Artesia
PE-88
$350
Budget hammer-action with lesson tools and 137 sounds
7.1 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 7.0 Value
88 11.5 kg
View Details Medeli
Medeli SP201 Review
Hammer-action 88 keys at a budget-breaking price
88 Keys 12 kg hammer action Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
7.1| 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 | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 600 sounds | +0.5 |
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 | hammer action | +0.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
5.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 12 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1330 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
5.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | hammer action (grade 5) | +3 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | +0.8 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | Standard | +0 |
Our Verdict
The Medeli SP201 delivers what seems impossible: a full 88-key hammer-action piano with 600 sounds, lesson function, and recording for around $300 — but corners are cut to hit that price.
Pros
- • Hammer-action keys at $300 — one of the most affordable instruments with a real hammer mechanism
- • 600 built-in sounds — enormous variety for experimentation and fun, far beyond just piano
- • Built-in lesson function — structured practice tools for self-teaching beginners
- • Recording function — capture your practice sessions to track progress
- • 128-note polyphony — adequate for beginner and intermediate repertoire
- • USB MIDI for connecting to learning apps and music software
Cons
- • Hammer action quality is basic — the mechanism works but lacks the refinement of established brands
- • 600 sounds but piano tone quality is average — quantity over quality in the sound library
- • No Bluetooth — wired connections only
- • Brand support and parts availability may be limited compared to major manufacturers
- • 20W speakers are adequate but not impressive
The Medeli SP201 is the budget hammer-action champion. At $300, no other instrument gives you real hammers, 88 keys, a lesson function, recording, and 600 sounds. The trade-offs are real — the piano tone is average, the hammer action is basic, and brand support is limited. But if your budget is firm at $300 and you refuse to compromise on having a hammer mechanism, the SP201 is the instrument to buy. It will teach your fingers the basics of weighted-key playing, which semi-weighted alternatives at this price simply cannot do.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The hammer action in the SP201 is the instrument's most important feature and its biggest selling point at this price. There are real hammers inside the keyboard that provide weighted resistance, which is essential for developing proper finger technique. However, the action is noticeably less refined than the graded hammer mechanisms in Yamaha's P-145 or Casio's PX-S1100. The grading from bass to treble is less pronounced, and the overall feel is somewhat stiffer. It is still significantly better than semi-weighted keys for learning piano, but manage your expectations — this is budget hammer action.
Who Is This Piano For?
You have a strict budget and you absolutely want hammer-action keys — not semi-weighted, not spring-loaded, but actual hammers inside the keyboard. You are a beginner who wants to learn proper piano technique from day one without spending $500 or more. You might also enjoy exploring the massive 600-sound library for fun. You understand that at this price, the tone and touch will not match a Yamaha or Casio, but the hammer action alone makes it worth considering over semi-weighted alternatives.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Hammer Action |
| Polyphony | 128 notes |
| Sounds | 600 |
| Weight | 12 kg |
| Speakers | 20W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | — |
| Sound Modeling | |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| 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 | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1330×330×125 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
SP201 vs PE-88
The PE-88 edges ahead in Portability. Choose the PE-88 if you prioritize portability.
Artesia PE-88 →SP201 vs DEP-60
The SP201 scores higher in Beginner, while the DEP-60 edges ahead in Portability. Choose the SP201 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Donner DEP-60 →SP201 vs RP35
The SP201 scores higher in Beginner. Choose the SP201 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Ringway RP35 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Medeli SP201 good for beginners?
Yes. The Medeli SP201 scores 7.1/10 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 Medeli SP201 have Bluetooth?
No, the Medeli SP201 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Medeli SP201?
The Medeli SP201 weighs 12 kg (26 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 Medeli SP201?
Yes. The Medeli SP201 has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5.5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Medeli SP201 have?
The Medeli SP201 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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DEP-60
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6.6 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 6.0 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 7.2 Value
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