Kawai
ES920
$1,300
Kawai's best portable action with OLED display
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 6.7 Value
88 14.5 kg
View Details Roland
Roland FP-E50 Review
The entertainer's piano — 750 sounds, mic input, and real keys
88 Keys 15.5 kg pha 4 standard
Bluetooth
Intermediate
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 | 200 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 750 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
7.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | pha 4 standard | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
4.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 15.5 kg | +0 |
| Width | 1322 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
8.2| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | pha 4 standard (grade 7) | +4.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
Most portable pianos make you choose between serious key feel and creative versatility. The FP-E50 refuses to compromise — it pairs Roland's PHA-4 Standard action with 750 sounds, auto-accompaniment, and a mic input for sing-along sessions.
Pros
- • PHA-4 Standard action with ivory-feel keys — same action as the FP-30X
- • 750 built-in sounds including organs, strings, synths, and ethnic instruments
- • Bluetooth Audio + MIDI — stream backing tracks and connect to apps wirelessly
- • Mic input with vocal effects — plug in a microphone and sing while you play
- • 256-note polyphony with SuperNATURAL piano sound
- • Built-in auto-accompaniment and rhythm patterns for solo performances
Cons
- • Only one headphone jack (6.3mm) — need an adapter for standard earbuds
- • Heavier than the FP-30X at 15.5 kg due to larger speaker system
- • At $1,200, it's a significant jump from the FP-30X — you're paying for the entertainment features
The FP-E50 occupies a unique spot in Roland's lineup. It's not trying to be the purest piano experience — that's the FP-30X's job. Instead, it's for the player who wants serious piano keys combined with a massive creative toolkit. The 750 sounds, mic input, and auto-accompaniment features make it genuinely useful for live performance, worship settings, and one-person-band scenarios. If you only play classical piano, the FP-30X gives you better value. But if you want one instrument that can handle everything from Chopin to a full-band arrangement, the FP-E50 is remarkably capable.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The PHA-4 Standard action is identical to the one in the popular FP-30X — weighted, responsive, with ivory-feel key surfaces that provide a natural grip. You get the same realistic hammer-action feel with a subtle escapement click as you press through each key, which helps develop dynamic control. Despite the entertainment focus, Roland didn't cut corners on the keyboard itself.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're the kind of player who doesn't just practice scales — you want to perform. Maybe you play at your church, entertain at family gatherings, or you just love exploring different sounds and genres. You want a real piano feel when playing classical, but you also want to layer strings behind a ballad or add drum rhythms to a jazz standard. The FP-E50 is for musicians who see the piano as a starting point, not a limitation.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Pha 4 Standard |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 750 |
| Weight | 15.5 kg |
| Speakers | 24W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 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 | 200 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1322×338×156 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
FP-E50 vs ES920
The ES920 edges ahead in Night Practice. The FP-E50 costs $100 less. Choose the ES920 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Kawai ES920 →FP-E50 vs P-S500
The P-S500 edges ahead in Night Practice. Choose the P-S500 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Yamaha P-S500 →FP-E50 vs DGX-670
The FP-E50 scores higher in Touch Reality. The DGX-670 costs $300 less. Choose the FP-E50 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Yamaha DGX-670 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland FP-E50 good for beginners?
Yes. The Roland FP-E50 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 Roland FP-E50 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Roland FP-E50 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Roland FP-E50?
The Roland FP-E50 weighs 15.5 kg (34 lbs). It scores 4.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is manageable for occasional moves but not truly portable.
Can I use headphones with the Roland FP-E50?
Yes. The Roland FP-E50 has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 7/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Roland FP-E50 have?
The Roland FP-E50 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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Yamaha
P-S500
$1,200
Yamaha's premium portable — console-grade action, 660 sounds, and Stream Lights in 13.8 kg
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 6.8 Value
88 13.8 kg
View Details Yamaha
DGX-670
$900
630 sounds, auto-accompaniment, and weighted keys — Yamaha's do-everything portable for under $1,000
10.0 Beginner 7.0 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 6.2 Touch Reality 6.2 Value
88 12.4 kg
View Details