Who is this choice relevant to?

Beginner learning the waltz

You want to practise the three beats, playing with both hands and changing pedals at a relaxed pace. A metronome, the feel of the keys and pedal controls all help determine which piano suits your practice plan.

Pianist who pays attention to touch

You want to learn other piano pieces too, so you compare the playing feel and dynamic response of different keyboards.

Home pianist with limited space or noise allowance

You need to be able to position or move the piano, and want to play with headphones regularly. In that case, the dimensions and connections are important when choosing.

What should you look for when choosing?

Portable digital piano

Choose this option if: you want to rearrange your studio or put the piano away. The Yamaha P-145 and Korg B2 are examples; check the exact model for a metronome, headphone socket and included pedal.

Bear in mind: you may need to buy a stand or a more advanced pedal set separately. Yamaha lists an optional console with three pedals for the P-145; Korg says the B2 comes with a sustain pedal.

Fixed cabinet-style model

Choose this option if: the piano will stay permanently in your home studio and you want a fixed setup with three pedals. Yamaha lists three pedals for the YDP-145.

Bear in mind: a cabinet-style model is less easy to move and needs a permanent spot; check the dimensions of the version you are considering.

When practising waltz at home, rhythm and pedal control, playing feel, quiet practice and a suitable studio setup each matter in their own way.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important to?
Waltz rhythm and pedal control Check whether you can set the metronome’s time signature and which sustain pedal is included. If you want to practise half-pedalling, check that the piano and pedal are compatible. I want to practise the three beats and chord changes at a relaxed pace, and know what I can do with the pedal straight away; around 37% of consumers prioritise rhythm and pedal control.
Touch and dynamics Compare the keyboard and touch settings of the exact models. If possible, try how soft playing and repeated notes feel. If I want the melody and accompaniment to sound different in volume, I pay attention to the keyboard’s response; around 27% of consumers prioritise touch.
Quiet practice Check the headphone socket and volume control. Bear in mind that headphones do not necessarily eliminate all key or contact noise. When I practise while other people are at home, I want to avoid sound coming from the speakers; around 18% of consumers prioritise being able to practise quietly.
Space and complete setup Measure the available space and room to play. Check which stand and pedals are included with the version you choose. If my studio has limited space, the piano, stand and pedal need to fit in the playing area; around 18% of consumers prioritise their studio setup.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming a pedal socket means a complete pedal system is included

    A socket does not automatically mean that a complete pedal system comes with the piano. Included pedals and supported functions vary by model.

    Compare the box contents with the pedal functions of the exact version you are considering.

    A compatible pedal or three-pedal unit may be available separately.

  • Assuming a slim piano means a complete, space-saving playing setup

    The depth of the instrument alone does not tell you how much room you need to sit and play. A stand, stool and pedal also take up space.

    Measure the entire playing area and check which items are included in the offer.

    You may still need a suitable stand or stool.

  • Thinking headphones eliminate all practice noise

    Headphones stop sound coming through the speakers, but key and contact noise, as well as your living situation, still matter.

    Try the setup at a suitable time and, if necessary, agree arrangements with housemates or neighbours. The Government of the Netherlands advises speaking to your neighbours first if noise is a problem.

  • Assuming the manufacturer’s warranty covers all your statutory rights

    A voluntary manufacturer’s warranty is separate from your statutory rights if a product is faulty. The Government of the Netherlands states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands and that the retailer is your point of contact if a product is faulty.

    Keep your proof of purchase and the product description, and check separately what any additional warranty covers.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable model to compare, while the YDP-145 represents the fixed cabinet-style option.

  • Yamaha says the P-145 has a weighted GHC keyboard, with a three-pedal console available as an option. The YDP-145 has three pedals as part of its cabinet-style design.
  • For the P-145, check whether the pedal console you want is included with the version on offer.

Korg

The B2 is a portable option for comparing time-signature settings and what comes in the standard package.

  • Korg specifies that the Dutch B2 has a weighted keyboard, a metronome with time-signature settings and an included sustain pedal.
  • Korg says that half-pedalling requires a compatible pedal unit, available separately.

Roland

The FP-10 is a compact portable piano to compare for touch, metronome features and headphone use.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 keyboard, a metronome and headphone use among the FP-10’s features.
  • For half-pedalling, Roland lists the optional DP-10. The manufacturer warns that Bluetooth may not be available in every country where the piano is sold; check whether this feature is included with the version sold in the Netherlands.

Kawai

The ES120 offers a portable option for comparing connections and possible pedal upgrades.

  • Kawai specifies two headphone sockets for the ES120.
  • The cabinet stand and three-pedal upgrade are available separately; Kawai says that versions vary by market.

Casio

The Privia PX-S1100 is worth comparing if the piano’s depth is a key consideration in your home studio.

  • Casio Europe lists the European PX-S1100 as having an instrument depth of 232 mm.
  • The depth of the instrument alone does not determine how much space the complete playing setup needs.

Digital pianos at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does the metronome need a specific 3/4 setting?

No, you can practise a waltz with standard quarter-note beats and count to three yourself. A time-signature setting can make the start of each bar audible; Korg lists this setting for the B2. Check the metronome settings on the exact model.

What should I check when setting up a portable piano?

Measure the space, including room to play, and use a suitable, sturdy stand. Also check whether the pedal and power supply are included with the version you choose, as the package contents vary by model.

Can I practise with headphones without anyone else hearing anything?

Headphones prevent sound from coming through the speakers, but they do not necessarily eliminate key or contact noise. Consider your setup and living situation; the Government of the Netherlands advises speaking to your neighbours first if noise is a problem.

What are my rights if a piano bought online develops a fault?

If a product is faulty, the retailer is your point of contact. The Government of the Netherlands states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. For a typical online purchase from a business, you will also usually have a 14-day cooling-off period; check the terms and any exceptions that apply to your purchase.

Does a digital piano need tuning?

A digital piano does not need tuning in the same way as an acoustic piano: its sound is generated electronically. Music All In explains the difference in its buying guide. Follow the manual to protect the instrument and its connections.