Top 10 Best Keyboard Amps in 2023 Review & Buying Guide

Is there a difference between a keyboard amp and a guitar amp? Well, you could use a guitar amp for a keyboard. However, it isn’t the ideal situation. There are several reasons.

Keyboard amps are designed to handle a wide frequency range. Wider than a guitar amp would have to handle. Guitar amps are also designed to work with distortion, which is not the best option for a keyboard in most cases. They also roll off some of the higher frequencies that would be needed for a keyboard. Therefore, you might find a bass amp is better than a guitar amp for a keyboard.

One final consideration is that when we say keyboard, we don’t just mean piano or organ. You must also include the synths and all the frequency ranges they require, from the bottom to the top. So it’s a specialized amp.

So, let’s go through the Best Keyboard Amps currently on the market and find the perfect one for you…

Top 10 Best Keyboard Amps on the Market in 2023 Reviews

1 Powerwerks PW50 – Best Keyboard Practice Amp

Let’s start with what we would describe as a decent budget range amp. This is an amp that has some other applications besides being used as a keyboard amp. It can also operate as a PA.

The Build

One of the big assets of this amp is its compact size. Measuring 18 by 6.5 by 7.5 inches and weighing only 14.7 pounds, it leaves a small footprint. This makes it one of the best lightweight keyboard amps available.

It has a sturdy cabinet with a wire mesh front grille. Inside the enclosure are two 4.5-inch drivers and at the top of the box a front-facing high-frequency horn. The horn handles both mid and high-range frequencies.

On the rear…

There are plenty of controls to get your teeth into. It has two channels and an auxiliary channel. All three have some very basic EQ controls and a volume. There is a master gain control. There are all the jack sockets for connection and a ⅛-inch input for the aux channel.

The Sound

It has a maximum output of 50 watts, and that will be about all you get. This is not an amp suitable for anything more than smaller venues. The sound, of course, isn’t up there with the best of them. You wouldn’t expect that. And it is a bit light at the bottom-end. It also will not take being pushed too hard. When cranking it up towards its max, you will hear some distortion.

That said, for its price, it is a decent enough buy. And it will especially work well at home or practicing. If you are on a budget, then it is certainly an amp to consider providing your sound expectations aren’t too high.

2 BEHRINGER Keyboard Amplifier (KXD15) – Most Powerful Keyboard Amp

Behringer has long been thought of as just a cheap option when it comes to their product range. We would agree that they fill a very needed place in the market in that respect. Designed in Germany, made in China in Behringer City, they are always cost-effective and efficient products.

Although, there are times when they produce something very good indeed. And the KXD15 keyboard amp is one of those products.

The Sound

For its size, this is a very powerful amp. Measuring only 21.65 by 14.76 by 18.9 inches and weighing 49 pounds, you will be surprised at what it can put out.

In a world where it seems a lot of manufacturers like to be a little over-generous with their output ratings, this meets the bill. Listed as a 600-watt amp, it has an RMS of 420. Not bad at all. It is certainly one of the loudest keyboard amps on the market.

Turbosound Speakers…

To handle that output, it has Class-D technology. In the box is a 15-inch Turbosound speaker with a one-inch high-frequency driver. This is just for the very top end.

Turbosound is a British company that came to fame powering the Glastonbury festival. They know a little about creating some rather loud noise in a relatively small space. The sound is sharp and very clear. And with special attention paid to the mid-range as well, you get to hear a very balanced sound.

Some extras…

There is a Klark Teknik processor for special effects with over 100 presets. Included are Reverb, Chorus, Delay, Flanger, and a Pitch Shifter. In addition to some multi-effects. Behringer, of course, makes effects pedals, so we shouldn’t be surprised to find a decent range built-in.

There is also a stereo mixer with four channels and a seven-band EQ. It has a 12dB boost. They seem to have covered most things with this amp and all at a typical Behringer cost-effective price. A very good option with plenty inside and lots of power.

3 Peavey KB 1 20-Watt 1×8 Keyboard Amp – Best Portable Keyboard Amp

Peavey has always been an interesting manufacturer to us. They arrived in the mid-60s on the back of the British explosion. In the UK, Marshall ruled the roost, and Vox were hanging in there. Peavey arrived with lots of bravado and volume, but no one took much notice.

Even a few years later, when Orange and HiWatt arrived, and both made an immediate impact, Peavey was still left out. They became a name in the US but not in the UK. But they do make some good amplifiers. And this Peavey KB 1 20-watt keyboard amp is a good example.

