1st Note

Kawai

Kawai ES60 Review

Kawai ES60: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

88 Keys 11 kg responsive hammer basic Beginner

Scores

6.4 5.5 6.0 6.2 6.4 Beginner Night Practice Portability Touch Reality Value

Beginner

6.4

Night Practice

5.5

Portability

6.0

Touch Reality

6.2

Value

6.4

Where to Buy

MSRP

$499

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 These Scores Were Calculated

Beginner

6.4
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 3.0
Lesson Function No +0
App Connectivity Yes +1.5
Recording No +0
Metronome Yes +0.5
Transpose Yes +0.3
Layer / Split Yes +0.3
Preset Songs 15 +0.5
Sound Variety 17 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 responsive hammer basic +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 1295 mm +0
Battery No +0
Foldable No +0
Key Count 88 keys +0

Touch Reality

6.2
Factor This Piano Points
Key Action Quality responsive hammer basic (grade 5) +3
Key Count 88 keys +1.5
Polyphony 192 notes +1.2
Sound Modeling Harmonic Imaging +0.5
Key Surface matte +0

How was this calculated? — Read our methodology

Kawai ES60 review verdict

This Kawai ES60 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.

Kawai ES60 is best read as a portable digital piano for beginners and returning players. This review looks at weighted-key feel, sound, practice features, value, and realistic comparison points instead of treating the spec sheet as advertising copy.

Pros

  • Key count: 88 keys, a clear basis for digital piano comparison.
  • Touch: weighted hammer action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
  • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
  • Connectivity: USB MIDI and app support.
  • Use case: Its best fit is home practice and stage use.

Cons

  • Main limit: the need for a furniture-style living-room instrument.
  • Stand cost and compatibility are separate checks.
  • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.

Kawai ES60 is a portable digital piano that makes most sense when its strengths are matched to the right practice situation. The useful points are 88 keys, weighted hammer action, 192-note polyphony, 20W speakers, and a weight of 11 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For home practice and stage use, this model can be a sensible candidate if the layout and feature set match the way the instrument will actually be used. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. The fairest comparison is with models in the same price and use class, where touch, speakers, headphone practice, and connectivity can be judged side by side.

Kawai ES60 evaluation points

Kawai ES60 key action and touch

Kawai ES60 uses a weighted hammer action. For a digital piano with weighted keys, the important question is not only whether the keys are heavy, but whether they help steady daily practice. The matte key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 192-note polyphony; that is enough for ordinary pieces, while more layered playing or heavy pedal use benefits from a higher number. This makes the key action a practical comparison point rather than a decorative specification.

Who the Kawai ES60 is for

Kawai ES60 is most relevant for beginners and returning players. The main use case is home practice and stage use. Strengths: portability and easy placement. Limits: the need for a furniture-style living-room instrument. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.

Kawai ES60 sound and speakers

Kawai ES60 offers 17 sounds and 20W speakers. That is the sound side of the review: enough variety for practice, but the real experience depends on speaker power, headphone use, and the room where it will be played. The headphone output supports quiet practice. For lessons, apps, or recording workflows, the useful connectivity is USB MIDI and app support.

What to know before buying the Kawai ES60

Before buying Kawai ES60, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. A stand may need to be budgeted separately. A damper pedal is included, though some players may still want a fuller pedal unit. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. For searchers looking for a Kawai ES60 review, the practical conclusion is to treat it as one candidate in a digital piano comparison, not as a universal answer for every player.

Demo Video

Source: Better Music Watch on YouTube ↗

Specifications

Keys 88
Key Action Responsive Hammer Basic
Polyphony 192 notes
Sounds 17
Weight 11 kg
Speakers 20W (×2)
Bluetooth No

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

$499

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

ES60 vs P-145BT

The ES60 scores higher in portability, piano-like touch and value for money. The ES60 costs $51 less. Choose the ES60 if portability matters most.

Yamaha P-145BT →

ES60 vs PE-88

The ES60 scores higher in piano-like touch, while the PE-88 is stronger in beginner support and value for money. The PE-88 costs $149 less. Choose the ES60 if piano-like touch matters most.

Artesia PE-88 →

ES60 vs CDP-S110

The ES60 scores higher in quiet practice and portability. Choose the ES60 if quiet practice matters most.

Casio CDP-S110 →

Related Guides

88 Keys vs 61 Keys: Which Digital Piano Size Is Right?

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 →

Best Console Digital Pianos for the Home (2026)

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 →

Best Digital Pianos for Church and Worship Use (2026)

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 →

Best Digital Pianos for Classical Music (2026)

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 →

Best Digital Pianos for Intermediate Players (2026)

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 →

Best Digital Pianos for Kids (2026 Parent's Guide)

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 →

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 $2,000 (2026)

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 →

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 Digital Pianos with Bluetooth (2026)

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 →

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 →

Best Stage Pianos for Gigging Musicians (2026)

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 →

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 Acoustic Piano: Which Should You Buy?

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 →

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 →

Sources & transparency

Last verified
Data referenced from
Manufacturer official ×2 Authorized retailer

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 correction

Similar Pianos

Closest in the same lineup

Same brand and the same product category, sorted by smallest price gap.

Kawai

ES120

$949

Kawai ES120: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 6.8 Touch Reality 7.1 Value
88 12 kg
View details

Kawai

ES-520

$1,399

Kawai ES-520: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 7.3 Touch Reality 6.6 Value
88 15 kg
View details

Kawai

ES920

$1,899

Kawai ES920: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 6.6 Value
88 14.5 kg
View details

Alternatives from other brands

Different makers in the same category and a similar price band, ranked by how closely the spec-based scores match this model.

Yamaha

P-145BT

$550

Yamaha P-145BT: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

6.3 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 5.4 Touch Reality 5.7 Value
88 11.1 kg
View details

Korg

B2+

$599

Korg B2+: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

6.0 Beginner 4.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 6.1 Touch Reality 5.5 Value
88 11.4 kg
View details

Artesia

PE-88

$350

Artesia PE-88: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

7.1 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 7.0 Value
88 11.5 kg
View details

Search retailers

Kawai ES60