Introduction
The choice of piano and digital piano depends on space, budget and needs. Here's a comparison.
Acoustic piano
Pros: Genuine, rich, dynamic sound, mechanical experimental feel, aesthetic piece of furniture, holds value.
Cons: Expensive, needs space, heavy, needs regular tuning (2 times a year), sensitive to humidity and temperature, cannot be used with headphones, neighbors can hear.
Good for: Classical music, professionals, those with space and budget.
Digital piano
Pros: Cheaper, more compact, lightweight, no tuning required, can be used with headphones, different sounds (piano, organ, strings), recording function, connectable to a computer, volume control.
Cons: Lacks genuine mechanical feel (although modern models are close), may not last as long as acoustic, electronics may break.
Suitable for: Beginners, for apartment, for learning, versatile use.
What to consider
Keyboard - weighted keys, touch sensitivity (velocity). Polyphony - several notes can be played simultaneously (at least 64). Sounds and features - do you need multiple instruments, recording. Speakers - quality. Connections - USB, pedals.
Used piano
If you are considering a used acoustic piano, have a tuner check it out before you buy. Check whether all the keys work, whether there are cracks in the soundboard, whether the mechanics are in order.