Sonatina player practising at home
You want to practise the piano part and dynamics without filling the room with loud electronic piano sounds. A headphone socket and weighted keyboard are therefore important considerations.
Who is it for?
Piano student practising pedal passages
You want to develop your touch and pedal technique. Check which pedal is included and whether the exact model supports half-pedalling.
Player with limited space to practise
You need space for a full-size piano keyboard, but may want to move or put the instrument away after practising. Bear in mind the dimensions of the complete set-up.
What to consider when choosing
Start with the headphone socket and keyboard feel, then check the pedal controls and how much space the complete set-up will take up.
| Consideration | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising at low volume | Check the headphone socket, plug size and volume when in use. | If I want to hear the piano privately without others listening through the speakers, I’ll focus on the headphone socket. Around 36% of consumers say quiet practice is their top priority. |
| Touch and dynamics | Check the keyboard action and, if possible, try soft keystrokes and fast repetitions on the exact model. | If I want to practise soft and strong keystrokes in a sonatina, I’ll look for a weighted keyboard designed for piano playing. Around 29% of consumers prioritise touch and dynamics. |
| Pedal use | Compare the included pedal with the instructions in your music and check which pedal options are needed for half-pedalling. | If my lesson piece includes pedal passages, I’ll want to know what controls the exact model and included accessories offer. Around 21% of consumers put pedal control first. |
| Space and set-up | Measure the available width and depth, and check the dimensions of the model with the stand you intend to use. | If my practice space is limited, I’ll want to make sure there’s room for the playing set-up, not just the piano. Around 14% of consumers prioritise space and set-up. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing Bluetooth audio with wireless headphone support
Yamaha describes Bluetooth audio on the P-145BT as a way to play music through the piano speakers. That doesn’t automatically mean you can connect Bluetooth headphones to it.
For quiet practice, check the headphone socket and the plug you’ll need.
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Assuming every included pedal supports half-pedalling
For half-pedalling on the FP-10, Roland specifies the optional DP-10; for the B2, Korg specifies the PU-2, sold separately.
Compare the pedal instructions in your learning materials with the support and package contents of the exact model.
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Measuring only the piano on its own
You’ll also need room for the stand and a comfortable playing position.
Measure the full set-up you intend to use and check which components are included with your chosen model.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The portable P Series is worth considering if you’re looking for a straightforward weighted keyboard. Compare the P-145 and P-145BT as separate variants.
- Yamaha lists an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-145. For the P-145BT, Yamaha also specifies Bluetooth audio.
- Bluetooth audio is not proof of Bluetooth MIDI support. The optional LP-5A pedal unit is not included as standard.
Roland
The FP-10 and FP-30X are portable piano models to compare if you’re looking for weighted keys and headphone use.
- Roland describes the FP-10 as having a PHA-4 keyboard and headphone use. For half-pedalling, Roland specifies the optional DP-10.
- Roland lists two headphone outputs and optional accessories for the FP-30X. Don’t assume these features apply to other FP models without checking.
Casio
The CDP-S110 is a compact option if you want to get started with an included sustain pedal.
- Casio lists an SP-3 damper pedal and a PHONES/OUTPUT socket for the CDP-S110.
- Check whether the pedal suits your learning goals; these specifications don’t confirm support for half-pedalling.
Kawai
Kawai describes the ES60 as a portable model for home use, with a keyboard designed for piano playing.
- Kawai specifies a Responsive Hammer Lite keyboard.
- Kawai says the keyboard makes less mechanical noise. This is the manufacturer’s claim, not an independent sound measurement or a guarantee that people nearby won’t hear it.
Korg
The B2 is an 88-key option for anyone looking for a digital piano with a headphone socket.
- Korg specifies an NH weighted keyboard and a combined PHONES/LINE OUT socket.
- According to Korg, half-pedalling requires the PU-2 unit, sold separately. The B2 is not the same model as the separately specified B2+.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise in complete silence with headphones?
No. Headphones let you hear the electronic piano sound privately, but they won’t eliminate the noise made by the physical keys. Kawai says the ES60 has a lower level of mechanical noise; this isn’t an independent, comparative sound measurement for your room.
What should I check when setting up and using a pedal?
Check the pedal socket and what’s included in the package. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal included with the CDP-S110; for half-pedalling on the B2, Korg specifies the PU-2, sold separately. Use the power supply specified for the exact instrument.
If I buy online in the Netherlands, do I have a cooling-off period and a guarantee?
According to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, distance purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to applicable exceptions. The seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee if a product doesn’t meet the standards you’re entitled to expect; a commercial guarantee period doesn’t replace this right.
Does an electric stage piano sold in the Netherlands need to have a CE mark?
CE marking may be required for electrical and electronic products under EU rules. Check the requirements for the exact device and the power supply offered; a brand name alone doesn’t establish that a specific item complies with the applicable rules.