Choose a stage piano with a wired headphone output and a keyboard that suits the piano technique you want to practise. Headphones stop the piano sound coming through speakers into the room, but they won't silence the mechanical noise of the keys. Try the key action for yourself, and check whether you need a built-in rhythm feature or speakers too.
If you want to practise minor scales without the piano sound coming through speakers into the room, look for a wired headphone output and a comfortable listening level. Yamaha, Nord and Studiologic specify a stereo headphone output for the models mentioned. The World Health Organization points out that both volume and listening time matter for safe listening.
If you want to practise fingering and dynamics, consider the keyboard action and number of keys rather than focusing only on sounds. Roland, Yamaha and Nord describe weighted keyboards or versions with different key ranges.
If you want to play scales to a steady beat, check whether the instrument has a useful rhythm feature or whether you’ll need a separate solution. Yamaha confirms that the CP88 has no built-in metronome; Roland’s manual describes rhythm controls for the RD-88 EX.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising with minimal noise in the room | Check the headphone output and plug size on the exact version. Try the mechanical key noise too, and start with the headphone volume turned down. | If you want to practise at home without playing the piano through speakers, a wired headphone output is an important feature. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Touch and key range | Compare the action on the specific version and play the scales yourself. Check that the number of keys also suits any other repertoire you want to play. | If your main focus is piano technique, choose a keyboard that suits your playing style and the range you need. Around 29% of consumers give touch and range top priority. |
| Practice tempo | Check whether the version has a metronome or useful rhythm feature, and whether a separate tempo solution would suit your routine. | If you want to practise scales to a steady beat, see whether the built-in rhythm suits your routine. Around 21% of consumers prioritise timing. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space for the instrument, stand and player. Compare the dimensions and weight of the version you’ve chosen. | If you need to fit the instrument into a limited space or move it regularly, its dimensions and weight will be practical deciding factors. Around 14% of consumers prioritise space and portability. |
Headphones stop the piano sound coming through speakers into the room, but they don’t remove the physical sound of the keys or pedal.
Try the key action where you plan to practise, and check that your headphone plug fits the output.
Yamaha says the CP88 has no built-in metronome. If you need a steady beat, check whether another tempo solution would suit you.
Check the manual for the exact version and decide in advance whether a separate metronome would work for your practice routine.
A separate tempo solution may require an extra device.
According to Roland’s product specifications, the RD-88 EX combines an 88-key weighted keyboard with built-in stereo speakers.
Yamaha specifies that the CP88 has an 88-key keyboard, NW-GH3 action and a stereo headphone output.
According to Nord, the Nord Piano 6 is available with 73 or 88 keys and has a stereo headphone output.
According to Studiologic, the Numa X Piano 88 has a stereo headphone output, as well as audio and MIDI connections.
No. Headphones stop the piano sound coming through speakers into the room, but they don’t reduce the physical sound of the keys, pedal or stand. Try the key action where you plan to practise, and be mindful of volume and listening time.
Not necessarily: a separate tempo solution may work just as well. Check the features of the exact model; Yamaha confirms that the CP88 has no built-in metronome.
Measure the space for the instrument, stand and player, and check that your headphone plug fits the output. Yamaha specifies a 6.3 mm stereo headphone output for the CP88, and Studiologic specifies one for the Numa X Piano 88.
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery; ACM ConsuWijzer lists some exceptions. Your statutory guarantee is separate from any manufacturer’s warranty: if a product doesn’t perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller is your point of contact.
CE marking only applies to products covered by specific EU rules. The European Commission sets out electromagnetic compatibility requirements for equipment covered by the EMC Directive. The rules that apply to a particular version, and whether it meets them, must be established for that specific product.
