Choose a keyboard that feels comfortable when playing scales repeatedly, and decide whether you want to listen through built-in speakers, headphones or external equipment. A portable digital piano with speakers is handy if you want to play without extra audio equipment; a speakerless stage piano is a good fit if you already use headphones or a sound system. Remember to measure the entire setup, including the stand and music rest.
You practise minor scales repeatedly and want to focus on how the keyboard feels when you play. Try the exact model yourself: Roland and Yamaha specify the types of keyboard action, but that won’t tell you which feel you’ll find comfortable.
You want to practise regularly with headphones and be considerate of housemates or neighbours. Check the connections and, if necessary, agree on arrangements for noise; the Dutch government advises trying to reach an agreement together first when dealing with noise from neighbours.
The piano needs to fit in a limited space, which may also be used for other things. Compare the instrument’s dimensions with the space needed for the stand, music rest and seat.
A good fit if: you want to play straight away in your spare room and also practise with headphones. Roland lists built-in speakers and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
Bear in mind: how the keyboard feels is a personal matter. Also check how much space the complete setup needs and which pedal configuration you want.
A good fit if: you plan to play through headphones or existing audio equipment. The Korg D1 has line outputs and comes with a damper pedal.
Bear in mind: Korg’s manual states that the D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need headphones or connected audio equipment to hear the instrument.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action and range | Check the number and type of keys on the exact model, and try playing both slow and faster scales yourself. | If I play minor scales repeatedly, I want to know whether the keyboard suits my technique. Around 36% of consumers make touch their main priority. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the model’s headphone connection and consider when you’ll use speakers or external equipment. | If I practise in a shared home, I want to listen through headphones and be considerate of others. Around 29% of consumers make quiet practice their main priority. |
| Space and setup | Measure the available space and compare it with the dimensions of the piano and any accessories you plan to use. | If the spare room has another purpose too, I want to know whether the complete setup will fit. Around 21% of consumers make the space required their main priority. |
| Playing straight away and practice features | Check whether the model has speakers, a metronome or a recording function, and what’s included in the box. | If I want to get started without extra audio equipment or use built-in practice features, I want to check these details beforehand. Around 14% of consumers make a ready-to-play practice setup their main priority. |
Specifications help you compare models, but they can’t tell you which keyboard will feel comfortable to play. Yamaha lists the P-225 as having a body measuring 1.326 × 272 mm without the music rest; the stated depth is greater with the music rest fitted. Casio lists a body depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK. Always measure the space and accessories for the model you plan to use.
This varies by model: Korg’s manual states that the D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists them for the FP-30X.
Check how you’ll listen to the sound on the exact model before choosing the rest of your setup.
The space you need may change when you add a music rest or stand. Yamaha lists different dimensions for the P-225 with a music rest and with an optional stand.
Measure the available space and compare it with the dimensions of the setup you actually plan to use.
Korg says the D1 comes with a damper pedal; several pedal options are listed for the Roland FP-30X.
Check what’s included with the exact model and whether it suits the pedal setup you want to use.
A different pedal or stand setup may require additional accessories.
The FP-30X is a portable piano for practising at home, with the option to connect headphones.
The P-225 is worth comparing if a piano-style keyboard and the body dimensions are important to you.
The D1 is a speakerless stage piano for anyone who wants to play through headphones or external equipment.
The Privia PX-S1100BK is worth considering if the depth of the body is a key factor.
The ES120 is worth a look if you want a built-in metronome and recorder.
These Joybuy options are 61-key keyboards with features that may be useful for practising scales. They are not the same as the 88-key models mentioned above for comparison, so check that the key range suits what you want to practise.
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The headphone socket gives you an option for listening while practising in a shared home.
The product is described as having a weighted 61-key keyboard. The product description also mentions a metronome, recording function, speakers, USB-MIDI and music rest.
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This model may suit you if you want to practise with headphones and use built-in learning or recording features.
The product description mentions a headphone output, metronome, recording and playback functions, and a three-level learning system. The title lists speakers and 61 keys.
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This set may suit you if you’re looking for a keyboard with a listed stand setup.
The product title lists 61 keys, a stand, bench and music rest. The product description mentions recording and playback functions and a headphone output; the title lists a three-level learning mode.
Only if you use headphones. Korg’s manual states that the D1 has no built-in speakers; to listen without headphones, you’ll need external audio equipment. This isn’t necessarily true of every stage piano.
Measure the space for the complete setup, not just the keyboard. Yamaha lists separate dimensions for the P-225 with a music rest and optional stand; also allow space for the pedal and seat with the setup you choose.
Check whether your chosen model has a metronome. Kawai lists an adjustable metronome and song recorder for the ES120; check these features separately if you choose another model.
For many online distance purchases from a business, the Dutch government says you have a 14-day cooling-off period; the same rules don’t apply to purchases from a private seller. Separately, Dutch law protects you if a product is faulty: contact the seller if there’s a problem. There is no fixed general statutory guarantee period.
