Who is this choice relevant to?

Exam student practising their touch

Wants to practise dynamics and technique on a keyboard suited to their chosen exam route and current level.

Student with a pedal-heavy repertoire

Wants to check in advance which pedal functions their exam pieces require and which accessories are compatible with their chosen model.

Home studio pianist

Is looking for an instrument that fits the space available and can be used with headphones. For an ABRSM Performance Grade, the video setup matters too.

What should you look for when buying?

First, check the requirements for your exam route. Then compare what your repertoire calls for in terms of the keyboard, pedals and home setup.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Keyboard and touch For digital pianos, ABRSM specifies a recognisable piano sound and full-size, weighted keys that respond to touch. Check the requirements for your own exam route. If I want to practise dynamics for my exam pieces, I check whether the keyboard suits my route. Around 29% of consumers put the keyboard and touch first.
Pedal use Compare the pedal functions your pieces require with the connections, compatibility and contents of the version you’re considering. If you want to practise using pedals for your repertoire, check that the right pedals are available. Around 23% of consumers put repertoire and pedals first.
Quiet practice Check the number and type of headphone sockets; headphones won’t necessarily prevent mechanical key noise in the room. If I want to practise at home without piano sound coming from the speakers, the right headphone socket is important. Around 18% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Space and setup Measure the full area needed for the piano, stand, bench and pedals, not just the instrument itself. If I have a small home studio, I want to know whether the complete setup will fit. Around 18% of consumers put space and setup first.
Exam recording For relevant exam routes only: check the current video instructions. An audio output or piano recording function doesn’t replace these rules. If you need to prepare an exam video at home, plan your picture and sound according to your chosen route. Around 12% of consumers put the video setup first.

Things to watch out for when buying

  • Assuming ‘88 keys’ means a piano is suitable for an exam

    The number of keys alone doesn’t tell you whether the touch and other features meet the requirements of your chosen exam route.

    Check the requirements for that route and the specifications of the exact model version. If possible, try the keyboard with your repertoire.

  • Assuming an optional pedal unit is included

    Some portable models list a multi-pedal setup as an optional extra, rather than a standard feature on every version.

    Check what’s included in the bundle and whether the pedal unit is compatible with the exact model.

  • Measuring only the body of a compact piano

    The space taken up by the piano itself doesn’t tell you how much room you’ll need to play it.

    Remember to measure for the stand, bench and space to use the pedals too.

  • Confusing a piano recording function with a valid exam video

    An ABRSM Performance Grade has specific instructions for video submissions; the instrument’s recording function doesn’t meet those requirements.

    Check the instructions for your exam route before factoring recording functions into your choice.

Brands to consider

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable option to compare if you’re looking for an 88-key keyboard for your home setup.

  • Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and built-in speakers for the FP-30X.
  • The description of an authentic playing feel is a claim made by Roland, not an independent comparison. Check the pedal configuration you need separately.

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable model with 88 GHC keys to include in your comparison.

  • Yamaha says the P-145 is compatible with the optional LP-5A three-pedal unit.
  • Check the exact model name and bundle: the P-145 and P-145BT are different model designations.

Kawai

The ES120 may be worth considering if headphone and studio connections are important to you.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, two headphone sockets and separate stereo Line Out connections.
  • A three-pedal board is described as an accessory, so check which version and bundle you’re looking at.

Casio

The PX-S1100 is a portable model to compare if the depth of the piano itself is a consideration.

  • Casio gives the body depth as 232 mm.
  • Measure the full playing setup too. Casio’s comparison from July 2021 isn’t a current independent ranking.

Korg

The B2 is another portable option with an 88-key, hammer-action keyboard.

  • Korg specifies an NH keyboard and an included damper pedal; half-pedalling is supported with the separately available PU-2.
  • Check the version and bundle sold in the Netherlands, as the Korg specification consulted comes from its US product site.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a digital piano for my graded exam?

It depends on the exam board and the type of exam you’ve chosen. ABRSM sets out requirements for using a digital piano in Practical Grades, including a recognisable piano sound and full-size, weighted keys that respond to touch. EPTA Netherlands has its own exam route, so don’t assume the ABRSM requirements apply.

How do I check which pedals I need?

Compare the pedal functions required for your exam pieces with the connections and accessories available for the exact model. Also check what’s actually included in your chosen bundle: compatibility with a pedal unit doesn’t mean it’s included.

What do I need to arrange for an ABRSM Performance Grade at home?

ABRSM requires a continuous, unedited video of the prescribed performance for submission. A piano recording function or audio output doesn’t replace the video instructions; check the current guidance for your exam.

How can I tell if the piano will fit in my home studio?

Measure the space needed for the complete setup, including the stand, bench and room for the pedals. The stated body dimensions don’t tell you how much room you’ll need while playing.

Which syllabus should I choose for an ABRSM exam in 2027?

ABRSM says the 2025–2026 syllabuses remain valid until 31 December 2027. During the overlap, choose your prescribed pieces from one syllabus and check the rules for your exam date.