Who is this choice for?

Recital player with limited space

You want to practise a piano piece with the right range and touch response, but need to fit the complete playing set-up into a small room.

Practising in a shared home

You want to practise regularly without using the speakers, so you’re looking for a headphone socket and considering how to manage noise.

Player practising music with demanding pedal work

You want to practise the pedal technique your piece calls for and check what’s included, as well as which compatible pedals are available separately.

What should you look for?

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Key range and touch response Check the highest and lowest notes in your piece, and try soft passages, repeated notes and dynamic changes on the exact model. If I want to practise the notes and dynamics in my piece properly, I’ll prioritise key range and touch response. Around 34% of consumers say this is their top priority.
Space for the complete set-up Measure the available width and depth, and compare dimensions on a like-for-like basis, including the parts you’ll actually use. When space is limited in my room, I want to know whether the piano, music rest, stool and legroom will all fit. Around 33% of consumers put this need first.
Practising with headphones Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket. Using headphones doesn’t mean that key presses or contact noise will be inaudible. In a shared home, I want to practise without sound coming from the built-in speakers. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this option.
Pedal functions Check which pedal techniques your piece calls for and which functions the exact model supports with your chosen pedal. If my piece requires half-pedalling or more than one pedal, I want to confirm that function in advance. Around 13% of consumers put pedal technique first.

Common pitfalls

  • Comparing cabinet depth alone

    A shallow piano can still be too wide. Manufacturers may also list separate dimensions with and without the music rest.

    Measure the entire playing area and compare dimensions that include the same components.

    You may need a stand or extra space for the playing set-up.

  • Assuming every sustain pedal supports half-pedalling

    An included switch pedal is not the same as an optional set-up for half-pedalling or three-pedal use.

    Compare the pedal instructions for your piece with the piano specifications and details of the exact pedal accessory.

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

  • Assuming headphones make a room completely silent

    Headphones let you listen without using the speakers, but they don’t block audible key presses or contact noise.

    Try the set-up at home and, if needed, agree practice times with housemates or neighbours.

Brands to compare

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if an 88-key portable piano with a shallow cabinet is important to you.

  • Casio lists dimensions of 1.322 × 232 × 99 mm and a Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II.
  • The SP-3 is included.
  • Cabinet depth doesn’t account for the space needed for the complete playing set-up. Don’t assume this model has additional pedal functions unless they’re confirmed.

Roland

The FP-10 is an 88-key portable piano worth comparing if touch response and headphone practice are important to you.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and headphone use.
  • According to Roland, the optional DP-10 supports half-pedalling.
  • Roland’s claims about sound and playing feel are the manufacturer’s own assessments, not an independent comparison. Roland says Bluetooth availability may vary by country.

Yamaha

The P-145 is worth comparing if you’re looking for a portable piano with 88 weighted keys and the option of a three-pedal set-up.

  • Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard, a width of 1.326 mm and a depth of 268 mm without the music rest.
  • According to Yamaha, the P-145 is compatible with the optional LP-5A three-pedal unit.
  • The listed dimensions don’t automatically show how much space your complete playing set-up will need; the LP-5A is optional.

Kawai

The ES60 is an 88-key portable piano worth comparing if both width and depth matter.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Lite keyboard, a width of 129,5 cm and a depth of 26 cm without the music rest.
  • With the music rest fitted, Kawai lists a depth of 32,5 cm.
  • The included F-1SP pedal works as an on/off switch.

Korg

The B2+ is an alternative worth comparing if you’re looking for an 88-key portable piano with a headphone socket and optional half-pedalling.

  • Korg lists dimensions of 1.312 × 336 × 117 mm without the music rest.
  • According to Korg, the separately available PU-2 supports half-pedalling.
  • The listed cabinet depth is greater than that of the Casio CDP-S110BK. This is a comparison of specifications, not a judgement on sound or touch response.

Digital pianos at Joybuy

These Joybuy picks have 61 keys. Check whether that range covers the notes in your recital piece.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys and weighted keyboard

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

May suit you if 61 keys cover the range of your piece and you want a weighted keyboard.

The product name lists a weighted keyboard and a headphone socket.

View at Joybuy
Black electronic piano keyboard with 61 keys

Electronic piano keyboard, 61 keys

May suit you if the 61-key range matches the notes in your recital piece.

The product name lists a black keyboard with 61 keys.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are headphones enough to let you practise at any time?

No. Don’t assume headphones will prevent all noise from being heard. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to agree arrangements together first, such as when music can be played. This doesn’t mean there’s nationwide permission to play the piano at any time.

What should you measure before setting up a stand?

Measure the width and depth of the area where you’ll actually play, including the music rest, stand, stool and room to operate the pedal. Check whether the stated dimensions include the music rest: Kawai lists the ES60 as 26 cm deep without it and 32,5 cm with it.

Do you have a cooling-off period when buying online in the Netherlands?

In many cases, you have 14 days to change your mind when buying remotely from a business. The Dutch government notes that there are exceptions and that an online purchase from a private individual doesn’t fall under the same definition of a distance purchase. Check who the seller is and which terms and conditions apply.

What should you check when considering an electrical instrument that may be imported?

Check who the seller is, which version and power supply are included, and which product requirements apply. The Dutch government states that electronic devices sold in the EU must have a CE marking. A product page from another country doesn’t, by itself, confirm that the version on offer has been checked for the Netherlands.

Does a digital piano need tuning regularly?

A digital piano generates sound electronically, so the usual tuning required for acoustic strings isn’t a cost to factor in for these models. Follow the instructions for the exact model when cleaning it, powering it and using any accessories.