Quiet home practiser
You share your home and want to hear the piano privately. A headphone socket is important, but also agree on times when you can sing aloud.
Who is this piano suitable for?
Aspiring musical theatre accompanist
You’re learning the chords and piano part yourself, and want to work on your piano technique. Compare the keyboard on the exact model rather than looking only at the number of sounds.
Player practising with a recording
You’re learning the song in sections, using a recording as a reference. Check whether the piano has a suitable audio input and how you can hear the recording and your playing together.
What should you look for when buying?
Choose based on your main practice goal: private piano sound, key action, available space or playing along with a recording.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Private piano sound | Check the headphone output, the compatible plug and what happens to the speakers when you connect headphones. | If I want to hear the piano privately while practising in a shared home, a headphone socket is important. Around 36% of consumers give private piano sound top priority. |
| Piano technique | Compare the feel of the keys on the exact model and check whether the pedal you want is included with that version. | If you mainly want to practise the piano part and your piano technique, look beyond the number of sounds. Around 29% of consumers prioritise key action. |
| Space to set up and store the piano | Measure the space for the instrument, stand and plugs. Allow for the keyboard’s width and the room you need to sit comfortably. | If I need to fit the piano into a small shared living space or put it away after practising, its dimensions are crucial. Around 21% of consumers give available space top priority. |
| Playing along with a recording | Check whether there’s a suitable audio input and how the recording and your playing are routed to your headphones. | If you want to use a practice recording as a reference, suitable connections will help. Around 14% of consumers prioritise playing along with a recording. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming headphones make your practice completely silent
Headphones can keep the piano sound private, but your singing and the physical sound of the keys or pedal may still be audible to other people in your home.
Agree on when you can sing aloud, and try out the setup in your shared space.
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Assuming every connection does the same thing
An audio input for a practice recording and a headphone output serve different purposes. Bluetooth availability can also vary by country of purchase.
Check how to connect your playback device to the exact model and how the sound reaches your headphones.
Depending on the connections, you may need a suitable cable or adapter.
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Assuming a stand and pedals are always included
What’s included varies by model and version. A stand or pedal unit may be optional.
Check what’s included in the specific offer and compare it with the details for the exact model.
You may need to buy a separate stand or pedal unit for your setup.
Brands to consider
Casio
The CDP-S110BK is an example to consider if you have limited depth available and want to practise with an external playback device.
- Casio lists 88 Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II keys, AUDIO IN, PHONES/OUTPUT and an SP-3 damper pedal included with this model.
- Check that the plug on your playback device is compatible and that the features match the version on offer.
Roland
The FP-10 is worth considering if you’re looking for a portable piano with a piano-style keyboard and headphone functionality.
- Roland lists 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, built-in speakers and headphone use.
- The DP-10 half-damper pedal is optional. Roland says Bluetooth availability varies by country of purchase.
Yamaha
The P-145 is a compact example for anyone who mainly wants to learn the piano part on weighted keys.
- Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Check separately which headphone and audio connections are available on the version on offer.
Korg
The B2+ is an example of a model with documented audio input and headphone connections.
- Korg lists an 88-key NH keyboard, AUDIO IN, PHONES and a damper pedal included with the B2+. The PU-2 pedal unit is optional.
- These specifications come from Korg’s US website. Check that they match the exact version sold in the Netherlands and the included accessories.
Digital pianos and keyboards at Joybuy
This selection features portable 61-key models. For each version, check that the connections are compatible with your headphones and any practice recording you want to use.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The product title mentions weighted keys and a headphone socket. Check whether 61 keys are suitable for the musical theatre part you want to practise.
Listed features: 61 keys, weighted keyboard, headphone socket, USB-MIDI, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black, with recording function
If you want to play along with a practice recording or use headphones, check in advance which connections are available on the exact version and which cables you’ll need.
Listed features: 61 keys, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise with headphones at any time in a shared rented home?
Headphones don’t prevent all noise disturbance: singing, keys and pedals may still be audible. The Rijksoverheid says tenants must not cause a nuisance and advises people to try agreeing with their neighbours first if noise is an issue. Also check the rules that apply to your own home.
Can I play a practice recording through Bluetooth on any digital piano?
Don’t assume so; check the connections on the exact model. The Casio CDP-S110BK lists AUDIO IN. Roland says Bluetooth availability for the FP-10 varies by country of purchase.
What should I check when setting up the piano?
Check that the piano is stable and that there’s room for your sheet music, plugs and chosen pedal. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal included with the CDP-S110BK; Yamaha lists the LP-5A unit for the P-145 as optional. Follow the manual for your chosen version for instructions on use and care.
What are my rights when buying online or if the piano has a fault?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, the 14-day cooling-off period for an online product purchase runs until 14 days after the product has been delivered; check which exceptions apply. As well as any seller’s guarantee, you also have statutory rights. See ACM ConsuWijzer for information about your rights if a product is faulty.