Who is this choice for?

Piano student with limited space

Wants to learn a waltz with both hands and needs the piano, music rest and seat to fit in a small room.

Pianist practising technique

Wants to practise melody and accompaniment, so compares keyboards with weighted keys and the corresponding pedal set-up.

Quiet home practiser

Shares a room with others and wants to know whether they can practise with headphones, without assuming that every model has built-in speakers.

What should you look for when choosing?

Stage piano without speakers

Suitable if: you play with headphones or already have external audio equipment and are looking for an 88-key weighted keyboard.

Bear in mind: it has no built-in speakers; without a connected way to listen, you won't hear the instrument.

Portable digital piano with speakers

Suitable if: you want to practise with audible sound without separate audio equipment and would also like to compare headphone use.

Bear in mind: the depth of the cabinet alone doesn't tell you how much space the complete playing set-up will take up.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this important for?
Space for the complete set-up Measure the width and depth with the music rest, stand, seat and room to use the pedal. Korg lists the D1 as 263 mm deep without the music rest and 375 mm with it; Yamaha lists the P-145 at 268 mm and 320 mm respectively. If I have limited floor space, I want to know whether I can fit the entire playing area, not just the cabinet. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the available set-up space.
Key range and touch Compare the number of keys and the keyboards on the exact models. Korg lists the D1 as having 88 keys and an RH3 keyboard; Yamaha lists the P-145 as having 88 keys and a GHC keyboard. If you want to practise melody and left-hand accompaniment on a piano-focused keyboard, key range and touch are the main things to consider. Around 29% of consumers say these are their top priorities.
Metronome and pedal Check which metronome settings are available and which pedal comes with the exact model. Yamaha lists an optional LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145; Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal for the CDP-S110. If I want to work on timing and pedal use for a waltz, I want to know which features and pedal controls suit my practice. Around 21% of consumers prioritise timing and pedal use.
Sound while practising Check whether the model has built-in speakers, a headphone socket or requires external audio equipment. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers; Roland says the FP-10 does. In a shared room, I want to know in advance how I can hear myself without unnecessarily disturbing others. Around 14% of consumers choose the audio set-up or quiet practice as their main consideration.

Things to watch out for when buying

  • Comparing the cabinet depth alone

    A music rest can increase the depth required, and you'll also need room for the stand, seat and pedal.

    Measure or mark out the complete set-up on the floor before choosing an instrument.

  • Assuming every stage piano has speakers

    The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. You'll need headphones or connected audio equipment to hear it while practising.

    Decide in advance how you want to listen and check the connections on the exact model.

    You'll need headphones or an external audio set-up to hear the D1.

  • Confusing an optional pedal with one included

    The pedal set-ups listed vary by model; an optional pedal or pedal unit doesn't automatically come with the piano.

    Check what's included in the exact offer and whether the pedal suits the controls you want to practise.

    An additional pedal you want may be sold separately.

Brands to compare

Korg

The D1 is a stage piano without speakers to compare if you practise with headphones or existing audio equipment.

  • Korg lists an RH3 keyboard, adjustable metronome, and headphone and line-out connections.
  • The D1 has no built-in speakers. Korg lists its dimensions as 1327 × 263 mm without the music rest and 1327 × 375 mm with it.
  • The optional DS-1H pedal is not the same as the included damper pedal.

Casio

The CDP-S110 is a portable digital piano to compare if available depth is a key limitation.

  • Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm and says an SP-3 sustain pedal is included.
  • Cabinet depth doesn't tell you the required width or the space needed for the complete playing set-up.

Roland

The FP-10 is a portable digital piano to compare if you want an 88-key keyboard with speakers and the option to use headphones.

  • Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and a built-in metronome.
  • The optional DP-10 pedal is required for the half-pedalling feature mentioned by Roland.
  • Roland's descriptions of sound and playing feel are the manufacturer's claims, not an independent comparison.

Yamaha

The P-145 is a portable digital piano to compare if you're looking for an 88-key weighted keyboard.

  • Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard and dimensions of 1326 × 268 mm without the music rest, or 1326 × 320 mm with it.
  • The LP-5A three-pedal unit listed by Yamaha is optional.

Kawai

The ES120 is a portable digital piano to compare if you're looking for a metronome and connections for different practice set-ups.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard, metronome, recording function and separate line-out connections.
  • The keyboard description is the manufacturer's specification, not an independent comparison of playing feel.

Joybuy product selection

This Joybuy selection features a 61-key keyboard for practising with a metronome and built-in speakers. Compare its more limited key range with the 88-key instruments discussed for piano-focused practice.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Could suit you if you want to practise with a metronome and built-in speakers, and 61 keys are enough; its key range is more limited than that of the 88-key instruments discussed.

The product title lists a recording function, MIDI controller and music stand.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a stage piano without speakers to play a waltz?

No. If you want to practise with audible sound without separate audio equipment, you can also compare a portable digital piano with built-in speakers. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, so you'll need headphones or connected audio equipment to hear it while playing.

How can you make sure your practice area isn't bigger than expected?

Measure the complete set-up, including the music rest, stand, seat and pedal space. Korg lists the D1 as 263 mm deep without the music rest and 375 mm with it; Yamaha lists the P-145 at 268 mm and 320 mm respectively.

Do you need anything besides the piano to practise with audible sound?

With the speakerless D1, you'll need headphones or suitable external audio equipment. Also check whether the exact offer includes the stand and pedal set-up you need; Korg lists its stand and the DS-1H half-damper pedal as accessories available separately.

What should you look out for when buying a piano in the Netherlands?

Check that the exact version you're buying has the applicable CE marking. The Dutch government states that electrical appliances sold on the EU market must meet the applicable CE requirements; a general model specification doesn't confirm the marking on an individual item.

What can you do if the piano develops a fault?

For a consumer purchase, the seller is your point of contact if a product doesn't meet the terms of the agreement. According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period; what you can expect in terms of a product's lifespan depends, among other things, on the product and the sales information. A manufacturer's guarantee doesn't replace your statutory rights.