Quiet practice with housemates nearby
You want to listen through headphones, while bearing in mind that the sound of the keys may still be audible.
Who is this guide for?
Finger exercises that focus on touch
You want to assess the keyboard’s feel and how it responds to repeated notes.
Making practical use of a shared space
You want to know in advance whether the piano will fit, whether it needs to be moved, and which stand or pedals come with that version.
What should you look for?
When comparing digital pianos for finger exercises in a shared home, start with the sound while playing, then consider the keyboard and the space available. Also check which components are included with the exact version you’re looking at.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising without speaker sound | Check the headphone socket and listen with the speakers switched off where you plan to practise. | When my housemates are at home, I want to listen privately while checking how much key noise can still be heard. Around 33% of consumers give private listening top priority. |
| Key feel during finger exercises | Try your own exercises on the exact model and check the key action and touch sensitivity settings. | When playing repeated notes, I want to know how the keyboard responds to my touch. Around 27% of consumers prioritise key feel. |
| Fitting it in and moving it | Measure the available width and depth, allowing room for the stand and seating you plan to use. | If I need to clear the shared room after practising, I want to know whether the setup will fit and can be moved. Around 20% of consumers say available space is their main concern. |
| A suitable practice setup | Check which stand and pedals are included with each version, and whether any separate components are compatible with the model. | Before I order, I want to know whether the components I need suit the way I practise. Around 20% of consumers give having a complete setup top priority. |
How to avoid common buying mistakes
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Assuming a headphone socket guarantees quiet practice
Headphones let you listen privately, but they don’t tell you how much mechanical key noise the piano will make where you plan to use it. Kawai describes materials used in the ES120 that help reduce keyboard noise; this isn’t a measurement taken in your home.
Try the setup where you actually plan to practise, with the speakers switched off. If needed, agree practice times with the people you live with.
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Comparing only the instrument itself
The components you need can vary between versions. Yamaha lists a three-pedal LP-5A unit as an optional extra for the P-145, while Korg describes the B2+SP as a set that includes a stand and three-pedal unit.
Before ordering, check what’s included with the exact model variant and which components you need for your setup.
Depending on the version, you may need to select a suitable stand, headphones or pedal separately.
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Relying on general brand impressions to choose a model
Key action, dimensions and included components vary by model and version. A manufacturer’s description of how a piano feels to play isn’t an independent playing test.
Check the full model name, bundle contents, dimensions and connections. Try the keys yourself if possible.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The P-145 is a portable beginner piano worth comparing if you’re looking for a full-size keyboard for a shared space.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys and adjustable touch sensitivity for the P-145.
- The LP-5A three-pedal console is optional; check which components are included with the version on offer.
Roland
The FP-10 is worth considering if you’re comparing portable pianos with headphone use and a keyboard you can try for yourself.
- Roland specifies 88 PHA-4 Standard keys and headphone use.
- The DP-10 pedal for half-pedal technique is optional. Roland says Bluetooth availability depends on the country of purchase.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a portable alternative to consider if the depth of your setup is a deciding factor.
- Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an included SP-3 damper pedal.
- Check that the version on offer has the connections and included components you want.
Kawai
The ES120 is a portable alternative to compare if keyboard feel and playing together are important to you.
- Kawai specifies a Responsive Hammer Compact action and two headphone sockets.
- Kawai says adapted damping material helps reduce keyboard noise; this doesn’t tell you how much sound housemates will hear in your home. The stand and pedal are optional accessories.
Korg
Compare the B2+ as a standalone digital piano, or the B2+SP if you’re looking for a permanent setup with a stand and three pedals.
- Korg specifies that the B2+ has an 88-key NH keyboard and a PHONES socket.
- Korg says the B2+SP adds a stand and three-pedal unit; check the version, as the included components vary.
Joybuy products
This selection includes digital pianos and keyboards with 61 keys. Check whether that range is suitable for the finger exercises you want to do.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
A portable option for practising if 61 keys are enough for your exercises.
The product name lists weighted keys and a headphone socket. With 61 keys, this model has a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys
An option with 61 keys to consider if this range suits your finger exercises.
The product name lists a metronome and music stand. With 61 keys, it has a smaller range than an 88-key keyboard.
Frequently asked questions
Does practising with headphones automatically mean housemates won’t hear you?
No. Headphones let you listen privately, but they don’t prove that the keys or the setup will be inaudible in your home. Try the piano where you plan to use it and agree arrangements if others are disturbed.
How do I check whether the piano will fit in a shared room?
Measure the space for the instrument, any stand and your seat. Compare those measurements with the dimensions of the exact version; for example, Yamaha lists the P-145 as 1.326 mm wide and 268 mm deep.
What should I bear in mind when using and maintaining it?
Use the power supply specified for the exact instrument and keep the socket accessible. Yamaha’s manual warns against listening through headphones for long periods at a high or uncomfortable volume; check the manual for the model you choose.
What are my rights if a piano bought online isn’t suitable or breaks too soon?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases usually come with a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. There’s no fixed term for the Dutch statutory warranty: with normal use, it depends on what you could reasonably expect from the product. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.
Can I practise with headphones in a rented home in the Netherlands?
The Dutch government doesn’t give general permission or impose a general ban for this specific practice situation. It does say that tenants must not cause a nuisance and advises neighbours experiencing a nuisance to try agreeing arrangements together first. Check the rules that apply to your home; using headphones doesn’t in itself exempt you from that responsibility.