Who is this buying guide for?

Student practising piano

You want to practise melody, accompaniment and dynamics. Compare the keyboard and pedal with the piano part you’re playing.

Student using a shared practice room

You want to practise while other people are using the music room. Check the headphone socket and how you’d like to listen.

Student who moves their piano

You need to put the instrument away after use or move it to another room. Compare its dimensions and check which stand or accessories you’ll need.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check the range and pedal requirements of your arrangement. Then decide how you want to listen in the shared space and where the instrument can go.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Touch and keyboard range Compare the range of your sheet music with the number of keys and keyboard type of the exact model. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai list 88 keys and a weighted hammer-action keyboard for the models mentioned. If I want to practise melody and accompaniment with different touches, the keyboard needs to suit my part. Around 33% of consumers put touch and keyboard range first.
Practising with headphones Check whether the model has a headphone socket and whether you already have the headphones or adapter you need. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X. When other people are using the music room, I want to listen without switching on the speakers. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice in a shared space.
Space and moving the piano Measure the space for the instrument, player and music stand. Compare the dimensions of the exact model with the space where you’ll play and store it. If the piano needs to be put away after practice or moved between rooms, I want to know whether the complete set-up will fit. Around 20% of consumers prioritise storage or moving the piano.
Pedal and practice aids Check which pedal operation your arrangement requires and what’s included. Yamaha lists the LP-5A as an optional console for the P-145BT; Kawai lists pedal options for the ES120. If my arrangement calls for sustain or a specific pedal operation, I want to know which pedal suits the model. Around 20% of consumers prioritise pedal and practice features.

Things to look out for when buying

  • Assuming an optional three-pedal unit is included

    Pedal solutions vary by model. An accessory listed separately doesn’t mean it comes as standard with every version.

    Check what’s included in the specific offer and the manufacturer’s stated compatibility before choosing a pedal.

  • Measuring only the cabinet depth

    The width and the space needed for the player and music stand also affect how comfortably you can use and store the piano.

    Measure the complete playing and storage area and compare it with the dimensions of the exact model.

  • Assuming a model in an older ranking is the same as another version

    A similar model name doesn’t prove that the specifications are the same for a different version.

    Check the full model number and its specifications before using a ranking to choose a product.

Piano brands to consider

Yamaha

Yamaha describes the P Series as portable digital pianos. According to Yamaha, the P-145BT has 88 GHC keys.

  • Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal console is optional, so check whether it’s included in the offer you choose.

Roland

Roland lists the portable FP-30X as having an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and built-in speakers.

  • Roland lists two headphone outputs for practising alone or listening with a teacher.
  • Pedal options vary by set-up. Roland’s claims about sound and playing feel aren’t an independent comparison.

Kawai

Kawai lists the portable ES120 as having an 88-key Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard.

  • Kawai lists the F-1SP switch pedal and compatible add-ons for the ES120.
  • Check which pedal accessory suits the operation you want and the version you’ve chosen.

Casio

According to Casio, the European PX-S1100BK is an 88-key model with hammer action.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK.
  • Measure the available width and space for the player too; cabinet depth alone doesn’t tell you whether the complete set-up will fit.

Digital pianos at Joybuy

This Joybuy selection includes digital pianos and 61-key keyboards. Compare that range with your sheet music and check which features and accessories come with the version you choose.

MLS-931 digital piano, black, 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

Could be suitable for practising with headphones; check whether 61 keys cover the range of your arrangement.

The product name lists a weighted keyboard, headphone socket, speakers and music stand, along with 300 tones and 300 rhythms.

View at Joybuy
Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys and music stand

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Worth considering if the features in the product name suit your practice routine; compare the keyboard range with your sheet music.

The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the number of keys for my film theme?

Check the highest and lowest notes in your arrangement and compare them with the keyboard range. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai list 88 keys for the portable models mentioned here, but that doesn’t mean every arrangement requires 88 keys.

Will a pedal from another piano work with my model?

Don’t assume pedals are interchangeable. Yamaha lists the LP-5A as an optional console for the P-145BT, while Kawai lists its own compatible pedal options for the ES120. Check the exact model and the set-up you want before choosing a pedal.

Is practising with headphones completely silent in a shared space?

Headphones let you listen without using the speakers, but they don’t necessarily make the mechanical sound of the keys completely inaudible. Check which socket the instrument has and be considerate of others in the room.

Can I return a digital piano bought online after trying it out?

For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a legal cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer explains the conditions and exceptions for unpacking, trying out and returning items; check these for your specific purchase.

What can I do if the piano breaks too soon during normal use?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the seller must offer a solution if the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect during normal use. Depending on the circumstances, this might mean a repair, replacement or refund.