Beginner pianist
You want to practise chord changes while focusing on key feel, and need a keyboard with enough range for your practice goals.
Who is this buying guide for?
Pianist in a shared home
You practise in a spare room while other people are at home and want to reduce the piano sound you hear through headphones.
Pianist with limited space
You need to fit the piano, a stable setup and somewhere to sit into a small room.
What should you look for when buying?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with less piano sound | Check the headphone socket on the exact model. Bear in mind that the sound of the keys and action may still be audible. | If I practise while other people are at home, I want to listen to the piano through headphones and minimise disruption. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quieter practice. |
| Key feel and range | Try repeated chord shapes and changes on the exact model. Check that the range suits your practice. | For practising chord changes, I want key feel and range that suit my piano goals. Around 29% of consumers prioritise key feel and range. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the available width and depth, including the stand, music rest and space to sit. | In a small spare room, I need space for the complete setup, not just the piano. Around 21% of consumers name space as their main consideration. |
| Complete practice setup | Check what’s included with each model and whether you need to buy a stand, pedal or headphones separately. | If I want to set up a practical place to practise straight away, I need to know which parts are still missing. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a complete setup. |
Things to watch out for when buying
-
Assuming compact means the piano will fit without measuring
Even a slim 88-key piano needs width and room for you to sit.
Measure the complete setup, not just the depth of the cabinet.
You may need to buy a pedal or other accessory separately.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable digital piano with 88 keys and GHC hammer action.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys; the LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional.
- The stated key construction doesn’t tell you whether it will feel more comfortable to play than another model.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable practice piano with 88 PHA-4 Standard keys and sound output through speakers or headphones.
- Roland lists a metronome; the DP-10 half-pedal is optional.
- Bluetooth availability may vary by country. Check whether it’s included on the Dutch model.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is worth comparing if the depth of the cabinet is a consideration.
- Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an SP-3 pedal included in the box.
- The cabinet depth doesn’t tell you how much width, stand space or room to sit you’ll need.
Korg
The B2 is a digital piano with 88 keys and NH hammer action.
- Korg lists a combined headphone/line output and a damper pedal included in the box. The PU-2 pedal unit is sold separately.
- Check that the piano and your chosen setup will fit in the available space.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key keyboards for practising chords on a shorter keyboard. They’re not a substitute for the range of an 88-key piano if your exercises require the full range.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
A shorter keyboard may suit you if your chord exercises fit within the range of 61 keys.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard and a headphone socket. Its range is smaller than that of an 88-key keyboard; headphones don’t guarantee that the sound of the keys will be inaudible.
No image available
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
This 61-key model is an option if your chord exercises don’t require a full piano keyboard.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand. Its range is shorter than that of an 88-key keyboard.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need 88 keys to practise chord changes?
Not for every chord sequence. An 88-key model is a good option to compare if you also want to play notes across a wider range or learn on a full piano keyboard. Try your own exercises on the keyboard you’re considering.
Can you always practise without disturbing anyone if you use headphones?
Headphones reduce the piano sound you hear through the instrument, but don’t guarantee that the keys or the setup will be inaudible. The Dutch Government advises people to discuss and agree on a solution first when noise is affecting neighbours.
What should you check before setting up the piano?
Measure the space for the piano, stand and seat, and check the power supply and headphone socket on the exact model. Follow the model’s manual for use and cleaning, and check that any separate stand or pedal is compatible.
What rights apply to online purchases in the Netherlands?
For online purchases from a business as a consumer, you usually have a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions may apply. The Dutch Government also states that the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period.