Who is this buying guide for?

Beginner blues pianist

You want to practise chords and a bass part with both hands, and are looking for a keyboard that will help you develop your touch.

Loft-dweller looking to practise quietly

You practise close to other people and want to be able to switch from speakers to headphones, without assuming that this will eliminate every sound.

Player with a flexible practice space

You need to fit the piano into your space or move it around, so you want to compare the dimensions and the stand you’ll need beforehand.

What should you look for?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Touch and playing range Try the touch and check the keyboard type, number of keys and pedal support on the exact version. If you mainly want to practise chords, piano technique and a left-hand part, how the keys feel matters. Around 33% of consumers say touch and playing range are their main considerations.
Practising with headphones Check the headphone socket and how the piano sounds on your floor and in your home. If you want to practise while housemates or neighbours are nearby, being able to listen without using the built-in speakers is important. Around 27% of consumers give quiet practice top priority.
Space and set-up Measure the available width and depth, and check which parts are included with the exact version. If the piano, stand and playing area need to fit into a limited loft space, you’ll want to plan the complete set-up. Around 20% of consumers prioritise fitting and set-up.
Choice of sounds Check which sounds are available on the exact model and listen to the ones you want to use. If you want to switch between piano, electric piano and organ sounds while practising blues, this is worth considering. Around 20% of consumers prioritise sound choice.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming ‘compact’ means ‘will fit anywhere’

    A shallow cabinet doesn’t tell you how much width the keyboard needs or what’s included in your chosen bundle.

    Measure the space available and check the dimensions and included parts of the exact version.

  • Assuming headphones eliminate all sound

    On the Casio CDP-S110, connecting headphones switches off the built-in speakers. That doesn’t mean key noise or vibrations can’t be heard elsewhere.

    Consider how the set-up sounds in your own home and agree practice times where needed.

  • Comparing a standalone piano with a furniture bundle as if they were the same package

    Korg distinguishes between the B2 and the B2SP, which Korg says comes with a stand and a three-pedal unit.

    Compare the exact model name and package contents, not just the product photo.

Relevant piano brands

Yamaha

The P-145 may be worth considering if you’re looking for a piano keyboard and want to check the available width beforehand.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145.
  • These model specifications don’t tell you how the touch will feel to you or whether the piano will fit in every loft.

Roland

The FP-10 is an option to explore for piano-focused practice. According to Roland, the FP-30X offers features including two headphone outputs for practising together.

  • Roland lists a 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, built-in speakers, headphone use and additional sounds for the FP-10.
  • Try the touch for yourself and check which pedal equipment comes with the exact version.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK could be a good fit if a shallow cabinet and an easy start with a pedal are important to you.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, ten sounds, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an SP-3 pedal included.
  • A shallow depth doesn’t tell you how much total width you’ll need or whether you’ll find the touch comfortable.

Korg

The B2 is worth considering if you want to compare piano, electric piano and organ sounds. The B2SP is the separate version with a stand and three pedals.

  • Korg lists an 88-key NH keyboard, a PHONES socket and a damper pedal included with the B2.
  • The B2 and B2SP are different packages, so check which version you’re looking at.

Digital pianos at Joybuy

These Joybuy product picks are aimed at practising on a portable keyboard in a loft. Check that the keyboard range and features suit your piano-learning goals.

MLS-931 digital piano, black, 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, black, 61 keys

The weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard is suited to practising chords and developing your touch. Its 61 keys offer a more limited range than the 88 keys mentioned in the considerations for piano practice.

The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard, black, 61 keys

Electronic keyboard, black, 61 keys

This keyboard could be an option if a 61-key set-up suits your practice goals. Compare its range with what you need to practise chords and a left-hand part.

The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can you practise with headphones without disturbing others?

Headphones let you listen without sound coming through the built-in speakers; according to Casio, those speakers switch off on the Casio CDP-S110. This doesn’t mean key noise or vibrations can’t be heard elsewhere. If your neighbours may be disturbed, agree practice times.

Are a stand and pedal included?

It depends on the model and package. Korg lists a damper pedal included with the B2; according to Korg, the B2SP version comes with a stand and a three-pedal unit. Check the contents of the exact version before buying.

What rights do you have when buying a digital piano online?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, when you buy a product online you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery; exceptions may apply. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets also states that the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee if the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect.

What rules apply to practising piano at home?

Check your local council’s APV and any agreements with your landlord or residents’ association. The Dutch government says that in many municipalities, nuisance caused to neighbours is covered by the APV, and advises you to speak to your neighbours and agree arrangements where needed.