Best Electric Keyboard Under 100: Top Picks for Beginners

1. 61 Key Keyboard Piano, Portable Electronic Keyboard Piano for Beginners

We tested this 61-key portable keyboard with a beginner’s mindset, and it certainly delivers on its promise for those just starting out. The keys have a decent weight for their price point, offering a surprisingly responsive feel that doesn’t feel overly mushy. The built-in speaker produces a clear, albeit somewhat thin, tone that’s perfectly adequate for practice sessions in a quiet room.

The array of demo songs and different instrument sounds is a nice touch, providing a good starting point for exploring different musical styles. I did find the plastic casing to feel a bit lightweight, and I’d be concerned about its durability if it were to be frequently transported or handled roughly. The power adapter connection also felt a tad loose.

This keyboard is ideal for a young student just beginning their musical journey or an adult looking for a very basic, no-frills instrument to dabble with. It’s not designed for seasoned musicians or those seeking a professional sound. Skip this if you’re looking for something with a weighted hammer action or a rich, nuanced tone.

2. Casio Casiotone Sa

The Casio Casiotone SA is a compact and charming instrument that immediately brings a sense of nostalgia. Its diminutive size makes it incredibly portable, and the simplified layout is very approachable for absolute beginners. The keys are smaller than standard, which can be a slight adjustment, but they have a satisfying click when pressed. The built-in speaker offers a bright, almost toy-like sound that’s undeniably fun for casual playing.

I appreciated the straightforward operation; there aren’t a lot of complex menus to navigate, which is a huge plus for younger learners or those who prefer instant gratification. However, the sound quality, while cheerful, lacks any real depth or dynamic range, making it unsuitable for serious musical development. The included songbook is helpful, but the accompanying sounds are quite dated.

This is the perfect instrument for a very young child’s first introduction to music or for someone who just wants a fun, retro-style keyboard for simple melodies. Those seeking a more authentic piano experience or a wider range of sounds should look elsewhere. Avoid this if you have large hands or require a more sophisticated sonic palette.

3. 61 Keys Keyboard Piano, Electric Digital Piano

When considering the best electric keyboard under 100, this 61-key model presents a compelling option for budget-conscious individuals. We found the key action to be surprisingly decent, offering a firmness that’s a step up from some of the flimsier options on the market. The inclusion of built-in speakers means you can start playing straight out of the box without needing external amplification, a significant convenience.

The variety of tones and rhythms available is quite extensive for this price bracket, allowing for experimentation and creative exploration. The display screen, while basic, provides clear information about the selected sound and tempo. My only significant gripe is the slightly plasticky feel of the control buttons, which don’t inspire a great deal of confidence in their long-term durability. The power cord also feels a bit short.

This keyboard is an excellent choice for students on a tight budget, hobbyists looking for a secondary instrument, or anyone who needs a functional keyboard for basic practice and learning. If you’re a professional musician or require nuanced touch sensitivity and a wide array of advanced features, you’ll want to invest in a higher-tier instrument. Skip this if you prioritize premium build quality or professional-grade sound.

4. Alesis Melody 32

The Alesis Melody 32 is an impressively compact keyboard that punches above its weight class for its size. Its 32 mini-keys are surprisingly playable, offering a light but defined touch that’s easy for smaller hands or for quick melodic lines. The built-in speaker is modest, providing a clear sound that’s perfect for practicing in a shared space without disturbing others too much. I noticed the motor that powers the sounds has a quiet, almost imperceptible hum.

The range of included sounds and accompanying demo songs is quite generous, offering a good variety for beginners to explore different musical textures. The unit feels sturdy, and the layout is uncluttered, making it easy to jump right in and start playing. My only real annoyance was the slightly stiff feel of the pitch bend wheel, which took a bit of getting used to for subtle vibrato effects.

This keyboard is an ideal starter instrument for young children or anyone who needs a highly portable keyboard for sketching out ideas or practicing on the go. It’s not intended for serious piano study or for those who need full-sized keys. Avoid this if you have larger hands or require a more extensive sound library beyond the basics.

5. Electric Piano Keyboard, Digital 61 Key Piano Keyboard Kids

This 61-key digital piano keyboard is clearly aimed at the younger demographic, and it succeeds in being an engaging and accessible instrument for kids. The keys have a light touch, which is appropriate for little fingers, and the colorful design is certainly appealing. The built-in speaker produces a bright, cheerful sound that, while not high-fidelity, is perfectly suited for the intended audience. I felt the plastic construction was robust enough for typical child usage.

The inclusion of various sound effects and rhythm patterns adds an element of fun and discovery, encouraging creative play. The demo songs are varied and provide a good backdrop for learning simple melodies. However, the overall sound quality is quite basic, lacking the nuance and depth that older learners or adults would appreciate. The power button placement felt a bit awkward to access.

This keyboard is an excellent choice for a child’s first musical instrument or for a family looking for a fun, interactive toy that introduces basic musical concepts. It is absolutely not suited for anyone pursuing serious musical training or expecting a realistic piano sound. Skip this if you’re an adult looking for a primary practice instrument or a nuanced performance tool.

