For Beginners to Experts: Piano Keyboards for Every Budget

If you’ve always wanted to pick up an instrument, the piano is a great foundational choice. A keyboard can help you develop a sense of pitch, rhythm and music theory, as well as learn how to read music. And as a bonus, an electronic piano keyboard doesn’t need to be tuned, unlike a guitar. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced performer, here’s how to find a keyboard that fits your budget.

All a true beginner needs to get started is a keyboard. But there are some accessories you may want, too: A sustain pedal is essential if you’re planning to play classical music, and dedicated headphones are great for keeping roommates and family members happy while you practice.

For the more experienced pianists looking to get a more authentic feel from a keyboard, weighted keys that simulate the feel of playing a true piano are the way to go.

Grand pianos are gorgeous and sound beautiful—but they’re costly and take up a lot of space. Fortunately, some high-end electronic keyboards can simulate the experience of playing one with weighted keys and rich, deep tones.