Start with your exam subject and its requirements, not with how many centimetres you can save. For piano, a portable digital piano with weighted keys and the required pedal may be suitable. For a separate electronic keyboard exam, a smaller keyboard may be enough if it meets the syllabus requirements. Then measure the complete playing set-up and check which accessories are included.
You practise piano pieces and technique at home and are looking for a set-up that fits without overlooking the required keyboard or pedal. ABRSM and Trinity College London have requirements for instruments used in their piano exams.
You’re preparing for the separate keyboard subject and want to choose keys, sounds and accompaniment to suit your exam tasks. Trinity College London offers electronic keyboard and organ exams.
You want to practise with headphones and fit the complete set-up into a shared space, while making sure your instrument meets the exam requirements. Casio and Korg product information includes details such as headphone and pedal connections.
Choose this if: you’re practising piano and your exam requirements call for a weighted keyboard, a sufficient range and a pedal. ABRSM specifies fully weighted keys and a recognisable piano sound for digital pianos.
Bear in mind: even a slim cabinet needs space for the complete playing set-up. The stated cabinet depth doesn’t include this extra space.
Choose this if: you’re taking the separate Electronic Keyboard subject and the keys, sounds and features suit your syllabus. Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys and accompaniment features for the PSR-E383.
Bear in mind: touch-sensitive isn’t the same as weighted. Trinity College London allows an electronic keyboard for its digital piano exams up to and including Grade 3, subject to certain conditions. This route isn’t automatically equivalent to a piano exam.
First establish which exam subject and instrument requirements apply to you. Then measure the space for both the instrument and the complete playing set-up.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard and pedal | Check the exam subject, current syllabus, key range, touch response and required pedal function. | I want to know whether the instrument suits my exam and pieces before I choose. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers who put exam suitability first. |
| Complete set-up | Measure the available width and depth, including the stand, bench, music rest and pedal. | In a small room, I want to fit the instrument in and play it comfortably. Around 29% of consumers put available space first. |
| Headphones and sound | Check that the exact model has an easy-to-reach headphone socket; keys can also make physical noise while you play. | If I share a room, I want to practise through headphones without relying on the built-in speakers for sound. Around 21% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Parts you’ll need | Check what’s included with the version you’re considering and whether you’ll need a stand or a different pedal set. | I want to know in advance what I’ll need to practise my chosen pieces. Around 14% of consumers put additional parts first. |
A touch-sensitive keyboard isn’t automatically suitable for a piano exam that requires weighted keys.
Check your exam subject and the instrument requirements first; only then compare compact models.
If you later choose the piano route, you may need a different instrument for practising.
The cabinet dimensions don’t tell you how much space you’ll need for a bench, music rest, stand and pedal.
Draw your complete playing set-up to scale before you order.
Manufacturers distinguish between pedals supplied with the instrument and optional pedal sets.
Compare what comes with the specific version against what you need for your pieces.
Depending on the model, you may need a suitable additional pedal set or stand.
The CDP-S110 is an 88-key option for anyone looking to keep the cabinet depth down in a digital piano.
The models reviewed include the portable 88-key P-145BT piano and the 61-key PSR-E383 keyboard.
The B2 is a portable 88-key piano worth comparing if you have more depth available.
This Joybuy selection features a compact electronic keyboard for anyone considering 61 keys and headphone practice. Check for yourself whether the keyboard and its features meet your exam requirements.
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An option to consider if 61 keys suit your keyboard exam tasks and you want to practise with headphones.
The product name describes it as a weighted keyboard with 61 keys. The product description lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI and a headphone socket.
It depends on the exam subject, exam format, grade and pieces. For its digital piano exams, Trinity College London allows an electronic keyboard up to and including Grade 3 if certain requirements are met, including touch-sensitive keys. ABRSM Practical Piano has requirements for digital pianos, such as fully weighted keys and a sustain pedal. Check the syllabus that applies to your exam.
According to ABRSM, the 2025–2026 list is still valid at the end of October 2026. The 2027–2028 list can be used from 1 January 2027, and the previous list remains valid until 31 December 2027. During the overlap, ABRSM requires the prescribed pieces to be taken from the same syllabus.
Measure the space for both the instrument and the stand, music rest, bench and pedal. Check the specifications for the exact model to see which parts are included, and follow the instructions for placement and care.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for a standard online product purchase you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, subject to legal exceptions. You’re also entitled to a legal guarantee if a product used normally doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect; an additional manufacturer’s guarantee doesn’t replace these rights.
