Thanks to technology, pianos have come a long way in recent years. Grand pianos not only take up a great deal of space in a home, but they also can be almost impossible to move. A digital keyboard can give you deep, rich sound, as well as versatility that you’ll never get from a traditional piano. Best of all, you won’t have to dedicate an entire room of your house to it.

Choosing the right digital keyboard can be challenging, though, especially with so many big-name brands competing for your dollar. You can find keyboards that emulate that baby grand piano sound, as well as those that can provide instrumental sounds that come from a harp, organ or a guitar. If you’re learning or teaching others, a model that features dual play mode may be a better choice, since you can play as a duo.

It’s also important to consider the room that will house your piano. If it’s a big room and you plan to entertain large groups of friends, a piano with a built-in speaker system is likely better for your situation than a quieter keyboard. However, some households may find a slightly quieter instrument is more suitable.

One feature that’s popular with many digital keyboard buyers is the ability to record your performances. This is great for sharing on social media, but it’s especially valuable if you want to listen to your results in an effort to improve. Not all keyboards include this, and some let you record to an external hard drive, so definitely pay close attention to recording ability if it’s important to you.

Although it may not be a top consideration, the appearance of the keyboard you choose will likely be important. It will, after all, be a piece of furniture that features predominantly in whatever room you set it. You can choose between a variety of colors, but many digital keyboards have a setup similar to a traditional upright piano. Consider whether you want a deep mahogany, black or white model before you start shopping.