Choose according to the way you practise. For piano technique, key range and touch are important, while you might also want to explore electric piano, organ and clavinet sounds, or rhythms. Then decide whether you want to listen through headphones or speakers, and measure the space needed for the complete setup. The models mentioned offer different features; there is no evidence-based choice that will suit every loft best.
Wants to practise chords and rhythm with both hands, and choose a keyboard that suits their touch. Yamaha, Roland, Kawai and Korg describe the keyboards in the models mentioned as weighted, but that doesn’t mean they all feel the same to play.
Wants to practise without using the built-in speakers, so pays attention to the headphone socket and the sound of the complete setup. The Dutch government advises people to speak to their neighbours first if noise is a problem.
Wants to try electric piano, organ or clavinet sounds alongside piano sounds, or use a metronome or rhythms while practising. The options available vary by model.
Start with your main practice goal, then decide which listening setup and playing space will suit it.
| Consideration | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising quietly | Check the headphone socket and the type of plug you need. Also consider the noise made by the keys and stand. | If I mainly want to practise without speakers in a shared loft, I look at the socket and at noise that could travel through the setup. Around 29% of consumers put quiet practice at the top of their list when buying. |
| Touch and key range | Check the number of keys and the type of keyboard; try out the feel of the keys if you can. | For playing chords with both hands, I want a range and touch that suit the way I practise; the stated number of keys doesn’t tell me how the keyboard feels. Around 29% of consumers prioritise touch and key range. |
| Blues sounds and rhythm | Check which electric piano, organ and clavinet sounds are available, and what metronome or rhythm functions the model offers. | If I want to try different tones or keep a steady beat, I check the features of the exact model. Around 24% of consumers put sounds or rhythm tools at the top of their list. |
| Space for the setup | Measure not only the instrument, but also the stand, any music rest and the stool. | In a compact loft, I want to know in advance whether there’ll still be enough room with the complete playing setup in place. Around 18% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
An instrument and the accessories you need aren’t always sold as a single set. Yamaha describes the three-pedal unit for the P-225 as optional, while Korg lists a separately available stand for the D1.
Check which stand and pedal are included with each listing, and whether they’re compatible with that version.
According to Korg, the D1 has no built-in speakers. So, if you want to hear it while playing, you’ll need a separate audio setup unless you use headphones.
Decide in advance whether you want to listen through headphones or speakers, and check which connections you’ll need.
The instrument’s dimensions don’t tell you how much space you’ll need for a stand, stool, any music rest and room to move.
Measure the complete playing area and compare dimensions on a like-for-like basis, for example with or without a music rest and stand.
The FP-30X is a portable digital piano for practising through its built-in speakers or with headphones.
The P-225 is a portable digital piano with an 88-key keyboard.
The D1 is a stage piano without built-in speakers, designed for players using headphones or their own audio setup.
The ES120 is a portable digital piano with features for practising to a pulse or rhythm.
These Joybuy picks focus on portable 61-key instruments for practising with rhythms and listening through speakers or headphones.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a portable piano with speakers and a headphone socket.
61 keys; weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; LCD; USB-MIDI.
Check that the 61-key range suits the chords and exercises you want to play.
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A good fit if you want to practise rhythm on a keyboard that lists speakers and a headphone socket.
61 keys; MIDI controller; recording function; metronome; music rest.
Check that the controls and key range suit the way you want to practise blues chords.
No. If you want to play without a separate sound system, you could consider a portable digital piano with built-in speakers. A piano without speakers may suit you if you already have headphones or an audio setup. Check the keyboard and connections on the exact model.
Measure the space for the instrument, music rest, stand and stool, and check which accessories and connections come with that version. Korg lists a damper pedal as included with the D1 and a stand as separately available; Yamaha describes the three-pedal unit for the P-225 as optional.
A digital piano doesn’t need regular tuning like an acoustic piano. Refer to the manual for your chosen model for advice on use and care.
According to the Dutch government, when you buy online from a business you’re usually entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that works properly and can contact the seller if there’s a fault. The Dutch government states that the Netherlands doesn’t have one fixed statutory guarantee period for all products.
