Alesis
Concert
$250
The cheapest 88-key path into piano
Korg
The lightest 88-key piano under $400
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | No | +0 |
| Preset Songs | 12 | +0.4 |
| Sound Variety | 12 sounds | +0.3 |
| 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 | semi weighted | +1.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 9.3 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1312 mm | +0 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | semi weighted (grade 2) | +1.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 120 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
The B2N trades the B2's weighted action for lighter semi-weighted keys, making it the most portable full-size Korg at just 9.3kg — ideal if you need to move your piano regularly or prefer a softer touch.
The B2N is the B2's lighter, more portable sibling. You get the same excellent 30W speakers and the same sound engine, but in a package that's 2kg lighter thanks to the semi-weighted action. The trade-off is real: semi-weighted keys won't prepare you for acoustic piano the way the B2's weighted keys do. But if portability and ease of playing are your priorities — or if weighted keys feel too heavy for your hands — the B2N offers the best speakers-to-weight ratio in our entire database. At under $350, it's a remarkably low-risk way to start.
The semi-weighted keys are noticeably lighter than the B2's hammer action. There's some resistance — it's not like pressing a computer keyboard — but you won't feel the graduated weight from bass to treble that a real piano has. For casual playing and learning basic melodies, this is perfectly fine and actually easier on the hands. However, if you plan to transition to an acoustic piano someday, the lighter touch could build habits that don't transfer well. The matte key surface is comfortable and resists fingerprints.
You want to explore piano without spending much, and the idea of hauling a heavy keyboard around makes you hesitate. Maybe you're a college student moving between dorm and home, or you want a piano you can tuck away in a closet when guests come over. The lighter semi-weighted keys also suit people with arthritis or joint issues who find fully weighted keys tiring. Just know that if you get serious about classical piano, you'll eventually want a weighted action.
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Semi Weighted |
| Polyphony | 120 notes |
| Sounds | 12 |
| Weight | 9.3 kg |
| Speakers | 30W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | No |
| Preset Songs | 12 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1312×336×117 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 Concert edges ahead in Night Practice and Portability and Value. The Concert costs $100 less. Choose the Concert if you prioritize quiet practice.
Alesis Concert →The B2N scores higher in Night Practice and Portability, while the RP35 edges ahead in Touch Reality. Choose the B2N if you prioritize quiet practice.
Ringway RP35 →The B2N scores higher in Beginner and Night Practice, while the PA-88H edges ahead in Touch Reality. The PA-88H costs $100 less. Choose the B2N if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Artesia PA-88H →It's decent for beginners. The Korg B2N scores 6/10 on our Beginner scale — it covers the basics but may lack some advanced learning features found in higher-scoring models.
No, the Korg B2N does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
The Korg B2N weighs 9.3 kg (21 lbs). It scores 6/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Yes. The Korg B2N has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 6/10 on our Night Practice scale.
The Korg B2N has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
The $500–$1,000 range is where digital pianos get genuinely good. This is the sweet spot — where key actions start to feel convincing, speakers become room-filling, and you get features that actually matter for your progress. If you can stretch your budget to this range, you'll get an instrument that can carry you from your first lesson through years of playing.
Read more →You don't need to spend a fortune to start playing piano. Under $500, there are genuinely good instruments that will serve a beginner well for years. But at this price, trade-offs are real — and knowing what to prioritize makes all the difference. This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect, what to look for, and which models deliver the most value.
Read more →Sometimes you need a piano that goes where you go. Whether you're gigging, traveling, teaching at multiple locations, or simply don't have room for a full console, portability matters. But lighter doesn't always mean better — the trade-offs between weight, key quality, and features are real. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for in a portable digital piano.
Read more →Buying a digital piano can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of models, confusing specs, and marketing jargon make it hard to know what actually matters. This guide breaks down everything you need to understand — in plain language — so you can make a confident decision.
Read more →"Should I buy a digital piano or a keyboard?" It's the most common question beginners ask — and the most confusing, because the terms get used interchangeably even by music stores. They're actually quite different instruments designed for different purposes. This guide cuts through the marketing noise and explains exactly what separates them, when each one makes sense, and which you should buy based on your actual goals.
Read more →"Weighted keys" and "graded hammer action" are two of the most common terms you'll see when shopping for a digital piano. They sound similar but refer to different things. This guide explains exactly what they mean, how they affect your playing, and which type you should look for.
Read more →Living in an apartment doesn't mean giving up piano. Digital pianos were practically made for this situation — plug in headphones and the world disappears. But not all models are equally quiet. Key noise, headphone quality, and late-night optimization features vary widely. This guide helps you find the right piano for peaceful apartment practice.
Read more →Alesis
$250
The cheapest 88-key path into piano
Ringway
$300
A simple, affordable portable from the OEM giant
Artesia
$250
The cheapest hammer-action piano you can buy