Quiet practice in a shared home
You practise your own part while other people are nearby. Headphones stop the piano sound coming from the speakers, but the action of the keys may still be audible.
Who is this for?
Practising with a recorded accompaniment
You want to listen back to your playing or play a second part. Check which recording and playback features the specific model offers.
Playing together at one piano
You sometimes practise with another person at the same instrument. Check whether you can connect two pairs of headphones and whether a split or lesson mode suits the notes in both parts.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you’ll mainly practise alone with a recorded part or play together at one keyboard. Then check the keyboard range, setup and what’s included in the package.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check the wired headphone socket and plug type. Headphones won’t eliminate audible mechanical key noise; Kawai explains that digital pianos can also make noise from the keyboard action. | If I practise while other people are at home, I want to be able to switch off the speakers and know how much key noise will still be audible. Around 24% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Playing back a second part | Check how the second part is added and played back, and whether the recorder captures MIDI data or audio. Roland describes recording and playback on the FP-30X; Yamaha lists a two-track MIDI recorder for the P-225. | If I want to practise my part with a recorded accompaniment or listen back to my playing, I’m looking for a feature that works with my practice material. Around 24% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Key action and range | Compare the keyboard range with the notes in your part and try the key action for yourself. Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys for the P-225; Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard for the ES120. | If I’m practising a written piano part, I want the range and key action to suit the notes and any passages that use the pedals. Around 19% of consumers put this first. |
| Playing together at one piano | Check whether you can connect two pairs of headphones and, for a split mode, compare the available range with both parts. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X and Kawai lists two sockets for the ES120. The split point and range are fixed in Partner Mode on the Korg B2+. | If I’m practising at one instrument with another player, I want to know whether we can listen together and play all the notes we need. Around 19% of consumers say practising together is their main concern. |
| Space and setup | Measure the space for the complete setup, including the stand and room for the seat. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100BK; Korg describes the B2+SP as including a stand and three-pedal unit. | If I need to use my practice space for other things too, I want to know how much room the piano and its accessories will actually take up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
Things to watch out for when buying
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Assuming duet mode gives you two full keyboards
On the Korg B2+, Partner Mode splits the keyboard into two ranges with a fixed split point. This means it won’t necessarily suit two complete duet parts.
Compare the notes in both parts with the available range. Choose a recording or a second instrument if the parts need more keys at the same time.
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Confusing Bluetooth Audio with wireless headphone output
Bluetooth audio can work in different directions. Kawai says its instruments don’t send piano sound to wireless headphones via Bluetooth.
Check specifically whether the model can send sound to headphones. For wired practice, also check the socket and plug type.
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Comparing only the piano cabinet or package name
The stand and pedal may vary between versions. Yamaha lists a three-pedal unit as an optional extra for the P-225; Korg says the stand and three-pedal unit are included with the B2+SP.
Check what’s included with the exact version and measure the space needed for the complete setup.
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Assuming headphones make practice completely silent
The speakers can be switched off, but the keyboard action may still be audible. When listening through headphones, you should also consider the volume and listening time; the WHO lists both as factors in exposure to loud sound.
Try the piano in the room where you plan to use it, talk to the people you live with, and listen at a comfortable, low volume with breaks.
Brands to compare
Roland
The FP-30X is a portable digital piano worth considering if you want to listen back to your playing or sometimes practise with two pairs of headphones.
- Roland describes recording and playback on the FP-30X and lists two headphone outputs.
- These features don’t prove that every duet part will suit Twin Piano; check the range you need.
Yamaha
The P-225 is worth considering if you’re looking for a piano-focused keyboard and a documented two-track MIDI recorder.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and two MIDI recording tracks for the P-225.
- Yamaha lists the three-pedal unit as optional, so check what’s included with the version you choose.
Kawai
The portable ES120 is worth comparing if two wired headphone sockets and a piano-focused keyboard are important to you.
- Kawai lists two headphone sockets and a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard.
- Kawai says Bluetooth Audio doesn’t send piano sound to Bluetooth headphones, so check that the listening connection is right for you.
Casio
The PX-S1100BK is worth comparing if the depth of the piano cabinet is a key consideration.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for this model.
- Also measure the space needed for the stand, music rest, chair and pedals; the cabinet dimensions don’t cover the complete setup.
Korg
The B2+ is worth considering if you want to assess Partner Mode; the B2+SP is a version that includes a stand and three-pedal unit.
- Korg describes the B2+ as having a Partner Mode with a fixed division of the range and split point, and lists the stand and three pedals as included with the B2+SP.
- The Dutch-language B2+ specifications list one PHONES socket; don’t assume it has two separate headphone outputs.
Joybuy products
Joybuy products suited to digital practice and listening back to your own playing.
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Black 61-key keyboard piano
The recording function may suit practice sessions where you want to listen back to your own part; check how the model you choose plays recordings back.
According to the product name: 61 keys, MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest. Before buying, check the headphone socket and whether the keyboard range suits your part.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The keyboard has 61 keys; compare this range with the notes in your duet part before choosing the instrument.
According to the product name: weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, headphone socket and music rest. Check how the recording and playback options suit your practice material.
Frequently asked questions
Will practising with headphones make the piano inaudible to other people at home?
No. Headphones let you listen without sound from the speakers, but the keyboard action may still be audible. Try the setup you have in mind in the room where you’ll be practising.
Do I need a duet mode to practise one part of a duet?
Not necessarily. If you want to play along with a recording, suitable playback and listening options are what matter. A split mode is designed for two players practising at one keyboard; on the Korg B2+, the split point and ranges are fixed in Partner Mode.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones if a piano has Bluetooth Audio?
You can’t tell from the feature name alone. Kawai says its instruments don’t send piano sound to wireless headphones via Bluetooth. Check the audio direction for the exact model before choosing headphones.
Is there a set time when I’m allowed to play music using headphones?
Don’t assume there’s one time that applies to every home. The Government of the Netherlands advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to agree on arrangements first, such as what time music can be played; also bear in mind any agreements for your own home.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to the Government of the Netherlands, when you buy from a business remotely, you often have a 14-day cooling-off period; exceptions and the circumstances of the purchase matter. If a product is faulty, contact the seller. In the Netherlands, you have a legal guarantee, but there is no single fixed statutory guarantee period.