Portable Keyboards

Portable Keyboards for Sale

Portable keyboards offer an array of sounds and capabilities for practice and music production, all in one compact, affordable instrument. Unlike many digital pianos — which are designed with the primary goal of replicating the sound and feel of a great acoustic piano — portable keyboards aim to deliver modern functionality in an instrument that can be easily moved and stored. With its impressive range of technology-forward features, a portable keyboard can be enjoyed by musicians of all ages and skill levels.

Music & Arts offers a wide selection of portable keyboards from top brands such as Yamaha, Casio and Roland. Whether you’re a student or a professional musician, Music & Arts has industry-leading portable keyboards for every player.

Choosing the Right Portable Keyboard

When selecting a portable keyboard, consider how you plan to use it and what features matter most:

• Key Action & Response: The majority of portable keyboards for sale at Music & Arts feature what are known as synth-action keys, meaning they’re unweighted and spring-loaded, unlike weighted hammer-action keys that offer resistance similar to an acoustic piano. Synth-action keys are easy and fun to play, offering the potential for speedy single-note lines. Most portable keyboards feature keys that are “velocity sensitive” or “touch sensitive,” meaning that, while the keys lack the weighted resistance of a piano, they do respond to the player’s touch, attack and articulation. For example, if the player presses the key quickly and with increased force, the note will sound with greater volume.
• Number of Keys: Most portable keyboards lack the full 88-key range of an acoustic piano, which is often replicated in digital pianos. Most of the portable keyboards for sale at Music & Arts have 61 keys, with some models having 76 and other, more compact models featuring 32-44 keys.
• Built-In Speakers: Most of the portable keyboards in our selection feature a stereo speaker setup that allows the player to hear the instrument (as well as recording playback) without the use of added amplification.
• Quiet Practice Capabilities: Of course, a fantastic advantage of portable keyboards is that they enable quiet practice that won’t wake the neighbors, through adjustable volume and a jack for headphones.
• Sounds & Features: This is where portable keyboards truly excel, with a seemingly endless variety of sounds, effects, prerecorded rhythms and full-band backing tracks to practice with. Some models include recording and playback functions, Bluetooth, MIDI/USB connectivity and more.
• Accessories: Consider stands, benches, pedals, headphones and amplifiers for a complete setup. Music & Arts also offers keyboard bundles that include the keyboard along with a high-quality bench and stand.

Shop Portable Keyboards at Music & Arts

Explore our collection of portable keyboards and keyboard accessories for sale. Shop online for fast, secure delivery with free shipping, or visit a Music & Arts store to try out a digital piano in person. Our team can help you find the best portable keyboard for your skill level, style and budget.

Portable Keyboard Buying FAQs

Is a portable keyboard good for beginners?

In general, piano students should aim to practice on an instrument with a full 88-key range and weighted keys that strive to replicate the action of an acoustic piano. This is why digital pianos can be a great option for beginners and families looking for an affordable piano option.

Still, many portable keyboards make great instruments for beginners, especially when space, portability and budget are concerns. The wide variety of sounds can excite young learners, and tools like backing tracks, recording/playback and USB connectivity enable modern, interactive music-education strategies.

How does a portable keyboard differ from a digital piano?

While at a glance a portable keyboard and digital piano can seem very similar, they are in fact different instruments with different goals.

Most “digital pianos” are designed to replicate the feel and sound of an acoustic grand piano. They do this by painstakingly “sampling” the sound of a renowned grand piano, and by having weighted keys that feel heavier in the bass (low) end and progressively lighter toward the treble (high) end of the keyboard. Digital pianos are also more likely to feature a full 88-key range, in both “stage” models that can be easily moved and larger at-home models built to look more like acoustic upright pianos (and even grands). Digital pianos also feature a wide range of keyboard sounds, backing tracks and other modern features, though they are often first and foremost a convenient, modern and affordable alternative to the acoustic piano.Portable keyboards focus on compactness, features for music production and education, and affordability. They have fewer keys — often 61 — and those keys are most often unweighted, lacking piano-like resistance but remaining sensitive to the speed and strength of a player’s attack.

Can I take piano lessons at Music & Arts?

Yes! Music & Arts is the nation’s #1 provider of music lessons, and piano is a core part of our program. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking advanced instruction in classical, jazz, pop or other styles, Music & Arts has expert instructors ready to guide you. Visit our Piano Lessons page to find an instructor at a location near you, with over 250 stores nationwide.

Can I connect a portable keyboard to a computer or MIDI device?

Yes. Many portable keyboard models have USB and/or MIDI connectivity, as well as Bluetooth.

What accessories do I need with a portable keyboard?

Check out this guide to essential keyboard accessories.

Does Music & Arts offer financing or payment plans for portable keyboards?

You bet. Music & Arts offers generous financing options on portable keyboard purchases, so you can start playing today and pay on a schedule that fits your life and budget. To learn more, visit our Financing page.