The Build

This is a compact little amp measuring 19.5 by 18 by 13.1 inches and weighing 16 pounds. So, it is easy to carry around if you need to. It has a sturdy build with a strong mesh grille on the front and a sloping front design. Controls are located in a recess on the top of the amp.

It is a self-contained unit that will give you up to 20 watts of power. Designed principally for the keyboard, it will also be fine working with an acoustic and electric guitar. Also, you may find it suitable for drum machines and even a gentle vocal.

It is designed by Peavey in the US and made in China. But don’t let that put you off; this is one of the best compact keyboard amps around.

What’s inside?

It is a two-channel amp that has an eight-inch speaker. Also, a very basic two-band EQ and volume controls for each channel. There is also a headphone out socket for quiet practice.

We wouldn’t say that the sound quality is earth-shattering. But for a small practice amp at use at home or a very small venue, it works quite well. It is very portable, which makes it a practical little amp. Not the cheapest you might find, but it will appeal to Peavey fans.

4 Donner DKA-20 AMP 20-Watt Keyboard Amplifier – Best Low Cost Keyboard Amp

Donner is a company based in Hong Kong that ships its products worldwide. They are what you might call a budget manufacturer, but that is fine with us. Not everyone has a lot of money to spend, and Donner fills an important niche in the market.

The Build

This is a two-channel keyboard amplifier that generates 20-watts of output. It has two speakers, an eight-inch woofer, and a two-inch tweeter. There is a frequency response of 50 to 20kHZ. It is a nice compact size measuring 13.78 by 11.02 by 11.02 inches and weighs 16.63 pounds.

This amp features a rugged build made of strong materials with hard rubber corner protectors. This protects it from any damage if you happen to take it out with you. The cabinet has a closed-back design. This helps to provide a better warmer sound for the lower frequencies.

The Controls…

It has two inputs with separate volume control for both channels. There are Treble, Bass, and Mid controls to help you get the sound you like.

Additionally, there are two ¼-inch jack sockets, one for each channel and two ⅛-inch sockets. One is for connecting up headphones for silent practice. When using this output, it will also mute the sound from the speakers. The other is an input for attaching a CD or other media player.

Variety of uses…

Because it is so compact and lightweight, this means it is very portable. Having two channels, it lends itself to street performing. We have to say the sound is quite basic. It lacks some of the finer adjustments that more expensive amps offer. However, it is good value for money.

Set at a very attractive price point, this is a great choice for one of the best busking amps for keyboards currently available.

5 Coolmusic AC20 20Watt Bluetooth Keyboard Acoustic Guitar Amplifier – Best Budget Keyboard Amp

Not necessarily the first name that rolls off the tongue when thinking about keyboards or amplification. They are late to the party, founded in Shenzhen, China, in 2007. But they have developed an interesting range of products with some good features. And of course, they are very cost-effective. This amp is a good example of what they do.

The Build

It is a two-channel amp with an output of 20 watts. Not enough to blow the roof of the Royal Albert Hall. But adequate for a small venue or practice at home or in a rehearsal room.

It is a compact size measuring just 16 x 14 x 14 inches and weighing under 14 pounds. This means it is very portable. Designed in a practical wedge-shape, this allows the sound to be projected in an upward motion as in a monitor.

Also, there is a fitting on one side for mounting on a tripod stand, if that is required. It has a good build quality with corner protectors to prevent any potential damage if being moved around. It has an eight-inch woofer and two-inch piezo tweeter to deliver the sound.

The Sound

We have to say it hasn’t the quality of some that are double the price. But you wouldn’t expect that. It does, though, have some nice extras included to add to the potential for creating a good sound. Reverb on channels one and two and Chorus on channel two enhance the overall sound.

They are basic effects, so aren’t going to win any prizes for quality. But they are there. Some amps that cost much more haven’t got them. There is also a basic EQ on channel two.

The Controls

These are located quite conveniently on the top and are easy to use. Channel One has just the input and gain and the Reverb control. Channel two has Bass, Mid, and Treble control with Chorus. As well as the Gain and Reverb controls. There is also a master volume, a USB connection, and a 3.5mm input for headphones.

Bluetooth…

A nice extra is the built-in Bluetooth 3.0 feature. This opens up a variety of connection options and also could be a great asset if you want to connect up to practice. Being all inside the amp, there is no need for extra connections or equipment.

Added extras…

It comes with a microphone, mic cable, a 3.5mm cable, and a USB cable. These all go to making this a good option. This little amp has a variety of potential uses. And given that it has two channels and a mic, it could be good for solo work and small venue use.

