Who is this buying guide for?

Piano grade candidate with limited space

You’re looking for a setup that fits in your room without overlooking your exam’s keyboard and pedal requirements. ABRSM and Trinity outline conditions for using a digital piano in their piano exams.

Home player in a shared room

You want to practise regularly, so you’re comparing not just dimensions but also headphone use and how easy the setup is to move. Roland says you can practise on the FP-10 using its speakers or headphones, while Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable piano.

Buying a complete practice setup

You want to know in advance whether a suitable pedal and stand are included with the version you’ve chosen or need to be bought separately. Casio lists a pedal with the CDP-S110BK, while Kawai describes parts for the ES120 setup as optional.

What should you look for?

Start with the requirements of your exam route, then measure the complete setup and check the accessories and practice options you’ll need.

What to consider What to look for Who is this relevant to?
Exam suitability Check your exam board’s requirements, the keyboard type and range, and whether a sustain pedal is required. If I want to practise on an instrument suited to my exam route and chosen pieces, I prioritise the keyboard and pedal requirements; around 33% of consumers put exam suitability first.
Floor space Measure the available space and compare it with the complete setup, not just the piano itself. If the piano needs to fit between other pieces of furniture, I want to know in advance how much space it will take up with the stand and music rest; around 27% of consumers prioritise available space.
Practising at home Check whether the version has a headphone socket and whether you can also play through built-in speakers. If I practise in a shared room, I want the choice of silent practice with headphones or playing through speakers; around 20% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Complete setup Check which pedal and stand components are included with the exact version you’re buying, and which are available separately. Before I put together a complete practice space, I want to know which parts I still need; around 20% of consumers focus mainly on what’s included in the full setup.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming that every model described as a digital piano is suitable for an exam

    Exam requirements go beyond the product name. ABRSM and Trinity specify requirements for things such as the keyboard, range and sustain pedal.

    Compare the specifications of the exact version with your exam board’s rules and the pieces you’ve chosen.

    If an instrument doesn’t meet those requirements, you may need to find another practice solution.

  • Measuring only the depth of the piano itself

    The space taken up by the complete setup may differ from the dimensions of the instrument alone. For example, Yamaha gives a separate depth measurement for the P-145 with the music rest fitted.

    Also measure the intended stand, the space for your chair and the room needed for the pedals.

    You may need a different stand or to rearrange the room if the complete setup doesn’t fit.

  • Not checking which accessories you’ll need

    What’s included varies by model and version. Kawai lists the stand and triple pedal unit for the ES120 as optional, while Casio includes one pedal with the CDP-S110BK.

    Check what’s included against the needs of your repertoire and setup.

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

Piano brands to consider

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable model worth considering if you’re looking for a full-size keyboard and want to weigh the depth of the casing against the space available.

  • Yamaha UK lists 88 GHC keys and a width of 1,326 mm. The depth is 272 mm for the casing and 362 mm with the music rest.
  • These are manufacturer measurements; remember to measure the stand you choose and the rest of your practice space too.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is worth comparing if a shallow casing is important to you.

  • Casio lists 88 Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II keys, dimensions of 1,322 × 232 × 99 mm and one included SP-3 pedal.
  • Check that the included pedal meets the requirements of your pieces; the specifications alone don’t prove that the piano is suitable for every exam route.

Roland

The FP-10 is a portable model to compare if you want to practise at home using headphones or the built-in speakers.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and describes practising through the built-in speakers or with headphones.
  • Roland says Bluetooth availability may vary by country. Don’t assume this feature is included with a version sold in the UK without checking first.

Kawai

The ES120 is worth comparing as a portable piano, with the option of putting together a more permanent stand and pedal setup.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and a weight of 12.5 kg.
  • Kawai describes the HML-2 stand and F-351 triple pedal unit as optional. Check what’s included with the version you’ve chosen.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are 88 keys enough on their own for a piano grade exam?

No. Having 88 keys alone doesn’t show that a digital piano meets the exam requirements. ABRSM Practical Piano 2025–2026 also specifies a recognisable piano sound, full-size weighted keys that respond to touch, and a sustain pedal. For digital piano grades, Trinity sets requirements for things such as touch response and range, and requires a sustain pedal where needed. Follow the rules for your exam route.

Which sheet music should you choose if your ABRSM exam is around the turn of the year?

Let your exam date determine which ABRSM syllabus applies. ABRSM says repertoire from Piano 2027–2028 may be used for exams from 1 January 2027, so don’t assume that list applies to an exam in 2026 without checking.

How can you check whether a digital piano will fit in your room?

Measure the available space and compare it with the complete setup you have in mind. Allow room for the piano, stand, music rest, chair and pedals. For example, Yamaha gives separate measurements for the P-145’s casing depth and its depth with the music rest fitted.

What if a pedal or stand isn’t included with the piano?

Check what’s included with the exact version you’re buying and which accessories are compatible before you order. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110BK; Kawai lists the HML-2 stand and F-351 triple pedal unit for the ES120 as optional.

What warranty and cooling-off period apply to a purchase in the Netherlands?

Consumer purchases are covered by a legal guarantee: according to the Dutch government, the seller must offer a solution if the product doesn’t meet what you can reasonably expect from it. Many online purchases from a business also come with a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms and any exceptions that apply to your purchase.