For musical scores with a wide range, an 88-key digital piano is an obvious choice. If you’re playing along with a recording, also check that it has the audio input you need. Consider headphone playback, the space required for the full set-up and which accessories are included. Headphones keep the piano sound private for housemates, but they won’t muffle your singing or the mechanical sound of the keys.
You want to hear the piano through headphones, while also being mindful of your singing and the sound of the keys, and agreeing practice times with the people you live with. Roland describes headphone playback, while the Dutch government notes that rules on nuisance to neighbours can vary between local authorities.
You’re practising range, touch and dynamics, and checking that the keyboard and pedal suit your scores. Yamaha and Roland describe 88-key models: the P-145 and FP-10.
You want to hear an external backing track while you play, so check the audio input and how you can listen to the piano and recording together. Korg lists an AUDIO IN and PHONES connection on the B2+.
Start with what matters most to you: piano parts with a wide range, playing along with a recording or the space you have available. Then check how you’ll listen and whether the piano, with the accessories you need, will fit in your practice space.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising quietly | Check the headphone socket on the exact model and make sure your headphones are compatible. Remember that singing and the movement of the keys may still be audible. | When practising in a shared home, I want to hear the piano through headphones while also being mindful of singing and the sound of the keys. Quiet practice is the main buying priority for around 36% of consumers in this situation. |
| Range and touch | Compare the range of the keyboard with your sheet music and check which pedal is included. | For musical scores, I focus mainly on range and touch so that my choice suits the pieces I need to learn. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Playing along with recordings | Check that your playback device is compatible with the piano’s audio input and find out how to listen to the recording and piano together. | When playing with a backing track, I want to know how I can combine it with the piano sound. This is the main buying priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Space for the set-up | Measure the available width and depth, and allow space for the music rest, stand, pedal and seat. | In a small room, I want to know in advance whether the complete set-up will fit, not just the piano itself. Available space is the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Headphones let you hear the piano privately, but they won’t block out your singing or the audible movement of the keys. The Dutch government notes that nuisance to neighbours may be covered by local authority rules in many municipalities.
Agree practice times with the people you live with and keep the headphone volume moderate. The World Health Organization notes that sound levels, listening time and exposure to loud noise are all linked to the risk of hearing damage.
The AUDIO IN connection on the Korg B2+ is not specified as a microphone input. So the connection alone does not confirm that you can amplify your singing through a microphone.
Decide in advance how you want to hear the recording, piano and vocals, and check which connections you’ll need.
You may need separate equipment to amplify vocals, so check in advance which set-up suits your needs.
You’ll also need space for the music rest, stand, pedal and player. Some models or versions are sold with accessories separately.
Measure the full practice area and check what’s included with the exact version. Yamaha and Roland list optional pedal accessories; Korg lists the stand and PU-2 pedal unit as separate accessories.
A stand or upgraded pedal unit may be a separate accessory. Check what’s included with the version you choose.
The P-145 is a portable model for practising piano parts across 88 keys.
The FP-10 is a portable 88-key piano with headphone playback for practising at home.
The Dutch B2+ version is worth considering if you want to connect an external audio track as well as play the piano.
The Privia PX-S1100 is worth a look if available depth is a key constraint.
This selection features 61-key instruments for anyone looking for a more limited keyboard range and wanting to practise with external audio. If you need scores that require the full range of an 88-key keyboard, bear this difference in mind.
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Worth considering if a 61-key instrument suits your scores. Its range is more limited for pieces that require the full range of 88 keys.
The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music rest.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard; check that its range suits the scores you want to practise.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.
No. Headphones let you hear the piano itself, but they won’t block out your singing or the audible movement of the keys. Agree practice times and avoid listening at an unnecessarily high volume: the World Health Organization highlights the link between sound levels, listening time and exposure to loud noise.
The AUDIO IN connection doesn’t confirm that you can. Korg doesn’t specify it as a microphone input, so check what microphone and audio set-up you need to amplify vocals.
Measure the space, including room for the music rest and player, and check which accessories are included with the exact version. Korg lists an included adapter, music rest and damper pedal for the B2+; the stand and PU-2 pedal unit are listed separately. Follow the care instructions in the manual for your chosen model.
When you buy from a business at a distance, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, subject to applicable conditions and exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose. The Dutch government notes that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands; if something is faulty, contact the seller.
Don’t assume there’s one answer that applies to every home. The Dutch government notes that nuisance to neighbours may fall under local authority rules in many municipalities. Check your local rules and agree arrangements with housemates or neighbours.
