Best Kids & Toddlers Pianos In 2025

kid playing a piano

As a pianist and a parent, finding the best pianos for kids has become personal for me. When my daughter started showing interest in music, I wanted to make sure she had the right instrument to learn on. Around the same time, many of my friends and family were also searching for beginner-friendly options for their kids, so I decided to revisit this guide from the ground up.

Over the past year, I’ve tested more than 50 different keyboards and digital pianos for kids to narrow it down to the ones that kids actually enjoy playing and can grow with over time. Many of these instruments are ones I personally own and use, and several are set up in my home right now where my daughter and friends’ kids play them daily.

This guide is divided into two sections:

  1. Digital pianos with 88 keys, perfect for kids who are serious about learning proper technique
  2. Keyboards designed for younger beginners and toddlers who want to explore and have fun

Whether you want a realistic digital piano for lessons or a playful beginner keyboard to spark curiosity, everything here is based on real-world testing and hands-on experience.

*This was updated in August of 2025 to include updated picks. Please reach out via the chat bot below if you want a direct recommendation from me, it’s not AI.

Best Digital Pianos for Kids (88 Keys)

ModelKey ActionPolyphonyVoices / SoundsSpeakers / Amp
Alesis Prestige Artist88 graded hammer-action keys256 notes30 voices50W (2 × 25W micro-array)
Roland FP‑10PHA‑4 Standard hammer-action with escapement and ivory feel96 notesSuperNATURAL piano tonesBuilt-in speakers (~12W total)
Casio CDP‑S110Scaled Hammer Action II64 notes10 built-in tones2 × 8W speakers
Alesis Recital 8888 semi-weighted keys128 notes5 voices20W total speakers

Best Keyboards for Kids and Toddlers

ModelKey ActionPolyphonyVoices / SoundsSpeakers / Amp
Roland GO:KEYS 361 velocity-sensitive keys128 notesOver 1,000 ZEN-Core tones, 74 drum kits, 203 stylesBuilt-in speakers, battery capable
Casio Casiotone CTS‑41061 touch-responsive keys48 notes600 AiX tones, 200 rhythms, 5-track recorderDual 2.5W speakers
Casio SA‑8144 mini keys32 notes100 tones, 50 rhythms, 10 built-in songsCompact speakers, battery powered

Alesis Prestige Artist

Best Kids Digital Piano
Alesis Prestige Artist
4.5

The Alesis Prestige Artist has been one of my favorites on the market under $500. It has great key-action and solid presets making it surprisingly a great pick.

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Pros

  • Fully weighted 88-key action at a beginner-friendly price
  • Realistic piano feel that teaches proper technique
  • Rich, authentic piano tones for the price
  • Simple, distraction-free design for focused learning

Cons

  • Built-in speakers are average
  • Very few extra features or built-in lessons

What I Like

I’ve owned the Alesis Prestige Artist for over two years, and it’s the one I recommend to almost everyone who asks me about a first digital piano for their kids. I even bought one for my daughter. What really impresses me is the fully weighted key action. It’s rare to find something this realistic under $700, and it makes a huge difference when teaching proper finger strength and control.

The sound engine is also surprisingly good. The piano tones are warm and balanced, and even after testing far more expensive models, I still enjoy sitting down and playing this one.

What I Don’t Like

The built-in speakers are perfectly fine for home practice, but if you want a more immersive sound, I’d recommend plugging in headphones or using external monitors. Also, the Prestige Artist doesn’t have many extra features, built-in lessons, or flashy tools. Personally, I see that as a benefit because it keeps kids focused on learning, but some parents prefer more interactive options.

Verdict

After owning this piano for two years, I can confidently say it’s the best beginner-friendly digital piano for kids who are serious about learning. It’s affordable, feels great to play, and sets kids up with proper technique from the start.

Roland FP‑10

Incredible Option For Beginners
Roland FP-10
4.5

The FP-10 is one of the most popular digital pianos for beginners. From a solid key-bed, to incredible key-action, the FP-10 offers everything you need.

