Casio
CDP-S360
$550
700 sounds in a slim body — the budget arranger that doubles as a piano
8.6 Beginner 4.5 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 6.4 Touch Reality 6.2 Value
88 10.9 kg
View Details Casio
Casio CDP-S160 Review
A proper 88-key weighted piano for under $500
88 Keys 10.5 kg scaled hammer action ii Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
7.2| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 10 | +0.3 |
| Sound Variety | 10 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
4.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm | +0.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | scaled hammer action ii | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
5.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1322 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
6.4| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | scaled hammer action ii (grade 6) | +3.6 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Our Verdict
The CDP-S160 gives you what matters most at the entry level: 88 weighted keys with Casio's Scaled Hammer Action II, the AiR Sound Source, and a slim body you can place on a table or optional stand. No bells and whistles — just a solid starter piano.
Pros
- • Scaled Hammer Action II — graded weighted keys that feel like a real piano
- • 88 full-size keys — enough range for any piece you'll encounter as a beginner or intermediate
- • AiR Sound Source delivers natural, resonant piano tones
- • 128-note polyphony — comfortable headroom for pedal-heavy playing
- • Ultra-slim design at only 232mm deep — fits on desks and narrow tables
- • 10.5 kg — portable enough to move between rooms
- • Under $500 — exceptional value for a weighted 88-key piano
- • Built-in lesson function for self-guided practice
Cons
- • Only 10 sounds — extremely limited sound palette
- • Single 3.5mm headphone jack — no standard 6.3mm
- • No headphone optimization — flat sound through headphones
- • No Bluetooth of any kind
- • No app connectivity
- • No battery power — AC adapter required
- • Only 10 preset songs — minimal lesson content
The CDP-S160 is the definition of 'no-nonsense starter piano.' Eighty-eight weighted keys, a good sound engine, slim enough to sit on a desk, light enough to carry to a lesson — and all for under $500. The trade-off is clear: you get almost nothing beyond the basics. Ten sounds, no Bluetooth, no app, no battery. But those basics are done well. The key action is honest and the piano tone is musical. If you're starting your piano journey on a budget and you'd rather spend your money on better keys than more features, the CDP-S160 is exactly the right choice.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Scaled Hammer Action II provides real weight under your fingers. The bass keys feel noticeably heavier than the treble keys, just like an acoustic piano. It's not the most expressive action Casio makes — that title goes to their Tri-Sensor and Smart Scaled Hammer actions — but it's a genuine step up from non-weighted keyboards. You'll develop proper finger strength and technique on these keys. The surfaces are matte plastic rather than textured, so they can feel slightly slippery compared to ivory-feel keys.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want a real piano — with weighted keys, 88 notes, and honest piano sound — and you don't want to spend more than $500. You're a beginner who's committed to learning properly, or a parent buying your child's first serious instrument. You don't need hundreds of sounds or wireless features. You need keys that feel right, a sound that inspires, and a body that fits your space. The CDP-S160 strips away everything non-essential and delivers the fundamentals at a price that's hard to argue with.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Scaled Hammer Action Ii |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 10 |
| Weight | 10.5 kg |
| Speakers | 16W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 10 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1322×232×99 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
CDP-S160 vs CDP-S360
The CDP-S360 edges ahead in Beginner. Choose the CDP-S360 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Casio CDP-S360 →CDP-S160 vs B2
The CDP-S160 scores higher in Beginner, while the B2 edges ahead in Portability. The B2 costs $100 less. Choose the CDP-S160 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Korg B2 →CDP-S160 vs FP-10
The CDP-S160 scores higher in Portability, while the FP-10 edges ahead in Beginner and Touch Reality. Choose the CDP-S160 if you prioritize portability.
Roland FP-10 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casio CDP-S160 good for beginners?
Yes. The Casio CDP-S160 scores 7.2/10 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 CDP-S160 have Bluetooth?
No, the Casio CDP-S160 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Casio CDP-S160?
The Casio CDP-S160 weighs 10.5 kg (23 lbs). It scores 5.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Casio CDP-S160?
Yes. The Casio CDP-S160 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 4.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Casio CDP-S160 have?
The Casio CDP-S160 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 Digital Pianos Under $1,000 (2026)
The $500–$1,000 range is where digital pianos get genuinely good. This is the sweet spot — where key actions start to feel convincing, speakers become room-filling, and you get features that actually matter for your progress. If you can stretch your budget to this range, you'll get an instrument that can carry you from your first lesson through years of playing.
Read more →Best Digital Pianos Under $500 (2026)
You don't need to spend a fortune to start playing piano. Under $500, there are genuinely good instruments that will serve a beginner well for years. But at this price, trade-offs are real — and knowing what to prioritize makes all the difference. This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect, what to look for, and which models deliver the most value.
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
Korg
B2
$400
The best speakers under $400
6.0 Beginner 4.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 6.1 Touch Reality 6.3 Value
88 11.4 kg
View Details Roland
FP-10
$500
Roland's cheapest 88-key — and it still has the same keys as the FP-30X
8.5 Beginner 4.5 Night Practice 5.0 Portability 7.1 Touch Reality 6.5 Value
88 12.6 kg
View Details