The best pianos for kids
Has your child been expressing a desire to learn music? If they have, then there’s no better place to start their musical journey, than with the piano. The piano is an excellent foundation for children who want to get into music. Playing the instrument offers a wide range of long-term benefits like developing discipline, self-esteem, and even improving memory and hand-eye coordination!
Parents want the best for their kids, so if your children show interest in playing the piano, we should try our best to get the best piano for learning the basics. There are a whole lot of options when it comes to pianos, each of which has its own unique set of benefits.
And with so many options, finding the right one for your kids can be pretty tough.
That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best pianos for kids. We’ve researched and listened to advice from experts in the field to find the top options for your kids based on the sound quality, features, durability, price and more.
Best overall
Alesis Melody 61 MKII piano for kids
Alesis Melody 61 MKII piano for kids
This model is best for beginners and kids who are serious about learning the piano. It isn’t a toy and offers a wide range of different sounds and features that make learning the piano much easier.
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The Alesis Melody61 is NOT a toy. It’s a 61-key instrument with over 300 different tones. These features are more than enough to get any child started on their musical journey.
The instrument’s sound quality could be a bit better as customers have reported that the piano sounds slightly “robotic”. The robotic tones can be annoying for experienced players. But if all you’re looking for is a simple and quality instrument that can aid your child as they learn to play the piano, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII is a great option.
The piano comes packed with many useful features for beginners, such as a one-touch song mode and 40 play-along demos that make learning songs easy. The instrument comes with a 3-month subscription to Skoove Premium, where kids and even adults can learn all the piano basics.
This piano also comes with just about everything a child needs to get started on their musical journey. Along with the piano, you’ll also be getting a microphone, bench, and stand perfect for beginners ready to start learning!
Best premium
Best Choice Products 61-Key piano for kids
Best Choice Products 61-Key piano for kids
This piano is best for older kids and even adults who might want to try learning the piano. It has three great teaching modes and comes with everything a kid needs to learn how to play.
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This next pick may be on the pricier side, but it will be worth every penny for a kid serious about learning the piano. This Best Choice Products piano is definitely for older kids but comes packed with features that make learning the instrument much easier.
While the teaching modes are great, they are best for novice players, and beginners might find them too hard to play.
This piano comes packed with different sounds that a child can explore. And with great built-in speakers and headphones that come with the set, your child will be entertained for hours trying out all the different sounds.
Like any quality beginner’s set, this piano also comes with a bench, piano stand, music stand, and note stickers ready to guide a child through the different learning steps to play the piano.
Best for beginners
Best Choice Products 61-Key Electronic Keyboard Piano Set
Best Choice Products 61-Key Electronic Keyboard Piano Set
This set is ideal for kids who are complete beginners. The different sound options and all the accessories that come with this model cover all a child would need when starting piano lessons.
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One critical aspect of learning an instrument is experimentation. By trying out different sounds and techniques on their own, kids become more acquainted with the instrument, making it easier to play. This option for Best Choice Products allows kids to experiment with 255 different timbre options and over 255 built-in rhythms. They can create their songs and melodies, which makes for hours upon hours of fun.
This is an excellent bundle for beginners that comes with everything a beginner needs to start learning: a keyboard stand, music stand, a stool, and even has a recorder with playback options!
The sound quality on this keyboard isn’t the best, but you can use headphones to make the quality better. These headphones also allow children to practice quietly and privately.
Best under $150
Hamzer 61-Key Portable piano for kids
Hamzer 61-Key Portable piano for kids
This option is ideal for those looking for a quality option on a budget. While available at an affordable price, this Hamzer model is packed with great features suitable for beginner and intermediate players.
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When you’re shopping for a piano for a kid who is just getting started, you probably don’t want to get the most expensive option right away. In that case, this Hamzer model would be just the right pick for you.
While this piano is a budget option, it still comes packed with useful features for beginners.
Once your child develops a good foundation, they can make use of the intermediate learning system. Through the learning system, they can learn songs and other techniques that can significantly improve their playing.
However, even if this set comes with great accessories like stands, headphones, and a microphone, it doesn’t come with a power adapter. This can be pretty annoying if you don’t have an extra one at home.
Best for kids from 3-5 years
Melissa & Doug piano for kids
Melissa & Doug piano for kids
This piano is a toy instrument that is suitable for young kids between 3-5 years. It is easy to play and comes in a fun and colorful design where kids can learn the basic concepts of playing.
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Numerous studies have shown that starting kids young with the piano can reap many great benefits in the future. And for kids aged between 3-5 years old, this Melissa & Doug toy piano is a great option.
While it is a toy, it has 25 keys that cover two full octaves. This is enough for children to tinker around and play basic melodies. This piano also allows kids to become acquainted with the layout of the piano early.
It comes with an illustrated songbook where you and your child can bond over learning songs together. While it doesn’t offer the experience of playing a real piano, it is just enough for young children to get started at an early age.
Best affordable
Amy & Benton Toddler Piano
Amy & Benton Toddler Piano
This piano is great at teaching kids the basics of the piano. It is best suited for kids ages between 2-4 years old.
