Who is it suitable for?

Beginner practising quietly at home

You’re learning a melody and chords while other people are at home. So check that the headphone socket works with your headphones and that you can set the volume to a comfortable level.

Player looking for pop accompaniment

You want to practise chords with a built-in accompaniment style or chord sequence. Treat these features as practice aids, not proof that the instrument includes your particular ballad.

Student learning a piano-focused arrangement

If your arrangement needs a wider range, compare instruments with 88 keys. Also check which type of key action suits your lesson goals.

What should you look for in a keyboard for quiet practice?

First, check the connection and the range your arrangement needs. Then compare the lesson features, accompaniment and extra keys that suit your practice goals.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
Quiet practice Check the socket and plug size on your headphones. Set the volume to suit the way you practise at home. If I want to practise without using the speakers, my headphones need to connect properly. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Learning melodies and chords Compare the notes in your arrangement with the keyboard’s range and check that the practice features suit the way you learn. If I want to learn the part step by step, suitable practice features and touch response are important. Around 29% of consumers make learning to play their top priority.
Pop accompaniment Listen to see whether an available pop style suits your practice goals, and check how to control the accompaniment. If I want to practise chords with a rhythmic accompaniment, I look for features that support this. Around 21% of consumers put pop accompaniment first.
Key range Compare the notes in your sheet music with the range of a 61- or 88-key instrument. If you’re learning piano, also check which type of key action you need. If my arrangement needs the full range of a piano, I look for 88 keys and assess the key action separately. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this range.

Things to consider before buying

  • Bluetooth audio doesn’t automatically mean wireless headphone support

    Roland says the GO:KEYS 3 can play music wirelessly from a phone through the instrument’s speakers. That doesn’t mean you can connect Bluetooth headphones.

    Check exactly which headphone output and connection the model you’re considering supports. Don’t choose a wireless set just because the product description mentions Bluetooth.

  • A pop style doesn’t necessarily include your ballad

    A list of accompaniment styles doesn’t confirm that a particular song or your arrangement is available as a preset.

    Choose accompaniment based on the style you want to practise, and compare the instrument’s range with your sheet music.

  • 88 touch-sensitive keys don’t automatically mean weighted hammer action

    Korg lists the Liano as having an 88-key LS keyboard. The number of keys and the type of key action are separate features.

    If you’re learning piano, check separately which type of key action you need.

  • Don’t assume accessories or an extended warranty are included

    The model specifications don’t confirm which accessories are included in a particular retailer’s bundle. A commercial warranty is also separate from your statutory rights.

    Check the list of items included and assess any extended warranty separately from your statutory rights.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is a 61-key keyboard for beginners looking for touch sensitivity, lesson features and built-in accompaniment.

  • Yamaha lists lesson features, accompaniment styles and a headphone socket for the PSR-E383.
  • Check whether the song you want and any accessories you need are included with the specific version.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a 61-key keyboard for anyone who values straightforward controls and quiet playback through the speakers.

  • Casio lists touch response and an equaliser function for sound at low speaker volumes.
  • The equaliser function isn’t a headphone output, so check the connection and plug size separately.

Roland

The GO:KEYS 3 is an option if you want to use chord sequences or accompaniment styles when practising.

  • Roland describes chord sequences and accompaniment features for this model; its list of styles includes pop styles.
  • The list of styles doesn’t confirm that a specific ballad is available. Bluetooth audio from a phone doesn’t prove that wireless headphones are supported.

Korg

The Liano is a digital piano for anyone who values 88 keys and a slimline instrument.

  • Korg’s Dutch specifications list 88 touch-sensitive LS keys, eight sounds and a headphone socket.
  • Touch sensitivity doesn’t automatically mean weighted hammer action, so check which type of key action suits your playing goals.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect any headphones to a keyboard wirelessly?

Don’t assume so: the models reviewed list physical headphone sockets, while Roland describes Bluetooth audio from a phone to the GO:KEYS 3. Check which connection and plug size the model you’re considering supports.

How do I start practising at low volume?

Connect headphones that fit your model’s output and set the instrument volume to a comfortable level. For the CT-S300, Casio also describes an equaliser function for low speaker volumes; this is different from practising with headphones.

What extras should I check before buying?

For each specific offer, check whether a power adaptor, headphones, plug adaptor, pedal and stand are included. Also check any delivery and return costs, as the model specifications don’t determine what’s included in a retailer’s bundle.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for a standard online consumer purchase you generally have a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery. Statutory exceptions may apply. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee.

What safety rule applies to a keyboard sold in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, electronic devices placed on the EU market must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry the required CE marking. Check this for the specific version you’re buying.