A basic system with a sound that isn’t going to knock anybody over. But still, it’s one of the best cheap amps for keyboards, which is the main reason it is on our list of the Best Keyboard Amps.

6 Roland KC-200 4-Channel Mixing Keyboard Amplifier – Best Multi Channel Keyboard Amp

If we are talking about anything to do with keyboards, then it won’t be long before the name Roland is mentioned. It seems like they have been here forever. We suppose to some they have, but they were only founded in 1972.

They have carved their name firmly in music history with some of their keyboards. But, also with amps like the Jazz Chorus 120 and with Boss pedals. From the budget range of keyboard amps, we move up the economic ladder to look at a Roland keyboard amp.

More than just an amp?

We suppose you could say that. It is a four-channel amp with a full sound range and onboard mixing built-in. It has a two-way speaker arrangement with a thumping 12-inch woofer plus a tweeter. This will deliver you 100 watts of power. This is an amp that’s going to be good for practice. But it is going to fill a venue for a live gig.

But in case you are working solo, it also has a microphone input with an XLR connection for vocals. This makes it one of the best keyboard amplifiers for vocals as well.

What is inside?

Roland has taken previous keyboard amps and for this model and updated the power. This has been extended to improve other power supply options to give an improved bottom-end reproduction.

It has the four channels we mentioned with ¼-inch sockets. There are also an ⅛-inch and RCA jacks as well as an aux input to connect smartphones or other devices. Likewise, there is a built-in EQ on the top control panel.

Typical Roland build…

Tough and rugged with corner protectors and heavyweight mesh grille, and a strong handle. It measures 11.63 x 19 x 17.13 inches 42 and weighs 42 pounds. Therefore, it is not lightweight. Additionally, it has metal jack sockets for added strength. An excellent buy, as you might expect. What you might not expect is a realistic price tag.

7 BEHRINGER ULTRATONE K900FX – Best Keyboard Amp with Built-in Effects

Back to Behringer City once more for a look at another keyboard amp option. This amp at 90 watts is powerful enough to be used at a gig. But there are some extra benefits to help you with that.

The Build

This is one of the successful Behringer Ultratone range. Designed in Germany, they have a reputation for being great value for money. It has a twelve-inch woofer by Bugera that is very powerful. Also, a one-inch tweeter. The Bugera speaker generates a lot of bottom end, so the sound range of this speaker is quite wide.

It has a strong, rugged build with corner protectors and a secure mesh grille. It measures 19.37 by 11.77 by 16.89 inches and weighs 40 pounds.

So, what benefit does it offer that can help you at a gig?

At 40 pounds and with a small footprint, it is not just very portable. It is also not going to take up too much space. Especially useful if the stage is the size of a postage stamp.

Impressive inside as well…

This three-channel amp has a digital FX processor that offers you one hundred presets. These include Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, a Pitch Shifter, and some multi-effects.

Each of the three channels has its one Volume and FX send. There is a five-band Graphic Equalizer with a system for detecting any Feedback. Included in the main section are Master Volume and FX return level controls.

Ins and outs…

For connecting to your mixing desk, it has a Line output. And an input allows you to connect up your devices to play along with your music. On channel one, there is an XLR mic input, and there is a headphone output.

It can be stand-mounted if required. A good quality amp at a very attractive price point.

8 Roland 4-Channel Keyboard Amplifier (KC-600) – Best Value for the Money Keyboard Amp

Back to Roland once more, but this time with a vengeance. The KC-600 is one of their flagship keyboard amps. As such, and with this much quality, it must be considered as one of the Best Keyboard Amps currently on the market.

The Build

This is an amp built to go to work. Rugged with a strong build, it looks and is the part. It measures 23.23 by 23.23 by 17.52 inches and weighs 64 pounds. That is probably the reason it has four caster wheels. Getting to be quite a heavy thing to carry around.

It has a powerful fifteen-inch speaker and a horn tweeter. With the latest edition of the popular KC range, Roland has done some work improving the power supply and the power amp. The result has been a much wider range of sound and a deeper bottom end.

It is a four-channel amp with ¼-inch metal jack sockets for increased durability, along with an input for an XLR microphone.

What’s on the inside?

It has built-in sound mixing options with its four stereo inputs. There is also a stereo aux input and an EQ with a Shape control. On the fourth channel, there is an output select option so you can monitor guide tracks or even a click.

There is an RCA connection for hooking up external music players, and using the Link; you can connect an extra KC-600 for further stereo options. Also added in is an output for an external subwoofer to give you more bottom end.

