Kawai ES920 Digital Piano Review: The Top Choice for 88 Keys?

Space-saving digital pianos are everywhere, but few deliver an authentic playing feel quite like the ES920. After spending a good chunk of time with this model, I get why players at all levels talk up its realistic key action and surprisingly full sound.

The ES920 stands out for its grand piano-like response and tones that can honestly rival some traditional uprights. Sure, there are a couple of quirks with the key action, but most folks seem to enjoy the clarity whether through speakers or headphones. Its portable build is a bonus if you ever want to shift it between rooms or setups.

Bottom Line

If you’re after a realistic yet portable piano experience, the ES920 is worth a serious look.

If sound and touch matter most, check it out here.

Overview: Kawai ES920 88-Key Digital Piano

After playing the ES920, the key action and sound really do stand out. The keys feel close to what you’d expect from an acoustic, making practice or performance a lot more satisfying—at home or on stage.

The built-in speakers are solid, though they might not rumble a big room. Bluetooth audio and MIDI make it easy to connect for wireless jamming or recording, which is honestly handy.

It’s portable for a stage piano, but not exactly featherweight. The main voices, especially the acoustic and electric pianos, sound rich; some of the extras are just okay. If you care about authentic touch and versatility, this one’s a strong contender.

Premium Sound Quality

From the first note, it’s obvious the ES920 isn’t just another digital piano. The keys have a realistic feel and the sound samples capture a pretty wide dynamic range. The stereo speakers pump out decent depth and clarity whether you’re playing gentle passages or big, layered chords.

There’s a minor quirk with the key action that pops up in some reviews, but most agree the sound quality is right up there with the best in its class. Whether you’re on headphones or speakers, it stays balanced and expressive. Swapping between different instrument sounds is straightforward, too, and doesn’t mess with the main piano’s richness.

Responsive Hammer III Keyboard Action

The key action on this thing feels awfully close to a real grand. Graded weighting gives a nice depth in the bass and a lighter touch up top. The textured keys help keep fingers from slipping, especially during long practice sessions.

Some might find the action a bit heavier than other portables in the same price range. That’s good for building finger strength, but maybe not ideal if you want a super light touch. Overall, the consistency and natural feel will appeal to both experienced and advancing players.

Onboard Stereo Speaker System

First time playing, the built-in speakers really surprised me. They deliver clear, balanced sound, so you don’t need external amplification for regular home use.

Volume is enough for a typical living room or small studio. Even cranked up, the lows stay rich and the highs crisp. In bigger spaces, though, you might want to plug into something beefier.

Switching to headphones is painless. The speakers do their job for home or small venues, but if you’re playing for a crowd, you’ll probably want more firepower.

Bluetooth Audio and MIDI Connectivity

Wireless audio and MIDI are genuinely easy to set up here. With Bluetooth, you can pair your device and jam along with tracks or use apps—no cable mess. There’s a tiny bit of lag with MIDI over Bluetooth, which could bug players who are picky about timing.

Switching between Bluetooth audio and MIDI is simple, but not every app plays nice, so a little troubleshooting might pop up. Still, being able to stream backing tracks or send data to your computer or tablet is a big plus. If you want a wireless setup, this is about as hassle-free as it gets, with only the occasional hiccup.

Versatile Instrument Voices

Flipping through sounds is quick, and the ES920 gives you a decent variety of instrument voices to mess with. The main piano tones are the real stars, but there are also some solid electric pianos, organs, and basic synths. Split and dual modes let you mix things up, which is handy for different playing styles.

Not every voice is a home run; the acoustic pianos are fantastic, but string or synth sounds are more functional than inspiring. Layering is easy, though if you crave a massive library of exotic sounds, the selection’s a bit limited. For most stage or practice needs, it gets the job done.

Portability and Design

Moving this piano isn’t exactly a breeze, but it’s doable. At around 55 pounds, it’s not light, but the slim body means one person can shift it with a little planning. The minimal design fits well in most rooms or studios without hogging space.

The matte black finish looks sharp and professional. The controls are uncluttered, so tweaks are easy. If you’re gigging every week, the weight is something to think about, but for home or studio, it’s practical and looks good.

