Learning the keyboard or piano can be extremely beneficial for a child. It can improve their performance at school, enhance their hand-eye coordination, and even helps build social and teamwork skills through ensemble playing.

The piano, in particular, is great for improving hand-eye coordination. It’s also a brilliant instrument to learn general music theory on, along with other concepts related to performing music.

You may be wondering what pianos or keyboards a child should start off with. Well, we’re here with our list of the best keyboards for kids and beginners to help you choose.

First, we should acknowledge that kids learn at different rates and have different preferences when it comes to instruments – one piano/keyboard may not suit all children! Some kids may want one that has a fun or colourful design, perhaps with enjoyable features. Others may prefer a more professional-looking instrument.

So, we’ve included a mixture of keyboards and pianos that range from vibrant, eye-catching instruments to ones that finely replicate the feel and sound of acoustic pianos.

2. Casio SA 80 Mini 44 Key Portable Keyboard

Toy-like with plenty of non-toy features

• Number of keys: 44
• Polyphony: 32
• In-built sounds: 100
• Battery powered: Yes
• Other features: 50 rhythms, 10 songs, five drum pads
• Connections: Headphone output
• Weight: 4kg
• Dimensions: 572 x 210 x 606 mm

Pros

• Displays the notes you’re playing on a stave – excellent for reading music
• Simple interface with direct access to some sounds from buttons

Cons

• Power supply not included

The Casio SA 80 features 100 different sounds, igniting a world of musical possibilities right at your child’s fingertips. From whimsical melodies to rhythmic beats, this keyboard offers a rich sonic experience that will keep kids engaged and entertained.

Designed to nurture a strong musical foundation, the SA 80 helps children develop their ear for music as they create their own tunes. The display shows the notes being played on a stave, providing an engaging introduction to reading music.

With a 32-note polyphony, kids can experiment with simple chords and create complex melodies. The Casio SA 80 also includes ten built-in tunes to play along with, making music-making accessible right from the start. Plus, with access to the Casio Music Academy app, your child can further enhance their skills through interactive online lessons.

3. MK-3000 61 Key-Lighting Keyboard by Gear4music

Light-up keys make this great for learning music

• Number of keys: 61
• In-built sounds: 255
• Battery powered: No
• Other features: 255 rhythms, 50 songs, auto chord,
• Connections: Headphone output, microphone input
• Weight: 8kg
• Dimensions: 925 x 112 x 340 mm

Pros

• Light-up keys aid the learning experience
• Record your songs with a built-in recorder
• Play music through the speakers from a USB stick

Cons

• Only the white notes will light up
• No battery power

This MK-3000 61 Key-Lighting Keyboard by Gear4music is a beginner-friendly keyboard designed to make learning fun and intuitive. With 61 light-up keys, the MK-3000 provides an interactive experience that improves technique and enhances musical knowledge.

Your child will be inspired by the 255 instrument voices at their fingertips. From grand piano tones to guitar sounds, the MK-3000 offers endless creative possibilities. And with 50 backing tracks covering various styles, they’ll gain valuable experience playing with an “ensemble” right at home!

The integrated recorder is a fantastic tool for learning the art of composition, your child can record their own pieces and play them back to listen to. Plus, the keyboard comes complete with headphones, a stand, a music rest, and even a microphone for those who love to sing!

What sets the MK-3000 apart, however, is its intelligent teaching mode. The light-up keys guide beginners through songs, lighting up the next key to press and patiently waiting until the correct note is played.

