Start with your exam subject: for electronic keyboard, the features and key range required for your grade are important, while for a piano exam you should check the required piano sound, keys and pedal function. Trinity has a separate keyboard route; the requirements for ABRSM Practical Grades do not automatically apply to EPTA or other organisations’ exams. Then measure your loft space and check whether you can practise with headphones; they won’t necessarily prevent the sound of keys or pedals from being heard.
You’re practising exam pieces that use instrument sounds or automatic accompaniment. Check which features and key range your grade requires. Trinity College London recommends a minimum of four or five octaves, depending on the grade, and full-size keys for electronic keyboard exams.
You want to practise at home on piano keys, with a pedal function suited to your pieces and exam route. Check the rules set by your exam board; for its Practical Grades, ABRSM specifies, among other things, a recognisable piano sound, full-size weighted keys that respond to touch, and a sustain pedal.
You need to fit the instrument and playing area into a converted loft, and take housemates or neighbours into account. Headphones can prevent sound from the speakers, but they won’t tell you whether the keys and pedal can be heard in the room.
Choose this option: if your exam is specifically in electronic keyboard and the instrument offers the features, sounds and key range required for your grade and pieces.
Bear in mind: a compact keyboard won’t necessarily be suitable for a piano exam that requires weighted piano keys.
Choose this option: if you’re practising piano and need a touch-sensitive, weighted keyboard and the required sustain function.
Bear in mind: a full piano keyboard takes up more width than a compact keyboard; you may need to choose a suitable stand or pedal unit separately.
| Buying consideration | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing an instrument suitable for your exam | Compare the exam board, subject, grade and pieces with the key range, key type and features of the exact model. | I want to make sure my instrument is suitable for my exam. Around 33% of consumers prioritise exam suitability. |
| Practising without speaker sound | Check for a headphone socket, and also consider how much noise the keys and pedal make. | When other people are at home, I want to practise through headphones without using the speakers. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice at home. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space, including room for the stand, music rest, seat and pedals. | I need to fit my instrument and playing area in the loft, and would sometimes like to free up some space. Around 20% of consumers prioritise how well it fits. |
| A complete practice setup | Check what’s included in the offer and whether the pedal, stand and headphones are suitable for the exact model. | I want to know in advance which parts are included in my practice setup and which I need to choose myself. Around 20% of consumers prioritise buying a complete setup. |
Trinity College London’s keyboard route and ABRSM’s piano requirements specify different features. The requirements for one exam route don’t automatically apply to another.
First, identify the exam board, subject and grade. Then compare the instrument with the rules and pieces for that route.
The Kawai ES120 is listed with an F-1SP switch pedal; the compatible F-10H supports half-pedalling. These pedals offer different functions.
Check which pedal function your pieces require and what’s included in the exact offer.
A different compatible pedal unit may need to be chosen as an additional accessory.
You’ll also need space for a stand, music rest, player and pedal. Yamaha lists the P-225 as 1.326 mm wide and 272 mm deep; these are the instrument’s dimensions.
Measure the full playing area you have in mind before choosing a stand or pedal unit.
You may need a different stand or to rearrange your practice space.
Yamaha offers examples of both a portable keyboard and a portable digital piano here: the PSR-E383 and P-225.
The FP-30X is a portable digital piano worth comparing if you want to focus on piano practice and are considering a headphone setup.
The ES120 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if weighted piano keys and your choice of damper pedal are important to you.
The CT-S400 is a compact keyboard worth comparing for keyboard-focused practice. The Privia PX-S1100 is a separate range of digital pianos.
These Joybuy picks include a portable keyboard and a 61-key digital piano; compare them with the requirements for your exam subject and the space available in your loft.
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A keyboard-focused option to compare with the features and key range required for your exam pieces.
The product description lists 500 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, a recording function, sustain effects and a metronome.
A headphone socket and music stand are mentioned; check what’s included in the offer and how many octaves your grade requires.
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This portable digital piano is worth comparing for piano practice if its 61-key range suits your pieces and exam requirements.
The product description lists touch-sensitive, weighted keys, piano sound sampling, 300 rhythms and USB-MIDI.
A headphone socket and music stand are also mentioned. Before choosing it for your exam setup, check the key range, pedal function and what’s included in the offer.
No: start with the subject you’re entered for. Trinity College London has a separate graded route for electronic keyboard; ABRSM sets out requirements for a digital piano within its Practical Grades. The requirements for one route don’t automatically apply to another.
According to the ABRSM Practical Grades syllabus for 2025–2026, you can, provided the digital piano has a recognisable piano sound, full-size weighted keys that respond to touch, and a sustain pedal, among other things. For an EPTA exam or another exam route, check that organisation’s requirements.
Measure the space for the instrument, stand, seat and pedal. Headphones prevent sound from the speakers, but in your actual setup, also check whether the keys and pedal can be heard.
Follow the model’s manual for use and maintenance. According to the Dutch government, if you have a problem with a product bought in the Netherlands, contact the seller, not the manufacturer, for a remedy under the statutory guarantee.
For problems with noise from neighbours, the Dutch government recommends discussing and agreeing on arrangements together first; also check any agreements that apply to your home with your landlord or residents’ association. According to the Dutch government, distance purchases can usually be cancelled within a 14-day cooling-off period.
