Who is this suitable for?

Practising at home with headphones

You want to hear the piano privately in a shared home, while being mindful of any agreements about audible playing.

Learning to play on a piano keyboard

You want to work on your touch as well as the melody, and may want to play more demanding piano pieces later.

Looking for a space-saving set-up

You need to fit the instrument, music rest and seat into a limited space, and want to consider the whole set-up.

What should you look for when choosing?

Portable 88-key model

A good fit if: you want to learn the melody and work on your piano technique, without making the instrument a permanent piece of furniture.

Keep in mind: even a portable keyboard takes up width. Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide; Korg lists the B2+ at 1.312 mm.

Fixed set-up with a more comprehensive pedal unit

A good fit if: you have a dedicated place to play and want to work on more pedal techniques later.

Keep in mind: a stand and pedal unit need space. Check that they are compatible with the exact model and included in the box.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Practising with less audible piano sound Check the headphone socket on the exact version, the plug type and any agreements about practice times. I want to hear the instrument privately, but understand that the keys and pedals may still make noise. Around 31% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Touch and playing range Compare the key action and check that the range suits your sheet music and any pieces you might learn next. I want to learn piano technique as well as this melody, so the keyboard matters to me. For around 25% of consumers, piano touch is the top priority.
Practising the melody and keeping time Check whether the metronome is easy to use and whether the music rest is included with that version. I want to repeat short passages and keep time without extra preparation. Around 25% of consumers prioritise practising melody and rhythm.
Space for the complete set-up Measure the space, including room for a seat and music rest; check which stand and pedals are included. I need to fit the piano, sheet music and a seat into a limited space. For around 19% of consumers, the complete set-up determines their choice.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming headphones make practice completely silent

    Headphones let you hear the instrument, but they won’t stop housemates hearing the noise of the keys and pedals.

    Agree practice times with the people you live with, and consider the complete set-up in the place where you’ll be playing.

  • Measuring only the keyboard itself

    The music rest, chair, stand and pedals also take up space. Parts mentioned for a model are not necessarily included with every version or in every box.

    Measure the entire playing area and check what’s included in the exact package and whether the parts are compatible.

    A suitable stand or more comprehensive pedal unit may be available separately. For example, Korg lists the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit for the B2+ as sold separately; Yamaha lists the LP-5A console for the P-145 as optional.

  • Assuming the manufacturer’s warranty covers all your legal rights

    The Dutch Government distinguishes between an additional manufacturer’s warranty and your legal right to a product that is fit for purpose. If there’s a fault, the retailer is your point of contact.

    Keep your proof of purchase and consider what paid-for extended cover adds to your legal protection.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable option with an 88-key GHC keyboard.

  • Yamaha describes the P-145 as more compact than earlier P models.
  • Its listed width is 1.326 mm. The optional LP-5A pedal console is not necessarily included.

Roland

Roland says the FP-10 combines an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard with speakers, headphone use and a metronome.

  • These features are worth comparing if you’re interested in touch and private listening.
  • Roland’s claims about keyboard quality and playing feel are manufacturer claims; according to the manufacturer, Bluetooth availability varies by country of purchase.

Korg

According to Korg, the B2+ has 88 NH keys, a headphone socket, and comes with a music stand and damper pedal.

  • The listed accessories show what’s included for a basic set-up.
  • The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are available separately. Check which parts you’ll need for your set-up.

Casio

According to Casio, the CDP-S110BK has scaled hammer action, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and app features including metronome settings and PDF sheet music.

  • Casio states that the SP-3 damper pedal is included.
  • App features alone don’t demonstrate learning benefits. Check that your device and preferred connection method are compatible.

Kawai

According to the manufacturer, the ES120 has a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, two headphone sockets and separate line outputs.

  • These connections may be useful if you want to listen with someone else or connect other audio equipment later.
  • Check with a UK retailer which version you’ll receive and what’s included.

Joybuy products

These products have 61 keys and list features for practising with sheet music and a metronome. Check whether each model’s features suit the way you like to practise.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black, with weighted keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black, with weighted keys

The listed headphone socket and metronome are features to consider when choosing a piano for practising a hymn tune.

61 keys; weighted keys; 300 sounds; 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI; speakers; headphone socket; music stand.

With 61 keys, this model has a smaller range than 88-key models, which may be more suitable if you want to play more demanding pieces later. Headphones won’t necessarily eliminate the noise of the keys or pedals.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller

The listed music stand and metronome may be useful for practising with sheet music and keeping a steady beat.

61 keys; MIDI controller; recording function; speakers; metronome; music stand.

With 61 keys, this model has a smaller range than 88-key models, which may be more suitable if you want to play more demanding pieces later.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are headphones enough to practise at any time in a shared home?

Not necessarily: headphones reduce the instrument sound that others can hear, but they don’t eliminate the noise of the keys, pedals or the set-up. The Dutch Government advises people to discuss noise issues together first, for example by agreeing times for playing music. This doesn’t mean there’s one generally permitted practice time for every home.

What do I need to set up the piano with sheet music and a pedal?

Check what’s included in the exact package and measure the complete playing area. Korg lists a music stand and damper pedal as included with the B2+, but the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are available separately; Yamaha lists the LP-5A console for the P-145 as optional.

What are my rights when I buy a digital piano online in the Netherlands?

When you buy a product online from a business, you’ll generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, with exceptions as described by ACM ConsuWijzer. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose: according to the Dutch Government, the retailer is your point of contact if there’s a fault, and Dutch law does not set a fixed two-year period for the legal guarantee.