Who is this guide for?

Evening player who wants to keep the noise down

You share your home and want to hear the piano through headphones. Remember that the keys and pedal can still make a noise, and consider any arrangements you have with your housemates.

Aspiring jazz pianist

You practise melodies and chord voicings, perhaps with a separate bass part. So, consider the action and playing range of the instrument you’re thinking of buying.

Player with limited space

You need to fit the piano, stand and seat into your space, or move the instrument after practising.

What should you look for?

First, check that the keyboard suits the passages you want to practise and that you can listen to its electronic sound through headphones. Then measure the space for your complete setup and check which accessories are included with the model and offer you’ve chosen.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay extra attention?
Practising quietly Check the headphone socket, and listen out for mechanical noise from the keys and pedal in your intended setup. I want to listen to the piano privately, while remembering that the keys and pedal can still make a noise. For around 36% of consumers whose main concern is practising quietly, this is their top priority.
Action and range Play passages from your own arrangement on the keyboard and check that its range and sustain controls suit the way you play. I want to practise melodies, chords and, if needed, a bass part on my instrument. Around 29% of consumers put the action and range needed for their arrangement first.
Space and setup Measure the available space for the piano, stand and seat, and compare the dimensions of the exact model. I have limited space and want to know whether the complete setup will fit, not just the piano itself. Around 21% of consumers put fitting or moving the piano first.
Accessories you need Check what’s included and whether the stand and pedal are suitable for the way you want to practise. I want to know in advance what I’ll need to complete my playing setup. Around 14% of consumers put having a complete setup first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming headphones make practising completely silent

    Headphones let you hear the piano’s electronic sound, but keystrokes and pedal movements may still be audible in the room.

    Check how much noise remains with the piano in the place where you plan to practise, and agree practice times with your housemates if needed.

  • Measuring only the piano itself

    You’ll also need room for a stand and seat to create a practical playing space.

    Measure the complete setup and check what’s included, as well as whether any additional accessories are compatible, before you buy.

    You may need to buy a suitable stand, bench or pedal separately. What you need depends on the offer you choose.

  • Assuming a USB connection means you can record audio

    Roland’s FP-10 manual describes transferring MIDI data to a computer. This doesn’t confirm that the piano’s sound can be recorded as audio via USB.

    Decide whether you want to capture notes as MIDI data or record the sound, then check the documentation for the exact model.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The P series includes portable digital pianos, such as the 88-key P-145BT.

  • Yamaha lists a GHC keyboard for the P-145BT and says it’s compatible with the optional LP-5A three-pedal unit.
  • Check the dimensions of the exact model and whether the optional pedal unit will fit your setup.

Roland

The portable FP-10 is a digital piano with headphone use and a computer connection for MIDI.

  • Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-10.
  • Roland’s manual warns that an incorrectly positioned stand can be unstable. Follow the instructions for the exact model.

Casio

The CDP-S110BK and PX-S1100 are separate models worth comparing if cabinet depth or included accessories matter to you.

  • Casio Netherlands lists an SP-3 pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket as included with the CDP-S110BK.
  • Casio gives a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100 series. Don’t assume this measurement or the pedal details apply to another model.

Kawai

The portable ES120 is a piano-focused digital piano with headphone sockets.

  • Kawai lists a Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard and two headphone sockets.
  • The stand and three-pedal accessories are optional. Try the action for yourself to see if it suits the way you play.

Korg

The B2 is a digital piano with 88 NH keys and a headphone socket.

  • Korg specifies 12 sounds for the B2.
  • The PU-2 half-pedalling unit is optional. Also check whether the offer is for the B2 or a different version.

Joybuy product picks

These picks are 61-key instruments for anyone who wants to practise privately with headphones and finds the more limited playing range suitable for their arrangement.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

The headphone socket is useful if you want to listen to the electronic sound privately. The 61-key range may be limiting for passages that cover more registers.

The product is listed with 61 weighted keys, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms. The title also mentions USB-MIDI and built-in speakers.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

A headphone socket is useful for private listening while you practise. Consider whether 61 keys give you enough range for your jazz arrangement.

The product name lists 61 keys, a MIDI controller and a recording function. A metronome and built-in speakers are also mentioned.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I practise with headphones without my housemates hearing anything?

You can listen to the piano’s electronic sound through a suitable headphone socket, but the keys and pedal may still be audible in the room. Try the setup in the place where you plan to practise and agree practice times if needed.

What should I check when setting up a portable piano?

Measure the space for the piano, stand and seat, and follow the instructions for the exact model. Roland warns that an incorrectly positioned FP-10 stand can be unstable and cause injury.

Do I need to buy a sustain pedal or stand separately?

It depends on the model and what’s included in the offer. Casio Netherlands lists an SP-3 pedal as included with the CDP-S110BK; Korg lists the B2’s PU-2 half-pedalling unit as available separately. Check what’s included in the specific offer.

What cooling-off period and product guarantee apply to online purchases in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, online purchases from a business come with a 14-day cooling-off period in many cases. The Netherlands has no set statutory guarantee period; if a product is faulty, contact the seller to find a solution.

Can I practise piano in a rented home in the Netherlands?

The Dutch government says tenants must not cause a nuisance, but this does not set a general practice time for every home. Check the agreements and rules that apply to your home.