Beginner pianist
Wants to learn the hymn tune while practising a touch that allows for dynamics and future accompaniment.
Who is this choice for?
Quiet home practiser
Shares their home or lives close to neighbours and wants to practise with headphones, without assuming this will prevent every kind of disturbance.
Player with limited space
Uses the spare room for other things too, so needs to be able to fit or move the complete piano set-up in the room.
What should you look for in a digital piano for a spare room?
First, decide how much piano technique you want to learn and how much space you have for the full set-up. Then check whether you can practise with headphones and which components come with the version you choose.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and playing range | Try the keys and check whether they are weighted and touch-sensitive, and how many keys the keyboard has. | If I want to practise dynamics and accompaniment as well as the melody, I focus on the touch. Around 36% of consumers say learning to play and key response are their top priorities. |
| Practising with headphones | Check that the exact model has a headphone socket and that it suits the way you want to practise. | People who practise at home and want to be considerate of housemates or neighbours look for a way to listen privately. Around 29% of consumers say quiet practice is their top priority. |
| Space for the set-up | Measure the available space and allow for the piano, stand, seat and music rest. | When the spare room has another purpose too, I want to know whether the whole playing area will fit. Around 21% of consumers say available space is their top priority. |
| Included components and version | Check what is included and whether a pedal or other accessory you want is compatible with the model you choose. | If I want to set up the piano and use it straight away, I check in advance which components are included. Around 14% of consumers say the complete purchase and set-up are their top priorities. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Confusing the depth of the piano body with the space needed to play
The piano’s dimensions do not tell you how much room you will need to play it and place sheet music.
Measure the available space and check the dimensions of every component in your planned set-up.
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Assuming every pedal is included as standard
The pedals supplied and the options available vary by model.
Before ordering, check what comes with the version you have chosen and whether the pedal you want is compatible.
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Assuming headphones guarantee disturbance-free practice
Listening privately does not automatically stop others from hearing you practise.
Check the socket on the exact model and, if needed, agree arrangements with housemates or neighbours. The Dutch Government recommends discussing the matter with your neighbours first if there is a noise nuisance.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The P-145 is an entry-level portable model for anyone looking for a straightforward keyboard focused on piano playing.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Try the keys for yourself; specifications cannot tell you how a keyboard will feel to play.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano for practising at home, with a focus on the keyboard, headphone use and practice features.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard, headphone use and a metronome for the FP-10.
- The DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling is optional; claims by the manufacturer about sound quality are not an independent comparison.
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is worth considering if a slim, portable body and a simple practice set-up are important to you.
- Casio lists a body depth of 232 mm, an SP-3 sustain pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket for this model.
- The dimensions of the body do not show how much space the complete set-up will take up.
Kawai
The ES range includes portable digital pianos. Consider the ES120 if you want to compare practice features and connections.
- Kawai lists a metronome and recording function among the ES120’s features.
- Specifications and included accessories may vary by market. Check the UK version before relying on model details.
Digital pianos and keyboards at Joybuy
This selection focuses on portable keyboards and 61-key sets for practice, including models with a weighted keyboard, a headphone socket or accessories for a practice space.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Could suit you if you are looking for a portable keyboard for practising melodies.
The product description lists weighted, touch-sensitive keys, a headphone socket, a metronome and a recording function.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
Could suit a practice space where you use sheet music and want to listen with headphones.
The product description lists a music rest, a headphone socket, a metronome and a recording function.
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Keyboard piano set, 61 keys
Could suit you if you are looking for accessories for a practice set-up as well as a keyboard.
The product title lists a stand, bench and music rest. The product description mentions a three-level learning mode and recording and playback functions.
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Digital keyboard set, 61 keys
Could suit a practice space where you are looking for a keyboard with a stand and a seat.
The product title and description list a stand and adjustable bench. The product description also mentions a three-level learning mode and a headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Should a beginner consider piano technique even if they only want to learn one hymn tune?
If you also want to practise dynamics and accompaniment later, compare weighted, touch-sensitive keyboards and try the keys for yourself. If you only want to play a simple melody, how important this is depends on what else you want to learn.
How do you set up a digital piano in a spare room?
Measure the space for the complete playing set-up, not just the piano body. Check whether the version you have chosen includes a stand, seat, music rest and pedal.
Do headphones stop other people from hearing the piano?
Headphones limit the sound you can hear, but do not guarantee that others will not notice you practising. Check the socket on the exact model and, if needed, agree suitable practice times with housemates or neighbours.
Who can you contact if a piano bought online does not work properly?
According to the Dutch Government, the seller must provide a solution if there is a problem with a product. A manufacturer’s guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights.
Can you return a digital piano bought online?
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from the date of delivery. Check the terms and any exceptions that apply to your specific purchase; ACM ConsuWijzer explains the cooling-off period.