Who is this choice for?

Jazz student working on their touch

You practise melodies and chords, and want to add nuance to your playing. Try the keyboard on the exact model yourself: specifications describe the action, but only you can decide whether it feels right for you.

Home-studio pianist who records

You want to listen back to passages or edit them. Decide in advance whether you want to capture MIDI performance data, the piano sound as audio, or both.

Home player with limited space

You share a room or practise with headphones. Compare the dimensions and connections, and check what stand or pedals you’ll need for the complete setup.

What should you look for?

First, decide how you want to use the keyboard: to work on your touch, play along with backing tracks, record, or practise quietly in a limited space.

What to consider What to look for Who is it important for?
Touch and expression Try soft melodies, repeated notes and chords on the exact keyboard. Yamaha lists 88 keys and a GHC keyboard for the P-225; Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-30X. If I want to practise melodies and chords with nuance, I’ll try the keyboard before choosing. Around 29% of consumers put touch and expression first.
Recording and editing Decide whether you need MIDI, the piano sound as audio, or both. Roland describes USB audio/MIDI and separate audio outputs for the FP-30X; Korg lists USB-C MIDI/audio for the B2+. If I want to edit takes in software, I’ll first check what I want to capture. Around 29% of consumers give recording and editing top priority.
Playing along with backing tracks Check whether you can play audio from your phone or tablet through the piano. Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT; Kawai lists Bluetooth audio for the ES120. When I practise a jazz standard with a backing track, I want to be able to play it easily. Around 24% of consumers put playing along first.
Space and quiet practice Measure the complete setup and check what’s included with the version you choose. Casio gives a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100; this is a specification for that model. If my practice space is limited or I want to play with headphones, the complete setup matters. Around 18% of consumers put space and quiet practice first.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing Bluetooth audio with a recording connection

    Being able to play audio from a phone doesn’t mean the piano sends MIDI performance data or its own piano sound to recording software.

    Decide whether you need MIDI, audio recording or both, then check which connection the exact model specifies for this.

  • Assuming every version is a complete setup

    A portable piano sold on its own and a version with a stand and pedal unit don’t necessarily include the same components. Kawai lists an optional stand and three-pedal unit for the ES120; Korg distinguishes between the B2+ sold on its own and the B2+SP, which comes with a stand and pedal unit.

    Check what’s included with the exact version and whether any accessories you need are compatible.

    You may need to buy a suitable stand or a more advanced pedal set separately.

  • Choosing a compact model based only on cabinet depth

    Depth alone doesn’t tell you whether you’ll also have enough room for your seating position, music rest and recording equipment. Casio gives a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100; a claim based on Casio’s own research from July 2021 isn’t a current, independent ranking.

    Measure the whole setup and try the keyboard on the model you’re considering.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P series includes portable models such as the P-145BT and P-225, with different features to compare as you practise.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT and P-225, and Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT.
  • You’ll need to check that the optional three-pedal accessories for the P-225 suit the setup you want. Bluetooth audio alone doesn’t confirm that you can record audio to a computer.

Roland

The portable FP-30X is worth considering if you want to combine a practice keyboard with connections to studio equipment.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, USB audio/MIDI, separate audio outputs and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
  • You may need accessories for your pedal setup. Roland’s description of the keyboard’s touch is a manufacturer claim; try it to see whether it suits you.

Kawai

The portable ES120 is worth considering if you want to play piano, play audio and use MIDI.

  • Kawai lists Bluetooth audio and MIDI, USB-MIDI, separate stereo line-outs and two headphone sockets for the ES120.
  • USB-MIDI doesn’t automatically mean that USB audio recording is possible. The stand and three-pedal unit are optional.

Korg

The B2+ range includes the portable B2+ sold on its own, and the B2+SP with a stand and pedal unit.

  • Korg describes USB-C MIDI/audio and several piano sounds, including one described as a jazz piano sound.
  • The B2+ has a combined headphone and line-out socket. Check that it suits your recording and listening setup; sound descriptions come from the manufacturer.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth comparing if you have limited depth available.

  • Casio gives a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100.
  • Casio’s claim that it is the slimmest piano in a particular class is based on its own research from July 2021 and isn’t a current, independent ranking. Also check that the model has the connections you need.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I also record my piano playing as MIDI using Bluetooth audio?

No. Bluetooth audio alone doesn’t confirm that MIDI recording is possible. For the models mentioned, manufacturers describe this feature as a way to play music from a phone or tablet. Check separately which MIDI connection and audio recording features you need.

How can I practise with a backing track without assuming the piano has built-in jazz backing?

Use a lead sheet and a separate backing track. Berklee College of Music offers practice materials that include audio and lead sheets. Check whether you can play the track through the piano or need a separate setup.

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

No, this varies by model and version. Kawai lists an optional stand and three-pedal unit for the ES120; Korg distinguishes between the B2+ sold on its own and the B2+SP, which comes with a stand and pedal unit. Check what’s included with the exact version.

What warranty applies when a consumer buys in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and you can contact the seller if it has a fault. There is no fixed statutory warranty period of exactly two years in the Netherlands; what you can expect from a product depends, among other things, on the product and the information provided at the time of sale.

Can I try a digital piano at home after buying it online and send it back?

For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from the day after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer explains the conditions and exceptions for unpacking, trying and returning an item. Read its guidance and the seller’s terms before you order.