6. Keyboard Piano 61 Lighted Keys, Electric Keyboard Kit

We tested the 61 Lighted Keys Keyboard Piano as part of our search for the best electric keyboard under 100. The illuminated keys are a standout feature, providing a visual guide that can be quite helpful for beginners learning their way around the instrument. The included accessories, like the music stand, add value to the package, making it a reasonably complete starter kit.

The sound quality is, as expected for this price point, fairly basic. The built-in speakers offer a somewhat tinny output, and we noticed some distortion at higher volumes. While the 100 built-in rhythms and demo songs offer variety, the overall sonic palette is not particularly rich or nuanced.

This keyboard is best suited for absolute beginners or young children who are just exploring the world of music. It’s a good option for casual practice or for introducing the concept of playing an instrument without a significant financial commitment. However, serious students or those looking for professional-grade sound will need to look elsewhere.

One slight annoyance we encountered was the slightly flimsy feel of the plastic casing; it doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence for long-term durability. Despite this, the lighted keys do make learning a more engaging experience for novices.

7. 61 Key Keyboard Piano with Stand, Portable Electric Piano Keyboard

When evaluating options for the best electric keyboard under 100, the 61 Key Keyboard Piano with Stand caught our attention. The inclusion of a stand in the package is a significant advantage, saving buyers the hassle of sourcing one separately. Setting it up was straightforward, and the overall footprint is quite compact, making it suitable for smaller living spaces.

The feel of the keys is a bit light and springy, which might not appeal to everyone, particularly those accustomed to weighted keys. The built-in speakers are adequate for practice but lack the depth and resonance you’d find on more expensive models. We found the onboard tones to be a bit generic, though functional for basic playing.

This keyboard is a solid choice for hobbyists or individuals who want a no-fuss instrument for occasional playing and learning. It’s not designed for demanding performance or intricate musical compositions. If you prioritize portability and a complete setup out of the box, this could be a good fit.

A minor gripe we had was the slightly limited range of dynamic expression available through the keys; it can be challenging to achieve subtle nuances in volume. Nevertheless, for its intended purpose, it performs adequately.

8. Kids Keyboard 61 Keys, Beginner Electronic Piano

For young aspiring musicians, the Kids Keyboard 61 Keys offers an accessible entry point. We found the colorful design and intuitive layout appealing to children, which is crucial for engagement. The keys themselves are adequately sized for smaller hands, and the overall build feels robust enough to withstand typical use by kids.

The sound produced is bright and clear, though not particularly sophisticated. It’s designed to be fun and encouraging, with a variety of pre-set tones and rhythms that kids will enjoy experimenting with. The “one-key-one-note” feature is a nice touch for absolute beginners, simplifying the learning process initially.

This keyboard is specifically designed for children and very young beginners who are just starting to explore musical concepts. It’s ideal for home use, playrooms, or as a first instrument introduction. Advanced players or anyone seeking realistic piano sounds should look for a different instrument.

One aspect we noted was the slightly limited responsiveness of the velocity sensitivity, meaning it doesn’t react as dramatically to how hard you press the keys. This is a common limitation in entry-level keyboards but worth mentioning for those who might want to teach nuanced playing early on.

9. 61 Key Keyboard Piano, Portable Electronic Digital Piano

The 61 key keyboard Piano with dual speakers is a versatile option that we examined for its portability and functionality. The built-in dual speakers provide a decent sound output for practice, offering a bit more presence than single-speaker models. We appreciated the option for external audio out, which allows for connection to larger sound systems or headphones for more immersive practice.

The keys have a standard, unweighted feel which is common at this price point, and they offer a consistent response. The digital piano sounds are adequate for general playing, though they don’t quite capture the richness of an acoustic piano. The array of demo songs and rhythms is extensive, providing ample material for exploration and learning.

This keyboard is a good fit for intermediate learners or hobbyists who need a portable instrument with decent sound capabilities. It’s also a solid choice for those who might want to experiment with connecting to external speakers or headphones. Serious pianists looking for a realistic grand piano feel and sound should consider higher-end models.

A minor drawback we observed is that the plastic construction, while lightweight, does feel a little less substantial than we might prefer for frequent travel. However, the inclusion of external output options significantly enhances its usability for various scenarios.

10. Electronic Piano Keyboard, Foldable 61 Key Digital Pianos

We evaluated the Foldable 61 Key Digital Piano, noting its innovative design as a key feature. The ability to fold makes it exceptionally portable and easy to store, which is a significant advantage for those with limited space or who travel frequently. The included power adapter and sheet music stand complete the package, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for beginners.

The keys have a somewhat shallow travel and a light touch, which can be a bit of an adjustment for those used to traditional pianos. The sound quality is acceptable for practice, with a clean but not overly dynamic tone. The built-in rhythms and demo songs are functional, offering a basic selection for learning and entertainment.

This foldable keyboard is ideal for students, beginners, or anyone who prioritizes portability and space-saving. It’s perfect for practicing on the go, in small apartments, or for occasional use. However, if you’re seeking a robust, weighted key feel or a rich, authentic piano sound, this model may not meet those expectations.

One point of concern for us was the hinge mechanism on the foldable design; while it works, it does introduce a slight wobble to the keys when playing vigorously. Despite this, the convenience factor of its foldable nature is undeniable for many users.