Player with limited space
You want to keep the piano in a small room or move it after practising. The instrument’s dimensions and the space needed for a stand are therefore important considerations.
Who is this buying guide for?
Beginner pianist
You want to learn a folk tune and perhaps practise the accompaniment with both hands. Think about the range of keys you need and the touch you want to master.
Player in a shared space
Sometimes you want to practise with headphones rather than use the built-in speakers. Check the socket on the exact model and how many headphones you want to connect at once.
Which buying concerns should you consider?
| Buying concern | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fit in your practice space | Measure the available width and depth, and allow for the music rest, stand and space to sit. | If the piano needs to fit in a small room, I want to know whether the complete set-up will leave enough space. Around 36% of consumers prioritise fit above all else. |
| Touch and key range | Check the lowest and highest notes in your version of the tune and, if possible, try the exact keyboard. | If I want to practise piano touch or accompaniment as well as the tune, I look at both the range and how the keys respond. Around 29% of consumers prioritise touch and range above all else. |
| Practising quietly | Check the type of headphone socket and how many headphones can be connected at once. | In a shared room, I want to be able to practise without relying on the built-in speakers. Around 21% of consumers prioritise quiet practice above all else. |
| Practice aids and set-up | Check which pedal, stand and music rest are included with the specific version. | If I want to practise straight away with sheet music and a pedal, I want to know what else I need for my set-up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise included practice aids above all else. |
What should you look out for?
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Measuring only the depth of the case
The stated depth may exclude the music rest, and doesn’t tell you how much room you need for a stand, somewhere to sit or a pedal.
Compare how the dimensions of the exact model are measured with the complete set-up you plan to use.
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Assuming all pedals and stands are included
Accessories vary by model and version. A stand or upgraded pedal may be sold separately.
Read what’s included in the specific offer and check that any separate accessories are compatible with the model.
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Assuming one headphone socket is enough for two listeners
Listening along with a teacher requires enough sockets; Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
Check how many sockets you need and which type of plug fits the model you’ve chosen.
Which brands are worth comparing?
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if you’re looking for a shallow, portable piano with weighted keys.
- Casio specifies 88 Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II keys, a case depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal.
- Check whether the stand you need is included in the offer; the specifications don’t tell you how the touch will feel to you.
Yamaha
The P-145 is a piano-focused portable option to compare if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard for a small space.
- Yamaha Netherlands specifies that the P-145 has an 88-key GHC keyboard and is 1.326 mm wide.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Yamaha’s description of the playing experience is the manufacturer’s own assessment, not an independent comparison.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth comparing if you want to practise piano touch and sometimes listen with a second person using headphones.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs.
- The KSC-70 stand and upgraded pedal options are listed separately; claims about sound and playing comfort aren’t independent test results.
Korg
The B2+ is a portable digital piano worth comparing if you want an included damper pedal and music rest.
- Korg Netherlands lists 88 NH keys, a PHONES socket, an included damper pedal and a music rest.
- The stated case depth of 336 mm excludes the music rest. The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are separate accessories.
Joybuy product picks
These portable keyboards are worth considering for practising in a small space, with key range, touch and headphone use in mind.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
This piano may suit you if your tune falls within the range of 61 keys; check the notes in your version before choosing.
The product description lists 61 touch-sensitive, weighted keys and a headphone socket. It also mentions a metronome and music stand.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
Consider this instrument if the tune fits within the range of 61 keys; whether it’s suitable depends on the notes in your version.
The product description lists 61 touch-sensitive, weighted keys, a headphone socket, metronome, recording function and music stand.
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Digital keyboard piano set, 61 keys
This set may suit you if you want to use sheet music and your tune fits within the range of 61 keys. Check the notes in your version.
The product description lists a headphone socket, music stand, stool and stand. It also mentions a three-level learning mode.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need 88 keys to play a folk tune?
No, that doesn’t depend on the genre alone. Compare the lowest and highest notes in your version, including any accompaniment, with the instrument’s range. According to their manufacturers, the Yamaha P-145, Casio CDP-S110BK, Korg B2+ and Roland FP-30X each have 88 keys. Whether you need the full range depends on your music and learning goals.
What should I check before setting up the piano in my practice room?
Measure the space for the instrument and allow room for the music rest, stand, seat and pedal. Korg gives the B2+ dimensions without the music rest, so check what the stated measurements include.
Does a portable digital piano come with a damper pedal?
It varies by model and version. Casio lists an included SP-3 with the CDP-S110BK, while Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2+. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional. Check what’s included in the offer you’re viewing.
What are my rights in the Netherlands if I buy a piano online and don’t like it or it’s faulty?
When you buy remotely from a business, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, according to the Dutch government. You’re also entitled to a product that meets the terms of the sale; if there’s a fault, contact the seller. The Dutch government states that the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period.