Kawai ES120 review

The ES120 is the piano we would point most new and returning players to first. Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact action with 88 grade-weighted keys and improved key cushioning, so the touch gets heavier toward the bass like an acoustic piano. The sound comes from Kawai's SK-EX and EX concert grand recordings with 88-key stereo sampling and 192-note polyphony, and there are 8 piano sounds plus 25 others. Integrated Bluetooth MIDI and audio lets you stream songs through the 10W + 10W speakers or connect to lesson apps, and the PianoRemote app exposes 17 Virtual Technician settings such as touch curve and voicing. Kawai America listed it at $799 during its fall sale against a $999 MSRP. The tradeoffs: the stand and triple pedal bar cost extra, and the included F-1SP is a simple on/off switch pedal. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Beginners and returning players who want the most piano-like touch and tone in a portable body under $800.

Price

$799 on Kawai America's site when checked (fall sale; $999 MSRP). Stand and pedal unit sold separately.

MODEL ES120 MSRP: $999 $799
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Responsive Hammer Compact action with 88 grade-weighted keys
• SK-EX and EX concert grand recordings with 88-key stereo sampling
• 192-note polyphony and 8 piano sounds plus 25 other sounds
• Bluetooth MIDI and audio plus a USB-MIDI port
• 17 Virtual Technician parameters through the PianoRemote app

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Kawai's grade-weighted hammer action at a portable price
• Strength: Shigeru Kawai SK-EX grand sound with 192-note polyphony
• Strength: Deep tone and touch adjustment from the PianoRemote app
• Weakness: Stand and pedal bar are extra ($89 each on Kawai's site)
• Weakness: Ships with an on/off F-1SP switch pedal, not a half-pedal
• Weakness: No USB audio interface listed, only USB-MIDI

Key facts

• Action: Responsive Hammer Compact, 88 grade-weighted keys
• Piano sound: SK-EX and EX concert grand recordings
• Polyphony: 192 notes
• Speakers: 12 cm x 2, 10W + 10W
• Connectivity: Bluetooth MIDI and audio, USB-MIDI, line out

Where it ranks

Kawai ES120 is No. 1 in our Best Digital Pianos verdict.