So, you’re interested in purchasing a piano – but what can you realistically get for your money? If you haven’t set a budget yet, your first question might be, “How much does a piano cost?” The answer to this depends on what kind of piano you want. As with most instruments, there are various types of piano, designed for different playing situations, whether that’s living room concerts or stage use.
A good piano can cost anything from £300 to £9,000, but the options that will most likely appeal to you are either a compact piano, which tends to be between £300 and £1,300, or an upright digital piano, which can cost between £300 and £6,000.
While anyone can learn on any piano, certain features may be more beneficial if you’re a beginner. In this article, we’ll explore what you can expect for your money, helping you make an informed decision with peace of mind that you’re getting the best value possible.
In a hurry?
In a nutshell, here are the price ranges you can expect to find at each category of piano.
First, decide on the piano type you want, then assess the kind of features, key action, and sound quality you need. Once you know these things, you can decide whether you’ll go for the lower end of the price bracket or the higher end.
| Piano Type | Price Bracket | Key Features | Our Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Piano | £300 - £1,300 | Sleek sizing, portable, ideal for beginners and those with limited space. | Yamaha YDP-S35 Digital Piano |
| Stage Piano | £300 - £4,500 | Lightweight and easy to travel with, with high-quality sounds used for studio and live performance | Yamaha P-145 Digital Piano |
| Upright Digital Piano | £300 - £6,000 | Looks traditional, just like an acoustic piano, with authentic-feeling key action. Designed to be a stationary fixture in a home or studio environment. | G4M Sonori High Top Digital Piano, Polished Ebony |
| Digital Grand Piano | £1,200 - £9,000 | That impressive grand piano aesthetic, with realistic hammer action and all the benefits of digital design, such as Bluetooth and MIDI connectivity. | Kawai DG30 |
How much does a piano cost?
Compact digital pianos (£300 – £1,300)
Compact digital pianos aim to deliver a full piano experience in a format that’s affordable and easy to fit in small spaces.
In the £300 – £1,300 range, you’ll find 88-key models with weighted or hammer-action keybeds, realistic sample sets, and built-in speakers. Some include integrated cabinets and pedal units, while others are more basic and lightweight.
The VisionKey 500 is a great budget option. It features hammer-action keys, a three-pedal unit, and 10 built-in voices. While its polyphony is limited to 32 notes, it provides solid practice functionality and supports app integration for learning and customisation.
Yamaha’s YDP-S35 offers Graded Hammer Standard action and Yamaha’s CFX grand piano samples. Its slim, elegant cabinet houses a 192-note polyphony engine, offering dynamic range and expressive depth, especially at low volumes, thanks to Intelligent Acoustic Control.
Another excellent compact option is the Kawai KDP120, which boasts Responsive Hammer Compact II action, Harmonic Imaging sound technology, and subtle acoustic details such as damper resonance and hammer delay.
At the higher end of the range, the Casio AP-S450 introduces a Smart Hybrid Hammer Action keyboard and a four-speaker system, offering nuanced control and a powerful, expressive tone in a refined, slimline cabinet.
Stage pianos (£300 – £4,500)
It will come as no surprise that stage pianos are designed for… the stage! They’re built for performance and to endure regular transport. At this level, you’re paying for precise key action, detailed sound engines, and expanded connectivity.
You can expect fully weighted, graded hammer-action keys across the full 88-note range, designed to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano with consistency across different venues and setups.
Unlike home digital pianos, stage models typically don’t include built-in stands or speakers. Their slim design is portable, so you’ll need a separate stand and external amplification if you’re performing without a PA system.
The lack of stands and speakers is made up for in premium sample libraries, customisable effects, and MIDI/USB connectivity for both studio and live use.
But how do you perform without a stand for your piano? Different environments call for different setups, for example, you might want an X-Frame stand for a gig but a more traditional stand for home or studio use.
Luckily, you can find most stage pianos as part of a piano-stand bundle at Gear4music, such as the SDP-3 Stage Piano.
A popular option at an accessible price point is the Yamaha P145. It features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) action, which feels just like the action of an acoustic piano. And going that one step further, the graded weighting mimics the heavier feel of the lower keys and lighter response in the upper register. To read more about Yamaha’s entry-level offering, check out our P145 review.
The Kawai ES60 is another strong example, offering Hammer Lite action, USB-MIDI connectivity, and quality onboard speakers. This stage piano is highly portable and ideal for players who want rich piano tones without the added bulk.
If you regularly go to gigs, you’ve probably noticed a Nord piano at some point on the stage. These iconic red pianos are popular among professional players, renowned for their distinctive sound quality, robust build, and intuitive controls.
A great example is the Nord Stage 4 73-Key Digital Stage Piano. This compact instrument features a triple-sensor keybed, providing optimal playing control and delivering a playing experience comparable to that of a classic grand piano.
Digital upright piano (£300 – £6,000)
An upright-style digital piano looks like an acoustic upright, meaning it sits nicely in a living or dining room – or wherever else you want to place it in your home.
