Start by checking your exam requirements and repertoire: make sure the keyboard has the necessary range, touch sensitivity and weighted keys, and that it comes with the required pedal. Trinity College London allows digital pianos in the digital grade exams listed, subject to certain conditions, but requirements vary by exam format. Then try the key action and pedal response for yourself, and check that the stand and accessories will suit your studio.
You want to practise your pieces with the required range, dynamics and pedal technique. Requirements depend on your exam board, level and repertoire. For its digital grade exams, Trinity College London specifies, among other things, a sufficient range and a touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard.
You may need to practise while other people are using the room. A headphone socket and a setup that lets you listen along with a teacher could therefore be important.
You may need to move or store your instrument, so compare its dimensions and weight, as well as the components you’ll need for a complete playing setup.
Start with your exam format and repertoire, then compare the pedal setup and the space available in your studio. Finally, consider how you want to practise on your own and with a teacher.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should give it extra thought? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and playing range | Check that the lowest and highest notes in your pieces fall within the keyboard’s range. Try playing both soft and loud passages. | If I want to practise my exam pieces with the required notes and dynamics, I focus on range and touch. Around 33% of consumers say these are their top priorities. |
| Pedal response | Check which pedal functions your pieces require and what’s included with the exact version you’re buying. | If my repertoire calls for a particular pedal technique, I want to be able to practise it with the pedal I choose. Around 27% of consumers put pedal technique first. |
| Moving and setting up | Measure the available width and depth, allowing room for a music stand and a seat. Check the weight and what’s included. | If I need to move or store the piano regularly, its size and everything I have to set up each time are important factors. Around 20% of consumers say this is their main consideration. |
| Practising in a shared space | Check for a headphone socket and think about how you’ll listen to passages with a teacher or other studio users. | I want to practise on my own without disturbing others, and also listen to passages with someone else. Around 20% of consumers put shared-studio use first. |
The number of keys alone doesn’t confirm that an instrument is suitable for your pieces and exam format. For its digital grade exams, Trinity College London also specifies a sufficient range and a touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard. Other exam formats may have different requirements.
Check the requirements of your exam board, exam format, level and chosen pieces before selecting a model.
A socket alone doesn’t tell you which pedal function is included. That can make a difference if your pieces call for a specific pedal technique.
Check what’s included and try the pedal response with passages from your repertoire.
Korg lists the PU-2, which supports half-pedalling, as a separate accessory for the B2+. A more advanced pedal may therefore mean an additional purchase and changes to your setup.
The piano’s dimensions alone don’t tell you how much space you’ll need for a music stand, a seat and a stable playing setup.
Measure the whole playing area before choosing between a portable model and a permanent setup.
The P-225 is a portable option to compare if both space and a weighted keyboard matter to you.
The FP-30X is a portable option for practising on your own or with a teacher.
Compare the portable B2+ with the B2SP if you’re deciding between easy storage and a permanent pedal setup.
The Privia PX-S1100 is a compact option to consider if you have limited depth available.
This selection includes portable digital pianos and keyboards for practising in a rehearsal studio. For models with 61 keys, check that the range is sufficient for your pieces and exam format.
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Could suit you if you’re looking for a portable instrument with a touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard for solo practice. Check that 61 keys are enough for your exam pieces.
The product information lists built-in speakers, a headphone socket and power via an adapter or optional batteries.
The product name lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI and a music stand.
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Could suit you if you want to use a metronome and music stand while practising. Check that the keyboard and its range are right for your repertoire and exam requirements.
The product information lists a metronome, recording function, USB-MIDI, built-in speakers and a headphone socket.
According to the requirements published by Trinity College London in February 2026, you can use one for the digital grade exams listed, provided, among other things, that the range is sufficient and the keyboard is touch-sensitive and weighted. A sustain pedal is required if the exam calls for one. Also check the requirements for your exam format, as the listed solo piano diplomas have different instrument requirements.
No. Check the requirements for your specific ABRSM exam format and exam date. ABRSM distinguishes between, among other things, in-person Practical Grades and digital Performance Grades. ABRSM says the announced repertoire for 2027–2028 can be used for exams from 1 January 2027.
First, find out which pedal function your pieces require and try the response with passages from your repertoire. Then check what’s included with the exact version: Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the B2+, while the PU-2 for half-pedalling is available separately.
For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the seller is your point of contact if a product is faulty. The Dutch government lists free repair or replacement as options. Online purchases also generally come with a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. This cooling-off period is separate from your rights if a product is faulty.
