The Best Piano Pedals of 2025: Upgrade Your Keyboard Setup with These Top Picks
Beyond Mechanics: The Role of Pedals in Music
The damper pedal, the most commonly used, is essential for creating legato phrasing and rich harmonies. It allows chords and melodies to resonate, blurring the lines between them for a lush, immersive sound. Meanwhile, the una corda pedal shifts the hammer slightly to strike fewer strings, producing a softer, more intimate tone. These tools give pianists the power to transform a single passage into something ethereal or to underscore the dynamic emotions of a piece.
When it comes to playing the piano, having the right tools can make all the difference in your sound, style, and confidence. One of the most critical tools for any pianist is the pedal—or more specifically, the right pedal for your piano and your goals. Electronic pianos have opened up a world of options for players, and with them, a variety of pedal choices to enhance your performance. Here, I’ll walk you through six excellent piano pedals that can help you achieve the sound and skill you’re aiming for—starting with a fantastic budget-friendly option.
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Pedal #1: The Best Budget Sustain Pedal
Soraco
If you’re looking for a dependable, affordable sustain pedal, this one is a gem. It’s the Sustain Pedal Universal for Keyboard with Polarity Switch, compatible with Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Korg, Behringer, Moog, and other electronic keyboards. With a stellar 4.9 ⭐️ rating, it’s a favorite for good reason.
Let me tell you why I love this pedal. First, it’s simple yet effective. Even though it’s budget-friendly, it doesn’t skimp on quality. The response is smooth, giving you that satisfying sustain effect that enhances your music’s resonance and flow. Whether you’re playing a gentle ballad or a dramatic classical piece, this pedal holds up beautifully.
Pedal #2: My Everyday Pedal
Now, let me tell you about the pedal that I personally own and use every day: the M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal. This pedal has been my go-to for years, and for good reason. It’s incredibly dependable and feels natural, almost like the pedal on a grand piano. If you’re looking for a professional-grade option that delivers a true piano-style action, this is it.
One of the standout features of the M-Audio SP-2 is its construction. It’s solidly built with a weighted mechanism that gives it a responsive and authentic feel. When I press down on this pedal, it’s smooth and consistent, making it a joy to use whether I’m practicing, recording, or performing.
What I love most about this pedal is how it mimics the experience of playing an acoustic piano. The resistance and action feel just right, which makes it easier to translate techniques between an electronic keyboard and a traditional piano. This is especially important if you’re a pianist who switches between the two frequently.
Pedal #3: The Solution to Slippery Pedals
This next pedal made the list for its unique and incredibly practical feature: a non-slip mat. I sometimes have students tell me that their pedal slips away while they’re playing, which can be frustrating and distracting. If you’ve ever experienced that, the Liquid Stands Keyboard Digital Piano Foot Pedal Mat is the perfect solution.
This pedal comes with a 3-inch by 12-inch non-slip mat that keeps it firmly in place, even on smooth surfaces or carpet. The mat is a game-changer, especially for younger students or players who tend to move their feet a lot during practice. It eliminates the hassle of having to reposition your pedal mid-song, allowing you to focus entirely on your playing.
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Pedal #4: The 3-Pedal Unit for an Authentic Piano Experience
Acoustic pianos traditionally have three pedals, and if you want a more authentic piano experience, you might want to consider a three-pedal unit. The Casio SP-34 Portable 3-Pedal Unit is a fantastic choice, especially if you own a Casio CDP-S or Privia PX-S digital piano. With a 4.5 ⭐️ rating and backing from a reputable brand, this pedal unit is a solid investment.
What I love about this option is how it replicates the full range of pedal functions found on an acoustic piano: sustain, sostenuto, and soft. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who plays classical repertoire or simply wants the full expressive range of a traditional piano.
Pedal #5: The Perfect Pedal for Young Players
If you’re working with younger kids who can’t quite reach the pedals yet, the Piano Pedal Extender for Kids is a lifesaver. This solid wood adjustable foot pedal extender is specifically designed to give kids the ability to use all three pedals on an acoustic piano or digital piano, even if their feet don’t touch the floor.
What I love about this pedal extender is how it allows young players to develop proper pedal technique early on. Instead of waiting until they grow tall enough to reach the pedals, they can start learning how to use them right away. This can make a big difference in their overall musical development, as they get to explore dynamics, sustain, and other pedal effects from the start.
Pedal #6: The Page Turner Pedal I Wish I Had as a Kid
This is perhaps the pedal I am most excited about. As a young piano player, I often wished there were a way to turn the page of my sheet music without using one of my hands. Back then, I imagined some sci-fi, futuristic device to solve the problem—and now, it actually exists! The LEKATO Wireless Page Turner Pedal is a game-changer for pianists and musicians who use digital sheet music.
This Bluetooth page-turner pedal is rechargeable and works seamlessly with phones, tablets, and apps. It’s incredibly easy to use: a simple tap of the pedal turns the page forward or backward, allowing you to focus on your playing without interruption. It’s perfect for practice, performances, or even teaching sessions.
What I love most about this pedal is its versatility. It’s not just for piano players—any musician who uses digital sheet music or chord charts can benefit from it. The pedal is lightweight, portable, and has a long battery life, making it ideal for gigging musicians or anyone who moves between practice spaces.
