Casio
CDP-S160
$500
A proper 88-key weighted piano for under $500
Casio
700 sounds in a slim body — the budget arranger that doubles as a piano
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 152 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 700 sounds | +0.5 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm | +0.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | scaled hammer action ii | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 10.9 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1322 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | scaled hammer action ii (grade 6) | +3.6 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | Standard | +0 |
The CDP-S360 is Casio's answer for players who want piano practice and band-style sounds in one affordable, portable package — 700 tones, lesson features, and line out, all under 11 kg.
The CDP-S360 is the right choice when you want variety more than purity. At $550, no other 88-key weighted keyboard gives you 700 sounds, lesson functions, and a line out in a body this slim. The trade-off is a less sophisticated key action and zero Bluetooth. If you're primarily a pianist who wants the best touch, the PX-S1100 is a better fit at a similar price. But if you want one instrument that handles piano, organ, strings, and everything in between — especially for church or band use — the CDP-S360 delivers remarkable value.
The Scaled Hammer Action II is a step below Casio's Tri-Sensor models. It's weighted and graded — heavier in the bass, lighter in the treble — so it feels like a real piano in broad strokes. But it uses two sensors per key instead of three, which means very fast repeated notes (trills, rapid passages) can feel slightly sluggish compared to the PX-770 or PX-870. The keys are smooth plastic without any texture coating. For the price, it's a solid action, but if piano touch is your top priority, consider spending more on a Privia model.
You play piano but also want organ, strings, and synth sounds for church worship, a casual band, or just for fun at home. You need something light enough to bring to rehearsal and affordable enough that you're not stressed about it. The 700 sounds make this more of a do-everything keyboard than a pure piano — and that's exactly the point.
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Scaled Hammer Action Ii |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 700 |
| Weight | 10.9 kg |
| Speakers | 16W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | — |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 152 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1322×232×99 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
The CDP-S360 scores higher in Beginner. Choose the CDP-S360 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Casio CDP-S160 →The XE20 edges ahead in Night Practice and Portability. The CDP-S360 costs $150 less. Choose the XE20 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Korg XE20 →The CDP-S360 scores higher in Portability, while the FP-10 edges ahead in Touch Reality. Choose the CDP-S360 if you prioritize portability.
Roland FP-10 →Yes. The Casio CDP-S360 scores 8.6/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
No, the Casio CDP-S360 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
The Casio CDP-S360 weighs 10.9 kg (24 lbs). It scores 5.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Yes. The Casio CDP-S360 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 4.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
The Casio CDP-S360 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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Read more →Casio
$500
A proper 88-key weighted piano for under $500
Korg
$700
700 sounds and auto-accompaniment on a real piano keyboard
Roland
$500
Roland's cheapest 88-key — and it still has the same keys as the FP-30X