A modern classic…

Finally, there is a three-band EQ and a headphone socket with its own volume control. The KC range has been widely appreciated keyboard amps for over ten years. The updated versions have only made them better, and this might be the best Roland keyboard amp currently on the market.

9 Donner DDA-35 AMP 35-Watt Keyboard Amplifier – Best Keyboard Amp and Monitor Combo

Let’s go back to Donner for one last time. This is a 35-watt amp that has a multitude of uses other than just keyboards.

The Build

It has an eight-inch driver/woofer and a 2.5-inch tweeter. They provide quite a decent tone and range. It has a frequency range of 20 to 20KHZ. It has two channels with separate volume control for each. There are also Treble, Bass, and Mid controls to give you a basic EQ and a few sound shaping options.

The ⅛ inch aux input will allow you to connect up a CD player or other media. You also have a ⅛-inch headphone jack if you want some quiet practice. It is quite well-built with a practical wedge-shaped design. This allows it to be used as a monitor if you wish.

Portable…

Measuring only 13.78 by 11.02 by 11.02 inches and weighing just over 23 pounds. It is quite portable and easy to carry around with you. Given that it has several uses, including electronic drums, it is of decent value. We wouldn’t say the sound quality is the best, but at this price point, you can’t really complain.

10 BEHRINGER Keyboard Amplifier (KXD12) – Best Premium Keyboard Amp

Back to Behringer to close our review of the Best Keyboard amps. This is a slightly smaller model than the one we have already looked at, the KXD15. The main difference between the two amps is the speaker size. This model has a twelve-inch speaker.

Plenty of power…

Despite the slight reduction in the size of the speaker, this can still put out a level of power for live performances. It has a twelve-inch British-made Turbosound speaker and a one-inch tweeter.

It is rated at 600 watts peak, so it will be around 300 watts RMS. Still plenty in the tank for a medium-sized venue. The bi-amped four-channel amp gives you a lot to work with.

Impressive sound…

The Class-D amplifier technology gives you that power. But it also provides impressive sonic performance. To help with the production of the sound, there is a seven-band graphic equalizer with a feedback protection circuit. If you are looking for the best sounding keyboard amp you can buy, then look no further.

There are one hundred special effects presets. They include Reverb, Delay, and Chorus. Also, a Flanger and Pitch Shifter. Each of the four channels has effects level and volume control.

The Build

Sturdy and quite strong, it has corner protectors and a secure mesh grille. It measures 18.39 x 11.81 x 16.54 inches and weighs 40 pounds. It comes in a bit cheaper than its slightly bigger cousin, which makes this a viable option. Especially if the venues you work for are not so large. A good amp with a decent keyboard sound and good value for money.

Best Keyboard Amps Buying Guide

When you are talking about finding the best Keyboard amp, there are a variety of things to consider. It is very easy just to go to the most expensive and automatically assume they will be best. They may be, but that doesn’t help the buyer who is on a budget.

It is therefore essential in reviews like this to try and cover cheaper products and also find the best for those who might have less to spend than others. That is what we have tried to do here. But what do you need to consider? Well…

What will you use it for?

Maybe just practice at home, possibly for smaller venues. Or even some larger venues with a band. That will have an effect on the volume potential you will need.

It might also be worth considering the weight and the size. If you plan to carry it around, then you need to be able to lift it and maybe put it in a car.

The Price

May well be determined by what you use it for. The more power it produces, it is almost certain to cost more.

Effects

Will you need any special effects built-in? There are several we have looked at that have them. Again this will increase the price. If you don’t need them, you don’t need to buy them.

Space

How much space do you have? Especially if it is at home. If space is an issue and you only intend to use it at home, there are some compact options.

Looking for Something Else?

We have a growing selection of products to satisfy your audio and musical needs. Check out our in-depth Oontz Angle 3 Ultra Review, our Monolith M1060 Headphone Review, our Blue Yeticaster Review, our Marshall Stockwell 2 Review, and our reviews of the Best In-Ceiling Speakers Reviews you can buy in 2023.

You might also like our comprehensive Marshall Code 50W Review, as well as our reviews of the Best Karaoke Microphones, the Best Bluetooth Hearing Protection, the Best Waterproof Headphones for Swimming, and the Best Wireless Workout Headphones currently on the market.

What are the Best Keyboard Amps?

For us, we would be looking at something that produces a great sound. But it also needs a little bit of power behind it. We would therefore go with the …

Roland 4-Channel Keyboard Amplifier (KC-600)

A great amp by a quality manufacturer at a decent price point for what it is. Therefore, easily our choice for the best keyboard amp.

Until next time, may the beat go on.