Alesis
Concert
$250
The cheapest 88-key path into piano
5.9 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 7.0 Portability 3.5 Touch Reality 7.1 Value
88 7.5 kg
View Details Alesis
Alesis Recital Review
Amazon's best-selling 88-key keyboard — for a reason
88 Keys 7.1 kg semi weighted Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
5.6| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 5 sounds | +0 |
Night Practice
6.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | semi weighted | +1.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
7.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 7.1 kg | +2 |
| Width | 1283 mm | +0 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
3.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | semi weighted (grade 2) | +1.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Our Verdict
The Recital has been Amazon's go-to entry-level 88-key keyboard for years. At around $200, it gives you full-size keys with some weight, decent speakers, and USB MIDI — nothing more, nothing less.
Pros
- • 88 full-size semi-weighted keys for around $200 — the market's lowest entry point
- • 20W speakers — significantly louder than other sub-$200 options
- • 7.1kg — extremely light and easy to move or store
- • Standard 6.3mm headphone jack — works with proper studio headphones
- • USB MIDI for computer and tablet connectivity
- • Lesson mode with split keyboard for teacher-student use
Cons
- • Semi-weighted keys — not a true piano feel, no hammer action
- • Only 5 sounds — piano, electric piano, organ, synth, bass
- • No recording function
- • No Bluetooth of any kind
- • No sustain pedal included — must purchase separately
- • No preset songs for guided learning
- • No app connectivity
The Alesis Recital is the most-reviewed 88-key keyboard on Amazon for a reason: it's cheap, it works, and it has full-size keys. The 20W speakers are a genuine strength at this price, loud enough to fill a bedroom without distortion. The 6.3mm headphone jack is a thoughtful inclusion that accepts standard studio headphones. But the semi-weighted action is a real limitation — it won't teach your fingers the strength and control that piano playing demands. Think of the Recital as a gateway: it lets you discover whether you love making music, and if you do, it's time to invest in something with real hammer action. At $200, the risk is minimal and the potential reward is a lifelong hobby.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The semi-weighted keys have more resistance than a toy keyboard but significantly less than a real piano. There is no hammer mechanism — the keys use springs with added weight. There's minimal difference in feel between bass and treble keys. The keys respond to velocity (how hard you press), which is important for musical expression, but the overall sensation is of a good keyboard, not a piano. For learning note positions and basic playing, it works fine. For developing classical technique, you'll need to upgrade.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want the cheapest possible way to sit down in front of 88 full-size keys and start learning. You might be a college student buying your first keyboard, a parent testing whether a child will stick with lessons, or someone returning to music after decades away. The Recital doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't: it's a basic, functional, affordable keyboard with real full-size keys.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Semi Weighted |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 5 |
| Weight | 7.1 kg |
| Speakers | 20W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1283×295×87 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | No |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
Recital vs DEP-60
The Recital scores higher in Night Practice and Portability, while the DEP-60 edges ahead in Beginner and Touch Reality. Choose the Recital if you prioritize quiet practice.
Donner DEP-60 →Recital vs DEP-10
The Recital scores higher in Night Practice, while the DEP-10 edges ahead in Beginner and Portability and Value. Choose the Recital if you prioritize quiet practice.
Donner DEP-10 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alesis Recital good for beginners?
It's decent for beginners. The Alesis Recital scores 5.6/10 on our Beginner scale — it covers the basics but may lack some advanced learning features found in higher-scoring models.
Does the Alesis Recital have Bluetooth?
No, the Alesis Recital does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Alesis Recital?
The Alesis Recital weighs 7.1 kg (16 lbs). It scores 7/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Alesis Recital?
Yes. The Alesis Recital has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 6.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Alesis Recital have?
The Alesis Recital has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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6.6 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
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