Quiet home practiser
You want to practise a vocal or piano part repeatedly without turning up the speaker volume. Check the headphone socket and how much noise the physical keys make in the room.
Who is this buying guide for?
Player practising along with a recording
You want to listen to a musical recording or backing track while you practise. Check how your playback device connects and which output you’ll use to hear both the recording and the piano.
Pianist in training
You want to practise timing and touch as well as a song, perhaps with a teacher. Compare the keyboard, metronome and any lesson features.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Private listening | Check the headphone socket and plug size, what happens to the speakers when you connect headphones, and how much noise the keys themselves make. According to Korg, the B2 has a PHONES socket that also serves as a line out; the Kawai ES120 manual lists connections for 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch plugs. | I want to practise repeatedly without sound coming through the speakers. Around 33% of consumers prioritise private listening. |
| Playing along with a recording | Check the output on your phone or player, the cable you’ll need and the signal route to your speakers or headphones. Korg lists AUDIO IN for the B2; the Casio CDP-S110 manual describes playing along with audio through AUDIO IN. Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio playback through the P-145BT’s speakers, but this doesn’t confirm that the same route works through headphones. | I want to hear a musical recording and my own playing at the same time, and I want to know in advance how both will play back. Around 27% of consumers prioritise accompaniment. |
| Touch and timing | Compare the keyboard and check whether it has a metronome and the pedal connection you need. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145BT; Roland lists a metronome and Twin Piano Mode for the FP-10. These features alone don’t tell you which keyboard will feel best to play. | I want to work on my timing and piano technique as well as learning a song. Around 20% of consumers prioritise touch and tempo. |
| Space and complete set-up | Measure the space available and check the dimensions and weight of the version you’re considering. Also check which stand and pedals are included in the offer: Yamaha lists the LP-5A console as optional, while Korg lists the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit as optional. | I want the instrument to fit where I play and to know what I’ll need to set it up fully. Around 20% of consumers consider space and set-up their main priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming Bluetooth audio gives you a complete silent practice set-up
Yamaha lists audio playback through the P-145BT’s built-in speakers. This doesn’t confirm that you’ll also be able to hear the backing track through your headphone set-up.
Check the manual for the exact model to see how audio is routed to the output you want to use.
You may need compatible cables to use a different connection route.
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Assuming a stand and a full pedal unit are always included
Korg lists the STB1 stand and PU-2 pedal unit for the B2 as optional. Yamaha also lists the LP-5A console for the P-145BT as an option.
Compare what’s included in the specific offer with the stand and pedals you want to use.
You may need to buy a suitable stand or pedal unit separately.
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Assuming a quiet room means a low headphone volume
Headphones can reduce the sound in the room, but the volume you hear yourself may still be high.
Start at a low volume. Well-fitting headphones can help keep ambient noise from making you turn the volume up.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145BT is a portable entry-level model to consider if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard and a compact set-up.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and Bluetooth audio playback through the built-in speakers.
- The LP-5A console with three pedals is optional. Also check that the headphone and playback connections suit your set-up.
Roland
The FP-10 is worth considering if practising with a metronome or alongside a teacher is important to you.
- Roland lists a metronome and Twin Piano Mode.
- These features don’t prove that the keyboard will offer the best touch for every player. Check the connections and version you intend to buy.
Korg
The B2 is worth considering if you’re looking for a weighted keyboard and an audio input for wired accompaniment.
- The Dutch specifications list AUDIO IN and a PHONES socket.
- PHONES also serves as a line out. The PU-2 pedal unit and STB1 stand are optional.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is worth considering if you want to connect a playback device by cable and are looking for simple practice controls.
- The manual describes AUDIO IN and a metronome; the Dutch product page lists an SP-3 sustain pedal as included.
- Check what’s included in the bundle and whether the headphone connection suits your set-up.
Kawai
The ES120 is an option to consider if support for different headphone plug sizes and a possible permanent set-up are important to you.
- The manual lists connections for 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch headphone plugs.
- A furniture stand may be part of the set-up you want. Descriptions of playing feel come from the manufacturer and aren’t independent comparisons.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy picks are digital pianos and 61-key keyboards for practising with headphones, a metronome or backing tracks.
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MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys
The product description lists a headphone socket, a metronome and an audio input, so you can check how your playback device connects and whether the listening set-up you want is supported before buying.
The product name lists 61 keys, a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms and USB-MIDI.
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Electronic keyboard with 61 keys
The product description lists a headphone socket, metronome and audio input. Check that the input and output work with the equipment you want to practise with.
The product name lists a recording function, MIDI controller and speakers; the offer also includes a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise with headphones without disturbing others?
A compatible headphone socket can mute the speakers, but the physical keys may still be audible. The Kawai ES120 manual states that its built-in speakers switch off when headphones are connected. Start with the headphone volume low; a well-fitting pair can help keep out ambient noise.
How do I connect musical theatre accompaniment?
With a model that has AUDIO IN, you can connect a player with a compatible audio output using the right cable. The Casio CDP-S110 manual describes playing along with audio through this input. Then check whether you can hear the recording and your piano playing together through the output you want to use.
What should I check when setting up and using the instrument?
Use the power supply specified for the exact instrument and keep it dry. The Kawai ES120 manual warns against using a different power supply and against exposing the instrument to moisture; consult the manual for any other model.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
When you buy from a business at a distance, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, as explained by the Dutch government. In the Netherlands, you also have a legal guarantee with no fixed statutory guarantee period; if something is faulty, the seller is your point of contact. Check the seller and what’s included in the bundle before ordering.
What product safety requirements apply to sales in the Netherlands?
Electrical appliances placed on the market in the EU must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry the required CE marking, according to the Dutch government. Check this for the specific product on offer; a model name alone doesn’t confirm that an individual item meets the requirements.