Who is this advice for?

Piano recital performer

You mainly practise piano pieces and want to prepare for the performance by working on the required range, touch and use of the pedals.

Quiet home practiser

You share your living or working space and want to practise passages with headphones instead of playing them through speakers.

Home musician who records

You want to listen back to a performance or use studio software, so you need to choose the right audio or MIDI connection.

What should you look for?

Digital piano

Choose this if: you’re practising a piano piece where range, touch or pedalling technique matters.

Bear in mind: a full-size piano keyboard takes up more space. Try the touch and compare it with your recital instrument.

Portable keyboard

Choose this if: the piece fits within its range and you value a lighter touch, accompaniment features or a variety of sounds.

Bear in mind: 61 lightly weighted keys are no substitute for a weighted piano keyboard.

MIDI controller with software

Choose this if: your home studio already has suitable software and audio output, and you want to play or record using your computer.

Bear in mind: MIDI itself contains no sound. Also check that the keyboard and pedal connections are suitable for your piece.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Touch, range and pedals Check the lowest and highest notes, the touch and the pedal passages in the piece, then compare them with your recital instrument. If I want to practise the piano technique for my recital piece at home, I need a suitable range, touch and pedal setup. Around 36% of consumers give piano technique top priority.
Practising with headphones Check the headphone socket and whether your headphones or adapter will fit. Headphones won’t eliminate the mechanical sound of the keys. If I share my living or working space, I want to practise passages through headphones without using speakers. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Space and setup Measure the space available and check the playing height, stand and pedals you need. Compare what’s included with what you require. If I need a permanent, practical place for my instrument at home, I want to know how much space the complete setup will take up. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the setup.
Recording and connections Check whether you need audio, MIDI or both, and which software, cables and audio output are required. If I want to listen back to my playing or use studio software, I want to know how the recording connection works before I buy. Around 14% of consumers prioritise recording and software workflows.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a keyboard with a light touch will automatically suit piano repertoire

    A 61-key keyboard and an 88-key digital piano have different keyboards. An instrument that doesn’t suit the range or technique required by the piece won’t prepare you for the recital in the same way.

    Check the notes and pedal passages in the piece, and try the touch before you choose.

  • Assuming pedals, a stand and cables are always included

    The Kawai ES120 lists a stand and triple pedal unit as accessories. Korg states that the USB cable for connecting the LP-380U to a computer is sold separately.

    Check what’s included in the package and that the components are compatible with your setup.

  • Expecting a MIDI controller to produce sound on its own

    According to Novation, MIDI data does not contain sound. Without the right software and audio output set up, you won’t hear the notes you play through your computer.

    Before buying, check the complete playback and recording setup, including software and audio output.

  • Confusing an extended warranty with your statutory rights

    The Dutch government distinguishes between extended warranties and your right to a product that meets acceptable standards. If there’s a problem with a product, the retailer is your point of contact.

    Check what extra rights a paid warranty product offers and keep the retailer’s details.

Relevant brands and models

These models have specific features you can compare. The examples listed aren’t a judgement on every product from each brand.

Yamaha

The P-145 is a digital piano, while the PSR-E383 is a portable keyboard designed for different playing needs.

  • Yamaha states that the P-145 has 88 GHC keys and the PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys.
  • The keyboards aren’t designed for the same piano technique, so don’t compare them solely on the number of features or sounds.

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable digital piano for practising at home, including with headphones.

  • Roland lists the FP-30X as having an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs.
  • Pedal options vary by model. These manufacturer specifications aren’t an independent assessment of the playing feel.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable digital piano with a focus on its keyboard and connections.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and two headphone sockets.
  • A matching stand and triple pedal unit are accessories. Availability may vary by market.

Korg

The LP-380U has a fixed three-pedal setup, while the B2+ is a more portable model in the range.

  • Korg states that the LP-380U has 88 RH3 keys and three pedals, while the B2+ has 88 NH keys and a headphone output.
  • A USB cable for connecting the LP-380U to a computer is sold separately.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is a compact digital piano worth comparing if space and a straightforward practice setup are important to you.

  • Casio lists an SP-3 damper pedal as included and says settings can be controlled using CASIO MUSIC SPACE.
  • Check the exact model configuration and accessories in the offer you’re considering.

Joybuy products for practising at home

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How many keys do I need for my recital piece?

First, compare the lowest and highest notes in the score with the keyboard’s range. Yamaha lists 61 keys for the PSR-E383 and 88 for the P-145. You should also choose based on the touch that suits your practice goals.

Which parts of my practice setup should I check?

Check that you have a stable place to play, a suitable playing height, a music rest, a power supply and the pedals your piece requires. Kawai lists the triple pedal unit for the ES120 as an accessory, so don’t assume it comes as standard.

Do I need extra equipment for a MIDI controller?

To hear sound, you’ll need suitable audio software and audio output set up. According to Novation, MIDI data itself contains no sound.

What applies to online purchases or faulty products in the Netherlands?

For online purchases from a business, you usually have 14 days to change your mind, although exceptions and the specific retailer matter. You also have the right to a product that meets acceptable standards. The Dutch government states that the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period and that you should contact the retailer if there’s a problem.

Which safety marking should I check on an electrical instrument?

For the specific instrument and power supply, check which EU safety requirements apply and whether the required CE marking is present. The NVWA explains when CE marking is mandatory for electrical products; check the information for the product you intend to buy.