For a duet with separate bass and treble parts, both parts need to fit within the standard keyboard range. Split modes such as Duo, Duet or Twin Piano are only suitable if the notes fit within the assigned halves of the keyboard, as Roland, Casio and Yamaha explain for their respective models. If you both want to listen through headphones at the same time, check that the exact model has two wired headphone sockets. A stage piano designed for performance is a good choice if you also need the connections and controls for that set-up: Yamaha states that the CP88 has no built-in speakers.
You’re practising different parts on one keyboard, so you need to be able to play all the low and high notes required. Check the score before using a mode that splits the keyboard into two equal ranges; Roland, Casio and Yamaha describe these modes for specific models.
You both want to listen at the same time without relying on the built-in speakers. The number and type of headphone sockets can help you decide whether a piano suits your set-up; Roland, Casio and Kawai list models with two sockets.
You rehearse at home but also want to connect the instrument to other equipment. Compare the connections on portable pianos with those on stage pianos designed for performance; Yamaha describes the CP88 as a performance-focused model with no built-in speakers.
Choose this if: you want to listen through wired headphones at the same time while playing on one keyboard.
Bear in mind: two sockets won’t automatically split the keyboard into two separate playing areas.
Choose this if: both players need the same pitch range on their own half of the keyboard, for example for lessons or practice.
Bear in mind: the split range may not suit a duet with separate bass and treble parts.
Choose this if: you need performance-ready connections or controls as well as a piano for rehearsing at home.
Bear in mind: Yamaha says the CP88 has no built-in speakers; you’ll need external powered speakers to play audibly without headphones.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard range | Compare the highest and lowest notes in both parts with the standard keyboard range; also try any split practice mode separately. | If we’re playing two different parts, I want both ranges of notes to fit on the keyboard. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the range needed for duet parts. |
| Two headphones | Check that the model has two physical sockets and that both headphone plugs are compatible. | If we both want to listen through wired headphones at the same time, I’m looking for two usable sockets on the same instrument. Around 29% of consumers prioritise using two headphones at once. |
| Playing quietly without headphones | Check whether the exact model has built-in speakers and try it at the volume you want in your own space. | If we want to hear each other and talk, I want to know whether the piano has built-in speakers for that. Around 21% of consumers prioritise playing together quietly without headphones. |
| Set-up and connections | Compare the model’s weight, the audio outputs you need, and which stand or pedals are included with that version. | If we also want to move the piano or connect it to other equipment, I look at its weight and the outputs we need. Around 14% of consumers prioritise portability and external connections. |
A mode that splits the keyboard into two equal halves can limit the notes each player can reach.
Take both parts with you when trying the piano, and compare playing on the standard keyboard with using Duo, Duet or Twin Piano mode.
According to Roland, the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones.
Check the headphone features and available sockets on the exact model, rather than simply looking for a mention of Bluetooth.
If you choose a model with wired sockets, you may need compatible wired headphones.
Yamaha says the CP88 has no built-in speakers.
Before buying, check how both players will hear the sound during rehearsals.
If you want to play without headphones, a model without built-in speakers may need external powered speakers.
The FP-30X is a portable piano for duos who want to play on one instrument and connect two wired headphones.
The portable P-225 and performance-focused CP88 are designed for different set-ups.
The portable ES120 is worth considering if you want two headphone sockets and separate stereo line outputs.
The PX-S1100 is a compact Privia piano with two headphone sockets.
The B2+ is worth comparing if one headphone socket is enough.
The products below are digital pianos and keyboards with 61 keys. Their product names mention built-in speakers; check that the keyboard range and connections suit your duet and listening set-up.
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Suitable for practice where 61 keys are enough; the product name mentions built-in speakers and a headphone socket.
The product name mentions weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB-MIDI.
With 61 keys, you won’t be able to play duet parts with notes outside that range on this instrument.
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This keyboard may suit practice if both parts fit within its 61-key range.
The product name mentions built-in speakers, a MIDI controller, a recording function, a metronome and a music stand.
With 61 keys, you won’t be able to play duet parts with notes outside that range on this instrument.
No, not if both parts fit on the standard keyboard. These modes split the keyboard for two players; if the parts use different registers, first compare the score with the range of each half of the keyboard.
No. Roland says the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones and points to its wired Phones 1/2 sockets.
Check which stand, pedals and headphones are included with the exact version. Follow the model’s manual for safe use; for the ES120, for example, Kawai specifies a power supply with the correct voltage.
For online consumer purchases, you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to legal exceptions; ACM ConsuWijzer explains this period. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory warranty period for products. If a product doesn’t meet reasonable expectations, contact the retailer.
Don’t assume that a low volume will automatically avoid causing a disturbance. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to try agreeing on arrangements together first; also check which rules apply to your own home.
