Who is this buying guide for?

Student working through lots of new scores

Practises unfamiliar pieces regularly and wants to focus on the sheet music, note patterns and rhythm. ABRSM describes recognising musical features in advance as part of sight-reading.

Piano student working on technique too

Wants to practise sight-reading on a piano keyboard suited to the pieces they play, and pays attention to the touch. Yamaha, Roland and Korg each list 88 keys for the models discussed here, with different types of keyboard action.

Student in a shared practice room

Wants to practise while others are in the room, or move the instrument afterwards. Models vary in their headphone connections, dimensions and included setup components.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you’ll read from paper or your own device. Then check that the keyboard suits your repertoire, and finally consider the headphone connections and the space needed for the complete setup.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Sheet music and rhythm Check whether a music rest is included and suitable for your sheet music; find out how you can practise rhythm or use a metronome. If I practise lots of unfamiliar pieces, I want to position the score clearly and work on the rhythm with purpose. Around 33% of consumers put sheet music and rhythm at the top of their priorities.
Keyboard range and touch Check the keyboard range and, if possible, try the touch with an unfamiliar passage played with both hands. I want the range and touch to suit the piano parts I practise. Around 27% of consumers put piano technique first.
Practising with headphones Check the number and type of connections, and whether they suit practising alone or with a teacher. Headphones don’t necessarily block out the sound of the keys. If I share a room, I want to listen without playing sound through the speakers. Around 20% of consumers put quiet practice at the top of their priorities.
Space and setup Measure the available space with the music rest and stand in place, and check which pedals and components are included. If I need to move or put away the instrument after use, I want to know whether the complete setup will fit in the room. Around 20% of consumers put space and setup first.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a compact piano comes with everything you need

    A music rest or pedal in the bundle doesn’t automatically mean that the required stand is included too. The Korg B2+ lists the STB1 stand as a separately available accessory.

    Compare the contents of the exact version with the components already available in the music room.

    If you still need a stand for your setup, you’ll have to arrange one separately. Check before you order.

  • Mistaking an app feature for a built-in screen

    The PDF viewer Casio describes for the CDP-S110 displays sheet music on your own device; it isn’t a built-in piano screen.

    Check that the app works with your device and that you can position the score at a comfortable reading height.

    You’ll need a suitable device of your own to read sheet music this way.

  • Assuming general product information applies to a specific version

    A model specification doesn’t prove that an individual item on offer is the same version or has the same product information.

    Before buying, check the full model name, the included components and the product safety information for the version on offer.

Relevant brands to consider

Yamaha

The P-225 is worth considering if you want a full-size keyboard in a setup with limited depth.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and a weight of 11.5 kg for the P-225.
  • These specifications don’t tell you how the touch will feel to you or how easy the instrument will be to move with its accessories. Also check whether the music rest, pedal and stand are included with the exact version.

Roland

The FP-30X could suit solo practice or sessions with a teacher who wants to listen along.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard with 88 keys and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
  • Two outputs are most useful if you’ll actually be practising with two listeners. Descriptions of the sound and playing feel come from Roland; they aren’t an independent comparison of keyboards.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is worth a look if a shallow casing matters and you use your own device for sheet music.

  • Casio gives the CDP-S110 a casing depth of 232 mm and lists a PDF viewer in the CASIO Music Space app.
  • You’ll need your own compatible device to use the viewer. Check how you’ll position it at a comfortable reading height.

Korg

The B2+ is worth considering if you want to practise from printed sheet music and need a music rest as part of your basic setup.

  • Korg’s Dutch specification lists 88 NH keys, a PHONES connection, an included music rest and a damper pedal.
  • Korg lists the compatible STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit as separately available accessories. Check which components you’ll need for your preferred setup.

Joybuy products for this practice setup

The selection below includes two 61-key models with features listed for rhythm and sheet music practice. Neither has the range of an 88-key keyboard, so check that 61 keys will suit the pieces you want to practise.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

The listed metronome and music rest support rhythm and sheet music practice.

61 keys; weighted keys; headphone connection; music rest; metronome. The 61-key keyboard doesn’t have the range of an 88-key keyboard.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard with 61 keys, metronome and music rest

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys

The listed metronome and music rest support rhythm and sheet music practice.

61 keys; MIDI controller; recording function; speakers; headphone connection; metronome; music rest. The 61-key keyboard doesn’t have the range of an 88-key keyboard.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an app to practise sight-reading?

No, you don’t need a piano app to practise sight-reading. ABRSM describes recognising patterns, rhythm and other musical features before playing as a practice goal. If you want to use digital scores, Casio offers a PDF viewer on your own device for the CDP-S110; check that your device is compatible and can be positioned comfortably.

What should I have ready for my first practice session?

Check that you have a stable music rest, a suitable stand, a pedal and, if needed, headphones. Korg lists an included music rest and damper pedal for the B2+; the STB1 stand is sold separately.

What should I check if I want to practise with headphones?

Check that the connection suits your headphones and whether you need one or two outputs. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X, which could be useful if a teacher wants to listen along. Headphones don’t necessarily block out the audible mechanical sound of the keys.

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

For a standard online consumer purchase, you’ll generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer explains the exceptions and conditions; check these and the seller’s returns information before you order.

What product safety information should I check for an offer in the Netherlands?

According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, CE marking is compulsory for electrical products covered by the applicable rules. Check the product information for the exact version; the general rule doesn’t confirm that an individual item on offer complies.