$1,700
Roland HP-601: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
8.6 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.8 Touch Reality 6.8 Value
88 45 kg
Roland HP-701 Review
Roland HP-701: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
88 Keys 47 kg PHA-4 Standard
Bluetooth
Beginner
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$1,500
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
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 | 377 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 324 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | PHA-4 Standard | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 47 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1377 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 |
Roland HP-701 review verdict
This Roland HP-701 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Roland HP-701 is best read as a console 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, Bluetooth and app support.
- • Use case: Its best fit is home practice.
Cons
- • Main limit: the need for maximum portability.
- • Furniture footprint should still be checked.
- • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.
Roland HP-701 is a console 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, 256-note polyphony, 28W speakers, and a weight of 47 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For home practice, 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.
Roland HP-701 evaluation points
Roland HP-701 key action and touch
Roland HP-701 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 ivory feel key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 256-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 Roland HP-701 is for
Roland HP-701 is most relevant for beginners and returning players. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: a more piano-like touch. Limits: the need for maximum portability. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Roland HP-701 sound and speakers
Roland HP-701 offers 324 sounds and 28W 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, Bluetooth and app support.
What to know before buying the Roland HP-701
Before buying Roland HP-701, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. The stand is included, which simplifies the purchase. 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 Roland HP-701 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
Video coming soon for this model
We embed videos from manufacturer official channels and trusted reviewers. As soon as a suitable demo or review is available, it will appear here.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | PHA-4 Standard |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 324 |
| Weight | 47 kg |
| Speakers | 28W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | SuperNATURAL Piano |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 377 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1377×468×1038 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Spec terms are explained in the glossary. Glossary →
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Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand included
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
$1,500
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
HP-701 vs CLP-725
the CLP-725 is stronger in piano-like touch. The HP-701 costs $200 less. Choose the CLP-725 if piano-like touch matters most.
Yamaha CLP-725 →HP-701 vs YDP-165
The HP-701 scores higher in quiet practice and value for money. The HP-701 costs $299 less. Choose the HP-701 if quiet practice matters most.
Yamaha YDP-165 →HP-701 vs F-701
the F-701 is stronger in portability. The HP-701 costs $149 less. Choose the F-701 if portability matters most.
Roland F-701 →Related Guides
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Read more →Best Console Digital Pianos for the Home (2026)
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Read more →What reviewers say online
A synthesis of recurring points from price-comparison sites, Amazon reviews, music-store staff videos and forum threads. Not a star-rating average — we read across multiple reviews and pulled out the points that came up repeatedly.
The Roland HP-701 is the entry console of the 700 series, housing the PHA-4 Standard keybed and the SuperNATURAL piano engine in a furniture-style cabinet. International reviews dealing with the HP-701 on its own are not numerous, but across reviews of the same-generation higher models, the HP-702 and RP-701, the assessment of the PHA-4 keybed and the practice features is shared, placing it as a dependable home console.
Praised most often
-
The dependable touch of the PHA-4 Standard keybed
In reviews of same-generation models, most rate the PHA-4 keybed as among the best of the current plastic-based designs. With a graded feel that is heavier in the bass and lighter in the treble, and an ivory-feel surface, it is held to suit entry to intermediate practice.
-
A full set of practice features and app integration
Beyond lesson features, built-in songs and recording, the ability to integrate with an app over Bluetooth audio and MIDI is rated as practical on same-generation models. The reading is that it makes it easy to keep practice going without attending a class.
-
A dependable console for the home
With two headphone jacks in a furniture-style cabinet, a setup that makes quiet family practice easy is valued. The view is that it suits those who want to secure Roland's baseline quality even if the higher models are out of reach.
Common cautions and criticisms
-
The speakers do not have the body of the higher models
It is generally framed that the 28W two-speaker configuration gives ground in bass and the spread of resonance compared with the higher HP-704 of the same generation (60W, four speakers). The view is that in a large room, pairing with headphones is the realistic approach.
-
The keybed is not a wood hybrid
The keybed is the PHA-4 Standard, and reviews of same-generation models share the framing that it does not have the delicate expressiveness of the wood-using PHA-50 in the higher models. The view is that for serious classical use, a step-up keybed is preferable.
By source
-
Specialist review sites (mainly via same-generation models)
Reviews dealing with the HP-701 on its own are limited, and outlets such as AZ Piano Reviews discuss it mainly around the same-generation HP-702/HP-704. From the shared assessment of the PHA-4 keybed and the tone engine, the HP-701 can be read as the entry-leaning position of that line.
-
Retailer reviews & videos
Retailer outlets such as Merriam Music introduce the 700 series as a furniture-style home instrument that is easy to live with, mostly framing it as differentiated from the higher models by the grade of the speakers and the keybed.
Net take
On balance, although international reviews of the HP-701 on its own are few, from the assessment of same-generation models it is a model that can be placed as the dependable entry console of the 700 series. The PHA-4 keybed and a full set of practice features are its strong points, making it a candidate for those who want Roland's baseline quality in the home. If you want body from the speakers or a wood keybed, the higher HP-702 and HP-704 are realistic comparison candidates. Note, too, that information dealing with the HP-701's own feel in use is limited, so this assessment includes inference from same-generation models.
We do not compute a numeric star average. The points below are recurring themes we identified by reading across multiple reviews.
Sources & transparency
This page is written by the operator, who has run the piano-learning site Piano Juku since 2017, based on published manufacturer specifications. We are not a retailer or tied to any maker — every model is compared by the same criteria. About the operator
- Last verified
- Data referenced from
- Manufacturer official
How the 5-axis scores are calculated
We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).
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Roland HP-701