Who is this choice relevant for?

Practising with housemates

You want to practise regularly without using the built-in speakers, and agree on noise levels at home. The Dutch government advises people to try agreeing on arrangements together first if noise is causing a problem.

Beginner blues pianist

You’re practising chords and bass notes with both hands, and want to develop your touch and timing too. Models from Roland and Kawai include features such as metronomes to help you practise your timing.

Playing along with a rhythm

You want to repeat a blues progression with a metronome or built-in drum rhythms, rather than just playing freely. Kawai lists rhythm functions for the ES60 and ES120.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what matters most to you: quiet practice, a piano-style touch or playing along with rhythms. Then check that the complete setup will fit in the space available.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Quiet practice Check how many headphone sockets there are, what type of plug they use and whether the version you’re considering has these sockets. I want to practise without sound from the speakers when my housemates are at home. Around 36% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority.
Piano-style touch Compare the key action and number of keys, and measure the piano’s width and depth to make sure it will fit where you plan to put it. I want to practise chords and bass notes with both hands across a full keyboard. Around 29% of consumers prioritise piano-style touch and range.
Timing and rhythms Check whether the version has a metronome, the rhythms you want and sounds you can use. I want to repeat a blues progression with a steady beat or drum accompaniment. Around 21% of consumers mainly choose based on the options for practising with rhythms.
Space for setup Measure the space, including room for the stand and a seat. Check which stand, power supply and pedals are included in the bundle. I can only choose once I know the piano and the setup I want will fit in my shared space. Around 14% of consumers prioritise having limited space for a setup.

Things to consider when buying and using

  • Headphones don’t make the piano completely silent

    The headphone socket is for audio output. Whether your housemates can hear the keys depends on more than just that socket.

    Agree on practice times and try out the setup in your own home.

  • Don’t confuse the Yamaha P-145 with the P-145BT

    Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT. Don’t assume this feature is also available on the P-145 without checking.

    Compare the full model number and check that the version on offer has the connection you want.

  • Remember to factor in the complete setup

    A stand or a more extensive pedal setup may be sold separately. This could mean you’ll need to put the setup together separately and allow extra space for it.

    Measure the space, including room for a seat, and check which parts are included in the bundle you choose.

    Yamaha lists the three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional, so check whether the pedal setup you want is included with the version on offer.

Brands to compare

Roland

Roland lists features such as a metronome for the FP-10, and two headphone outputs and options for adding pedals for the FP-30X.

  • According to Roland, the FP-10 has an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and a metronome; the FP-30X has two headphone outputs.
  • Roland says Bluetooth availability on the FP-10 may vary by country. Check the exact version and bundle.

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable piano with 88 GHC keys; the P-145BT is a separate version.

  • Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT.
  • The three-pedal unit for the P-145 is optional. Also check which connections and accessories are included with the version you choose.

Kawai

Kawai lists metronome and drum rhythm functions for the ES60 and ES120.

  • According to Kawai, the ES60 has an adjustable metronome and 30 drum rhythms; the ES120 lists 100 drum rhythms and two headphone sockets.
  • The number of rhythms alone won’t tell you whether a particular rhythm suits the way you want to practise blues.

Casio

Casio describes the CDP-S110 as a compact digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II.

  • The manufacturer lists a keyboard with weighted action and a compact body.
  • Compare the connections and bundle contents for the exact version.

Korg

Korg’s specifications for the B2+ list an 88-key NH keyboard.

  • Korg also lists a headphone/line output, USB-C and a pedal socket.
  • The specifications listed are from Korg USA; check the version and mains power supply for the product on offer before you buy.

Joybuy products for practising with rhythms

These Joybuy products are portable 61-key models with rhythm functions and a headphone socket. They may suit practice with a steady beat and without sound from the speakers, but offer a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard.

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black

The headphone socket and metronome are useful for practising without sound from the speakers and working on your timing. With 61 keys, this model has a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard.

The product details list 300 rhythms, 300 sounds and USB-MIDI.

View at Joybuy
Digital Keyboard Piano Kit, 61 keys, with stand and bench

Digital Keyboard Piano Kit, 61 keys, with stand and bench

The headphone socket and metronome are useful if you want to practise without sound from the speakers and develop your timing. The 61 keys offer a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard.

The product details list touch-sensitive keys, 300 rhythms, 300 sounds, USB-MIDI and an LCD screen. The product name includes a stand and bench.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I practise with headphones on at any time without disturbing anyone?

Not necessarily. Headphones prevent sound coming from the speakers, but don’t tell you how audible the keys will be in your home. The Dutch government advises people to agree on arrangements first if noise is causing a problem; this doesn’t mean there is a generally permitted time for practising.

Do I need a drum rhythm to learn a blues progression?

No, you can practise the chord progression with a metronome too. If you want to play along with drums, compare the rhythms on the exact piano model: Kawai lists 30 drum rhythms for the ES60 and 100 for the ES120.

Do a stand and three-pedal unit always come included?

No. Yamaha lists the LP-5A for the P-145 as optional, while Roland lists separate stand and pedal options for the FP-30X. Check which parts are included in the bundle on offer.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

For distance purchases, in many cases you have a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that meets the legal guarantee: it must be of satisfactory quality. The Dutch government explains these rights; check who the seller is and which terms apply to your purchase.