If you’re mainly learning piano parts, a portable digital piano with a suitable touch response, a headphone socket and a usable sustain pedal is a sensible choice. A stage-focused model is more relevant if you regularly want to switch between sounds or perform; check the complete setup and the accessories included, too.
You want to practise melody and accompaniment across a full keyboard, and are mainly interested in the touch and pedal response. Yamaha, Roland and Casio describe models with 88 keys and a range of keyboard and pedal options.
You want to be able to practise with headphones while taking the available space and potential noise for neighbours into account. Check the socket on the exact model; the Dutch government advises people experiencing problems with neighbours to agree on arrangements together first.
You want to use sounds other than piano, or perform in future, so you’re comparing the controls and connections on stage-focused models. Yamaha describes the CK88 as offering multiple sounds and instant stage functions.
Start with what you want to play: touch and pedal response matter most when you’re learning piano parts. Headphones, placement and choice of sounds then help determine which model suits your loft.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and pedal response | Try the action if possible; check the number of keys and which sustain pedal comes with the model. | If you want to practise melody, accompaniment and dynamics, you’ll need a keyboard and pedal that suit your playing style. Around 36% of consumers put touch and pedal response first for piano parts. |
| Practising privately | Check the headphone socket and try out the setup in the space you have in mind. | If you often want to practise at home with headphones while being considerate of your neighbours, check both the socket and the sound of the complete setup. Around 29% of consumers prioritise practising privately. |
| Placement in the loft | Measure the playing area, including space for a seat; also check the stand and any pedal unit. | If space is limited, you’ll want to know in advance whether the instrument, seat and accessories will all fit together. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the complete setup. |
| Sound variety and controls | Check which sounds are available, how to switch between them and which connections you need. | If you want to arrange film themes using other sounds or perform, the choice of sounds and instant controls may matter; they aren’t essential for piano parts alone. Around 14% of consumers make this their main priority. |
A music stand, stool or pedal can change the space you need. Yamaha notes that the P-145 has a different depth with the music rest in place than without it; a three-pedal unit is optional.
Measure the complete playing area and check the accessories included with the exact version you’re considering.
A suitable stand, stool or pedal also takes up extra space and may need to be bought separately.
Stage pianos can differ in their speakers and connections. Yamaha lists built-in speakers for the CK88; for any other exact model, check how you’ll be able to hear the sound at home.
Check the speakers, headphone socket and audio outputs you’ll need on the specific model.
If a model doesn’t have built-in speakers, you may need another way to listen.
A headphone socket lets you listen to the electronic sound privately, but it doesn’t mean the whole playing setup will be inaudible. The Dutch government advises people experiencing problems with neighbours to agree on arrangements together first.
Try the setup where you plan to play, and discuss practice times if it causes a disturbance.
The P-145 and P-225 are portable, piano-focused models; the CK88 is designed for players who also want stage functions and a wider range of sounds.
The FP-10 is aimed at portable home practice; the FP-30X offers additional connection and pedal options.
The CDP-S110 is a portable digital piano for a simple home setup.
The ES120 is a portable digital piano with built-in speakers and connections for other equipment.
The B2+ is a portable, piano-focused option to compare for its keyboard, headphone use and accessories.
These Joybuy options are 61-key keyboards for practice. Their more limited range is worth bearing in mind if you want to learn complete piano parts.
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An option if you want a portable keyboard with weighted keys; its 61 keys offer a more limited range than an 88-key keyboard.
The product name specifies weighted keys, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms. It also mentions an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
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An option if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with features for practising tempo and recording ideas; its range is more limited than that of an 88-key keyboard.
The product name mentions a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
No, not if you’re mainly practising the piano part. Focus on touch response, key range, pedal and a suitable practice setup. A stage-focused model is more relevant if you genuinely want to use multiple sounds or need instant control for live performance.
Check which accessories are included and which connections are available with each version. You may need to buy a fixed stand, three-pedal unit or suitable headphones separately: Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal unit for the P-145, while Casio states that the CDP-S110 includes an SP-3 pedal.
You can use the headphone socket to listen to the electronic piano sound privately, but also consider the noise from the complete setup. The Dutch government advises people experiencing problems with neighbours to agree on arrangements together first; discuss practice times if it causes a disturbance.
For an applicable online purchase from a business, the Dutch government says you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period; purchases from private individuals aren’t covered by the rules for distance selling. You’re also entitled to a product that works as it should. According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period; if a product is faulty, contact the seller.
