Pianists working on their technique
You want to assess repeated notes and differences in touch on the exact keyboard you’ll be using. Try the same exercise on the models you’re considering.
Who is this for?
Players with limited space
You’ll need room not just for the piano, but also for the music stand and your playing position. Compare the dimensions of the complete setup.
Players who also perform
You may want to use the instrument for other sounds or in a stage setup, too. Decide which extra features you’ll actually need for this.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and key response | Play the same slow and fast exercise on the exact model. Compare the keyboard type and any touch-sensitivity settings. | If I want to practise repeated notes at different touch strengths, I want to know how the keyboard responds to my playing. Around 40% of consumers prioritise touch and key response in this situation. |
| Space for the complete setup | Measure the available width and depth. Compare the dimensions with and without the music stand, using the same basis. | If my practice space is small, I want to leave room for the stand and my playing position, not just the piano cabinet. Around 30% of consumers prioritise the complete setup. |
| Practising with headphones | Check which headphone socket the exact model has and whether it’s compatible with your headphones. | If I want to listen without playing sound through the speakers, I look at the headphone socket. Around 20% of consumers make being able to practise quietly their top priority. |
| Use beyond practising | Decide in advance which other sounds, connections or portability features you actually need. | If I also want to use the instrument for other music or performances, those features will factor into my choice. Around 10% of consumers prioritise this additional use. |
Common buying mistakes
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Comparing cabinet depth alone
The space you need changes when you use a music stand. Yamaha gives the P-225’s depth as 272 mm without a stand and 362 mm with one.
Compare dimensions on the same basis and measure the whole playing area.
Remember to leave room for the music stand and your playing position, too.
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Assuming every stage piano has hammer action
The stage piano label alone doesn’t tell you what type of keyboard you’ll get. Yamaha specifies a GHS keyboard for the CK88, while Studiologic describes the Numa Compact SE as semi-weighted.
Check the keyboard type on the exact model and try your own exercises on it.
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Assuming the power supply, stand and pedal always work the same way
Studiologic says the Numa Compact SE’s built-in speakers won’t work on USB power alone. Roland lists different stand and pedal options for the FP-30X.
Check the power requirements for the exact offer and which accessories are included.
A compatible stand or pedal may need to be bought separately, so check what’s included in the package.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The portable P-225 is designed for piano-focused practice; the CK88 is a stage-oriented alternative with a wider range of performance sounds.
- Yamaha specifies an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-225. Its stated depth is 272 mm without a music stand and 362 mm with one.
- According to Yamaha, the CK88 has an 88-key GHS keyboard and a stated cabinet depth of 354 mm. These dimensions alone won’t tell you whether the keyboard suits your touch.
Roland
The portable FP-30X is an option if you want to combine piano practice with built-in speakers and headphone listening.
- Roland specifies an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs.
- Roland lists separate stand and pedal options, so check what’s included with the version you choose.
Casio
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano worth including in your comparison if cabinet depth is important.
- Casio gives the PX-S1100’s cabinet depth as 232 mm and specifies 88 keys with hammer action.
- The stated cabinet dimensions don’t show how much depth the complete setup needs. Remember to measure the space for the stand and your playing position, too.
Studiologic
The Numa Compact SE is a lightweight, versatile alternative if you also want to use your instrument outside the practice room.
- Studiologic specifies a weight of 7,1 kg, 88 semi-weighted keys and built-in speakers.
- Semi-weighted keys aren’t the same as hammer action. According to Studiologic, the built-in speakers won’t work when the instrument is powered by USB alone.
Joybuy product selection
This Joybuy selection features a portable digital piano with a weighted keyboard and headphone socket, for anyone who wants to practise in a small space.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Could be a good fit if you’re looking for a portable piano with a weighted keyboard and headphone socket; check whether 61 keys are enough for your exercises.
61 keys and a weighted keyboard.
300 sounds, 300 rhythms and an LCD screen.
Includes USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a stage piano with hammer action for finger exercises?
Not all stage-oriented pianos have the same type of keyboard. Yamaha specifies a GHS keyboard for the CK88, while Studiologic describes the Numa Compact SE as semi-weighted. If piano-style touch is your priority, try your exercises on the exact models you’re considering.
What should I measure before setting up the piano?
Measure the available width and depth, and leave room for the music stand and your playing position. For example, Yamaha gives the P-225’s cabinet depth as 272 mm without a stand and 362 mm with one.
Can the Numa Compact SE use its speakers with USB power alone?
No. Studiologic says the built-in speakers can’t be used this way; you’ll need the supplied adapter.
What rights do I have when I buy online from a business?
According to the Government of the Netherlands, in many cases you have a 14-day cooling-off period when buying at a distance, although there are exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that works properly. If there’s a problem, contact the seller, not just the manufacturer.