Start by choosing a digital piano with a keyboard, range and pedal function that suit your exam pathway and repertoire. A headphone socket can help you practise quietly, but also pay attention to your listening volume and check which pedals and setup are required for the performance.
You want to practise the touch, range and pedal use required for pieces on your exam pathway. Check the requirements of the relevant organisation and exam format; Trinity College London and ABRSM publish information about their own exams.
You practise at times or in places where sound from speakers is unwelcome, and are looking for a model with a suitable headphone socket. Headphones don’t automatically make loud listening safe; the World Health Organization highlights both sound level and listening duration.
You want the piano and the necessary setup to fit into your practice space. So compare not only the instrument’s dimensions, but also those of the stand and pedal setup.
Start with the requirements of your own exam pathway and pieces. Then consider quiet practice, the pedal functions you need and the space required for the complete setup. Exam requirements can vary by organisation and exam format.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and key range | Compare the exact model with the requirements of your exam pathway and the range of your chosen pieces. | If I want to practise the dynamics and all the notes in my repertoire, I prioritise a suitable keyboard and range. Around 25 % of consumers put an exam-suitable touch and range first. |
| Quiet practice and listening | Check the headphone socket on the exact model and keep the listening volume low. | When I want to practise without speaker sound, I look for a suitable headphone socket and a manageable volume. Around 25 % of consumers make quiet practice their top priority. |
| Pedal use | Check which pedal functions your pieces require and what is included with the performance. | If my repertoire calls for a specific pedal technique, I want to know whether the included pedal is suitable. Around 20 % of consumers put pedal use at the top of their list. |
| Space for the setup | Measure the available space and compare the dimensions of the instrument and the setup you want. | When my practice space is limited, I want to know in advance whether the piano, stand and pedals will all fit. Around 15 % of consumers make space for the setup their main consideration. |
| Included accessories | Check what is included with each version, such as a stand, pedal, power supply or music rest. | If I need a complete practice setup, I want to know which accessories I still need to arrange. Around 15 % of consumers make included accessories their top priority. |
The term ‘digital piano’ alone doesn’t tell you whether the key range and touch are right for your exam pathway. For example, a Joybuy product page lists a model with 61 keys, but that doesn’t prove it is suitable for every exam or repertoire.
Check the requirements set by your exam organisation and compare them with the full model number and the instrument’s specifications.
The Korg B2+ is listed with a damper pedal; Korg specifies the half-pedalling function for the separate PU-2 pedal unit.
Check which pedal technique your pieces require and whether the relevant unit is compatible with the exact piano.
Headphones don’t prevent high volume or long listening sessions from being harmful. The World Health Organization identifies both sound level and exposure duration as relevant factors.
Start at a low volume and bear in mind how long you practise for.
The P-145BT is a portable model worth considering if you’re looking for a piano-focused design.
The FP-30X is a portable option to compare if a full-size keyboard and headphone practice are important to you.
The B2+ is a model to compare if you’re looking for a portable piano with a headphone socket.
The Privia PX-S1100BK is another option to consider if the depth of the instrument is important for your setup.
That depends on the exam organisation and format. Trinity College London allows digital pianos for its digital graded piano exams, provided that the range, touch and, where necessary, sustain pedal are suitable for the pieces. The rules for diploma exams may be different, so don’t assume the requirements for a graded exam also apply.
Not just because the piece is short. Trinity College London allows electronic keyboards up to and including Grade 3 for digital graded piano exams, subject to conditions including having enough range without altering the score. Check the rules for your exam pathway and all the pieces you’ve chosen.
Start at a low volume, choose well-fitting headphones and take listening breaks. The World Health Organization stresses that both sound level and exposure duration matter; headphones don’t automatically make a high volume safe.
First check that the pedal is compatible and connected according to the instructions. If a product doesn’t meet the standards you could reasonably expect during normal use, ACM ConsuWijzer says the seller is responsible for providing a solution under the legal guarantee.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, although exceptions apply. Before buying, check the applicable terms and how you’re allowed to try out the instrument.