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Pros

  • Best-in-class key action under $700 price point
  • Roland SuperNATURAL piano sound engine feels dynamic and expressive
  • Compact, lightweight design ideal for kids’ rooms
  • Solid build quality built to last

Cons

  • Limited built-in sounds and features
  • No display screen, which can make navigation slightly less intuitive

What I Like

I’ve spent a lot of time with the Roland FP‑10, and every time I sit down to play it, I’m reminded why it’s such a standout option for kids who want to learn piano seriously. The PHA‑4 Standard key action is incredible at this price point. 

The weight, texture, and responsiveness feel so close to an acoustic piano that it makes practicing more natural and enjoyable.The SuperNATURAL sound engine also really impressed me. The piano tones sound full and expressive, reacting beautifully to both soft and loud playing. Combined with its compact design, it’s a great fit for kids’ bedrooms or small practice spaces.

What I Don’t Like

If you’re looking for a digital piano packed with extra sounds and onboard learning tools, the FP‑10 isn’t the one. It focuses almost entirely on doing one thing well: giving you a realistic piano-playing experience. There’s also no display screen, which means navigating settings isn’t as straightforward as some competitors. That being said, once you get familiar with it, the simplicity is part of its charm.

Verdict

The Roland FP‑10 is an excellent choice if you want your child to develop proper technique and enjoy a piano that feels authentic to play. While it’s slightly more expensive than the Prestige Artist, it delivers one of the most realistic key actions and piano tones available for beginners, making it perfect for kids who are serious about learning.

Casio CDP‑S110

Great For Beginners
Casio CDP-S110
4.6

The CDP-S110 boasts the warmest low end near its price point currently on the market. This is a great choice for beginners or those a tight budget.

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Pros

  • Fully weighted 88-key Scaled Hammer Action II keys
  • One of the slimmest and most lightweight digital pianos on the market—easy to fit in small spaces
  • Rich, balanced low-end sound quality for its price
  • Simple, intuitive interface that’s kid-friendly

Cons

  • Limited tones and customization features
  • Built-in speakers are functional but lack depth and power
  • Basic sustain pedal included—likely worth upgrading in the long run

What I Like

When I first tried the Casio CDP‑S110, I was genuinely surprised by how effortlessly it fit into my daily routine. As one of the slimmest 88-key digital pianos available, it’s a snap to slide into tight corners or carry between rooms. Yet, it doesn’t compromise on quality. The Scaled Hammer Action II keys feel far more substantial than its slender profile suggests, and the overall tone is impressively warm—especially that fuller low end, which I rarely expect in this price category. The clean layout means kids can dive right into playing without fussing over complicated menus.

What I Don’t Like

While the built-in speakers serve the purpose for casual practice, they fall short in delivering the depth and resonance found in higher-end models or external systems. There’s also not much variety—just a handful of tones and minimal editing options. The pedal included feels inexpensive, and I’d definitely recommend swapping it out if your child plans to practice seriously for the long haul.

Verdict

The Casio CDP‑S110 shines as one of the most space-smart, beginner-friendly digital pianos for kids. Its slim design makes it ideal for apartments or rooms with limited real estate, but it still gives you a realistic playing experience. For families who value portability without sacrificing feel or tone, this model is a solid, practical choice.

Alesis Recital 88

Alesis Recital
4.0

The Alesis Recital is a great option for those on a tight budget wanting 88 keys. The keys are semi-weighted, so if you're looking for fully weighted, I would recommend the Recital Pro.

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Pros

  • One of the most affordable 88-key keyboards available
  • Semi-weighted keys feel better than most entry-level options
  • Lightweight and easy to move around
  • Simple, beginner-friendly layout

Cons

  • Semi-weighted keys lack the realism of fully weighted pianos
  • Limited built-in sounds and features
  • Build quality feels less solid compared to higher-end models

What I Like

I’ve owned the Alesis Recital 88 for a while, and I keep it around as a budget-friendly backup piano. I really like how accessible it is for beginners. For the price, it’s rare to find a keyboard with all 88 keys, and that alone makes it a greatchoice for kids starting lessons. The semi-weighted keys aren’t perfect, but they feel noticeably better than the completely unweighted keyboards in the same range. I also appreciate the straightforward setup. It’s one of those pianos where you can pull it out of the box, turn it on, and start playing right away.

