Practising in a shared home
Wants to practise a melody repeatedly without much sound from the speakers, so looks for a headphone socket and a practical practice set-up.
Who is a digital piano for quiet practice suitable for?
Beginner learning melodies and chords
Wants to learn both melodies and simple accompaniment on a piano keyboard, and therefore compares the touch, key range and pedal options.
Practising with limited space
Wants to be able to set up or store away a portable piano, and takes into account the space needed for the instrument, stand and music rest.
What should you look for when buying?
First, check how you want to practise quietly. Then compare the keys and the space you need, and finally consider which connections and accessories you’ll actually use.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check the type of headphone socket and try the volume controls with your headphones to see if they’re easy to use. | If I want to practise a church melody repeatedly in a shared home without sound from the speakers, quiet practice comes first; around 36% of consumers say it’s their main requirement. |
| Melodies and accompaniment | Try the key action and consider whether your practice goals call for a full piano keyboard and a sustain pedal. Yamaha lists 88 weighted GHC keys for the P-145BT. | If you want to learn simple chords as well as melodies, you may want to consider the keys and pedal use; around 29% of consumers prioritise melodies and accompaniment. |
| Space and storage | Measure the space for the keyboard, music rest and any stand. Yamaha lists the P-145BT as 1.326 mm wide; check the dimensions of the version you’re considering. | If I have limited space, I want to know in advance whether the instrument will fit where I play and whether I can store it away; around 21% of consumers prioritise space. |
| Practising together and expanding your set-up | Check how many headphone sockets you need and whether the connections and pedals suit your plans. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; Kawai lists USB-MIDI for the ES60. | If you want to listen with a teacher or connect equipment later, these options may matter to you; around 14% of consumers prioritise practising together or expanding their set-up. |
Things to check before buying
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Confusing Bluetooth audio with a wireless headphone connection
According to Yamaha, Bluetooth audio on the P-145BT lets you play audio from a phone or tablet through the instrument’s speakers. This doesn’t mean that Bluetooth headphones are supported.
To listen through headphones, check the connections and supported options for the exact version you’re considering.
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Assuming a pedal or stand is included
What’s included varies by model and version. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit as optional for the P-145BT, while Casio says the CDP-S110 comes with an SP-3 sustain pedal.
Check what’s included in the bundle and whether the pedal and stand you want are compatible with your chosen version.
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Assuming a similar product title means it’s the same model
The words ‘digital piano’ alone don’t mean that two products are the same brand, model or version.
Compare the full model number and key features before treating one product as a replacement for another.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The P-145BT may suit you if you’re looking for a portable piano with weighted keys and straightforward controls.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys and Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Also check the headphone set-up and what’s included in the offer.
Roland
The FP-30X is worth considering if you want to practise with a second listener or make use of its connection options.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs and separate audio outputs for this model.
- Pedal options are sold separately; check which stand and pedals are included with the version you’re considering.
Kawai
The ES60 is a portable option if having an easy-to-reach headphone socket is important to you.
- Kawai lists a front-mounted socket, USB-MIDI and weighted keys.
- Kawai’s claim of reduced mechanical noise isn’t an independent measurement of how much key noise you’ll hear in your room.
Casio
The CDP-S110 may suit you if a portable piano and a simple practice set-up are important.
- Casio lists a PHONES/OUTPUT socket, the option to use battery power and an SP-3 sustain pedal.
- Check the power requirements and what’s included with the offer you choose. Descriptions of the playing feel come from Casio.
Digital pianos at Joybuy
These product picks focus on portable digital pianos and keyboards for headphone practice, with weighted keys on some versions.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 weighted keys, black
An option to consider if you want to practise a melody with headphones on a keyboard with weighted keys.
The product title lists 61 weighted keys, USB-MIDI, a headphone socket and a music rest.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller
An option for anyone looking for a 61-key set-up and a music rest for their practice space.
The product title mentions a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music rest.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bluetooth audio the same as listening wirelessly through headphones?
No. Don’t assume headphone support just because ‘Bluetooth audio’ is listed. Yamaha describes the P-145BT as playing audio from a phone or tablet through the instrument’s speakers. For headphone listening, check the socket on the exact version you’re considering.
How do I set up a space for quiet practice?
Measure the space for the piano, music rest and any stand, and check that your headphones fit the socket on your chosen model. Kawai lists a front-mounted headphone socket for the ES60; then adjust the volume to suit your needs.
Should I buy a pedal and stand straight away?
Not before checking the version and what’s included in the bundle. Casio lists an SP-3 sustain pedal with the CDP-S110, while Yamaha describes the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145BT as optional. Compare this with what you need for your practice.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
For eligible online consumer purchases, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of delivery, although exceptions apply. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that you’re also entitled to a product that, under normal use, meets what you could reasonably expect from it. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution. A manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t replace these statutory rights.