For live piano accompaniment, a weighted keyboard and easy-to-reach transpose controls matter more than extra sounds you won't use. If you practise with recordings, check whether the exact model supports Bluetooth audio or has the audio input you need; MIDI alone won't do the job. Also consider headphone use, built-in speakers and the space needed for the instrument, stand and bench.
You play the accompaniment yourself and want to practise piano parts, keys and transitions smoothly. Prioritise weighted keys and easy-to-reach transpose controls over sounds you don't need. Yamaha and Roland describe these features on the P-225 and RD-08 respectively.
You want to sing along while playing the piano or use a practice recording. Check whether the exact model can play audio and how you can listen to it: Kawai lists Bluetooth audio for the ES120, while Yamaha warns that Bluetooth audio on the CK88 may vary by country.
You need to be able to set up or put away the instrument, and sometimes practise quietly. Compare its dimensions and weight, and allow for the stand, bench and access space. Yamaha lists the P-225's dimensions; Studiologic lists the Numa Compact 2x as weighing 7,1 kg.
Best suited to: mainly practising piano parts or accompanying singers on piano.
Trade-off: check how easy it is to transpose and play practice recordings; direct sound and scene controls vary by model.
Best suited to: frequently changing keys or sounds during rehearsals, and wanting to start with built-in speakers.
Trade-off: extra sounds and controls add little if you only practise piano parts at home.
Best suited to: preparing musical theatre parts beyond piano, or looking for a lighter instrument.
Trade-off: the Numa Compact 2x has semi-weighted keys rather than hammer-action keys; check whether the audio features you want are available on the UK version of the CK88.
| Consideration | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Piano playing and live accompaniment | Try the keyboard and check how to change key on the exact model. | If I accompany singers myself, I want to practise piano parts and key changes smoothly. Around 33% of consumers prioritise live piano playing. |
| Recordings and controlled volume | Check for Bluetooth audio or the audio input you need, and whether there is a headphone socket. | When I practise with recordings or need to be considerate of others at home, I want to hear the accompaniment without always playing it loudly. Around 27% of consumers prioritise recordings or a suitable volume level. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space for the instrument, stand, bench and access; also compare weight and dimensions. | In a shared spare room, I want to be able to set up or put away the instrument without blocking access. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space and portability. |
| Extra sounds and connections | Make a note of the sounds and audio or MIDI connections you use, and check the power requirements. | If I prepare parts beyond piano or connect a specific audio source, I want suitable sounds and connections. Around 20% of consumers prioritise extra sounds and rehearsal connections. |
A connection for playing data doesn't automatically mean you can play a practice recording through the instrument. Available features may also vary by market.
Check the audio features of the exact UK version before you buy.
Some setups may need a separate wired or external audio solution.
The piano's dimensions don't tell you how much space you'll need for the music rest, stand, bench and access.
Measure the whole playing area and check which accessories are included with the version on offer.
A suitable stand or bench may be part of the setup you need.
Studiologic says the Numa Compact 2x has semi-weighted keys, which are a different type of keyboard from the hammer-action keys on the piano-focused alternatives described here.
Try the key action if piano parts are your main use; choose the lighter keyboard type deliberately if portability or extra sounds matter more.
Studiologic says the built-in speakers on the Numa Compact 2x don't work when the instrument is powered only via USB.
Use the specified adapter for those speakers and check the power requirements of the model you're considering.
The P-225 is a piano-focused portable option; the CK88 is designed for players who also want a wider range of sounds and direct connections.
The RD-08 is a stage piano for players who want quick access to sounds and transpose controls during rehearsals.
The ES120 is a piano-focused portable option for practising at home and connecting to other equipment.
The Numa Compact 2x is aimed at players looking for a lighter instrument with sound and control options.
The Privia PX-S1100BK is a piano-focused option if the instrument's depth is important for your available space.
The Joybuy products below are 61-key digital instruments for practising at home. Bear in mind that they have a more limited range than the 88-key models covered in this buying guide.
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Built-in speakers and a headphone socket make it suitable for practising at home, with or without playing aloud.
The product information lists 61 keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, recording and playback, transpose, USB MIDI and a music rest.
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The product information lists built-in speakers and a headphone socket for practising at home.
The title lists MIDI, a recording function, metronome and music rest; the product description also mentions audio connections.
No. Check whether the exact model supports Bluetooth audio: Bluetooth MIDI is a separate feature. Kawai lists both features for the ES120, but warns that specifications vary by market; Yamaha says Bluetooth audio may not be available on the CK88 in every country.
Check what power supply the speakers need. Studiologic says the Numa Compact 2x's speakers won't work when the instrument is powered only via USB; use the specified power adapter instead.
If you buy in the Netherlands, the seller must provide a solution if the product is faulty. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory two-year guarantee period; for online purchases from a business, you will often also have 14 days to change your mind, subject to applicable exceptions.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, equipment with Bluetooth or another radio module is subject to the rules for radio equipment, including Directive 2014/53/EU. For noise nuisance, the Dutch government recommends first agreeing arrangements with your neighbours; which local noise rules apply depends on the situation.