4. VISIONKEY-100 Portable Digital Keyboard Piano

Bluetooth enabled for playing along to your own music

• Number of keys: 88
• In-built sounds: 129
• Battery powered: No
• Other features: 128 rhythms, 30 songs, Bluetooth
• Connections: Headphone output, microphone input, Line in, sustain pedal
• Weight: 85kg
• Dimensions: 1234 x 67  x 210 mm

Pros

• Full sized keyboard is ideal for learning the piano on
• Bluetooth allows you to play music through your keyboard’s speakers
• Mic and sustain inputs allow you to explore creative music making
• Slim profile is great for portability
• USB-C allows for versatile powering options

Cons

• Not battery powered
• No MIDI connections – your child may want to control other instruments

This friendly, fun, and versatile instrument is perfect for people just starting their musical journey. With 88 full-size velocity-sensitive keys spanning over seven octaves, the VISIONKEY-100 is an excellent stepping stone for kids transitioning to larger instruments. It has 129 different sounds and 128 rhythms, encouraging the exploration of different timbres and musical feels.

Bluetooth connectivity is a standout feature as it allows you to connect your devices and play along to your favourite songs. With a microphone input and headphone output, your child can even sing along or practise in peace without disturbing others.

The lightweight design and USB-C power make it super easy to set up and move around, fitting perfectly in a child’s room or family space. The LED screen keeps everything clear and user-friendly, enhancing your child’s learning experience.

5. Alesis Harmony 61 MKII Portable Keyboard

Includes lessons and resources for learning

• Number of keys: 61
• In-built sounds: 300
• Battery powered: Yes
• Other features: 300 rhythms, 3 month trial of Skoove premium
• Connections: Headphone output, microphone input
• Weight: 5kg
• Dimensions: 948 x 105  x 315 mm

Pros

• Online lessons and resources included
• Large range of sounds to choose from
• Microphone is included
• Easily portable

Cons

• Dependence on online learning resources may be unsuitable for some people
• No MIDI connectivity

The Alesis Harmony 61 MKII Portable Keyboard is designed to make learning fun and easy. With 61 piano-style keys, built-in speakers, and a battery power option, it’s perfect for kids to practise anytime, anywhere.

It comes with 300 built-in tones and rhythms, allowing children to explore a wide range of musical styles. The layer and split modes encourage creativity, letting kids experiment with different sounds and combinations.

What sets this keyboard apart is its commitment to education. It includes access to online courses like Skoove and TakeLessons, providing interactive lessons to enhance musical knowledge. Plus, the compact size makes it easy to move around, ensuring your child can enjoy music wherever they go.

6. MK-6000 Keyboard with USB MIDI by Gear4music

Lets your child record their playing and listen back

• Number of keys: 61
• Polyphony: 16
• In-built sounds: 300
• Battery powered: No
• Other features: 300 rhythms, 30 songs,
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, speaker output
• Weight: 5kg
• Dimensions: 960 x 120 x 370 mm

Pros

• Large selection of sounds and rhythms
• Record your own compositions
• USB MIDI allows you to control other instruments

Cons

• Could be a little bulky for some people
• Your child may prefer a full 88 keys

Our MK-6000 is a user-friendly instrument that features 61 touch-sensitive keys, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate players. With 300 realistic voices and rhythms at their fingertips, children can explore a wide range of sounds, from traditional instruments to natural noises like bird calls and applause.

The MK-6000 is more than just a keyboard; it’s also a MIDI controller. This means kids can connect it to a computer and experiment with music recording software, opening a world of creative possibilities. Plus, with a built-in recording function, they can listen back to their performances, helping them track progress and improve their skills.

Compact, fun, and easy to use, the MK-6000 offers an engaging and interactive learning experience. Whether your child is taking their first steps in music or looking to enhance their skills, this keyboard is a fantastic tool for musical exploration.

7. Yamaha Piaggero NP15 Portable Digital Piano

Detailed piano sounds with AWM sampling

• Number of keys: 61
• Polyphony: 64
• In-built sounds: 15
• Battery powered: Yes
• Other features: 15 voice demo songs, 10 piano preset songs, reverb, dual, sound boost, metronome
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI/audio, sustain pedal
• Weight: 5.2kg
• Dimensions: 1,052 x 104 x 260 mm

Pros

• Effortless to carry around
• Perfectly suited to beginners and children
• Superior sound in a small package

Cons

• Limited range of keys

The Yamaha Piaggero NP15 Portable Digital Piano is great for those stepping into the world of music. With its lightweight and minimalist design, it’s easy to carry around, whether you’re going to piano lessons or taking to the stage. But don’t let its small size fool you – this piano packs a punch with its sound quality.

