Ringway
RP35
$300
A simple, affordable portable from the OEM giant
5.7 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 4.9 Touch Reality 6.6 Value
88 12 kg
View Details Artesia
Artesia PA-88H Review
The cheapest hammer-action piano you can buy
88 Keys 11 kg hammer action Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
4.4| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 12 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
5.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | hammer action | +0.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 11 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1320 mm | +0 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
4.9| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | hammer action (grade 5) | +3 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 64 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | Standard | +0 |
Our Verdict
The Artesia PA-88H strips digital piano down to bare essentials: 88 hammer-action keys, 12 sounds, and a 20W speaker system for around $250 — the absolute minimum for real piano practice.
Pros
- • Hammer-action keys at $250 — possibly the most affordable instrument with a real hammer mechanism anywhere
- • Only 11 kg — lightweight for a hammer-action piano, relatively easy to move
- • USB MIDI — connect to computers and tablets for learning apps and music production
- • Clean, simple design — no unnecessary buttons or menus, just sit down and play
- • Layer and split modes for combining the 12 available sounds
Cons
- • Only 64-note polyphony — will clip on even moderately complex pieces with sustain pedal
- • Only 12 sounds — extremely limited sound palette
- • No recording function — cannot capture practice sessions
- • No lesson function — no built-in teaching tools for self-learners
- • No Bluetooth — wired connections only
- • Hammer action quality is very basic — functional but rough compared to established brands
- • Stand not included — additional expense required
The Artesia PA-88H exists for one reason: to put hammer-action keys in front of you at the lowest possible price. It succeeds at that mission. The 88 weighted keys and 11 kg weight give you a legitimate practice instrument that fits in any apartment. Everything else is stripped to the bone — 12 sounds, 64-note polyphony, no recording, no lesson function. If hammer action at $250 is what you need, the PA-88H delivers. Just understand that this is a stepping stone, not a destination. Budget $400-500 for your next instrument in a year or two, and use the PA-88H to find out if you love piano enough to invest further.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The PA-88H's hammer action is its reason for existence. At $250, having actual hammers inside the keyboard is remarkable. The mechanism provides basic weighted resistance that teaches your fingers the fundamentals of piano touch. However, this is the simplest possible implementation of hammer action — the grading between bass and treble is minimal, the overall feel is somewhat stiff and uniform, and there is none of the nuance found in instruments costing $400 or more. Think of it as training wheels: better than no hammer action at all, but you will outgrow it as your technique develops.
Who Is This Piano For?
You have the tightest possible budget and you absolutely refuse to compromise on having hammer-action keys. You understand that at $250, everything else will be bare minimum. You are a beginner who needs the physical sensation of weighted keys to develop proper finger technique, and you will accept every other limitation to get that. You plan to upgrade within a year or two once you know you are committed to learning piano.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Hammer Action |
| Polyphony | 64 notes |
| Sounds | 12 |
| Weight | 11 kg |
| Speakers | 20W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | — |
| Sound Modeling | |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1320×330×120 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
PA-88H vs RP35
The PA-88H scores higher in Portability, while the RP35 edges ahead in Beginner. Choose the PA-88H if you prioritize portability.
Ringway RP35 →PA-88H vs DEP-60
The DEP-60 edges ahead in Beginner and Value. Choose the DEP-60 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Donner DEP-60 →PA-88H vs SP201
The PA-88H scores higher in Portability, while the SP201 edges ahead in Beginner. Choose the PA-88H if you prioritize portability.
Medeli SP201 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artesia PA-88H good for beginners?
It's not ideal for beginners. The Artesia PA-88H scores 4.4/10 on our Beginner scale — it lacks key learning features. Consider a model with lesson functions and app connectivity.
Does the Artesia PA-88H have Bluetooth?
No, the Artesia PA-88H does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Artesia PA-88H?
The Artesia PA-88H weighs 11 kg (24 lbs). It scores 6/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Artesia PA-88H?
Yes. The Artesia PA-88H has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Artesia PA-88H have?
The Artesia PA-88H has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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Read more →Best Portable Digital Pianos for Travel & Small Spaces (2026)
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Read more →Similar Pianos
Donner
DEP-60
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88 weighted keys for under $250 — the budget king
6.6 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
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View Details Medeli
SP201
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Hammer-action 88 keys at a budget-breaking price
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View Details