Who is this buying guide for?

Learning to play film themes

You want to practise melodies, chords and dynamics. So, consider the keyboard, touch settings, and whether the included or optional sustain pedal suits the way you play.

Recording and arranging at home

You want to send the notes you play to software or record the piano sound. Check which MIDI and audio connections the model has. Playing audio from a device is not the same as recording the piano sound.

Quiet practice in a small space

You practise when using speakers isn’t convenient, or need to move the instrument after playing. Headphone sockets, dimensions, and the stand and pedals you need all help determine whether the setup will suit your space.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide whether your priorities are playing feel, studio connections, quiet practice or a compact setup. Then check that each model has the connections and accessories you actually need.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Touch and sustain Assess the keyboard and touch settings; check which pedal is included and which three-pedal unit is compatible with the model. If I want to learn film themes with varied touch, I look at the keyboard and pedal options. Around 33% of consumers give expressive touch and sustain their top priority.
Studio connections Check whether you want to use MIDI notes, piano sound or audio playback, and which ports and cables you’ll need. If I want to capture notes in software or record the piano sound, I check the signal type and output on the exact model. Around 27% of consumers prioritise connections to recording software and audio playback.
Quiet practice Check the number and type of headphone sockets, and whether they’re compatible with your headphones. If I want to practise without using speakers, a compatible headphone socket and, if needed, a second output are important. Around 20% of consumers give quiet practice their top priority.
Size and setup Measure the space available and check which stand, music rest, adapter and pedals are included with the version you’ve chosen. If my piano needs to fit into a small home studio or be moved after practice, I look at both its dimensions and the complete setup. Around 20% of consumers start by considering size and setup.

Common pitfalls

  • Bluetooth doesn’t automatically mean you can record your piano sound wirelessly

    For the Kawai ES120, Kawai describes Bluetooth audio for playback from a smart device and lists MIDI separately. These features alone don’t mean that the built-in piano sound can be sent wirelessly to recording software.

    First decide whether you need MIDI notes, piano sound or audio playback. Then check the signal direction and connections on the exact model.

    Depending on your recording setup, you may need additional cables or an audio interface.

  • A portable piano doesn’t automatically come with a complete three-pedal setup

    Yamaha lists the LP-5A for the P-145 as optional. The stand and three-pedal unit for the Kawai ES120 are also optional accessories.

    Check the package contents and accessory compatibility for the exact version you’re considering.

    You may need to buy a compatible stand or pedal unit separately.

  • A fixed number of years doesn’t reflect the full extent of your statutory warranty in the Netherlands

    According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands that applies equally to every product.

    Keep your proof of purchase and product description. Report any fault to the seller, and check what any additional warranty packages offer beyond your statutory rights.

Brands to compare

The models and product ranges mentioned offer different keyboard, connection and pedal options. Always check the exact version and package contents before buying.

Yamaha

The P series includes portable models such as the P-145 and P-225, designed for practising in a small space.

  • Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard for both models.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 and the LP-1/FC35 options for the P-225 are model-specific accessories. Check what’s included with the version you choose.

Roland

The portable FP-30X could suit a setup where both practising and connecting to external equipment are important.

  • Roland specifies an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, separate outputs for powered speakers and two headphone outputs.
  • The KPD-70 three-pedal unit and DP-10 are optional extras. Check the package contents and compatibility for each offer.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is a portable model for a simple practice setup.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a scaled hammer-action keyboard, USB Type B, AUDIO IN and an included SP-3 sustain pedal.
  • These connections alone don’t confirm support for a specific USB audio recording feature. The included sustain pedal is not a three-pedal setup.

Kawai

According to Kawai, the ES120 combines a portable piano keyboard with MIDI connections and audio playback from a smart device.

  • Kawai specifies USB-MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth audio.
  • The HML-2 stand and F-351 three-pedal unit are optional. Bluetooth audio playback doesn’t confirm that the piano sound can be sent wirelessly to recording software.

Korg

The B2 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a digital piano with USB and audio connections.

  • According to Korg’s specifications, the B2 has 88 Natural Weighted Hammer Action keys, USB Type B, AUDIO IN and a combined PHONES/LINE OUT.
  • The specifications cited are from Korg USA. For a purchase in the Netherlands, check the version and package contents. The B2 is not the same model as the B2N or B2SP.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the same equipment to record film themes as I do for MIDI notes?

No. MIDI captures the notes you play; audio is the sound itself. For the ES120, Kawai lists USB-MIDI and Bluetooth audio playback separately. Decide what you want to record, then check the connections on the model you’ve chosen.

Does a portable piano come with a stand and three pedals?

Not necessarily. Yamaha lists an optional LP-5A unit for the P-145; Kawai lists an optional HML-2 stand and F-351 three-pedal unit for the ES120. Check the contents and compatibility of the exact version.

What are my rights regarding returns and warranties when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, many distance purchases come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions apply. You’re also entitled to a product that meets the required standard; there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands that applies equally to every product. If there’s a fault, contact the seller and check the terms of your specific purchase.

Can I post a film theme I’ve played online?

It depends on where and how you publish it. According to BumaStemra, you don’t need a separate licence for personal use of music in videos or posts on the social platforms it names, because of agreements with those platforms. BumaStemra says that commercial use of music in content requires an additional synchronisation licence. Check the rights for arrangements and other types of publication separately.