The Best Sustain Pedals for the Money

The best sustain pedal for a given player depends on the instrument in use, the level of playing and how close the feel needs to be to an acoustic piano. This guide covers the most effective options at each level.

Best for Basic Keyboards and Beginners

For entry-level keyboards that support only on/off sustain switching, a simple rocker-style sustain pedal is entirely adequate. The Roland DP-2 and Yamaha FC4A are both reliable, well-made and widely available. The FC4A has a comfortable non-slip base and a cable of sufficient length to reach the instrument from a standing or sitting position. Both are priced under £30 and represent good value for their purpose.

Best for Digital Pianos (Mid-Range)

For regular practice on a digital piano, a piano-style pedal with weighted travel is a meaningful improvement. The M-Audio SP-2 uses a lever mechanism that closely resembles an acoustic pedal, with a metal base for stability. The Korg DS-1H is a widely recommended option for instruments that support half-pedalling: it sends a continuous controller signal and is compatible with Korg, Roland and Yamaha instruments. Both are in the £30–60 range and offer significantly better playing feel than a basic rocker pedal.

Best Option for Stage Pianos

For professional or semi-professional use, the Roland EV-5 combined with a dedicated sustain pedal socket, or the Yamaha FC3A, is consistently recommended by working pianists. The FC3A supports continuous half-pedalling on compatible Yamaha instruments and has the weighted travel feel of an acoustic piano pedal. The Roland DP-10 provides similar quality for Roland instruments. These are the most convincing electronic alternatives to an acoustic pedal and are used by many touring musicians.

Best Triple Pedal Units

For players who want full sostenuto and soft pedal functionality alongside sustain, triple pedal units are available from Yamaha, Roland and Kawai for most of their portable digital piano models. The Yamaha LP-1 (for P-series pianos) and Roland RPU-3 are particularly well-regarded. Fitting these requires a compatible stand and the correct multi-pin connector, so check compatibility with your specific piano model before ordering.

Best for Electronic Music and Controllers

For use with MIDI controllers and soft synths, the Korg DS-1H or any standard on/off pedal performs the same function. The choice here is purely about build quality and feel rather than technical capability, since most software instruments only respond to a binary sustain signal. A durable metal-base sustain pedal from any reputable manufacturer is sufficient for this application.

For a complete overview of the sustain pedal, see the full guide. For purchasing advice, see the buyer's guide.

Frequently Asked Questions