What I Don’t Like

Even though I’ve gotten plenty of use out of mine, I wouldn’t call the Recital 88 a long-term solution for serious learners. The semi-weighted keys don’t respond as naturally as something like the Prestige Artist or FP-10, which can make developing proper technique more challenging. The overall build quality feels light and a bit plasticky, and there aren’tmany voices or features to keep kids engaged if they like experimenting with different sounds.

Verdict

Because I’ve owned and used this keyboard, I can confidently say it’s best for beginners who need a full 88-key range on a budget. If your child is just getting started and you’re not ready to invest heavily, the Recital 88 makes sense. But if they stick with lessons and get more serious, you’ll eventually want to upgrade to something with fully weighted keys and a sturdier build.

Best Keyboards For Kids

This section is broken down to portable keyboards that work great for kids of all ages from toddlers on up.

Roland GO:KEYS 3

Best Keyboard For Kids
Roland GO 3- 61
4.4

The Go 3 definitely caught me off guard and has provided me with another option for writing songs on the Go, no pun-intended. If you're looking for something budget friendly, with solid synth sounds, this is a good choice.

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Pros

  • Over 1,000 built-in tones powered by Roland’s ZEN-Core engine
  • Lightweight and portable, making it easy for kids to move around
  • Auto-accompaniment and looping features make it fun and creative
  • Built-in speakers sound surprisingly full for the size

Cons

  • Unweighted synth-style keys are not ideal for developing proper piano technique
  • No dedicated line-out jacks, which limits direct connection to amps or PA systems
  • Menu navigation can feel a little slow when switching between sounds

What I Like

I own the Roland GO:KEYS 3, and it has quickly become one of the most-used keyboards in our house. My daughter absolutely loves it. The sheer variety of sounds and features keeps her engaged for hours. The auto-accompaniment tools and chord sequencer make it easy to create full-sounding songs without any prior experience, which has been incredible to watch. It is also extremely lightweight, so we move it between rooms all the time. Sometimes we even take it outside on battery power and play in the backyard. The built-in speakers sound far better than I expected for something this compact, and the overall design is inviting for kids to experiment with music.

What I Don’t Like

The unweighted keys are fine for casual playing, but they don’t help much if your goal is to build proper piano technique. For my daughter, that isn’t an issue because she treats this more like a creative tool than a practice instrument, but if lessons are a priority, I would pair it with something like the Prestige Artist. Also, switching between sounds can feel a little clunky since there is so much packed into the small menu system, and connecting it to external speakers takes an adapter since there is no dedicated line-out.

Verdict

The Roland GO:KEYS 3 is perfect if you want to inspire creativity and make music fun for kids. It encourages exploration, songwriting, and experimenting with different tones without feeling overwhelming. My daughter gravitates toward it constantly, and I find myself playing around with it too. If the goal is to keep kids excited about making music, this is one of the best choices you can make.

Casio Casiotone CTS‑410 Best For Ages 3 Plus

Great For Kids/Beginners
Casiotone CT-S410
4.5

The CT-S410 pleasantly surprised me from the moment I took it out of the box. This delivers in both pre-set sounds and portability, making it a great option for both kids and beginners.

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Pros

  • Lightweight and extremely portable, perfect for kids
  • Over 600 tones and 200 rhythms to keep things fresh and fun
  • Full-size, touch-sensitive keys give more expression than most beginner keyboards
  • USB audio/MIDI for easy recording and connecting to apps

Cons

  • Keys feel light and plasticky, not great for proper piano technique
  • Navigating menus can be slow with so many sounds packed in
  • Built-in speakers are good for casual use but lack depth at higher volumes

What I Like

I own the CTS‑410, and it has become one of the most fun instruments in our house. My daughter loves this keyboard and plays it constantly. It is incredibly lightweight, so she can easily move it from her room to the living room without help. What really stands out is the sheer number of sounds and rhythms. There are hundreds of tones to explore, and the arranger functions make it easy for her to create entire backing tracks. The USB connection is also a nice touch since I can quickly hook it up to my laptop or tablet and record her ideas or let her use music apps.

What I Don’t Like

The keys are touch-sensitive but very light, so they don’t help with developing proper finger strength or technique. For kids who plan on taking formal piano lessons, I’d recommend pairing this with something like the Prestige Artist or FP‑10. Also, with so many tones to scroll through, finding specific sounds can be a little slow until you get used to where everything is. The built-in speakers are fine for casual play, but I usually plug in headphones or a small speaker when we want a fuller sound.

Verdict

The Casio CTS‑410 is one of the best fun-first keyboards for kids who want to explore music creatively. It’s portable, packed with sounds, and designed to make learning exciting rather than intimidating. While it isn’t the best choice for building serious piano skills, it’s perfect for keeping kids engaged and inspired.

Casio SA‑81 Best For Toddlers

Pros

  • Lightweight and designed specifically for toddlers
  • Compact 44‑key layout that’s easy for small hands
  • Built-in songs and rhythms keep kids entertained
  • Affordable entry point into music

Cons

  • Keys are mini-sized and not weighted
  • Very limited features compared to bigger keyboards
  • Built-in speakers are basic and not designed for high-quality sound

What I Like

I picked up the Casio SA‑81 for my daughter when she was younger, and it’s been one of the best starter instruments for introducing music early. The small size makes it perfect for toddlers since the 44 mini keys are comfortable for little hands. It’s also so lightweight that kids can move it around on their own. The built-in songs and rhythms keep things fun and interactive, which is great for holding a child’s attention when they’re just starting to explore music.

What I Don’t Like

Because it’s designed for toddlers, the SA‑81 is very limited in terms of features and sound quality. The keys aren’tweighted, and it doesn’t teach proper piano technique, so you’ll eventually need to upgrade if your child becomes interested in formal lessons. The speakers are perfectly fine for play, but they aren’t designed for anything beyond casual use.

Verdict

The Casio SA‑81 is one of the best first instruments for toddlers who are curious about music. It’s fun, engaging, and affordable, making it a great way to introduce kids to playing without overwhelming them. If your child shows more interest as they grow, you can always transition to one of the larger keyboards or digital pianos on this list.

FAQ and Buyer’s Guide for Kids’ Keyboards and Digital Pianos

This streamlined FAQ keeps only the most relevant considerations for parents choosing their child’s first keyboard or digital piano. It’s designed to flow naturally at the end of your article and boost SEO.

Should I Buy a Digital Piano or a Keyboard for My Child?

If your child is serious about learning piano, a digital piano is the better choice. Digital pianos typically have 88 fully weighted keys and a more realistic feel, making them ideal for long-term lessons. If your child is younger or you’reunsure about their level of interest, a keyboard is often the better starting point. I usually recommend keyboards for kids 8 years old or younger.

How Many Keys Should a Beginner Instrument Have?

A full-size digital piano comes with 88 keys, which is what most teachers recommend for formal training. However, many kids’ keyboards have 61 keys or fewer, which can make them less intimidating and easier to handle for smaller beginners. If your child shows long-term interest, you can always upgrade to an 88-key model later.

Do Kids Need Weighted Keys?

Weighted keys aren’t necessary for absolute beginners, but they become more important as your child progresses. If your child is just starting out, unweighted or semi-weighted keys are fine. Once they’ve been taking lessons for a couple of years or are around 10 years old, moving to a fully weighted digital piano is a good idea. Weighted keys help develop finger strength and control, which are essential if they transition to an acoustic piano later.

How Much Should I Spend on a First Instrument?

For a first instrument, it makes sense to start small. Test the waters with an affordable keyboard or entry-level digital piano until you know your child is serious about learning. Spending less up front also takes the pressure off both parents and kids. If your child sticks with lessons, you can always upgrade later to something more advanced.

How Important Is Sound Quality for Kids?

Sound quality matters, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when buying a child’s first instrument. Most beginner-friendly keyboards and digital pianos come with built-in speakers that are perfectly fine for home practice. Focus more on key feel, ease of use, and build quality rather than investing in studio-quality speakers right away.

What Music Should My Child Start Learning?

I’ve found that it’s best to let your child guide the process. If they’re excited about learning their favorite songs, start there, it helps keep them motivated. Over time, mixing in classical or jazz basics builds a strong foundation. Many teachers start with classical pieces to develop technique and music theory before introducing more advanced styles likejazz or improvisation.

2 comments
  1. One thing I would want to know about child pianos is the key spacing for each individual model. With a child’s smaller hands, I wouldn’t expect them to play chords on a full-size adult piano; they just don’t have the handspan for it. How do these pianos score on that dimension?

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