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 Korg
Korg XE20 Review
700 sounds and auto-accompaniment on a real piano keyboard
88 Keys 12 kg natural weighted hammer action Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
8.4| 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 | 40 | +1.3 |
| Sound Variety | 700 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
5.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | natural weighted hammer action | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
6.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 12 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1312 mm | +0 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
6.1| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | natural weighted hammer action (grade 7) | +4.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 120 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | Standard | +0 |
Our Verdict
Part piano, part one-man band. The XE20 combines 88 weighted keys with 700 sounds and automatic accompaniment patterns — play a chord with your left hand and a full backing band follows along.
Pros
- • 700 sounds — pianos, organs, strings, brass, synths, and more
- • Auto-accompaniment with full band backing (drums, bass, chords) in multiple genres
- • Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) — a real weighted keyboard, not just springs
- • Built-in lesson function with 40 preset songs
- • 25W speakers — decent volume for home use
- • 12kg and portable — lighter than most 88-key weighted keyboards
Cons
- • NH action is Korg's entry-level weighted keyboard — noticeably less refined than the RH3
- • No Bluetooth — cannot connect wirelessly to apps or stream audio
- • 120-note polyphony may clip during complex auto-accompaniment passages
- • No app connectivity — all features are controlled from the panel only
The XE20 is the Swiss Army knife of Korg's lineup. The 700 sounds and auto-accompaniment make it genuinely entertaining in a way that pure piano models aren't. The trade-off is a lesser keybed — the NH action is fine for beginners but won't satisfy serious pianists. If you mostly want piano, the D1 or LP-380U give you a far better touch for similar money. But if you want variety and fun, the XE20 delivers more musical entertainment per dollar than almost anything else.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The NH (Natural Weighted Hammer) action is Korg's entry-level weighted keyboard. The keys have genuine weight to them — heavier in the bass, lighter in the treble — but the feel is simpler and less nuanced than the RH3 found on Korg's more expensive models. It's perfectly adequate for a beginner or casual player, but experienced pianists will notice the difference.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want a piano that's also fun. Maybe you enjoy playing pop songs and wish you had a backing band, or you want to explore sounds beyond just piano. The XE20 is for the player who'd get bored with a pure piano after a month but would light up playing a bossa nova arrangement with automatic accompaniment filling in the rhythm section.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Natural Weighted Hammer Action |
| Polyphony | 120 notes |
| Sounds | 700 |
| Weight | 12 kg |
| Speakers | 25W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | — |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| 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 | 40 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1312×336×131 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
XE20 vs CDP-S360
The XE20 scores higher in Night Practice and Portability. The CDP-S360 costs $150 less. Choose the XE20 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Casio CDP-S360 →XE20 vs KA-120
The XE20 scores higher in Portability and Touch Reality, while the KA-120 edges ahead in Night Practice. The KA-120 costs $200 less. Choose the XE20 if you prioritize portability.
Kurzweil KA-120 →XE20 vs CDP-S160
The XE20 scores higher in Beginner and Night Practice and Portability. The CDP-S160 costs $200 less. Choose the XE20 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Casio CDP-S160 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Korg XE20 good for beginners?
Yes. The Korg XE20 scores 8.4/10 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 Korg XE20 have Bluetooth?
No, the Korg XE20 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Korg XE20?
The Korg XE20 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 Korg XE20?
Yes. The Korg XE20 has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Korg XE20 have?
The Korg XE20 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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Kurzweil
KA-120
$500
A pro brand's budget piano — Kurzweil quality at $500
8.6 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 6.5 Value
88 12 kg
View Details Casio
CDP-S160
$500
A proper 88-key weighted piano for under $500
7.2 Beginner 4.5 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 6.4 Touch Reality 6.1 Value
88 10.5 kg
View Details