Piano-focused accompanist
You want to practise bass notes, chords and playing with both hands on a piano keyboard. So compare the key action of the different models for yourself.
Who is this choice for?
Quiet home player
You share your home and want to listen through headphones. Check the socket on the exact version and keep the listening volume down. The World Health Organization highlights that volume, listening duration and frequency of exposure all matter for your hearing.
Accompanist who wants to switch sounds
You want to use different sounds or combine parts while practising, so you’re also comparing a stage keyboard.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the keyboard and the space you have available. Then choose between a portable digital piano and a stage keyboard based on the sounds and controls you’ll actually use.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard and range | Compare the number of keys and the keyboard action; try the feel for yourself if possible. | If I want to practise bass notes and chords on a piano keyboard, I want to know whether the range and key action suit the way I play. Around 33% of consumers put the keyboard and key range at the top of their buying priorities. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the headphone socket and start with the volume low. | Private listening matters when I want to practise at home without disturbing anyone else. Around 27% of consumers prioritise using headphones. |
| Room space | Measure the available width and depth; allow for the stand and music rest if you’ll be using them. | If I want to put the instrument in a spare room, I need to allow for its full width as well as its depth, and leave space for where I’ll sit. Around 20% of consumers put the space available for setting up the instrument first. |
| Practice features and sounds | Check the metronome, the sounds you want, and which pedals or accessories come with that version. | If I want to practise rhythm or switch sounds between parts, I want to know which features I’ll actually use. Around 20% of consumers prioritise features, sounds or pedal options. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a shallow piano is a narrow instrument
According to Casio, the CDP-S110 is 232 mm deep but 1.322 mm wide. So a smaller depth doesn’t mean the instrument takes up little width.
Measure both the width and depth of the space available before choosing a model.
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Assuming a stand or upgraded pedal is always included
The pedal setup varies by version. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the B2+, while the stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately. Yamaha lists the LP-5A console for the P-145 as optional.
Compare what’s included in the exact offer with the setup and pedal controls you need.
A suitable stand or pedal upgrade may need to be bought separately.
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Thinking extra stage sounds are essential for practising
Yamaha describes the CK series as an instrument with a wide range of sounds and stage-friendly controls. You don’t automatically need these extra features to play a piano part with left-hand accompaniment.
First decide whether you really want to switch sounds while practising. If not, focus on comparing the keyboard, available practice features and listening setup.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable digital piano for piano-focused practice; the CK88 is aimed at those who also want to compare stage sounds and hands-on controls.
- Yamaha lists 88 keys with a GHC keyboard for the P-145 and 88 keys with a GHS keyboard for the CK88. Yamaha also says the CK88 has built-in speakers and several types of sound.
- The LP-5A console for the P-145 is optional. For the CK88, check which pedals and power supply come with the version you choose.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable digital piano for piano-focused practice, with the option of using headphones.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, a built-in metronome and headphone use.
- The DP-10 pedal is optional. Try the keyboard for yourself to see whether the key action suits you.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a portable option to compare if you have limited depth for your setup.
- Casio lists 88 keys, a depth of 232 mm and an SP-3 pedal included.
- According to Casio, it is 1.322 mm wide. So remember to measure the room’s available width too.
Korg
The B2+ is an 88-key option with headphone and pedal connections.
- Korg lists a damper pedal as included.
- The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are sold separately. Check which setup and pedal controls you need.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options are keyboards with 61 keys. Check whether that range suits the left-hand parts and piano exercises you want to play.
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Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black
An option to consider if you want to practise left-hand accompaniment on a 61-key keyboard.
The product name describes it as having a weighted keyboard. Its range is smaller than that of the 88-key piano-focused models reviewed.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
A keyboard piano to compare if a 61-key version suits the parts you want to practise.
With 61 keys, this model has a smaller range than the 88-key piano-focused models reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a split function for left-hand accompaniment?
Not if you want to play the same piano sound with both hands. If you want different sounds for your left and right hands, check whether the exact version supports this split; the number of built-in sounds alone doesn’t tell you.
How should I set up a practice space?
Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the instrument and the stand and music rest you plan to use. Also check whether the pedal you want is included with that version or needs to be bought separately.
Can I practise for long periods with headphones at a high volume?
Keep the volume down. According to the World Health Organization, volume, listening duration and frequency of exposure all play a part in the risk to your hearing. A headphone socket doesn’t make high listening volumes safe.
What are my rights when buying a piano online from a business in the Netherlands?
For distance purchases, you’re often entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period; terms and exceptions apply. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed time limit for the legal guarantee in the Netherlands, and the seller is your point of contact if a product is faulty.