Start with a digital piano that lets you practise with headphones, then choose a keyboard, pedal setup and size to suit your learning goals and living space. If you want to play along with a recording, check how the audio is played back: Bluetooth MIDI is not the same as Bluetooth audio. Headphones keep sound from the piano’s speakers private, but they can’t guarantee that your housemates won’t hear the keys or pedals.
You share your living space and want to practise the ballad without sound coming from the piano speakers. Headphone use and agreeing practice times with your housemates both matter. Roland describes headphone use for the FP-10, while the Dutch government advises agreeing arrangements with neighbours if noise is a problem.
You want to learn to play melodies and chords, so pay attention to the keyboard’s feel and the pedal options. Roland describes the FP-10 as having an 88-key PHA-4 Standard keyboard; Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-145BT.
You need to fit the piano into a small room or put it away after practising, so compare the space needed for the complete setup. Casio gives the PX-S1100BK’s depth as 232 mm; this measurement doesn’t tell you how much room you’ll need for a stand, chair and pedals together.
First, check how to practise without using the speakers. Then look at the keyboard and pedal options, and finally measure the space you’ll need for your complete playing setup.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who will find this most important? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with headphones | Check the headphone socket on the exact version, and bear in mind that key and pedal sounds may still be audible. | I want to practise in the evening without sound from the speakers, but also know what my housemates might still hear. Around 33% of consumers prioritise causing as little disturbance as possible to housemates. |
| Touch and pedal | Try the keyboard’s feel and check which pedal comes with the version you’re considering or is available as an accessory. Roland lists an optional DP-10 for half-pedalling with the FP-10; Yamaha lists an optional LP-5A pedal unit for the P-145BT. | I want to learn to play melodies and chords with control over touch and sustain. Around 27% of consumers give playing the piano and using the pedal their highest priority. |
| Space for your setup | Measure the space needed for the stand, seat and pedals too; the 232 mm depth listed by Casio for the PX-S1100BK is for the piano body alone. Kawai lists the ES120’s body weight as 12,5 kg. | I’m short on space and want to know whether I can put the piano away or move it after practising. Around 20% of consumers prioritise where to place and store their piano. |
| Playing along with a recording | Check whether the model offers Bluetooth audio or Bluetooth MIDI only, and how the recording sounds through your preferred listening setup. Yamaha describes audio playback through the P-145BT’s speakers; Kawai lists both Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth MIDI for the ES120. | I want to play along with a ballad recording and hear my piano playing through my chosen practice setup. Around 20% of consumers prioritise playing along with audio. |
Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth MIDI are different features. Yamaha describes the P-145BT as playing audio from a phone through the piano speakers; this doesn’t confirm that the accompaniment will play through connected headphones.
For the exact version, check how both the recording and your piano playing will come through your headphones.
A piano’s stated depth won’t tell you whether the stand, seat and pedals will also fit in your room.
Measure the full practice area and check which accessories come with the version you’ve chosen. A stand or a more extensive pedal unit may be sold separately.
Headphones are designed to let you hear the piano privately, but they won’t eliminate audible sounds from the keys and pedals.
If possible, try the instrument in a quiet room and agree practice times with your housemates.
The FP-10 is worth considering if you’re looking for a portable model with headphone support and an 88-key keyboard.
Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable model with headphone sockets, a hammer-action keyboard, and Bluetooth audio and MIDI.
The P-145BT may suit you if you’re looking for weighted keys and want to play audio from a phone through the piano speakers.
The PX-S1100BK is worth considering if the depth of the piano body is an important factor when deciding where to put it.
These product options are 61-key models for anyone considering a headphone socket. Check that the number of keys suits your piano-learning goals and that the version you choose works with the way you want to practise.
No image available
A headphone socket and weighted keys make this a good option if you want to practise privately and care about how the keys feel.
The product name lists 61 keys, 300 tones and 300 rhythms.
No image available
The listed headphone socket may suit you if you want to practise without sound coming from the speakers.
The product name lists 61 keys, speakers, a MIDI controller, a recording function and a music stand. A metronome and a three-step learning system are also mentioned.
No. You’ll hear the piano through your headphones instead of its built-in speakers, but the keys and pedals may still be audible. Agree practice times with your housemates and avoid listening at unnecessarily high volumes; VeiligheidNL advises using well-fitting headphones and keeping the listening volume lower.
Use a stable setup and check which pedal comes with the version you’ve chosen or is compatible with it. The Kawai ES120 manual says to connect the instrument using the specified voltage and keep it dry; make sure the plug is also accessible.
You don’t need an extended warranty to have statutory rights if a product is faulty. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that the seller must resolve the problem under the applicable conditions. For a standard online purchase, you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery; check the terms and any applicable exceptions. This cooling-off period for a change of mind is separate from your rights if the product is faulty.
