The Best 61 Key Keyboards for the Money

Not every keyboard earns its price in this format. Some offer genuine quality at their tier; others carry a brand name without the performance to justify it. This is a breakdown of the specific models worth buying at each budget level, and what makes each one stand out.

Best Under £100: Yamaha PSR-E373

The Yamaha PSR-E373 is the most consistent recommendation for a first 61 key keyboard at the entry level. It has 622 voices, 205 rhythms, touch sensitivity, a headphone output, an auxiliary input and a USB connection to a computer. The built-in lesson function guides beginners through simple exercises. Sound quality is noticeably better than equivalent Casio offerings at the same price.

The PSR-E373 replaced the PSR-E363 with upgraded sounds and an improved onboard lesson system. At around £90–120 depending on where you buy, it is the natural starting point for anyone who wants a reliable instrument without spending serious money. Buy the matching sustain pedal and a stand separately — neither is included.

Best Budget Alternative: Casio CT-S300

The Casio CT-S300 offers more built-in voices and rhythms than the Yamaha PSR-E373 at a marginally lower price. The sound quality is slightly behind, but the connectivity and feature set are comparable. For buyers who want maximum variety on a tight budget, the Casio is worth considering. The CT-X series (a step above the CT-S) adds a more capable DSP sound engine if budget allows.

Best Mid-Range: Casio CT-X700

The CT-X700 uses Casio's AiX Sound Source — a step up from the basic PCM sampling in the CT-S series — producing noticeably more realistic acoustic instrument sounds. It has a full-size USB port for computer connectivity, 600 tones and 195 rhythms. At around £170–200, it represents the clearest upgrade from the entry level in terms of audio quality.

The key action is still unweighted, but the module quality makes a significant difference for anyone playing acoustic piano sounds, strings or organs. This is the 61 key keyboard to buy when the PSR-E373 starts to feel limiting.

Best for Production: Arturia KeyLab Essential 61

For MIDI control in a DAW, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 is one of the best-specced controllers at its price point — around £200–250. It has semi-weighted keys, 49 pads, 9 faders, 9 knobs, transport controls and deep software integration with Arturia's own Analog Lab (over 6,000 preset sounds included). The semi-weighted action is notably better than most controllers at this price.

It connects via USB and includes both 5-pin MIDI DIN and CV/Gate outputs — useful for hardware synth connectivity. For a home producer who wants a serious controller rather than a toy, this is the recommendation.

Best Premium: Nord Stage 3 Compact

The Nord Stage 3 Compact is a professional stage instrument in the 61 key format. It uses Nord's proprietary weighted keybed — the Piano and Organ sounds are among the best available in any stage instrument — and the triple synth engine covers organ, piano and synthesiser simultaneously. At around £2,500+, it is not an entry-level purchase, but for a performing musician who needs a single high-quality instrument for live work, it is the standard recommendation in this size.

Summary

• Under £100: Yamaha PSR-E373 — the entry-level benchmark.
• Under £100 alternative: Casio CT-S300 — more voices and rhythms.
• £170–200: Casio CT-X700 — best mid-range upgrade for sound quality.
• £200–250 / production: Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 — best MIDI controller at this tier.
• £2,500+ / professional: Nord Stage 3 Compact — professional stage standard.

For the full technical breakdown of what separates these tiers, see the overview. For deciding which type of keyboard suits your use case, the buyer's guide walks through every decision.

Used Market Recommendations

The used market for portable keyboards is active and generally reliable. Yamaha PSR instruments hold up well and are worth buying used at a meaningful discount — look for models in the PSR-E373, PSR-EW310 or PSR-S series depending on budget. Roland instruments are similarly robust. Check that all keys respond, the output socket works cleanly and the power supply is included (original supplies are preferred).

The best used purchase in the 61 key keyboard category is typically a Roland or Korg workstation instrument from the previous generation — instruments like the Roland FA-06 or Korg Krome 61 offer professional sound engines and build quality at used prices well below their original retail. For a gigging musician on a restricted budget, a used workstation represents significantly more value than a new budget instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions