KAWAI ES vs CN DIGITAL PIANOS
- sisumusicschool
- Jul 7
- 2 min read

The Kawai ES Series and Kawai CN Series are both popular lines of digital pianos, but they’re designed with different users in mind. Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand how they differ:
1. Purpose and Design
ES Series
Portability- Highly portable, designed for mobility
Design- Slim, lightweight, stage-piano look
Target User- Gigging musicians, students needing portability
CN Series
Portability- Console-style, designed to stay in one place
Design- Full cabinet with furniture-like appearance
Target User- Home users wanting a traditional piano look and feel
2. Action and Key Feel
ES920 / ES520
Key Action: ES920: Responsive Hammer III (RHIII)
ES520: Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHCII)
Material: Plastic keytops with matte finish
Feel Comparison: Very good for portable; slight edge to CNs with regard to realism
CN301 / CN201
Key Action: CN301: Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) CN201: Responsive Hammer III (RHIII)
Material: Simulated ivory/ebony key tops
Feel Comparison: More piano-like due to keytops, solid cabinet and added resonance
3. Sound and Amplification
ES Series
Sound Engine: Harmonic Imaging XL
Speakers: ES920: 40W total; ES520: 20W total
Sound Projection: Less resonance due to open design
CN Series
Sound Engine: Harmonic Imaging XL
Speakers: CN301: 40W; CN201: 40W
Sound Projection: More resonant and immersive due to full cabinet
4. Features and Connectivity
Bluetooth: Both feature full Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth MIDI
5. Price Range (USD)
(approximate, as of 2025)
● ES520: ~$1,300
● ES920: ~$1,900
● CN201: ~$2,100
● CN301: ~$2,600
6. Summary: Which Should You Choose?
If You Want...
budget-friendly portable option
Go With...
ES520
If You Want...
Portability and solid action
Go With...
ES920A
If You Want...
A home piano with better resonance
Go With...
CN201 or CN301
If You Want...
A even more acoustic feel + cabinet resonance. (Best for students.)
Go With...
CN301
7. Conclusion
Deciding which one suits you best will come down to your specific usage. Consider whether you need the piano to be portable for a gigging adult or stable in-home for a child learning the piano or for taking piano lessons. Looking for a digital piano that's a step up from the CN Series? Try the CA Line or consider making your piano a centerpiece with the new DG30 Digital Grand.
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