Who is this choice relevant to?

Film music learner

You want to practise melody, dynamics and pedalling on a keyboard that suits your technique, without assuming you need stage features.

Player in a shared practice space

You want to practise with headphones and set up the piano to fit in a small room. Check how much space the stand and music rest take up, too.

Player with an audio setup

You want to combine the theme with other sounds or equipment, so you’re comparing sound zones and audio and MIDI connections for each model.

What should you look for when choosing?

What matters when buying What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Key action and pedalling Try the action of the exact models for yourself and check which pedal is included or supported. If I want to practise both soft and powerful passages, as well as sustain, I want to know whether the keyboard and pedal feel comfortable. Around 31% of consumers put key action and pedalling first.
Quiet practice Check the headphone socket and make sure it’s compatible with the headphones you want to use. In a shared room, I want to be able to practise through headphones without using the built-in speakers. Around 25% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Space for your setup Measure the available width and depth, including the stand, seating position, pedal and music rest. With limited floor space, I want to check that the whole instrument fits, not just the body. Around 25% of consumers put the space needed for their complete playing setup first.
Sound layers and equipment Check whether you need audio recording, MIDI performance data or sound layers; these are different features. If I want to use sounds other than the piano part or connect to my equipment, the right features are essential. Around 19% of consumers prioritise sound layers and equipment connections.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming ‘compact’ means ‘it’ll definitely fit’

    An 88-key piano with a shallow body can still be more than 1.3 metres wide. Yamaha lists the P-225 as 1,326 mm wide; Casio gives the CDP-S110BK a width of 1,322 mm. For the P-225, Yamaha lists a depth of 272 mm without the music rest and 362 mm with it.

    Measure the complete playing setup, not just the body.

    You may need a different stand or to rearrange your practice space.

  • Choosing a stage-focused model without planning how you’ll listen

    How you hear the sound varies from model to model. Roland lists built-in stereo speakers for the RD-88 EX; for the Numa X Piano 88, Studiologic describes features including audio outputs and a headphone socket.

    Before buying, check how you plan to listen to the instrument in your practice space.

    Depending on the model and your listening setup, you may need headphones, an external speaker or an extra cable.

  • Assuming ‘USB’ always records the piano sound

    MIDI performance data and audio of the piano sound are two different things. Roland lists USB audio/MIDI for the RD-88 EX; for other models, check which USB function is available on the version you’re considering.

    First decide what you want to record, then look for the right audio or MIDI feature.

    You may need a different connection, extra equipment or a different workflow to make the recording you want.

Brands and models to compare

Yamaha

The P-225 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if piano-focused practice and a shallow profile matter to you.

  • Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and dimensions of 1,326 × 272 mm without the music rest for the P-225. The optional three-pedal unit is a separate purchase.
  • With the music rest, the listed depth is 362 mm. These specifications don’t tell you whether the action will feel comfortable to you.

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable digital piano to consider for independent practice; the RD-88 EX is a stage-focused option with sound zones.

  • Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, built-in speakers and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X. For the RD-88 EX, Roland lists three zones, USB audio/MIDI and built-in stereo speakers.
  • The models are designed differently. A manufacturer’s description of the playing feel isn’t an independent test and can’t predict which action will suit you.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is a shallow digital piano with built-in speakers, for anyone who wants to keep their playing setup simple.

  • Casio specifies 88 keys, built-in speakers, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an SP-3 damper pedal included in the box.
  • The listed width is 1,322 mm. Pay particular attention to the combined socket if you want to connect more equipment.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable digital piano that lets you combine practice at home with occasional moving.

  • Kawai describes the ES120 as having a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and built-in speakers. The manual explains how to use headphones.
  • The specifications confirm the features of this model, but don’t mean that every learner will find the action more comfortable.

Studiologic

The Numa X Piano 88 is worth considering if you want to use the piano with an existing audio or MIDI setup.

  • Studiologic specifies separate audio outputs, a headphone socket and USB audio/MIDI.
  • Decide in advance how you want to listen to the instrument and what equipment you’ll need.

Joybuy product picks

The Joybuy products below are 61-key instruments. Compare them with an 88-key model, taking your repertoire and the space you need to play into account.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

An option to compare if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument for your practice space.

The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

An option to compare if you want to use features such as a metronome or recording while practising.

The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a stage piano to learn a film theme?

No, not if you mainly want to practise a single piano part. Start by comparing the key action, pedal and listening features of portable digital pianos. Stage features become more relevant if you want to use sound layers or other equipment.

What should I check when setting up a piano in my small practice space?

Measure the space with all the parts you’ll actually use, such as the stand and music rest. Follow the manual for setup, and connect the pedal, headphones and power supply to the designated sockets on the exact instrument.

When I buy online in the Netherlands, do I always get exactly two years’ warranty?

No. According to the Netherlands Government, there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands: you’re entitled to a product that works properly for as long as you can reasonably expect. A manufacturer’s or seller’s warranty may offer additional cover; if something is faulty, contact the seller.

Can I return a piano bought online if it doesn’t feel comfortable to play?

For many online purchases from a business, the Netherlands Government says you have a 14-day cooling-off period. Before buying, check the relevant information about the cooling-off period and returns. An online purchase from a private seller isn’t covered by the same rules.

Can I publish a recording of myself playing a film theme without permission?

Don’t assume that you can. The Netherlands Government distinguishes between a copy for personal use and sharing or making a work available to the public. BumaStemra explains that covers and adaptations raise separate licensing and permission requirements; what you need for your recording depends, among other things, on the work and how you plan to publish it.