What's the Difference Between a Piano, a Digital Piano and a Keyboard?
- Diana Mascari
- May 13
- 4 min read
Updated: May 14
What’s the Difference Between an Acoustic Piano, a Digital Piano, and a Keyboard?
An acoustic piano offers authentic sound and feel but needs upkeep. A digital piano mimics it well, is lower maintenance, and suits home use. A keyboard is portable and affordable, but its unweighted keys and limited features aren’t ideal for serious piano learning.
So, if you’re thinking about starting (or restarting) piano lessons as an adult, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing the right instrument.
Should you invest in a traditional acoustic piano? Would a digital piano be a better fit? Or could a keyboard be enough to get started?
Let’s explore the key differences between these three options—so you can make the choice that best supports your musical goals, your space, and your lifestyle.
1. Acoustic Piano
The most common types of acoustic pianos are Grand Pianos and Studio Upright Pianos
This is the classic piano you may have grown up with—either an upright or a grand piano. It uses strings and hammers to produce sound and requires tuning every 6–12 months.
Benefits:
Beautiful tone and resonance
Weighted keys that build finger strength and technique
Traditional feel that many pianists find deeply satisfying
Lifelong durability if well maintained
Disadvantages:
Large and heavy—not easy to move
Requires regular tuning and maintenance
Higher upfront cost
Sensitive to humidity and temperature changes
Best for: Those who have the space and desire for a rich, authentic playing experience and don’t mind the investment in upkeep.
2. Digital Piano
A digital piano is an electronic instrument that mimics the sound and feel of an acoustic piano. It usually has weighted keys, a full 88-key layout, and built-in speakers. It also allows you to use the damper (sustain) pedal in the same way that an acoustic piano does.
For more information, see my article: How Do You Know When To Press the Pedals On the Piano?
Benefits:
Affordable - generally can be purchased for somewhere between $500 and $1000 (unless you go for a highly sophisticated instrument like touring and recording musicians use)
No tuning required
Volume control and headphone options (great if you share your space)
Lighter and more portable than acoustic pianos (many weigh less than 30 pounds)
Often includes extra features like metronomes, recording tools, and USB connectivity
Consistent feel, often with graded hammer action for realistic key resistance
Disadvantages:
Sound quality varies by brand and model
Requires a proper stand or furniture-style cabinet for ideal posture as well as a bench.
Lifespan is shorter than an acoustic piano, though many last 10–20 years
Best for: Adults who want a quality piano feel without the maintenance. Excellent for practicing quietly and flexibly at home. Three of my adults students each have a digital piano in their vacation home and an acoustic in their primary residence.
3. Keyboard
A keyboard is a lightweight, portable electronic instrument with a wide range of sounds (such as trumpet, guitar, saxophone, percussion, etc.) and features (like automatic accompaniments, chord filler, drum beats, etc).
Keyboards usually have 61 light touch keys that are smaller than piano keys and feel very different from a piano.
Benefits:
Affordable Highly portable Highly portable (about $200 -$400)
Highly portable (about 10 pounds or less)
Good for experimenting with different sounds and styles
Takes up minimal space
Many models are battery-powered and easy to move
Disadvantages:
Fewer than 88 keys
Keys are unweighted, making it harder to build proper finger technique
Not ideal for serious piano development
Limited dynamics and expression
Best for:Absolute beginners testing the waters, or those looking for a lightweight practice option with minimal commitment.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Right Piano for You?
The right piano depends on your goals. Want an authentic feel and sound? Choose acoustic. Need quiet practice and flexibility? A digital piano is ideal. Short on space or budget? A keyboard can get you started.
As an adult learner, your time, space, and comfort matter. If you’re ready to make music part of your daily routine again, start by asking:
Do I want something that feels and sounds like a real piano?
Will I need to practice quietly with headphones?
Am I limited by space or budget?
The Digital Piano Strikes the Perfect Balance
For many of my adult students, a good-quality digital piano strikes the perfect balance. It offers the feel of an acoustic piano, the flexibility to practice quietly, and none of the maintenance headaches.
How I use my Acoustic Piano and Digital Piano
I have a 45-year-old Yamaha Studio Upright Piano which still sounds great. Practicing jazz piano on this instrument is truly a joy. I also have a 12-year-old Yamaha P105 digital piano which I use when I'm teaching. It works beautifully with my overhead camera so students can see my hands. When I make recordings of songs for my students for during their online lessons the piano sounds great. Besides this, I often use it when I'm composing. The USB connection allows me to play music into the computer, which the software notates.
But no matter which instrument you choose, the most important thing is this: You’re making music again. And that’s something truly worth celebrating.
Interested in personalized advice for choosing your instrument?
About Diana Mascari
About Diana Mascari - Piano Teacher for Adults
Diana Mascari has taught piano to hundreds of adults and children for more than 47 years.
She holds two Masters of Music degrees from New England Conservatory and taught keyboard harmony to music majors while pursuing doctoral studies at Boston University. She was the music director for a multi-cultural Presbyterian Church for four decades, and her jazz and classical compositions have been performed worldwide. Diana has been performing for more than 50 years. From solo jazz piano to commercial groups touring the East Coast to leading her own jazz ensembles at colleges and jazz clubs throughout New England.
Get Her FREE Course: 5 Accompaniment Styles for Pianists
Get Her FREE Course: Song Playing Starter Course for Pianists
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