Korg
B2
$400
The best speakers under $400
6.0 Beginner 4.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 6.1 Touch Reality 6.7 Value
88 11.4kg
View Details Alesis
Recital Pro
Budget 88-key hammer action with big speakers
MSRP
$350
Source: Alesis official product page (2025-04-06)
88 Keys 11.8 kg hammer action
Scores
Our Verdict
If you want weighted piano keys on a tight budget, the Recital Pro gets you all 88 keys with real hammer action and surprisingly powerful speakers for around $330.
Pros
- ● 88 full-size hammer-action weighted keys at the lowest price point
- ● 30W speaker system with woofers + tweeters — loudest in the budget class
- ● Stereo line out (L/R 6.3mm) for connecting to PA or amplifier
- ● Battery powered (6×D-cell) — portable despite 88 keys
- ● USB MIDI for connecting to computer/tablet
- ● Layer and split modes
Cons
- ● Only 12 sounds — very basic selection
- ● Single headphone jack, no spatial optimization
- ● No Bluetooth (neither audio nor MIDI)
- ● No lesson function or built-in song library
- ● Sustain pedal not included — must buy separately
- ● Generic hammer action — functional but not refined
- ● No app connectivity
The Recital Pro answers a simple question: can you get a real weighted 88-key piano for around $300? Yes, you can. The keys have genuine weight, the 30W speakers fill a room, and the line output means you can connect it to an amplifier if needed. What you sacrifice is refinement — the key action is functional but not silky, the sounds are basic, and there are no lesson features or Bluetooth. Think of it as training wheels for piano: good enough to find out if you love it, with the understanding that you'll want something better if you do. The sustain pedal isn't included, so budget an extra $15-20 for one.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The keys have real weight to them — they push back against your fingers and feel heavier in the bass, lighter in the treble. It's clearly a step up from a lightweight keyboard. But compared to pianos from Yamaha, Roland, or Kawai, the action feels a bit stiff and less nuanced. You'll feel the difference if you try them side by side, but for learning the basics, it does the job.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want to learn piano properly — with full-size weighted keys — but you're not ready to spend $500 or more. Maybe you're testing whether this hobby will stick before investing in something premium. Or you need a real piano for a spare room or vacation home where you don't want to leave an expensive instrument.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Hammer Action |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 12 |
| Weight | 11.8 kg |
| Speakers | 30W (×4) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 20 |
| Battery | Yes |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1310×351×140 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.
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