Roland
FP-60X
$1,100
Roland's mid-range powerhouse with mic input
9.7 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 5.0 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.0 Value
88 19.3 kg
Kawai
Kawai ES120 Review
Kawai's feature-packed contender with 100 rhythms
88 Keys 12 kg responsive hammer compact ii
Bluetooth
Intermediate
Where to Buy
MSRP
$949
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.
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 | 393 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 25 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm, 6.3mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | responsive hammer compact ii | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 12 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1305 mm | +0 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
6.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | responsive hammer compact ii (grade 6) | +3.6 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 192 notes | +1.2 |
| Sound Modeling | Harmonic Imaging | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Our Verdict
If you want one piano that does everything well — practice, lessons, late-night playing — the ES120 checks every box without breaking the bank.
Pros
- • Bluetooth Audio + MIDI — both included
- • Dual headphone jacks (3.5mm + 6.3mm) with spatial optimization
- • Responsive Hammer Compact II with Kawai's acclaimed touch
- • 100 built-in rhythm patterns — unique at this price
- • Lesson function with 377+ song book pieces
- • Virtual Technician (17 parameters) for sound customization
Cons
- • No battery option
- • Slightly heavier than slimmest competitors
- • Harmonic Imaging sound engine is capable but less rich than competitors' top-tier engines
The ES120 is the piano we'd recommend to a friend who's just starting out and doesn't want to think too hard about which model to pick. It has everything — Bluetooth so you can play along with music from your phone, built-in lessons to guide your practice, rhythm patterns to make playing more fun, and a key feel that Kawai is famous for. The stand is sold separately, so budget an extra $50-80 for that. At under $700, nothing else gives you this much.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The keys have a pleasant weight to them — heavier when you play low notes, lighter as you move up, just like a real piano. They respond well to how hard or soft you press, so you can play gently for quiet passages and firmly for louder ones. For this price range, the touch feels more natural and satisfying than most alternatives.
Who Is This Piano For?
You've just retired and want to finally learn piano, or you played as a child and want to pick it back up. You practice in the evenings while your partner watches TV, so you need great headphone sound. You don't want to research a dozen accessories — you want one piano that comes ready to learn on.
Demo Video
Source:
Merriam Music Watch on YouTube ↗
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Responsive Hammer Compact Ii |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 25 |
| Weight | 12 kg |
| Speakers | 20W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | Harmonic Imaging |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm, 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 393 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1305×280×150 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.
Where to Buy
MSRP
$949
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.
How It Compares
ES120 vs FP-60X
The ES120 scores higher in Portability, while the FP-60X edges ahead in Touch Reality. The ES120 costs $151 less. Choose the ES120 if you prioritize portability.
Roland FP-60X →ES120 vs PX-S3100
The ES120 scores higher in Night Practice, while the PX-S3100 edges ahead in Portability and Touch Reality. Choose the ES120 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Casio PX-S3100 →ES120 vs FP-30X
The ES120 scores higher in Portability, while the FP-30X edges ahead in Touch Reality. The FP-30X costs $249 less. Choose the ES120 if you prioritize portability.
Roland FP-30X →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kawai ES120 good for beginners?
Yes. The Kawai ES120 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 Kawai ES120 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Kawai ES120 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Kawai ES120?
The Kawai ES120 weighs 12 kg (26 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 Kawai ES120?
Yes. The Kawai ES120 has 2 headphone jacks (3.5mm, 6.3mm). 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 Kawai ES120 have?
The Kawai ES120 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
Who is the Kawai ES120 best for?
You've just retired and want to finally learn piano, or you played as a child and want to pick it back up. You practice in the evenings while your partner watches TV, so you need great headphone sound. You don't want to research a dozen accessories — you want one piano that comes ready to learn on.
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