Beginner ballad player
You want to practise melodies, chords and playing softly and loudly. So compare how a weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard feels to play.
Who is this guide for?
Quiet home player
You share your home and want to practise with headphones often. Check the connection on the exact model, and bear in mind that the keys may still make a noise.
Player sharing a spare room
You may need to leave the piano set up between practice sessions, or put it away. Remember to allow space for a stand, stool and sheet music too.
What should you look for?
First compare the touch and number of keys, then check whether you can use the piano with headphones and whether the complete setup will fit in your room.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and range | Check the number of keys and the touch response of the exact model. Yamaha lists 88 weighted GHC keys for the P-145BT; Roland lists 88 keys for the FP-10. | If I want to practise melodies and chords with both hands, I want a keyboard that suits my playing style. Around 40% of consumers prioritise range and touch. |
| Headphones | Check whether the model has a headphone socket and whether your plug will fit. Casio lists a PHONES/OUTPUT socket for the CDP-S110BK; Roland mentions headphone use for the FP-10. | When other people are at home, I want to practise without sound coming from the piano speakers. Around 30% of consumers prioritise headphone use. |
| Space and portability | Measure the piano with its stand and seating area, not just the body. Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the body of the CDP-S110BK. | If the spare room also needs to be available for guests, I want to know how much space the complete setup will take up. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space and portability. |
| Playing along and pedal | Decide whether you need audio, MIDI or both, and check which pedal is included with the version you’re considering. Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT; Casio lists an SP-3 pedal included with the CDP-S110BK. | If I want to practise along with a recording and use sustain, I want to choose the right connection and pedal function. Around 10% of consumers prioritise playing along and using a pedal. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a headphone socket means completely silent practice
Headphones prevent sound coming from the piano speakers, but the keys may still be audible in a shared home.
Check the connection and, if possible, try the piano in a room with a similar setup to yours.
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Only checking the dimensions of the piano body
The listed depth of 232 mm for the Casio CDP-S110BK applies to the body. You’ll also need space to sit and move around while playing.
Measure the planned complete setup, including the stand and seating area.
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Confusing Bluetooth audio, MIDI and what’s included
A feature for playing audio doesn’t confirm that the instrument also supports MIDI. Pedals and stands included in the package can also vary by version.
Decide how you want to practise, then compare the connections and contents of the specific version.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The Dutch product information positions the P-145BT as a compact, portable entry-level piano with a weighted keyboard.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT.
- The LP-5A console with three pedals is optional, so don’t assume the standalone piano comes with a complete furniture-style setup.
Casio
The Dutch product information for the CDP-S110BK is worth considering if a slim, portable piano is important to you.
- Casio lists a body depth of 232 mm, a scaled hammer-action keyboard, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an SP-3 pedal included.
- The listed depth is for the body, not the complete playing setup.
Roland
Roland describes the FP-10 as a portable piano for practising at home.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, built-in speakers and headphone use.
- The DP-10 pedal with half-pedalling is optional. Roland also notes that Bluetooth availability varies by country.
Kawai
The Dutch ES120 product information describes a portable piano that can later be set up as a permanent fixture.
- Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth MIDI.
- The HML-2 stand and F-351 triple pedal unit are optional.
Korg
The Dutch product information describes the B2+ range as a standalone piano, with a B2+SP version that comes with a stand and pedal unit.
- Korg lists USB-C, a metronome and a range of sounds for the B2+.
- The B2+ and B2+SP have different package contents, so check which version is being offered.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy options below have 61 keys. Compare the range with an 88-key keyboard, and measure the complete setup, including any stand and seating area.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
This could suit you if you’re looking for a smaller keyboard range; consider whether 61 keys are enough for the music you want to practise.
The product name lists 61 keys, not the full range of an 88-key keyboard.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
This could suit you if you’re looking for a keyboard with a more limited range; check that it covers the parts you want to play.
The product name lists 61 keys, not the full range of an 88-key keyboard.
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61-key keyboard piano set with stand, stool and music rest
This could suit you if you’re looking for a set with a stand and stool; bear in mind how much room the complete setup will take up.
The product name lists 61 keys, a stand, a stool and a music rest. Check that the keyboard range suits your practice goals.
Frequently asked questions
Are headphones enough for completely silent practice?
Not necessarily. With suitable models, headphones prevent sound coming from the piano speakers, but they don’t necessarily silence the mechanical noise of the keys. Roland mentions headphone use for the FP-10; assess the key noise in your own room.
Do you need Bluetooth to play along with a pop ballad?
Not necessarily. First decide whether you want to play recordings or exchange data with a lesson app. Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT; Kawai lists Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth MIDI separately for the ES120. Check which connection your learning method requires.
Do you need to buy a stand and pedal separately?
It varies by model and version. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal included with the CDP-S110BK, Yamaha lists an optional LP-5A pedal console for the P-145BT, and Korg offers a B2+SP version with a stand and pedal unit. Check the package contents, compatibility and space requirements for the version you’re considering.