The lighter key action ensures that beginners and kids can play for longer periods without tiring, while still maintaining a satisfying feel. Despite its compact form, the NP15 boasts a sound that rivals full-sized pianos, thanks to the high-quality Yamaha CFIIIS Concert Grand samples.

Another standout feature is the app connectivity, which opens up a world of additional features and creative possibilities. With the Yamaha Smart Pianist app, you can adjust the settings of your piano remotely and view the scores of the pieces you’re playing. It makes life that much easier when you want to focus on the music!

While it has a limited number of keys (61), this isn’t a major drawback for beginners. In fact, it can make learning less daunting, providing just enough scope to develop skills without seeming overwhelming.

8. Casio CT S300 Portable Keyboard

Dance mode unlocks your child’s creativity

• Number of keys: 61
• Polyphony: 48
• In-built sounds: 400
• Battery powered: Yes
• Other features: 60 songs, effects,
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, sustain pedal, dance mode
• Weight: 3kg
• Dimensions: 930 x 73 x 256 mm

Pros

• Built-in handle makes this very portable
• Dance mode encourages experimentation
• Casio Music Space app connectivity

Cons

• Power supply has to be purchased separately
• 61 keys may be too few for some

The Casio CT S300 Portable Keyboard is a fantastic musical companion for kids. With its lightweight design and handle, it’s incredibly easy to carry around, allowing children to take their music wherever they go.

What makes the CT S300 truly special is its array of features designed to inspire creativity while making learning fun. It offers 400 sounds, 60 songs, and free online lessons from Casio, providing a comprehensive musical experience. Kids can connect their devices to access the educational features of the Casio Music Space app, making learning more interactive and engaging.

The keyboard also includes a Dance Music Mode, letting kids create their own dance tracks across different genres. With its user-friendly design and educational benefits, the Casio CT S300 is the perfect instrument to ignite a lifelong love of music in children.

9. JDP-1 Junior Digital Piano by Gear4music

Small digital upright piano with full-size keys

• Number of keys: 61
• Polyphony: 32
• In-built sounds: 8
• Battery powered: No
• Other features: Demo song, stool included
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, sustain pedal, aux in
• Weight: Piano: 13kg, Stool: 3.6kg
• Dimensions: 930 x 600 x 330 mm

Pros

• Full-size keys
• Miniature digital upright piano
• Comes with sustain pedal and matching bench

Cons

• Keys are not weighted
• Not portable

The JDP-1 Junior Digital Piano is a scaled-down version of a full-sized instrument designed to help children master the basics.

With 61 standard-sized keys, a range of sounds, and even USB connectivity for integrating modern music apps, the JDP-1 ensures a positive and enjoyable playing experience.

The piano’s touch-sensitive keys respond to subtle differences in playing, teaching children proper technique that they can carry over to a full-sized piano as they grow. Eight different voices, including fun animal sounds, are also sure to keep kids entertained and engaged.

The JDP-1 is the perfect tool to kickstart your child’s musical journey. Plus, it comes with everything they need to start playing right away, including a sustain pedal and bench.

10. Casio CT X700 Portable Keyboard

AiX sound source produces lifelike sounds

• Number of keys: 61
• Polyphony: 48 (24 for certain sounds)
• In-built sounds: 600
• Battery powered: Yes
• Other features: 160 songs, 10 user recorded songs, 195 rhythms, effects
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, sustain pedal, aux in
• Weight: 3kg
• Dimensions: 948 x 350 x 109mm

Pros

• AiX sound source replicates real acoustic piano sounds
• Built-in lesson functions
• Record your own compositions and connect via USB

Cons

• Only 61 keys
• No BlueTooth

This fun and friendly instrument is perfect for children who are eager to explore their musical talents. With over 600 tones and 190 styles, kids can experiment with a wide range of sounds and rhythms.

