Choose a digital piano that lets you practise your touch, and check whether a suitable sustain pedal and headphones will work where you plan to play. A straightforward portable model may be all you need for practising and storage; extra connections or pedal options matter mainly if you need those features. Manufacturer information describes product features, but does not prove that a piano will lead to better learning outcomes.
You want to play melodies and chords with both hands, and use your fingers to vary the volume of each note. So you’ll mainly compare the keyboard and pedal response. Yamaha and Roland describe the keyboard and pedal features of their models.
You want to be considerate of others, so you check the headphone socket, whether your plug will fit and where the piano can be set up. Roland and Casio describe headphone use with their models.
You want to repeat passages, keep track of the tempo or play along with a recording. So you check which metronome, playback and recording features are available, and whether a connection uses audio or MIDI. Kawai and Casio describe these practice features for specific models.
Start with the playing and listening features you need in a shared room. Then check that the dimensions, stand and any practice features suit the way you’ll use it.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and sustain | Check the keyboard type and touch sensitivity settings, and see which pedal is included with the model. | If I want to practise melodies and chords with varying dynamics, I look at the keyboard and pedal response. Around 33% of consumers put touch and sustain first. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone output and whether your headphones or adapter will fit. | If I want to hear the electronic piano sound privately in a shared room, I check the connection and bear in mind that the keys may still make an audible noise. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Setting up and storage | Measure the space where you’ll play and store the piano, and check the dimensions of both the piano and the stand. | If the piano needs to be moved between lessons, I want to know whether it will fit in the available space and can be put away afterwards. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the space needed for setup. |
| Practising with examples | Decide whether you need a metronome, recording, audio connection or MIDI connection for an app. | If I want to repeat passages, keep track of my timing or play back an example, I compare the features and connections I need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise practising with an example. |
Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT; this feature isn’t automatically included with the P-145.
Before buying, check the full model number and make sure the version you’re considering has the connection feature you want.
The stand and pedal options can vary between models. Yamaha describes a three-pedal console for the P-145 as optional; Roland lists an optional pedal for half-pedalling with the FP-10.
Check what’s included with the exact version and the returns policy. ACM ConsuWijzer notes that the buyer may have to pay return costs when cancelling an order if the online shop clearly states this in advance.
A pedal upgrade may be optional. So check which accessories are included with your chosen version and what else you’ll need for your playing space.
Headphones let you hear the electronic piano sound privately, but they don’t mean that the keys make no audible noise. How distracting this is also depends on the room and how you use the piano.
If possible, try the setup in the room and agree practice times with the other users.
The P-145 is a portable entry-level model for anyone looking for a simple piano setup.
According to Roland, the portable FP-10 combines an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard with built-in speakers and headphone use.
The CDP-S110BK is a compact, portable option for a playing space with limited depth or when the instrument needs to be moved.
The ES120 is a portable option for anyone looking to compare recording, metronome and connection features.
Joybuy digital piano picks for practising in a shared music room.
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Compare the keyboard with the melodies and chords you want to practise, and check that the setup will work in your shared room.
The product name lists 61 keys and a weighted keyboard.
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Compare the number of keys with the part you want to play, and check that you can use the piano where you plan to set it up.
The product name lists 61 keys.
Start with a keyboard, a suitable power supply and a stable place to play. Then practise the melody and chords. Use a metronome if you want to keep track of your tempo, and add sustain if it suits the piece. Casio lists an included SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110; Yamaha describes a three-pedal console for the P-145 as optional.
No, check the exact version. Kawai lists Bluetooth audio for the ES120. Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT, which is a different version from the P-145. Roland warns that Bluetooth availability for the FP-10 may vary by country. Also check whether you want to play audio or exchange MIDI data with an app.
Not always: a portable setup may be suitable if the room needs to be cleared after use. Yamaha describes the LP-5A three-pedal console for the P-145 as optional. For the ES120, Kawai distinguishes between a pedal switch and compatible pedal upgrades. Check the playing space and what’s included with the exact version before choosing accessories.
For online purchases from a business, you usually have a legal 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, although there are exceptions. Products must also meet the legal standards for quality in the Netherlands. There is no fixed legal guarantee period, and if something goes wrong, you should contact the seller. ACM ConsuWijzer notes that you may have to pay return costs when cancelling an order if the online shop clearly stated this in advance.
