Who is this guide for?

Beginner piano student

You want to play folk melodies while developing your piano technique on a full-size, weighted keyboard. The models described show that the number of keys and type of action vary between instruments.

Quiet home practiser

You practise in a shared home and want to listen through headphones. Bear in mind that using headphones won’t necessarily stop other people from hearing you practise.

Melody player with limited space

You mainly play melodies and want to weigh up whether a 61-key keyboard will fit more practically in your room than a portable 88-key piano.

What should you look for?

Portable digital piano with 88 weighted keys

A good fit if: you want to practise piano technique or pieces with a wider range as well as melodies.

Bear in mind: the instrument’s width and the space needed for a stand; also check which accessories are included with the version you’re considering.

Compact 61-key keyboard

A good fit if: your repertoire falls within this range and you value accompaniment or a shorter instrument.

Bear in mind: touch sensitivity is not the same as a weighted hammer action; check that the keyboard suits your learning materials.

First, decide which keyboard suits your repertoire. Then measure the full setup and check which connections and accessories you need.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Key range and action Compare the number of keys and type of action on the exact version; try the key action if possible. If I want to practise piano technique as well as melodies, I’m looking for a keyboard that suits this. Around 36% of consumers in this situation give piano technique and range top priority.
Listening with headphones Check whether there’s a headphone socket and whether you need one or two connections; Roland lists two outputs on the FP-30X. If I practise in a shared home, I want to listen through headphones without using the built-in speakers. Around 29% of consumers in this situation prioritise quiet listening.
Space for your setup Measure the available width and depth, including the space for a stand. Yamaha lists the P-145BT as 1.326 mm wide, with a cabinet depth of 268 mm without the music rest; Korg gives the B2+ dimensions as 1.312 × 336 mm, including protruding parts and without the music rest. If there’s little free space in the guest room, I want to know whether the instrument and stand will fit together. Around 21% of consumers in this situation give the available space the greatest consideration.
Accompaniment and pedal Decide whether you want automatic accompaniment or mainly piano-focused practice; also check which pedal components are included with the version you choose. If I enjoy practising with accompaniment or want to use a pedal, I compare those features with my learning goal. Around 14% of consumers in this situation prioritise practice features and accompaniment.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a shallow instrument is a small one

    A piano can be relatively shallow and still take up a lot of width. Yamaha specifies a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145BT.

    Measure the available width and depth, and include your intended stand in your setup.

  • Equating touch sensitivity with weighted keys

    The Yamaha PSR-E383 has 61 touch-sensitive keys, but that doesn’t make it the same type of keyboard as a digital piano with weighted keys.

    Let your repertoire and any piano lessons guide you on the range and action you need; try the key action if possible.

  • Assuming every model comes with the same pedals

    A damper pedal is listed with the Korg B2+, while the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are listed as separate accessories.

    Compare what’s included with the exact version against the accessories you want to use.

    A stand or more advanced pedal unit may be available separately; check whether you need one for your setup.

Brands to compare

Roland

Compare the FP-10 and FP-30X if piano-focused practice and headphone use are important to you.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard with 88 keys and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
  • Check whether the stand and pedal solution you want are included with the version you choose.

Yamaha

The P-145BT is an 88-key digital piano; the PSR-E383 is a 61-key keyboard with accompaniment.

  • Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard with 88 keys and a width of 1.326 mm for the P-145BT. For the PSR-E383, Yamaha specifies 61 touch-sensitive keys and accompaniment styles.
  • Don’t confuse the PSR-E383 with a weighted piano keyboard, and check that you mean the P-145BT, not the separate P-145.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK is a portable digital piano worth comparing if cabinet depth and straightforward controls matter to you.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm and an included SP-3 damper pedal.
  • A shallow cabinet doesn’t mean the instrument is also narrower; consider the complete setup and the keyboard separately.

Korg

The B2+ is a portable piano with 88 NH keys to compare if you’re looking for a straightforward piano setup.

  • Korg lists a headphone socket, metronome and included damper pedal.
  • The STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit are listed as separately available accessories; check the version.

Kawai

The ES60 is an entry-level portable model to compare if portability and piano-focused practice matter to you.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Lite keyboard, a metronome, a front-mounted headphone socket and a weight of 11,0 kg.
  • These specifications are for the ES60; check the exact version and included accessories with the retailer.

Joybuy products

This selection includes 61-key keyboards for melody-focused practice; check that the key range and keyboard action suit your learning goal.

MLS-931 61-key keyboard with weighted action, black

MLS-931 61-key keyboard with weighted action, black

The 61-key layout may suit you if you practise melodies within this range; check that it also covers the range required by your learning materials.

The product information lists a weighted keyboard, metronome, headphone socket, recording function and USB-MIDI.

Joybuy
61-key keyboard with MIDI controller, black

61-key keyboard with MIDI controller, black

This keyboard may suit you if you play melodies that fit within 61 keys; compare the range with your learning materials.

The product information lists a metronome and headphone socket. Check which accessories are included with the version you choose.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are 61 touch-sensitive keys the same as weighted piano keys?

No. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a 61-key keyboard with touch sensitivity, and the P-145BT as a digital piano with 88 GHC keys. Choose according to your repertoire and whether you want to practise a piano-style touch.

What should I check before setting up the piano in the room?

Measure the space available for the instrument and the stand you plan to use, and check which parts are included with the exact version. Follow the manual for your chosen model when connecting and cleaning it.

Does practising with headphones always prevent noise disturbance?

No. Headphones let you listen without using the instrument’s speakers, but other people may still be able to hear you practising. The Dutch government advises discussing noise with your neighbours first; this doesn’t mean there’s nationwide permission to play music at any time.

What are my rights when I buy a piano online?

According to the Dutch government, distance purchases often come with a 14-day cooling-off period; check the terms for your specific purchase. In the Netherlands, you’re also entitled to a legal guarantee if a product is faulty. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that this legal guarantee exists alongside any guarantee offered by the retailer or manufacturer.