Who is this buying guide for?

Practising in a shared home

You want to play film themes without sound from the speakers filling the room. Check for a headphone socket, bearing in mind that Kawai notes the keys themselves may still be audible.

Beginner pianist learning film music

You want to learn to play melody and accompaniment, so you’re comparing the keyboard and pedal options. Yamaha and Roland describe the models mentioned here as having 88 keys.

Player with limited space

You want to set up your piano or put it away after practising without making your playing area impractical. Compare the dimensions and check whether a stand is included with the model variant you’ve chosen.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to look for Who should pay particular attention?
Quiet practice with headphones Check the socket, the compatible plug type and the volume controls on the exact model variant. If you practise in a shared home, you’ll want to avoid playing the electronic piano sound through speakers. Around 33% of consumers put quiet practice first.
Touch and keyboard range Compare the number of keys and the type of keyboard action; try the touch for yourself if possible. If you want to learn both melody and accompaniment, the keyboard action may be an important factor in your choice. Around 27% of consumers prioritise piano feel.
Using the pedals Check which pedals are included, which are optional and whether they’re compatible with the model variant. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110; Yamaha and Roland describe the upgrades mentioned here as optional. If you want to practise arrangements that use sustain or multiple pedals, it’s worth knowing exactly what you’ll need. Around 20% of consumers choose mainly on the basis of pedal options.
Space and set-up Measure your space and check the dimensions and stand for the exact model variant. Yamaha lists a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145; Casio gives a depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110. If you have limited space for playing or storage, you’ll want to know whether the instrument and its set-up will fit in your room. Around 20% of consumers let space determine their choice.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming headphones make practice completely silent

    Headphones let you hear the electronic piano sound without using the built-in speakers, but the key action may still be audible. Kawai describes this as the natural sound of the mechanism.

    Check the socket and consider your playing space if the sound of the keys matters to you or the people you live with.

  • Assuming a pedal and stand are always included

    The models mentioned have different pedal and stand options. An accessory shown in a picture may not be included with the model variant you choose.

    Compare the contents of the bundle and check compatibility for the exact model variant before making your choice.

    For some set-ups, you may need to arrange a compatible stand or pedal separately.

  • Assuming a similar model name means the same features

    Yamaha treats the P-145 and P-145BT as separate model variants. A feature on one doesn’t confirm that the other has it too.

    Check the full model number and connections of the instrument on offer.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

Yamaha describes the P-145 as a portable entry-level piano with an 88-key keyboard and weighted action.

  • Yamaha specifies a GHC keyboard and lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit as optional.
  • Check the headphone socket and bundle contents for the exact P-145 variant; don’t assume features of the separate P-145BT model apply to this one.

Roland

Roland describes the FP-10 as a portable piano designed for practising at home.

  • Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, built-in speakers and headphone use.
  • The DP-10 pedal is described as optional. Roland says Bluetooth availability depends on the country of purchase, so check the model variant before relying on this feature.

Casio

The CDP-S110 may be worth considering if you’re looking for a slim, portable piano with a headphone socket.

  • Casio lists a depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 pedal.
  • The description of the hammer-action touch is a claim made by Casio, not the result of an independent playing test.

Kawai

The portable ES120 is worth comparing if you want to look at different headphone sockets as well as the keyboard action.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and sockets for two headphone plug sizes.
  • The stand and three-pedal accessories are described as optional. The manufacturer’s announcement dates from 2022, so check the model variant in any current listing.

Korg

Compare the B2+ with the B2+SP if you’re considering a permanent set-up with three pedals.

  • Korg specifies an 88-key keyboard and a PHONES socket for the B2+; the manufacturer describes the B2+SP as a bundle with a stand and three-pedal unit.
  • Check the model variant and bundle contents of the Dutch listing; the manufacturer information consulted for these bundles isn’t specific to the Netherlands.

Joybuy products

The Joybuy options below are digital instruments with 61 keys. Check that the connections and features of each model variant suit the way you want to practise.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

With 61 keys, this model may suit you if you’re happy with a smaller keyboard range; it has fewer keys than an 88-key keyboard.

Weighted keys, headphone socket, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, LCD, USB-MIDI and music stand.

View at Joybuy
Keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

Keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

This 61-key model may suit you if you’re looking for a compact practice keyboard and don’t need the full range of 88 keys.

The product name mentions MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand. If you want to practise with headphones, check that the exact listing has the socket you need.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does practising with headphones make the piano completely silent?

No. You can listen to the electronic piano sound through compatible headphones, but Kawai says the key action itself may still be audible. Consider your playing space if that sound matters in your home.

Do I need three pedals straight away to play film themes?

Not necessarily. First, check whether the pieces you want to learn require sustain or multiple pedals. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110; Yamaha and Roland describe the more advanced pedal options mentioned here as accessories.

How do I choose a piano if I have limited space?

Measure the space available and allow room for yourself and the stand. Then compare the dimensions and bundle contents of the exact model variant; Korg, for example, describes the B2+SP as a bundle with a stand.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for a standard online product purchase, the statutory cooling-off period usually ends 14 days after delivery; exceptions apply. Your statutory rights are separate from the manufacturer’s guarantee: if a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect when used normally, the seller is responsible for putting things right.