Start by choosing a keyboard that feels comfortable when practising both soft and loud passages. Then decide whether you mainly want to play quietly, record MIDI or capture the piano sound as audio too. A portable digital piano could suit independent practice, while a stage piano may be a better choice if direct sound control and connections to your studio setup matter more. That difference may also mean giving extra thought to monitoring, connections, software and pedals.
You want to practise soft verses and more powerful choruses, with control over your touch and pedalling. Yamaha, Roland and Kawai describe different types of keyboard action. Try the keyboard for yourself and compare the pedal options available for each model.
You want to record parts on a computer, so you need to distinguish between performance data sent via MIDI and piano sound recorded as audio. Kawai describes USB-MIDI for the ES120; Roland documents USB audio for the RD-88 EX, which requires a driver.
You often practise with headphones or want to move the instrument after use. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X, while Kawai lists two connections for the ES120. Also consider how much space the full setup will take up.
A good fit if: you mainly want to learn the ballad, play with headphones and avoid having to switch on studio monitors every time.
Consider: practice features and pedal options vary by model. A USB connection does not automatically mean you can record the piano sound as audio via USB.
A good fit if: you want to control sounds directly or use the piano as part of a fixed setup with a computer and other audio equipment.
Consider: check your monitoring, connections, software settings, stand and pedals in advance. Roland requires a driver to be installed for USB audio with the RD-88 EX.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and expression | Compare the keyboard action for yourself; Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-225. Check whether the pedal you want is included with the version or sold separately. | If you want to play soft verses and strong choruses with control, keyboard action deserves the most attention; around 36% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Recording on a computer | Check MIDI and audio separately. Kawai describes USB-MIDI for the ES120; Roland lists USB audio for the RD-88 EX and requires a driver for it. | If you want to record parts on your computer and edit them later, the exact connection matters; around 29% of consumers prioritise computer recording. |
| Quiet practice and playing together | Check how many headphone connections the exact model has and whether they’re compatible with your headphones. Roland and Kawai list two for the FP-30X and ES120 respectively. | If you want to practise at home with headphones or listen along with someone else, these connections matter; around 21% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Positioning and setup | Measure the space needed for the piano, stand and pedal. Yamaha lists the CP88 as weighing 18.6 kg; check which parts are included with the version you choose. | If space is limited or you want to move the instrument regularly, the complete setup matters; around 14% of consumers start with space and positioning. |
USB-MIDI and USB audio are not the same thing. The ES120 manual describes MIDI data being sent via USB; Roland documents USB audio for the RD-88 EX, which requires a driver to be installed first.
Decide whether you want to record MIDI, the piano sound or both, then check the manual for the exact model to confirm its capabilities.
Depending on your model and workflow, you may need additional recording equipment or software setup.
Some stands and extended pedal options for the Yamaha P-225 and Kawai ES120 are sold separately.
Check what’s included with the exact version and whether the accessories you want are compatible with the model.
A suitable stand, stool or extended pedal may be part of your final setup.
Connections and computer features vary by model. Roland requires a driver to be installed before using USB audio with the RD-88 EX.
Plan the signal path to your headphones, speakers and computer in advance, and measure the space available for the piano and accessories.
Depending on your setup, you may need external playback equipment, cables or extra space.
The P-225 is a portable digital piano for practice; the CP88 is a separate stage piano range with features aimed at live performance.
The FP-30X is designed for portable home practice; the RD-88 EX is a separate stage piano for a more extensive setup.
Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable digital piano for home and stage use.
The Nord Piano 6 88 is a stage-focused option for players who want piano and synth layers with hands-on control.
The PX-S1100CB is a portable piano worth considering if space is a priority.
No, not with USB-MIDI alone: the ES120 manual describes this computer connection as an exchange of MIDI data. Roland also documents audio via USB COMPUTER for the RD-88 EX; a driver must be installed first to use USB audio. Check which recording formats your chosen model and software support.
Check whether the stand and pedal are included with the exact version or sold separately. Kawai lists an optional stand with a three-pedal unit for the ES120; Yamaha lists an optional three-pedal console for the P-225. Also follow the safety and connection instructions in the relevant manual.
According to the Government of the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that works properly; there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. In general, when you buy from a business online or by distance selling, you have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms that apply to your purchase.
The Government of the Netherlands distinguishes between making a private copy for personal use and sharing it: making a private copy for personal use is allowed, but sharing or publishing it may require permission. Check the rights for sharing your specific recording separately.
Which EU product rules apply to an electric instrument depends on the device. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency explains that the applicable requirements depend on the type of product. Check the product information and markings for the specific instrument and power supply.
