Who is this choice relevant to?

Two players practising quietly together

If you’re practising on one instrument at the same time, you’ll benefit from a suitable keyboard layout and a listening setup for both players. Roland lists Twin Piano and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.

A solo player who needs the other part

If you’re practising alone, it’s important to distinguish between recording a part yourself and playing back an existing recording. Yamaha lists a two-track MIDI recorder for the P-225.

A player who also performs

If you want to practise quietly at home and use the instrument on stage too, you may want to consider its connections and built-in speakers. Korg lists line outputs and a headphone output for the D1; Yamaha lists a headphone output and speakers that can be switched off for the CK88.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you’ll be playing with someone at the same keyboard or practising solo with a recorded part. Then consider whether stage connections or a compact setup are important too.

What to consider What to look for Who is it important for?
Playing together Check how many wired headphone outputs there are and how the split-keyboard mode divides the keyboard range. If two players want to practise quietly on one piano at the same time, both the keyboard layout and listening setup need to work for them. Around 36% of consumers say playing together at one keyboard is their main reason for buying.
Hearing the accompaniment Check which recording or file formats the instrument can play back. Recording something yourself is not the same as importing an existing duet file. If you practise alone, you’ll need the other part to play along with, so check whether the instrument can play it back in the way you want. Around 29% of consumers prioritise practising solo with an accompaniment.
Home and stage use Check the headphone and line outputs, and whether the instrument has built-in speakers. If you practise quietly at home but also want to use the instrument on stage, both the connections and listening setup matter. Around 21% of consumers prioritise stage use alongside practising at home.
Space and setup Compare the required keyboard range with the space available, and check which stand and pedals are included. If space is limited or you want the piano to be easy to set up, it’s worth checking the dimensions and any accessories you’ll need in advance. Around 14% of consumers prioritise space and ease of setup.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming duet mode provides automatic accompaniment

    A keyboard split for two players won’t automatically play the missing part.

    Before you buy, decide whether you’ll be playing together or practising solo with a recording. If you’ll be practising alone, check the instrument’s recording and playback options separately.

  • Confusing Bluetooth audio with wireless listening

    According to Roland, the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones.

    Check the type of headphone output on the exact model and make sure it’s compatible with your headphones.

  • Assuming every stage piano has speakers

    The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers. You’ll need external audio equipment to play it audibly without headphones.

    Compare the speakers, headphone output and line outputs on the exact model with the setup you want to use at home and on stage.

Brands to compare

Roland

The FP-30X is a portable digital piano to consider if two people will be practising together on one instrument.

  • Roland lists Twin Piano and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
  • According to Roland, the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones, so you’ll need wired headphones.

Yamaha

The P-225 and CK88 offer different combinations of features for home practice and stage setups.

  • Yamaha lists 88 keys and a two-track MIDI recorder for the P-225. For the CK88, Yamaha lists a headphone output and speakers that can be switched off.
  • The P-225’s Duo function is not the same as playing back an external duet recording.

Korg

The D1 is a stage piano without speakers, with connections for headphones and external audio equipment.

  • Korg lists a headphone output, stereo line outputs and a damper pedal included in the box.
  • You’ll need external audio equipment to play it audibly without headphones; a stand is available separately.

Casio

The PX-S1100 is a portable digital piano worth comparing if space is a major consideration.

  • Casio lists a case depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100.
  • For your duet setup, check separately that it has the listening and playback features you need.

Related products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a split keyboard the same as playing back the missing part of my duet?

No. Twin Piano on the Roland FP-30X splits the keyboard for two players. If you’re practising alone, check separately how the instrument plays back a recorded or previously played part.

Can I use two Bluetooth headphones with the Roland FP-30X?

No. Roland says the FP-30X does not support Bluetooth headphones. The manufacturer recommends wired headphones connected to the Phones 1/2 sockets.

Do I need speakers at home for the Korg D1?

Not if you practise with headphones. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need external audio equipment to play it audibly without headphones.

What rights do I have when making an online purchase in the Netherlands?

For a qualifying distance purchase from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose; if there’s a problem, contact the seller about your statutory guarantee. Check the terms that apply to your specific purchase.