For practising at home and providing audible accompaniment, a portable piano with weighted keys, a headphone socket and built-in speakers is a sensible choice. A stage piano without speakers is a better fit if you usually play with headphones or already have suitable external audio equipment. With either type, check which sustain pedal is included and how much space the complete set-up requires.
If you practise songs while other people are at home, a headphone socket lets you listen to the piano privately. Bear in mind that the sound of the keys may still be audible in the room. Roland and Korg list headphone sockets on the FP-30X and D1 respectively.
If you’re practising chords, phrasing and pedal technique, look for a weighted keyboard and check that the sustain pedal is compatible. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai each describe the models discussed here as having an 88-key keyboard. Try the key action for yourself if you can.
If you need the room for other things too, measure the space for the piano, stand, music rest and seat. Also consider the weight and how often you plan to move the instrument. Yamaha and Korg publish the dimensions and weights of the P-225 and D1.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with headphones | Check for a headphone socket and consider whether you also need built-in speakers. Roland lists two headphone outputs on the FP-30X; Korg lists a headphone socket on the D1. | If I want to practise songs without the piano coming through the room speakers, I’ll focus on the headphone options. Around 29% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Key action and pedal | Compare the keyboards and check whether your preferred sustain pedal is included and compatible with the exact model. Roland excludes the RPU-3 for the FP-30X; Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-225. | If I want to practise chords and phrasing with a pedal, I’ll want to know how the keyboard feels and which pedal is suitable. Around 29% of consumers give key action and pedal compatibility top priority. |
| Audible accompaniment | Decide whether you want to play without headphones and whether the built-in speakers will be loud enough for your rehearsal. Kawai lists speakers on the ES120; the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. | If I want to accompany a singer or fellow musician in the same room, I’ll need a set-up that can be heard. Around 24% of consumers make playing together audibly their main priority. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space needed, including the stand and music rest, and take the weight into account. Yamaha lists the P-225 as 1326 × 272 mm and 11,5 kg; Korg lists the D1 as 1327 × 263 mm and 16 kg. | If I use the spare room for other things too, I’ll want to know in advance how much space the complete set-up takes up and how easy the instrument is to handle. Around 18% of consumers cite storage and portability as their main priority. |
Korg says the D1 has no built-in speakers. So, if you want to play aloud without headphones, you’ll need a separate audio set-up.
Decide in advance whether you’ll only practise with headphones or also want to accompany someone in the room.
With the speakerless D1, playing together audibly requires external audio equipment and space for it.
Not every pedal works with every instrument. Roland says the RPU-3 is not compatible with the FP-30X.
Check compatibility using the exact model number of both the piano and the pedal.
An unsuitable pedal may mean you have to buy a compatible one after all.
A 61-key model has a different range from the 88-key models used as a reference here.
Check the number of keys and the type of keyboard in the product specifications, not just the category name.
The P series is represented here by the P-225, designed for practising at home on a compact weighted keyboard.
The portable FP series is represented here by the FP-30X, with features for practising at home.
The ES120 is a portable option for practising at home, with built-in speakers.
The D1 is a stage piano without speakers, designed for practising with headphones or connecting to external audio equipment.
These Joybuy picks are 61-key models in the portable piano category with built-in speakers. Check whether 61 keys are enough for the songs you want to practise; the reference models discussed above have 88 keys.
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The product name specifies a weighted keyboard and 61 keys. Check whether this range suits the songs you want to practise.
The product name also mentions 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
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This 61-key model may suit you if that range meets your practice needs. Compare it with the 88 keys on the stage piano models used as a reference.
Before buying, check that the version you choose has the speakers, headphone socket and pedal socket you need.
The piano sound can come through your headphones if the model has a socket for them. Don’t assume it will be completely silent: try out the mechanical sound of the keys in the room where you plan to practise too.
No. Check that the pedal is compatible with the exact model and see whether it’s included. For example, Roland excludes the RPU-3 for the FP-30X. For the ES120, Kawai distinguishes the included F-1SP switch pedal from compatible pedals for half-pedalling.
For distance purchases from a business, the Dutch government says that in many cases you have a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. Before ordering, check the seller’s information on cancellation and returns. The government guidance cited also distinguishes between buying from a business and buying from a private individual.
Check whether the set you’ve chosen includes the pedal you want, a stand and, if needed, a music rest. If you’re buying a piano without speakers, you’ll also need external audio equipment to play together audibly. Check which connections are available too.