The heart of the Casio CT X700 is the AiX sound source, designed to produce professional sounds, adding a touch of realism to any performance. Children can also adjust touch sensitivity, reverb, and pitch to suit their individual style.

What’s more, the CT X700 features built-in piano lessons and a song bank with over 150 songs, making learning both interactive and enjoyable. Kids can even record their compositions and connect the keyboard to a computer or other devices via MIDI and USB.

11. Roland Go:Keys Music Creation Keyboard

Loop mix function allows your child to write entire songs

• Number of keys: 61
• Polyphony: 128
• In-built sounds: 554
• Battery powered: Yes
• Other features: 99 user recorded songs, “loop mix” function, effects
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, sustain pedal, aux in
• Weight: 9kg
• Dimensions: 877 x 271 x 81mm

Pros

• Large selection of sounds
• Loop-mix teaches fundamentals of music production
• Compact and lightweight
• Powerful built-in speaker

Cons

• Keys aren’t weighted

The vibrant Roland Go:Keys is packed with 500 exciting sounds, from synths and strings to pianos. The keyboard’s innovative Loop Mix function allows your child to create original songs by simply triggering patterns.

And it’s not just a keyboard; it’s a full-fledged music production station. With Bluetooth connectivity, your child can play along with their favourite songs or connect to music production apps on their smartphone or tablet for an enhanced learning experience.

The keyboard’s compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for playing in any setting. Plus, the bold red finish ensures it stands out in a crowd. The Go:Keys also offers free online piano lessons, making it a fantastic educational tool as well.

12. Yamaha EZ300 61 Key Lighting Keyboard

Lighting keyboard and Yamaha Education Suite make learning fun and easy

• Number of keys: 61
• Polyphony: 48
• In-built sounds: 662
• Battery powered: Yes
• Other features: 202 songs, lesson features
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, sustain pedal, aux in
• Weight: 6kg
• Dimensions: 945 x 369 x 118 mm

Pros

• Interactive learning features make starting out very enjoyable
• Huge selection of sounds available

Cons

• Quite low polyphony compared to similar instruments

The Yamaha EZ300 61 Key Lighting Keyboard features 61 touch-sensitive keys and an impressive library of 622 high-quality voices, allowing your child to explore a wide range of sounds and styles.

One of the standout features of the EZ300 is its light-up keys. These provide an intuitive and fun way for children to learn their favourite songs. The keyboard also boasts built-in popular tunes, from chart-topping hits to timeless classics, ensuring endless hours of enjoyment.

With Yamaha’s Education Suite (Y.E.S.), learning becomes an interactive experience. This feature offers step-by-step lessons that help children develop their piano skills at their own pace. Plus, the EZ300 can be connected to a computer or tablet, opening up a world of additional songs and apps.

13. Roland E-X50 Arranger Keyboard

Great introductory arranger keyboard

• Number of keys: 61
• Polyphony: 256
• In-built sounds: 689
• Battery powered: No
• Other features: 202 songs, lesson features
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, sustain pedal, aux in
• Weight: 6kg
• Dimensions: 1,048 x 461 x 319 mm

Pros

• Affordable introduction to arranger keyboards
• Bluetooth audio functionality
• Connect instruments and microphones for performances
• Play with a full band with just your keyboard

Cons

• Advanced features may require a bit of a learning curve
• No specific bundled lessons
• Quite a heavy keyboard

This modern powerhouse is packed with premium sound quality, advanced accompaniment features, and Bluetooth audio capability. Its stylish design makes it a perfect fit for both home and stage performances.

