Beginner pianist
You want to practise using both hands, touch and the pedal for a waltz. So compare the keyboard and practice features of the exact model. Yamaha, Roland and Korg, for example, list models with 88 keys.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Loft resident with neighbours
You want to practise at home while being considerate of your neighbours. Check the headphone connection and, if needed, agree on practice times. The Dutch government advises people to try agreeing on arrangements together first when dealing with noise from neighbours.
Player without a permanent piano space
You want to be able to move the instrument after playing, and you also need room for a stand, stool and pedal. Compare the dimensions of the instrument and the complete set-up; Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK.
What should you look for when choosing?
Portable digital piano
Suitable if: you want to be able to move or store the instrument, while comparing a piano-focused keyboard.
Bear in mind: you may need a separate stand or a more comprehensive pedal unit; the models mentioned differ in their keyboard action and accessories.
Fixed set with stand and three pedals
Suitable if: you have permanent space for a dedicated playing area; Korg describes the B2+SP as a B2+ with a stand and three-pedal unit.
Bear in mind: a fixed set-up needs permanent floor space and is less easy to put away. Check that the version is actually the B2+SP set.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard for piano lessons and waltzes | Compare the number of keys and the type of keyboard on the exact model. Try the touch for yourself if possible; specifications can’t tell you which feel will suit your preferences. | If I want to follow piano lesson materials, I prioritise a useful keyboard range and touch. Around 36% of consumers say the keyboard is their main priority when choosing. |
| Practice noise and neighbours | Check the headphone connection and, if needed, discuss suitable practice times. Using headphones won’t eliminate every sound that can be heard. | When I practise at home and want to be considerate of my neighbours, I look at headphone use and arrangements about noise. Around 29% of consumers give quiet practice top priority. |
| Placement and portability | Measure the playing area and access routes, including space for a stand and stool. Compare the dimensions of the instrument separately from those of the complete set-up. | If my playing space is limited or shared, I want to know in advance whether the instrument and accessories will fit and whether I can move the piano. Around 21% of consumers prioritise placement and portability. |
| Complete set-up | Check which stand and pedal are included with each version. A basic model and a set with three pedals are not the same version. | When I’m setting up a permanent playing space, I want to know in advance exactly which parts I’ll receive. Around 14% of consumers make the complete set-up their main priority. |
Things to watch out for when buying
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Mistaking headphones for complete soundproofing
The connection determines how you hear the electronic piano sound, not how much other practice noise reaches your neighbours.
Check the connection and agree on practice times where necessary. Don’t assume that headphones will make the room completely silent.
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Mistaking a basic model for a complete three-pedal set-up
Korg describes the B2+SP as a set with a stand and three pedals; the B2+ is a separate version.
Compare the full model name and what’s included in the set. Check which pedal and stand come with the version you’re considering.
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Assuming ‘weighted keys’ means the same keyboard and range
The Joybuy listing for the MLS-931 specifies 61 keys. That is not the same range as the 88-key models discussed among the piano-focused options.
Check the full model number, number of keys and keyboard type. Don’t base your choice on the term ‘weighted keys’ alone.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable model with 88 GHC keys, for anyone looking for a compact, piano-focused practice space.
- Yamaha lists headphone use, a built-in metronome and compatibility with the optional LP-5A three-pedal unit.
- The LP-5A is optional, so check which accessories are included with the version you choose. Yamaha’s specifications are not an independent comparison of keyboard feel.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable piano with 88 keys and a PHA-4 Standard keyboard, which you can compare with other keyboards.
- Roland lists built-in speakers, headphone use and a metronome.
- The DP-10 for half-pedalling is optional. Roland’s claims about authentic sound are brand claims, not independently established comparison results.
Casio
The European CDP-S110BK has an 88-key Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II; the stated instrument depth is 232 mm.
- Casio lists an included SP-3 pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT connection.
- The instrument’s depth alone doesn’t tell you how much space the complete set-up needs or how the keyboard will feel to you.
Korg
The B2+ has an 88-key NH keyboard; the B2+SP is a separate set with a stand and three pedals.
- Korg lists a PHONES connection and an included damper pedal for the B2+.
- Versions and included parts vary. Check whether you’re looking at the B2+ or the B2+SP set.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable piano in the ES series with a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard.
- Kawai lists a metronome, recording function, and Bluetooth MIDI and Audio.
- Wireless features don’t replace checking the headphone connection and what’s included in the set on offer.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options are 61-key models for anyone looking for a portable instrument. Check that the keyboard range suits your piano lesson materials.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
This portable 61-key piano could be a good fit if portability matters to you; its range differs from the 88-key models designed for piano-focused practice.
The product listing mentions a headphone connection, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms.
The product description mentions a built-in metronome.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
This 61-key model could suit you if you’re looking for a keyboard with a music stand; check that the range is suitable for your piano lesson materials.
The product title mentions a metronome, recording function and music stand.
The product description mentions a headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Can a built-in metronome help you practise a waltz?
A metronome can help you practise keeping a steady tempo. Yamaha lists one for the P-145 and Roland for the FP-10. Check the manual for the exact model to see which time signatures you can set, as having a metronome doesn’t by itself confirm that a 3/4 setting is available.
What should you measure before placing a digital piano in your loft?
Measure the space for the instrument as well as the room needed for the stand, seat and pedal. The stated dimensions of the Korg B2+ are for the instrument without a music stand; the B2+SP is a separate set with a stand and three pedals.
Does a digital piano need tuning regularly?
The digital models mentioned here produce their piano sounds electronically. Follow the manual for the exact model for maintenance and cleaning.
What warranty and cooling-off period apply when buying in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory two-year guarantee period, and you should contact the seller if something is faulty. For online consumer purchases, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases; check whether these rules apply to your specific purchase.
Can I practise at any time while wearing headphones?
Wearing headphones doesn’t exempt you from any general agreements about noise in your building. The Dutch government advises people to agree on arrangements first when dealing with noise from neighbours, for example about music and times. Also check the rules that apply in your building.