Donner
DEP-80
$399
Graded hammer action and Bluetooth MIDI for under $400
Donner
Amazon's budget weighted piano with 50W speakers
Where to Buy
MSRP
$369
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
| 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 | 100 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 238 sounds | +0.5 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm, 3.5mm | +0.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | graded hammer action | +0.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 11.6 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1325 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | graded hammer action (grade 5) | +3 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | DREAM Sound Source | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
This Donner DEP-20 review focuses on published specifications, practice use, and comparison context rather than sponsored rankings.
If you want the most piano for the least money, the DEP-20 packs weighted 88 keys, powerful 50W speakers, and 238 sounds into a sub-$400 package — with a sustain pedal included.
The DEP-20 is the specs champion of the budget world. On paper, nothing else at this price comes close: weighted 88 keys, 50W speakers that genuinely fill a room, 238 sounds, 200 rhythms, and a sustain pedal in the box. Two headphone jacks mean a teacher and student can listen together. The catch is that Donner is a newer brand without the decades of refinement that Yamaha, Roland, and Kawai bring to their key actions and sound engines. The keys work but feel less polished. The sounds are usable but not beautiful. If your budget is firm and you want the most piano possible, the DEP-20 delivers. If you can stretch your budget a bit, an established brand will reward you with better feel and sound for years to come.
The keys have a weighted feel with the bass end heavier than the treble, like a real piano. They respond to how hard you press, with four sensitivity levels to choose from. The weight is there, but the movement feels a bit less smooth and controlled compared to pianos from the major Japanese brands. For learning and daily practice, it works well enough — you'll notice the difference mainly if you play them back to back.
You've set a firm budget of around $400 and you want the most features possible within it. Maybe you're buying a first piano for a spare room, or you want weighted keys for practice but can't justify spending more until you know this hobby will last. You don't mind that Donner isn't a household name — you care about what you get for the price.
Video coming soon for this model
We embed videos from manufacturer official channels and trusted reviewers. As soon as a suitable demo or review is available, it will appear here.
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Action |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 238 |
| Weight | 11.6 kg |
| Speakers | 50W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | DREAM Sound Source |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 100 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1325×295×193 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
MSRP
$369
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
The DEP-20 scores higher in Portability, while the Recital Grand edges ahead in Night Practice. Choose the DEP-20 if you prioritize portability.
Alesis Recital Grand →The DEP-20 scores higher in Night Practice and Touch Reality, while the DEP-80 edges ahead in Beginner. Choose the DEP-20 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Donner DEP-80 →The DEP-20 scores higher in Night Practice and Portability and Touch Reality and Value. Choose the DEP-20 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Kurzweil KA90 →The number of keys on a digital piano seems like a simple spec, but the decision affects how you learn, what you can play, and how much you spend. The honest answer isn't "always get 88" — it depends on your goals. This guide walks through who genuinely needs a full keyboard, who is better served by fewer keys, and what the practical differences look like in daily practice.
Read more →A console digital piano is the closest thing to an acoustic upright you'll find without tuning and hammers. With a fixed cabinet, built-in three-pedal unit, and speakers voiced for the room, it behaves like a piece of furniture first and an instrument second. This guide explains what separates a great console from a middling one, which features actually matter at home, and which models deliver the best balance of touch, tone, and craftsmanship.
Read more →Choosing your first piano shouldn't feel like guesswork. The right beginner instrument has enough feel and sound to keep you motivated, plus the features that make daily practice easier — not harder. This guide walks through exactly what matters in a first piano, what you can safely ignore, and the models that deliver the most to someone just starting out.
Read more →A church piano has a harder job than a home piano. It needs to cover hymn accompaniment on Sunday morning, lead a praise set on Saturday night, back a choir rehearsal midweek, and survive the move between sanctuary and youth room. This guide explains what matters most in a worship context — reliable sounds, simple controls under stage lighting, clean connection to the sound desk — and which models serve that role without overspending. It also addresses when a stage piano or an arranger keyboard is a better fit than a standard digital piano.
Read more →Classical piano demands more from an instrument than almost any other style. The keybed has to respond to the lightest whisper and the heaviest chord. The pedals have to behave like those on an acoustic grand. The sound engine has to hold up under close listening. This guide focuses on digital pianos that can genuinely support serious classical study — from late beginners through to conservatory-bound players — and explains what really matters when you compare them.
Read more →You've played for a year or two. You can read music, hold a rhythm, and tackle pieces beyond the beginner books. You're also starting to notice where your current piano holds you back — usually the key action and the dynamic range. This guide is for players ready to leave the entry level. It explains what an intermediate-grade instrument actually changes, which specs matter now that you can hear the difference, and which models hit the sweet spot between price and real musical return.
Read more →Kids don't need the most expensive piano — they need the right one for where they are now. A piano that feels appropriate for small hands, fits in a child's room, and includes features that make practice feel like play will keep your child engaged far longer than an overbuilt flagship. This guide helps you match the instrument to your child's age, attention span, and level of commitment.
Read more →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 →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 →Under $2,000 is where digital pianos start feeling genuinely serious. You move beyond entry-level plastic into refined key actions, nuanced sound engines, and builds that will satisfy intermediate players for years. This guide explains what changes at this price, what to prioritize when options open up, and the models that deliver real value in a crowded segment.
Read more →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 →Bluetooth has become a standard feature on digital pianos, but what it actually does varies more than most buyers realize. Some models support only wireless app connections. Some stream audio from your phone through the piano's speakers. Some do both, and a few handle neither well. This guide walks through exactly what Bluetooth gives you on a digital piano, where the catches are, and which models deliver a clean wireless experience.
Read more →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 →A stage piano is a different kind of instrument. It lives in a gig bag, loads into a venue, and has to sound professional the moment you plug in. Unlike a home digital piano, the priorities shift to portability, durability, and the controls you can reach mid-song. This guide walks you through what actually matters when you play out — and which models hold up night after night.
Read more →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 →The choice between a digital piano and an acoustic piano comes down to more than just preference — it's about your home, your budget, your practice habits, and your long-term goals. Both are legitimate instruments for serious piano study, and modern digital pianos have closed the gap dramatically. This guide lays out the real differences so you can decide which belongs in your home.
Read more →"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 →"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 →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 →How the 5-axis scores are calculated
We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).
Spot a mistake or have a question about what's on this page? Let us know and we'll review it.
Suggest a correctionSame brand and the same product category, sorted by smallest price gap.
Donner
$399
Graded hammer action and Bluetooth MIDI for under $400
Donner
$279
The cheapest way to get 88 keys, Bluetooth, and a battery
Donner
$249
88 weighted keys for under $250 — the budget king
Different makers in the same category and a similar price band, ranked by how closely the spec-based scores match this model.
Alesis
$400
Alesis finally adds real hammer action — and 256-note polyphony
Kurzweil
$400
Kurzweil sound quality in a beginner-friendly portable
Medeli
$300
Hammer-action 88 keys at a budget-breaking price
Search retailers
Donner DEP-20