For practising on your own, a metronome and a suitable headphone socket are useful. A compact keyboard may be all you need if space is limited and you want to get started easily. Choose 88 weighted keys if you also want to practise a piano’s touch, and bear in mind that the instrument will be larger and heavier. Check the socket, key action and included accessories for the exact model.
You share your living space and want to practise major scales through headphones, with control over the volume. Yamaha lists a headphone socket for the NP-15; Casio says the built-in speakers on the CT-S300 switch off when you connect headphones.
You want to practise on your own with a metronome and are looking for an instrument that’s easy to set up or put away. Yamaha lists a metronome for the NP-15 and describes its keyboard as having a lighter touch than a piano.
You’re practising with piano playing in mind and value 88 weighted keys. Yamaha lists a weighted GHC keyboard with 88 keys for the P-145BT.
Best for: practising scales on your own when space is limited; the Yamaha NP-15 has 61 keys, a metronome and a headphone socket.
Bear in mind: its lighter touch and smaller range are no substitute for 88 weighted piano keys.
Best for: using rhythms or other sounds as well as practising scales; the Casio CT-S300 has touch response and a metronome, while the Yamaha PSR-E383 offers lesson and accompaniment features.
Bear in mind: these extra features aren’t essential if you only practise scales; check the headphone socket on the exact model.
Best for: practising piano technique too, if you have room for 88 keys; the Yamaha P-145BT has a weighted GHC keyboard.
Bear in mind: the P-145BT is larger and heavier than a compact 61-key instrument. Bluetooth audio doesn’t automatically mean you can use Bluetooth headphones.
| What to consider | What to look for | Especially useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket and the plug required for the exact model. On the Casio CT-S300, the built-in speakers switch off when you connect headphones; this doesn’t mean the mechanical sound of the keys disappears. Start with a comfortable, low listening volume; according to the World Health Organization, the risk to your hearing increases when you listen at a higher volume or for longer. | If you practise at home while other people are nearby, you’ll want to hear the electronic sound privately. Around 36% of consumers make quiet practice their top priority. |
| Keeping a steady tempo | Check whether the instrument has a built-in metronome and whether it’s easy to operate while you play. | If you want to repeat scales evenly without a separate device, a built-in beat is handy. For around 29% of consumers, keeping a steady practice tempo is their first priority. |
| Number of keys and space | Compare the range you need to play with the space available, and check the dimensions and weight. Yamaha lists 61 keys for the NP-15 and 88 for the P-145BT. | If you need to put the instrument away or move it, space may matter more than having extra keys. Around 21% of consumers give priority to the space needed to set it up. |
| Key feel and range | Check whether you’re looking for touch-sensitive keys or a weighted action with 88 keys. Yamaha describes the NP-15 as having a lighter touch and the P-145BT as weighted. | If you also use scales to practise piano technique, key feel may matter more than having a light, compact instrument. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a piano-style touch and range. |
Touch response and a weighted key action aren’t the same thing. Yamaha lists touch response for the NP-15 and a weighted GHC action for the P-145BT.
Choose based on the playing feel you want to practise, not just the words ‘touch-sensitive’.
A pair of headphones or a suitable adapter may need to be bought separately.
Yamaha describes Bluetooth audio on the P-145BT as a way to play music from a mobile device through the instrument’s speakers. This doesn’t confirm that the instrument sends sound to Bluetooth headphones.
If private listening is essential, check which headphone output is listed for the exact model.
The NP-15 is a lightweight option with 61 keys, while the PSR-E383 has more lesson and accompaniment features. For 88 weighted keys, there’s the P-145BT.
The CT-S300 is a compact Casiotone model with touch response, a practice metronome and a socket for headphones, which are sold separately.
The Melody 61 Mk 4 has 61 compact keys, a metronome and a headphone output.
These Joybuy products are 61-key keyboards for anyone looking to practise major scales on a compact instrument.
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A good fit if you’re looking for an instrument with 61 weighted keys for practising scales and playing privately.
The product title lists 61 weighted keys and a headphone socket. Check that the socket and any accessories on the exact model meet your needs.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument for practising scales and want to use the listed metronome function.
The product title lists a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand. Before buying, check that the exact model has the headphone socket you need.
No, headphones won’t automatically make every sound inaudible to others. According to Casio, the built-in speakers on the CT-S300 switch off when you connect headphones, but the physical sound of the keys may still be audible. Check the socket and plug size for your model, and start at a low listening volume.
Use the built-in metronome if your model has one. Yamaha lists this feature for the NP-15, Casio for the CT-S300 and Alesis for the Melody 61 Mk 4. Start at a tempo where you can play the notes evenly, and only increase it when you’re ready.
It depends on the model. Casio says headphones for the CT-S300 are sold separately; Alesis lists different accessories for the Melody 61 Mk 4 sold on its own and the bundle. Check what’s included in the specific offer before buying.
For eligible distance purchases from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. If a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for a solution; check who the actual seller is. The cooling-off period and the rules for faulty goods are separate consumer rights.
