Who is this for?

Beginner blues pianist working on touch

Wants to practise chords, left-hand patterns and the difference between playing softly and firmly on a piano keyboard.

Home recorder

Wants to record parts in music software, so it helps to understand the difference between MIDI control and recording the piano's sound.

Player working on groove

Wants to repeat progressions with a built-in rhythm or accompaniment, and may also be interested in electric piano sounds.

What should you look for?

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important for?
Touch and chord control Try the touch for yourself and check the keyboard type and the space available. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-225; Roland specifies 88 keys with PHA-4 Standard hammer action for the FP-30X. If you mainly want to practise chords and dynamics on a weighted keyboard, make playing feel your priority. Around 33% of consumers prioritise touch.
Recording and connections Decide whether you want to record MIDI, the piano's own sound or both, and check that the connections are compatible with your computer and recording equipment. Roland lists USB audio/MIDI for the FP-30X; Kawai specifies stereo Line Out for the ES120, while Korg lists LINE OUT and MIDI IN/OUT for the D1. If you want to record parts in your home studio, it matters whether you need performance data or the instrument's sound. Around 27% of consumers prioritise studio recording.
Rhythm, accompaniment and sounds Check the rhythms, accompaniment functions and sounds available on each model separately. Kawai lists 100 drum rhythms for the ES120; Casio specifies rhythm and automatic accompaniment for the PX-S3100BK. Korg lists electric piano, organ and clavinet sounds for the D1. If you want to repeat progressions with a rhythm or explore blues sounds, built-in features could influence your choice. Around 20% of consumers prioritise groove and accompaniment.
Space and quiet practice Measure the space, including the stand and room for cables; also check the headphone connections and built-in speakers. Yamaha lists the P-225 as 1,326 mm wide and 272 mm deep without the music rest; Korg describes the D1 as having no speakers. If space is limited or you want to practise using headphones, check both the dimensions and the listening options. Around 20% of consumers prioritise placement and quiet practice.

Common buying mistakes

  • Treating MIDI and audio as the same thing

    MIDI records performance data; it is not the same as recording the piano's own sound. For example, Korg lists LINE OUT and MIDI IN/OUT for the D1. These MIDI connections do not prove that the instrument's sound can be recorded directly via USB audio.

    Before buying, work out whether you want to send key presses to a software instrument, record the piano's sound as audio, or do both.

  • Choosing a model without speakers and not having a suitable listening set-up

    According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. Without headphones or suitable external amplification, you won't hear the instrument through speakers in the room.

    Choose a model without speakers only if you already have suitable headphones or amplification equipment, or plan to use them.

  • Assuming a complete pedal and stand set is included

    Three-pedal upgrades are listed as optional for the Yamaha P-225 and Roland FP-30X. What's included can vary by model or offer.

    Before buying, check which pedals and stand actually come with the version you've chosen.

    You may need a separate stand or pedal unit to complete your desired set-up.

Brands to consider

Roland

The FP-30X is worth considering if you're looking for a weighted piano with computer connectivity and headphone options.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, USB audio/MIDI and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
  • A three-pedal unit is listed as an upgrade; check what's included with the version you've chosen.

Yamaha

Yamaha says the P-225 combines a compact body with 88 weighted keys.

  • Yamaha specifies GHC keys for the P-225.
  • An optional three-pedal unit and space for the complete set-up are worth considering separately; also check which recording connection you need.

Kawai

The ES120 could suit you if you want to practise with rhythms and use a set-up with separate audio outputs.

  • Kawai lists 100 drum rhythms, stereo Line Out and Bluetooth MIDI/audio for the ES120.
  • Bluetooth audio alone doesn't mean you can record the instrument's signal wirelessly in a DAW.

Casio

The Privia PX-S3100BK may be worth considering if its slim body and accompaniment features suit your set-up.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm and rhythm and automatic accompaniment features for this model.
  • Casio's claim that this is the slimmest piano in its comparison category is based on its own research from July 2021, not on a current independent comparison.

Korg

The D1 is a model without speakers, with a range of sounds for players who already have suitable listening equipment.

  • Korg lists LINE OUT, MIDI IN/OUT and a damper pedal included in the box; the D1 has electric piano, organ and clavinet sounds.
  • The D1 has no built-in speakers. MIDI IN/OUT is not the same as a built-in USB audio interface.

Related products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need USB MIDI or an audio output for a home studio?

That depends on what you want to record: MIDI captures performance data for a software instrument, while recording the piano's own sound requires a suitable audio signal path. Roland lists USB audio/MIDI for the FP-30X; Kawai specifies separate stereo Line Out connections for the ES120. Also check that your computer and recording equipment are compatible with the connection you've chosen.

Can I practise on a Korg D1 without extra speakers?

Yes, with suitable headphones; according to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. If you want to play without headphones, you'll need suitable external amplification.

Does the piano come with a full pedal unit?

Don't assume that a three-pedal unit is included. Yamaha lists an optional LP-1/FC35 for the P-225, while Roland lists a three-pedal upgrade for the FP-30X. Check what's included with the specific version before ordering.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

For distance selling, the seller must provide you with information about the product and your right to cancel, among other things; according to the Dutch government, the cancellation period is usually 14 days. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for putting things right. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that two years is not a fixed limit for the statutory guarantee on every product.

Can I share a recording from my practice session that contains copyright-protected music?

Making a copy for your own use is different from distributing or publishing it. The Dutch government makes this distinction for copyright-protected music; if you use it outside a private setting, you may need permission from the rights holder.