Kawai
KDP-170
$1,200
Kawai's quiet achiever — everything a beginner needs in a clean console package
9.9 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 7.6 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
88 42 kg
View Details Casio
Casio AP-550 Review
The modern Celviano — Bluetooth, better keys, and timeless style
88 Keys 44 kg smart scaled hammer action
Bluetooth
Intermediate
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 60 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 22 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | smart scaled hammer action | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 44 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1393 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
7.6| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | smart scaled hammer action (grade 6) | +3.6 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source, Multi-dimensional Morphing | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
Casio's refreshed Celviano adds Bluetooth audio and MIDI, upgrades to Smart Scaled Hammer Action, and keeps everything that made the AP-470 a living room favorite — the elegant furniture cabinet, 40W four-speaker system, and headphone optimization for late-night practice.
Pros
- • Smart Scaled Hammer Action with ivory-feel keys — refined, expressive touch
- • Bluetooth Audio + MIDI — stream music through speakers and connect to apps wirelessly
- • 256-note polyphony handles complex classical repertoire without note dropout
- • 40W four-speaker system delivers full, room-filling sound
- • Two headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with spatial headphone optimization
- • App connectivity via Chordana Play — interactive lessons and music library
- • Built-in lesson function with 60 preset songs
- • Elegant furniture cabinet with sliding key cover
Cons
- • 44 kg — permanently placed furniture, not portable
- • Only 22 sounds — focused on piano, limited variety
- • $200 more than the AP-470 it replaces
- • Smart Scaled Hammer Action rated below the AP-470's Tri-Sensor action in some aspects
- • Large footprint at 1393mm wide — needs a dedicated wall space
The AP-550 is what the Celviano line needed — a modern update that adds Bluetooth and app connectivity without losing the elegant furniture design, powerful speaker system, or satisfying key feel that made the AP-470 popular. The $200 premium over its predecessor is justified by the wireless features alone. For intermediate players who want a beautiful, capable home piano with modern connectivity, the AP-550 hits the mark. The only reason to look elsewhere is if you want more sounds or a lighter touch — but in that case, you're probably looking at a different type of instrument entirely.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Smart Scaled Hammer Action is Casio's modern take on graded hammer keys. Each key is individually weighted — heavier at the low end, lighter at the top — and the ivory-feel surface provides a slightly textured grip on the white keys. The action is responsive and expressive, translating soft touches into gentle tones and firm strikes into bold, ringing notes. It's a comfortable, natural-feeling action that suits both classical practice and casual playing.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want a complete, modern piano for your living room — one that connects to your phone or tablet for streaming music, works with learning apps, and still looks like a timeless piece of furniture. You're an intermediate player or an ambitious beginner who wants a piano that will grow with you. If you considered the AP-470 but wished it had wireless connectivity, the AP-550 is the direct answer.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Smart Scaled Hammer Action |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 22 |
| Weight | 44 kg |
| Speakers | 40W (×4) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source, Multi-dimensional Morphing |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 60 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1393×427×830 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand included
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
AP-550 vs KDP-170
The AP-550 scores higher in Night Practice. The KDP-170 costs $100 less. Choose the AP-550 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Kawai KDP-170 →AP-550 vs HP-701
The HP-701 edges ahead in Touch Reality. The AP-550 costs $200 less. Choose the HP-701 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Roland HP-701 →AP-550 vs RP-701
The RP-701 edges ahead in Touch Reality. The AP-550 costs $100 less. Choose the RP-701 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Roland RP-701 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casio AP-550 good for beginners?
Yes. The Casio AP-550 scores 10/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Casio AP-550 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Casio AP-550 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Casio AP-550?
The Casio AP-550 weighs 44 kg (97 lbs). It scores 1.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Can I use headphones with the Casio AP-550?
Yes. The Casio AP-550 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8.5/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Casio AP-550 have?
The Casio AP-550 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
Related Guides
Best Digital Pianos for Seniors & Older Adults (2026)
Choosing a digital piano in your 50s, 60s, or 70s is different from buying one at 25. You may want a more comfortable key action that's easier on aging joints, a display you can read without squinting, and built-in lessons that let you learn at your own pace. This guide covers exactly that.
Read more →Best Portable Digital Pianos for Travel & Small Spaces (2026)
Sometimes you need a piano that goes where you go. Whether you're gigging, traveling, teaching at multiple locations, or simply don't have room for a full console, portability matters. But lighter doesn't always mean better — the trade-offs between weight, key quality, and features are real. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for in a portable digital piano.
Read more →Digital Piano Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Buying a digital piano can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of models, confusing specs, and marketing jargon make it hard to know what actually matters. This guide breaks down everything you need to understand — in plain language — so you can make a confident decision.
Read more →Digital Piano vs Keyboard — What's the Difference? (2026)
"Should I buy a digital piano or a keyboard?" It's the most common question beginners ask — and the most confusing, because the terms get used interchangeably even by music stores. They're actually quite different instruments designed for different purposes. This guide cuts through the marketing noise and explains exactly what separates them, when each one makes sense, and which you should buy based on your actual goals.
Read more →Graded Hammer Action vs Weighted Keys: What's the Difference?
"Weighted keys" and "graded hammer action" are two of the most common terms you'll see when shopping for a digital piano. They sound similar but refer to different things. This guide explains exactly what they mean, how they affect your playing, and which type you should look for.
Read more →Best Quiet Digital Pianos for Apartments (2026)
Living in an apartment doesn't mean giving up piano. Digital pianos were practically made for this situation — plug in headphones and the world disappears. But not all models are equally quiet. Key noise, headphone quality, and late-night optimization features vary widely. This guide helps you find the right piano for peaceful apartment practice.
Read more →Similar Pianos
Roland
HP-701
$1,500
A dependable home piano that gets everything right for families
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
88 47 kg
View Details Roland
RP-701
$1,400
FP-30X quality in a furniture cabinet — the family piano
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
88 45.5 kg
View Details