The Roland E-X50 Arranger Keyboard offers rich and expressive piano sounds, along with 700 additional tones, making it a fantastic playground for young composers. The keyboard also includes a microphone input with onboard vocal effects, adding an extra layer of fun for kids who love to sing!

Even better, the powerful speakers ensure that every note comes out clear and strong, while the auto-accompaniment feature lets your child command a full band with their left hand.

With the ability to stream songs and lessons directly via Bluetooth, learning is as interactive as it gets. And thanks to Roland’s Style Converter software, your child can customise arrangements, taking creativity to a whole new level.

14. Alesis Recital Pro Piano

Affordable piano with hammer-action keys

• Number of keys: 88
• Polyphony: 128
• In-built sounds: 12
• Battery powered: Yes
• Other features: Split layer mode, lesson mode, effects
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, sustain pedal
• Weight: 8kg
• Dimensions: 1,310 x 351 x 140 mm

Pros

• Affordable introduction to hammer-action keyboards
• USB MIDI functionality and sustain pedal input
• Lesson mode helps learning

Cons

• Heaviest piano on this list, might not be suitable for portability

This educational piano boasts 88 full-sized hammer-action keys with adjustable touch response, allowing kids to explore the joy of music at their own pace. The Alesis Recital Pro goes beyond just playing notes.

With its “lesson mode”, children can play alongside a tutor, turning learning into an interactive experience. The piano also includes three months of Skoove Premium, offering in-depth online piano courses that make learning both engaging and enjoyable.

But that’s not all! The piano also has 12 built-in realistic voices, allowing children to experiment with different sounds and styles. Plus, the record mode lets them listen back to their performances, fostering critical listening skills. Whether your child wants to practise in private or put on a live performance, the Alesis Recital Pro has it covered with outputs for headphones, mixers, and speakers.

15. Yamaha P145 Digital Piano

One of the most popular digital pianos we sell

• Number of keys: 88
• Polyphony: 64
• In-built sounds: 10
• Battery powered: No
• Other features: Yamaha GHS keyboard, AWM Stereo Sampling, effects
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, sustain pedal
• Weight: 11.1kg
• Dimensions: 1,326 x 268 x 129 mm

Pros

• One of the most popular pianos in this list – tried and tested
• Graded Hammer Action replicates different hammers in a piano
• Excellent quality AWM sampled sounds

Cons

• Also quite heavy, less suitable for portability
• Smaller selection of sounds

The Yamaha P145 features 88 graded hammer action keys, providing a realistic touch that will prepare young musicians for any piano they encounter. Its compact design makes it a perfect fit for any room, and its lightweight build means it’s easy to take on the go. But don’t let its small size fool you – this piano packs a punch with its powerful built-in speakers.

Learning is made easy with the P145’s “Duo Function”, which splits the keyboard in half for interactive lessons. Plus, your purchase includes three months of Flowkey Premium, offering step-by-step courses and a vast library of songs suitable for all levels.

16. Casio CDP S110 Digital Piano

Small stage piano with full-size keys

• Number of keys: 88
• Polyphony: 64
• In-built sounds: 10
• Battery powered: Yes
• Other features: Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II, app connection
• Connections: Headphone output, USB MIDI, sustain pedal
• Weight: 10.5kg
• Dimensions: 1,322 x 232 x 99 mm

Pros

• Great action if you want an acoustic feel
• Connects to the Casio Music Space app
• Bluetooth MIDI
• Can be battery powered

Cons

• Limited sound selection

The Casio CDP S110, designed with beginner to professional musicians in mind, offers a realistic piano experience in a compact and portable body. Thanks to Casio’s “high-density mounting technology”, the piano features 88 graded hammer-action keys, providing an authentic touch that mimics a real acoustic piano. The added effects like reverb and chorus make for an even more immersive and creative playing experience.

it can connect to a computer or smartphone, opening up a world of music software for learning, composing, and recording. Plus, it comes with the Casio Music Space app that offers a vast library of songs to play along with and a live concert simulator for a truly fun and engaging learning experience.