either - we've compiled the best of them.
Best Overall Digital Piano: Yamaha YDP103 Arius Series Digital Console Piano
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Yamaha's YDP103 is the entry-level model in the company's popular Arius Series and is available in black or dark rosewood. It has a full 88-key Graded Hammer Standard keyboard for a heavier touch in the low end and lighter touch in the high end, tactile, matte black keytops, and three realistic pedals.
With 10 voices, the Advanced Wave Memory Stereo Sampling recreates natural instrument sound in stereo, and dual-mode lets you combine two voices, like piano and strings. A cable can be used to hook up iOS devices and use the "Digital Piano Controller" app that lets you adjust settings, choose Voices, and record performances.
This is a great entry-level option from Yamaha, and it benefits from iOS compatibility.
Best Compact Digital Piano: Roland F-140R-CB Compact Digital Piano
The F-140R is available in classic black or elegant white, with a compact, contemporary design that makes this ideal for smaller living spaces or even bedrooms/ There are built-in stereo speakers and Roland's "Headphones 3D Ambience" effect that offers an immersive experience during private practice.
With onboard recording, this digital piano gives you 72 different rhythm styles for a variety of musical genres, and non-piano sounds, such as organ, guitar, brass, and synths. The keys have an ivory feel and boast Progressive Hammer Action with advanced sensing tech to make the most of Roland's "Supernatural Piano" sound engine's tonal range.
This piano has some really neat connectivity options. As well as hooking up to a computer via USB, you can connect your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and tap a pedal to turn an app's sheet music pages wirelessly.
A modern, compact option from Roland, this is perfect for bedrooms and dorm rooms.
Best Value Digital Piano: Casio PX-770 Privia Digital Home Piano
Just because the PX-770 isn't Casio's most premium option, doesn't mean it's not perfect for students. It's voiced by Casio's latest AiR (or 'Acoustic and intelligent Resonator'), providing a realistic, nine-foot concert grand piano sound in stereo. There's even a built-in library of ten classical songs to practice to, should you need them.
Feel wise, it's up there with the best of them with a tri-sensor scaled action hammer keyboard II that weights up the keys like a real piano. Each key is individually textured ebony and ivory. It's not exactly like playing the real thing, but it's damn close.
There is 128 voice polyphony, and stereo speakers to deliver the sound. There's even USB connection to hook it up to an audio interface so you can record those study pieces a lot more easily. Unfortunately, there's no bench in the box, so you'll have to supply your own - if you don't have on already, it may add to the price a little. It also lacks some other features of more expensive pianos, like extra voice polyphony or Bluetooth connection, but for the price, it's an excellent option.
This Casio option offers a cleverly designed keyboard and some advanced technology in a classic package.
Best High-End Digital Piano: Korg C1 Air Digital Piano
From well-respected electronic musical instrument specialists Korg, maker of the multiple award-winning KRONOS keyboard, and based on decades of piano sound tech, comes the high-end C1 Air digital piano. This is a particularly slimline option. The C1 Air boasts Bluetooth audio streaming, on-board recording, and has 30 different instrument sounds.
The C1 produces the sound of three of the world's finest concert grand pianos. It offers multiple-layer samples and digital recreation of grand piano strings and a damper resonance for realism. At the same time, the RH3 keyboard accurately simulates acoustic piano touch and response from the gentle pianissimo to the powerful fortissimo.
The C1 Air is a luxury option from Korg. It's well-specced with a contemporary design.
No strings attached
Which digital piano is best for you is largely going to be down to what you can afford. These are all very worthy full-size, 88 key pianos with built-in speakers and three pedals, but the price varies by literally thousands.
Our overall best pick, the Yamaha YDP103 Arius Series Digital Console Piano (opens in new tab), is a very capable and competent digital piano from the long-established brand, Yamaha. It boasts some clever tech to replicate the experience of playing an acoustic piano, but in a much more manageable design.
Its iOS compatibility will appeal to students, so they can hook the piano up to their iPhone or iPad and make the most of the excellent piano apps available. We also like that this piano comes complete with a matching bench, so for the relatively affordable price, you get everything you need out of the box ready to go.
