Who’s looking for a piano to play at home?

Beginner learning a film theme

You want to practise melody, dynamics and pedal technique step by step. So start by choosing a keyboard and practice setup that suit your learning goals.

Home studio recorder

You want to edit or record your playing, and need to decide whether you need MIDI notes, the built-in piano sound or both.

Player who wants to practise quietly

You share your living or working space, so you’re mainly concerned with a headphone socket, where the piano will go and how easy it is to move.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with what you want to practise and record. Then choose a keyboard, connections and complete setup to suit the way you’ll use it.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay extra attention?
Touch and expression Try the keyboard and check the touch settings and compatible sustain or three-pedal options. If I want to learn to play a film theme expressively, a keyboard that suits my touch comes first. Around 28% of consumers prioritise touch and expression.
Recording MIDI or piano sound Decide whether you need USB-MIDI, USB audio or analogue audio outputs, and check how it connects to your computer. I want to be able to edit my notes, record the piano sound, or both, and need to know which connection I’ll need. Around 22% of consumers prioritise their recording workflow.
Quiet practice Check the number and size of the headphone sockets. Headphones won’t block mechanical key or pedal noise in the room. If I don’t want to disturb others at home, I want to listen through headphones, possibly with a teacher. Around 22% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Space and portability Measure the space, including the stand and music rest. Compare the dimensions of the exact model. I want the piano to fit on or near my small studio workspace, and need to allow for the entire setup. Around 17% of consumers prioritise space.
Complete playing setup Check what’s included and whether you’ll need a stand, bench, pedal, headphones, cables or audio interface. I want to know in advance what I’ll need to practise or record comfortably, so I can put together a complete setup. Around 11% of consumers prioritise the equipment needed for their setup.

Buying pitfalls

  • Confusing USB-MIDI with recording the piano sound

    MIDI sends performance data; it doesn’t automatically record the sound of the piano’s built-in tones. Kawai describes the ES120’s USB connection as MIDI and lists separate stereo line-outs. Roland specifies USB audio/MIDI for the FP-30X.

    Before choosing, write down whether you want to edit notes, record the piano sound or do both. Then check that you have the connection and recording input your workflow requires.

    Recording through analogue outputs may require a suitable audio interface and cables.

  • Assuming a stand and pedals are always included

    Yamaha lists the LP-5A console for the P-145BT as optional; Kawai describes a stand and three-pedal unit for the ES120 as accessories.

    Compare the contents of the exact offer with the setup you need.

    A suitable stand or pedal unit may need to be bought separately.

  • Using an old slimness claim as a current market comparison

    Casio’s claim about the PX-S1100 was based on its own research from July 2021 and a defined product category.

    Use the stated cabinet depth as a measurement, and measure the full setup you’re planning too.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P series includes portable models for practising at home, including the P-145BT and P-225.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for both models. The brand specifies Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT, and up to 192-note polyphony for the P-225 compared with 64 notes for the P-145BT.
  • These specifications aren’t an independent assessment of playing feel or audible differences. Check which pedals and connections are included with each version.

Roland

The portable FP-30X is worth considering if you want to combine piano playing with computer connections.

  • Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, dual headphone outputs, separate audio outputs and USB audio/MIDI.
  • Roland’s description of the playing feel comes from the brand itself. Try the keyboard for yourself and check which pedal unit comes with the version you’re considering.

Kawai

The portable ES120 is an option to compare if you’re looking for headphone sockets, line-outs and MIDI.

  • Kawai lists two headphone sockets, stereo line-outs, Bluetooth audio/MIDI and USB-MIDI.
  • USB-MIDI isn’t the same as USB audio. The stand and three-pedal unit are accessories; colours and accessories may vary by market.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth comparing if the depth of the piano cabinet matters to you.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm.
  • Allow space for the stand and the rest of your playing setup too; cabinet depth alone doesn’t tell you how much room you’ll need overall.

Korg

The B2+ is worth comparing if you’re looking for a keyboard with a direct computer connection.

  • Korg USA lists 88 NH keys, a USB-C port and a combined headphone/line-out socket for the B2+. Korg describes the B2+SP as including a stand and three-pedal unit.
  • Check the exact version sold in the Netherlands before assuming these features apply to a specific offer.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record the piano’s own sound straight away using USB-MIDI?

No. USB-MIDI alone won’t record the piano’s built-in sound: the Kawai ES120 manual describes its USB connection as being for MIDI data. To record the piano sound, check separately whether USB audio is available, or use a suitable audio output and recording input. Roland specifies USB audio/MIDI for the FP-30X.

What space and power connection should I check before setting it up?

Measure the space for the piano, music rest and any stand, and check the power instructions for the exact model. The Kawai ES120 manual specifies a mains socket with the stated voltage and says that the supplied adaptor and cable are for this instrument only.

What happens if the piano I bought online doesn’t work properly?

When you buy from a business online, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. You’re also entitled to a product that meets the terms of the agreement; if there’s a problem, contact the seller. The Netherlands doesn’t have a fixed two-year statutory guarantee period that applies to all products.

Can I publish my home recording of a film theme online?

Making a recording for your own use doesn’t automatically give you permission to distribute or make the music available to the public. According to the Dutch government, you may make a private copy of copyrighted music for your own use, but you need the necessary permission to distribute or publish it publicly.

Which product rules apply to a digital piano in the Netherlands?

Applicable European product rules apply to electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market in the Netherlands. Manufacturers must assess the product’s compliance with the applicable requirements, draw up an EU Declaration of Conformity and affix a CE marking. Bluetooth products are also subject to rules for radio equipment, as explained by the Dutch government’s Ondernemersplein. According to that government source, most of the other rules in the Cyber Resilience Act will apply from 11 December 2027.