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If you’re looking to get your child into music early and on a budget, this is a great pick. However, take note that this is a toy and not a real instrument. With that said, it has 24 keys that cover 2 octaves.
With this piano, kids can learn the very basics of the instrument, such as simple melodies. The piano is bright and colorful, with note indicators on top of the keys.
This piano allows your child to play with the instrument and have fun while also learning the joys of music. It comes with a microphone that allows for hours of fun and is a great way to get your child started on their musical journey.
Best under $60
WOSTOO Electric Keyboard Piano for Kids
WOSTOO Electric Keyboard Piano for Kids
Kids who are ready to start real piano lessons would greatly enjoy this instrument. It’s easy to play, comes with fun features, and can be found at a very affordable price.
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This next pick bridges the gap between a toy piano and an actual instrument. If your child has been expressing an interest in music and you think they’re ready to start playing on a real piano, this could be a great pick.
It’s available at a very affordable price and comes in a bright and vibrant color. This makes it enticing for children to play with. This piano also has many excellent features, such as a drum pad and different sounds that kids can try out.
It’s a 61-key instrument, which gives you everything a child needs to learn basic piano skills. The sound quality isn’t the best, but it’s good enough for beginners. The quality is much better than any other piano or toy you can find in the range, which is one of the reasons it is such a popular choice for parents.
Best for toddlers
Goplus Classical Kids Piano
Goplus Classical Kids Piano
Toddlers would enjoy playing on this piano for hours on end. It’s easy to press down, colorful, and has just the right number of keys for a toddler to learn the basics.
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If you notice that your toddler has developed an interest in music early, this could be just the right toy for them. It is shaped and designed like a grand piano, but it only has 30 keys.
Thirty keys are just enough for a child to play around and learn the basics on their own. The piano was designed with a child’s safety in mind. So, you’ll find smooth surfaces, environmentally-friendly paint, and safety-hinged lids. This makes it very safe and friendly for children.
This toy also comes with a matching bench where your child can sit down and play for hours on end. While it is a toy piano, this could be an excellent way for you to introduce the joy of music to a toddler.
What to look for in a good piano for kids
Playing an instrument like the piano is great for kids. And the earlier they start, the more benefits they can reap in the future.
To learn how to play, a child needs the right piano to use for practice. The following are some of the most important aspects to consider when buying a piano for kids.
Toys vs. real instruments
There are a lot of toy pianos out there designed for kids. While they are toys, they can still be a great foundation for your kids before they start piano lessons. However, if your kid starts proper and formal piano lessons, they will need a real piano.
Real pianos are usually the better option for kids. However, for younger children and toddlers, toy pianos are a great way to get acquainted with the instrument.
Sound quality
One important thing to consider is the sound quality. If you can listen to the piano before buying, try to hear if it sounds like a real acoustic piano. The closer the instrument sounds to an upright or grand piano, the better.
For beginners, it isn’t too important to find the most accurate sounding instrument. However, you have to make sure that it still sounds close to a real acoustic piano. Since the kids will probably be practicing for hours on end, you might want to make sure the piano sounds nice for the sake of the child’s and parent’s ears.
Durability
Ideally, a child’s first piano should last them a couple of years. It’s best to use their first piano until they reach an advanced level or grade. That way, you will only have to upgrade once your child starts taking the instrument seriously.
So, when looking for beginner pianos for kids, make sure that it’s made from sturdy materials that are built to last. Otherwise, you might find yourself having to buy a replacement instrument after a couple of months.
Playability
Lastly, it’s best to buy an instrument that is easy to play. For beginners, it might be beneficial to get a piano with light hammer action. Hammer action refers to the weight of the keys. The heavier the action, the harder it is to play.
With that said, make sure that the keys aren’t too light either. Remember, real pianos have fairly heavy hammer action. So, to ensure that your child doesn’t have a hard time adjusting from a real piano and their practice instrument, try to find a model with light to medium hammer action. That way, it will be easy to play while still resembling the feel of a real acoustic piano.
FAQ
What is the best age for a child to learn piano?
It is best to start piano lessons for your child when they are between 6-9 years old. Older kids will pick up the instrument quicker, but they can start learning as young as 6. However, you can also begin to get them acquainted with the instrument much earlier through toy pianos.
Which is the best piano for children?
Every child and parent has a different set of needs and preferences. The best piano for your child will be the one they feel comfortable with and enjoy playing. For children, it’s best to get pianos that are easier to play with lighter hammer action.
It might also benefit your child to have a piano with built-in lessons and a port for headphones. That way, they can practice and learn on their own without bothering anyone else with loud noises.
Final verdict
Music can open up a world of fun experiences for a child and can also greatly benefit their development. And one of the best places to start their journey is with the piano.
Studies have shown that the earlier a child starts learning music, the more benefits they can reap in the future. Even if your child is too young to start formal piano lessons, there are many toy pianos on the market that are a whole lot of fun for toddlers. These pianos also help the child familiarize themselves with the instrument.
So, if your child has been expressing an interest in music, it might be prime time for you to start their musical journey by learning the piano.
