Learner without a dedicated place for a piano
You want to learn a tune and then be able to put the instrument away. A portable piano could work if you also have a stable surface to play it on.
Who is this buying guide for?
Beginner who wants to continue with piano lessons
You’re starting with one melody, but may also want to practise playing with both hands and develop your piano technique. So compare the range and feel of the models you’re considering.
Home pianist who wants to practise quietly
You share your living space and want to listen to the electronic piano sound through headphones. Check that the exact model has the socket you need.
What are the key buying considerations?
Portable piano on an existing table
Choose this if: you don’t want to set aside a permanent spot and your table is large and stable enough. Casio gives the CDP-S110 a cabinet depth of 232 mm; Yamaha specifies dimensions of 1,326 × 268 mm for the P-145 without its music rest.
Bear in mind: the width, music rest and space needed for the player must all fit too. After practising, you’ll need somewhere to store the instrument.
Portable piano with its own stand
Choose this if: you usually practise in the same place but sometimes want to move the piano. Yamaha lists an optional stand for the P-145; Korg says a stand is available separately for the B2+.
Bear in mind: the stand takes up floor space even when you’re not practising. Check the dimensions of the complete set-up and what’s included in your chosen package.
Cabinet piano
Choose this if: having a permanent, ready-to-play set-up matters more to you than keeping the floor clear.
Bear in mind: the cabinet stays in place when you’re not practising and is harder to move. Online Muziek Academie describes console pianos as more difficult to move than portable models.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting, setting up and storage | Measure your table and storage space, then compare the dimensions of the exact model, including the music rest. Casio gives the CDP-S110 a cabinet depth of 232 mm; Yamaha specifies dimensions of 1,326 × 268 mm for the P-145 without its music rest. | I want to clear the floor again after practising, so I need somewhere suitable to set up and store the piano; around 40% of consumers focus mainly on fitting, setting up and storage. |
| Keys for now and later | Check the number of keys and the keyboard on the exact model; try the key action for yourself if possible. Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys for the P-145, while Roland specifies 88 PHA-4 Standard keys for the FP-30X. | I may start with one melody, but want to continue with piano lessons too, so I’m considering the range and key action; around 30% of consumers prioritise these learning goals. |
| Practising in a shared living space | Check the headphone socket and the required plug size for the exact model. Roland lists headphone use for the FP-10. | I share my living space and want to listen to the electronic piano sound through headphones; around 20% of consumers focus mainly on practising privately. |
| Getting started without extra accessories | Read the package contents and check whether your preferred stand and pedals are included or compatible. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110; Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2+, with an optional stand and PU-2 pedal unit. | I want to know in advance what I need to get started and what’s already in the package; around 10% of consumers focus mainly on the included accessories. |
Pitfalls to avoid when choosing
-
Measuring only the cabinet depth
A shallow piano may still be too wide for your table. A music rest also increases the space you’ll need.
Measure the full playing and storage space, then compare the dimensions with and without the music rest.
-
Assuming every package includes the pedals you want
Some models are sold with stands or upgraded pedal options separately.
Before buying, check the package contents and whether the accessories are suitable for the exact model.
-
Treating the P-145 and P-145BT as the same version
Yamaha lists the P-145 and P-145BT separately. Matching dimensions don’t prove that their features and packages are the same.
Compare the full model name and features in the listing with the manufacturer’s information.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is an entry-level portable piano for anyone looking for an 88-key set-up.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and cabinet dimensions of 1,326 × 268 mm without the music rest.
- The LP-5A pedal unit is optional. Also check whether you’re looking at the P-145 or the separately listed P-145BT.
Roland
The FP-10 and FP-30X are portable models to consider when comparing pianos for focused practice.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys for both the FP-10 and FP-30X. The FP-10 supports headphone use, while the FP-30X has dual headphone outputs.
- Specifications describe the keyboard, but can’t tell you which playing feel will suit you; try the key action for yourself if possible.
Casio
The CDP-S110 may be worth considering if the depth of your playing space is a key factor.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, mains or battery power, and an SP-3 sustain pedal included.
- Its shallow depth alone doesn’t tell you whether the complete piano set-up will fit; measure the width and available playing space too.
Korg
The B2+ combines 88 keys with built-in speakers for a permanent or portable set-up.
- Korg specifies dimensions of 1,312 × 336 × 117 mm without the music rest and lists a damper pedal as included.
- The stand and pedal unit are sold separately; measure the depth of your complete chosen set-up.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable option if you’re also considering future lessons and connectivity.
- Kawai Nederland lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, Bluetooth audio, USB-MIDI and a weight of 12,5 kg.
- The matching stand and three-pedal unit are optional; check which accessories are included with your chosen version.
Joybuy product picks
These Joybuy picks are 61-key keyboards for practising a first melody. If you want to continue with piano lessons, bear in mind that their range is smaller than that of the 88-key models covered in this guide.
No image available
61-key keyboard with MIDI controller
This could suit you if you want to practise a first melody on a 61-key instrument with practice features.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand. With 61 keys, it has a smaller range than the 88-key models suited to continuing with piano lessons.
Check the CE marking and product information for the specific listing.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
This model could suit you if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard and practice features to learn a first melody.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand. With 61 keys, it has a smaller range than the 88-key models suited to continuing with piano lessons.
Check the CE marking and product information for the specific listing.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to buy a cabinet piano straight away just to play one celebratory tune?
No. If you have a suitable place to play and store it, a portable digital piano could be an alternative to a piece of furniture that stays on the floor permanently. If you plan to take piano lessons afterwards, compare the keyboard range and key action too.
What should you check if you’re putting the piano on a table?
Compare the piano’s width and depth, including the music rest, with the tabletop, and make sure the set-up is stable. The manufacturer’s dimensions describe the instrument, but won’t tell you whether your table or playing position is suitable.
Are a stand and pedals included?
It varies by model and package. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110; Korg lists an included damper pedal with the B2+, with an optional stand and PU-2 pedal unit. Check the package contents for the specific listing.
What cooling-off period and product guarantee apply when buying online in the Netherlands?
When you buy from a business at a distance, you’ll usually have 14 days to change your mind, with some exceptions. Separately, you’re entitled to a product that works as it should: according to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period of two years, and the seller is your point of contact if there’s a problem with a product.
What should you check about the electrical safety of a digital piano?
The Dutch government says that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE marking. Check the marking and product information for the specific listing; the model name alone doesn’t confirm this.