If you’re thinking of learning the piano and want the instrument to sit as a piece of furniture in your home, ready to be played without needing to be set up, an upright digital piano is the way to go. These pianos are available across a wide range of price points, starting from around £300 and reaching up to £6,000.
Models like the G4M Sonori High Top Digital Piano combine eye-catching design with fully weighted hammer-action keys and connectivity options like Bluetooth and MIDI.
At the higher end of the market, you’ll find features such as wooden key actions, advanced piano modelling, and superior speaker systems housed in elegant, furniture-style cabinets. These instruments are not designed for portability; they’re intended to remain a permanent fixture in your home.
An example of this is the Casio AP-270, with its furniture-style cabinet and built-in speakers. It offers scaled hammer-action keys and stereo-sampled grand piano sounds, designed more for immersive home use than for on-stage performance.
At this level, you can expect a high degree of realism in both sound and touch. Key actions often include triple sensors for expressive control, closely replicating the response of a grand piano. For example, the Kawai CA901 features Grand Feel III action with real wooden keys and textured ivory-like surfaces. It also includes a spruce wood soundboard powered by the TwinDrive system, delivering natural resonance and presence.
Unlike portable models, upright digital pianos come with integrated stands and pedals, often including features such as a soft-close lid and adjustable music rest, adding to both the visual appeal and the acoustic authenticity.
Digital grand pianos (£1,200 – £9,000)
Digital grand pianos combine the elegant appearance of an acoustic grand with the convenience of digital technology. They’re ideal for players who value both visual appeal and practical functionality.
In this price range – typically from £1,200 to £9,000 – you can expect a full cabinet design, graded hammer action, and advanced sound processing. These instruments are complete units, featuring built-in stands and pedal systems, meaning there’s no need to purchase additional accessories.
Models like the G4M Sonori Digital Grand Piano are a budget-friendly option. This G4M piano features a powerful sound engine and XLN Audio Addictive Keys sampling, delivering a rich and versatile sound.
The 88 fully weighted keys with working hammer action provide a realistic playing experience, suitable for players of all levels.
Key action is a particularly important feature in grand pianos. The Kawai DG30, for instance, uses Responsive Hammer III technology with triple sensors and counterweights to replicate the nuanced response of an acoustic grand.
It also features a let-off simulation and textured key surfaces to enhance grip and realism during extended practice or performance sessions.
Sound quality is another major strength. The DG30 offers 88-key stereo sampling and includes three premium grand piano voices, including the renowned Shigeru Kawai SK-EX. Its Harmonic Imaging engine ensures each note responds naturally to dynamic playing, while onboard Virtual Technician settings provide deep tone customisation.
Digital grands also come equipped with modern connectivity options – such as Bluetooth audio and MIDI, USB recording and playback, and compatibility with educational apps. Despite being more compact than other piano types, they still look great and offer excellent sound projection. This makes them particularly well-suited to home pianists who want both a high-quality instrument and a refined centrepiece for their space.
Remember to budget for accessories!
It’s not just the piano you need to think about – there are the added accessories too.
A sturdy stand is essential for digital pianos that don’t include a built-in base. While entry-level stands start at around £25, spending closer to £50 – £70 will provide better stability, especially important if you plan to practise regularly.
A proper bench is another key item. Adjustable benches support better posture and help prevent strain during longer playing sessions. Basic models are available from around £30, but high-quality adjustable benches typically range from £70 to £300.
Headphones are highly recommended when playing a digital piano. They let you practise at any time without disturbing others. A decent pair designed for musical use starts at around £30, but investing in studio-quality headphones, typically priced between £80 and £150, can provide a more accurate and enjoyable listening experience.
Additional accessories such as a music rest, sustain pedal, or protective cover may also be required. We recommend setting aside an extra £100 – £300 for accessories to ensure you have everything you need from the start.
FAQs
How much should a beginner spend on a piano?
A beginner should spend between £300 and £1,500 on their first piano. That’s a broad price range, but the budget you set will depend on the type of piano you’re after, the key action you need, and the number of features you’d like. Entry-level digital pianos are more affordable, while good acoustic pianos can be a bigger investment. Consider quality, longevity, and upgrade potential when deciding.
Are pianos worth buying?
Pianos are absolutely worth buying for anyone serious about learning a new instrument. The benefits of playing the piano are endless, and having one in your home will encourage you to practise, not to mention, they look great as a permanent fixture in any living space!
How much is a 20-year-old piano worth?
How much a 20-year-old piano is worth depends on brand, condition, and maintenance history, but it would typically range from £500 to £5,000. Well-maintained premium models retain value better than mass-produced ones, so a full inspection is essential before estimating value accurately. If you would like to see how much your piano is worth, check in with our trade-in department.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been wondering, “How much does a piano cost?”, we hope we have shown you which type might be right for you and the budget you should set!
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