Best budget friendly beginner to intermediate keyboards

A curated list of keyboards for students to explore and purchase based on your budget

10/25/20253 min read

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile

Top Recommended 61-Key Yamaha Keyboards

Which Yamaha Keyboard is Right for You? E-Series vs I-Series – A Guide for Students in India

In this guide, we decode the two great keyboard series from Yamaha — the E-Series and the I-Series — and help you pick the right one for your musical journey at Opus. Whether you’re just starting your journey, looking to upgrade, or diving into Hindi songs and performance, we’ve got you covered.
“E for Entry/Essential; I for Indian and Inspiration” — a simple way to remember.

Understanding the Two Series

1. The “E” Series (Arranger/Portable Keyboards for Beginners)

The Yamaha “E” in models like the Yamaha PSR‑E373 or Yamaha PSR‑E473 stands for Educational / Entry-level—designed for those just starting out. According to Yamaha’s official site, their PSR-E series are portable keyboards built with “a wide variety of sounds and functions” aimed at beginners.
Music-reviews mention that the E series offers very good value for the cost, making them a sensible choice for schools or students.

Key attributes:

  • 61 full-sized keys (in many models) making them standard size for home/studio use.

  • Built-in lessons, styles, voices and auto-accompaniment — good for beginners who want interactive learning.

  • Affordable pricing, lighter weight/portability.

  • Good brand reliability: Yamaha.

Why this matters for your school: If you want to equip beginner students (ages 5-12, say) with keyboards that are solid, reliable, allow them to explore styles, accompany, learn through built-in functions — the E-series is a strong choice.

2. The “I” Series (India-Optimised / Regional Style Keyboards)

The “I” series – for example the Yamaha PSR‑I500 and the Yamaha PSR‑I300 – are keyboards specially optimised for Indian music styles, instruments and regional auto-accompaniment styles. Yamaha’s site confirms that the “region-specific keyboards” series include Indian-voices and sounds.

Key attributes:

  • Many onboard Indian instruments (“voices”) and accompaniment “styles” that reflect Indian genres (e.g., tabla, mridangam, tanpura, etc).

  • Features built with Indian learners/performers in mind.

  • Good for students who wish to play not just Western music but Indian songs, film music, fusion, etc.

Here are our top curated list recommended by Opus school of Music

  • Yamaha PSR‑E473 61‑Key – This is a strong mid-to-upper E-series model. Touch sensitive, lots of voices, good build. Great if you expect students to progress.

    • Why pick it: one of the more advanced E-series; will serve both beginners and intermediate learners.

    • Best for: your students who finish initial lessons and want a keyboard that lasts longer.

  • Yamaha PSR‑I500 61‑Key – This is in the I-series (Indian market oriented) and includes Indian instrument voices and Indian styles.

    • Why pick it: For your Indian context (Hindi songs, etc) this is a strong fit.

    • Best for: Use in your music school where you teach Hindi songs, Indian styles; good as a differentiator.

  • Yamaha PSR‑E383 61‑Key – A nice “mid-level” E-series model (for learners who are past the super-basic stage). Touch sensitive keys, decent voices, good value.

    • Why pick it: Balances cost & features.

    • Best for: Students who want more than the absolute starter keyboard but are not yet advanced.

  • Yamaha PSR‑E373 61‑Key – Slightly more budget version of E-series, still touch responsive, fewer bells/whistles but good build and sound.

    • Why pick it: Good “first keyboard” for students or home use.

    • Best for: Beginners, younger students.

  • Yamaha PSR‑I300 61‑Key – More budget friendly yet still from I-series. May have fewer advanced features, but solid for value.

    • Why pick it: Great for initial purchase if you don’t want heavy investment.

    • Best for: Home practice, younger children and adults instrument with Indian tones.

  • Yamaha PSR‑I400 61‑Key – Another I-series keyboard, budget to mid-range. Includes Indian voices/styles.

    • Why pick it: For Indian-style teaching/learning, good value alternative to I500.

    • Best for: Music school students focusing on Indian songs or wanting Indian style backing.

Opus School of Music