Pros and Cons

If you’re weighing this digital piano, its playability and sound are what really separate it from the pack.

Pros

• Great Key Feel: Weighted keys feel natural and responsive. Hammer action gets praise from both casual players and those used to acoustics.
• Impressive Sound Quality: The piano tones—especially the concert grand sample—sound rich and authentic. Headphones use is especially satisfying, which is a win for apartment life or late-night practice.
• Portability and Simple Setup: For a full 88-key piano, it’s not hard to move. Setup is easy, and people in small spaces seem to love that.
• Extra Features: Bluetooth audio/MIDI, onboard speakers, and split modes add flexibility without making things complicated.

Cons

• Action Concerns: A few users have noticed the key action isn’t perfect for everyone, especially if you’re super picky about touch.
• Limited Customization and Controls: It covers most basics, but some might want more customization or advanced controls than what’s here.
• Price Point: It’s not cheap—quality costs, and budget shoppers may hesitate.
• Speaker Quality for Larger Spaces: Built-in speakers are fine for smaller rooms, but you’ll need an external system for bigger gigs.

Customer Reviews

User feedback highlights the ES920’s natural piano sound, especially the SK-EX Concert Grand sample, which gets a lot of love. The action and key feel are often described as impressively close to an acoustic.

Some reviewers like that it’s light enough to move and easy to set up. Apartment dwellers appreciate the headphone support for quiet practice.

There are a few mentions of quirks with the key action, so it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Most describe it as enjoyable and reliable for regular playing, but if you’re picky about feel, it’s worth trying before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the distinguishing features of the Kawai ES920 action compared to its competitors?

People who’ve played the ES920 often talk up the Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) action. It’s got a realistic, weighted feel, and the transitions between velocities are smooth. There’s a simulated escapement that’s more convincing than the plasticky actions you sometimes get at this price. Still, a few users mention a slight inconsistency in key return—not as common on pricier or acoustic models.

What is the price range for a new or used Kawai ES920 digital piano?

As of early 2025, a new ES920 lands in the mid-to-upper price range for portable digitals. Prices jump around depending on where you are and what’s in stock, but you’ll pay a premium for new. Used ones pop up sometimes for a few hundred less, but they hold value pretty well and don’t get discounted too often.

What improvements have been made in the Kawai ES920 model from its predecessor?

Compared to older models like the ES8, the ES920 brings some welcome upgrades. It’s lighter and easier to move, the speakers are clearer, and Bluetooth connectivity is now standard for both MIDI and audio. Owners of previous versions seem to like the streamlined interface and lighter build, though a few miss having more physical buttons.

How does the sound quality of the Kawai ES920 compare with other digital pianos in its price bracket?

The ES920 gets high marks for its SK-EX Concert Grand samples. Reviews call the piano tones rich, clear, and expressive—definitely competitive, if not better, than others in this range. The onboard speakers are solid for home or small gigs, but some advanced players feel the speaker placement doesn’t quite match an acoustic’s spread, especially when you crank it.

• Summary Table:

Feature	Kawai ES920	Comparable Models
Piano Sound	Highly realistic	Varies
Speaker Quality	Clear, punchy	Some are boxier
Key Action	Natural, responsive	Often less nuanced

What are the connectivity options available on the Kawai ES920?

Connectivity is one of the ES920’s strong points. You get Bluetooth for both MIDI and audio, two headphone jacks, and standard 3.5mm outputs, so you can hook up to just about anything. Wireless is great for integrating with computers or mobile gear, though USB options aren’t as deep as some pro stage pianos.

Has the Kawai ES920 been well-received by the pianist community on forums like Reddit?

Most folks chatting on piano forums and Reddit seem pretty happy with it. The ES920 gets a lot of love for its touch and the quality of its piano sound—especially considering how portable it is. Sure, there are a few gripes here and there, usually about things like the keybed feel or where some of the controls are placed, but nothing major. A handful of seasoned pianists mention it takes a bit to get used to if you’re coming straight from an acoustic, but overall, people seem to think it holds its own for a digital in this range.