Quiet home practiser
Shares their living space and wants to practise often without sound coming from the piano’s speakers. A headphone socket is therefore an important feature to look for.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Pianist working on their touch
Wants to play broken chords evenly and compare how different keyboards feel, for example when playing softly or repeating notes.
Pianist practising pedal technique
Wants notes to sustain without successive harmonies blurring together unintentionally. The pedal supplied and any compatible upgrades are worth considering.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with headphone use and keyboard feel, then consider pedal control and how much space the complete setup will take up.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters more to |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Check the headphone socket and try the piano in the space where you plan to use it. Headphones won’t automatically silence the sound of the keys or pedal. | If I share my home with others, I want to play through headphones without assuming the keys and pedal will be inaudible. Around 36% of consumers say minimising noise is their top buying priority. |
| Keyboard feel | Play the same pattern on different keyboards and compare how much control you have when playing softly and repeating notes. | When practising quick broken chords, I want to be able to play the notes evenly and with control. Around 29% of consumers say touch control is their top priority. |
| Pedal control | Check which damper pedal comes with the model and which functions the exact model supports with a compatible pedal. | When changing chords, I want to control how long notes sustain and know which pedal I need. Around 21% of consumers put pedal control first. |
| Practice space | Measure the space available for the piano, stand and seat, and compare it with the dimensions of the model you’re considering. | If my practice space is limited, I want to know in advance whether the complete setup will fit. Around 14% of consumers say available space is their top buying priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a headphone socket guarantees silent practice
Headphones stop you hearing the piano through its speakers, but the sound of the keys, pedal or setup may still be audible.
Try the complete setup where you plan to practise and, if necessary, agree suitable practice times with the people you live with.
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Assuming every supplied sustain pedal supports half-pedalling
An on/off pedal and a pedal that supports half-pedalling don’t offer the same control. A suitable upgrade may need to be bought separately.
Check the exact model to see which pedal is included, which pedal functions are supported and what comes in the bundle.
Brands worth considering
Roland
Compare the FP-30X if two headphone sockets or the option to upgrade the pedal later would suit your practice needs.
- Roland lists a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
- The DP-10 and KPD-70 mentioned are pedal options; check which accessories are included with the model you choose.
Yamaha
Compare the compact P-145 if you’re looking for a digital piano for a small practice space.
- Yamaha specifies 88 GHC keys for the P-145.
- The LP-5A pedal unit is optional. Also check whether you’re looking at the P-145 or the separately listed P-145BT.
Kawai
Compare the ES120 if you’re weighing up headphone sockets, separate stereo line outputs and pedal upgrades.
- Kawai lists two headphone sockets and separate stereo Line Out sockets for the ES120.
- According to Kawai, the standard F-1SP pedal is an on/off pedal; the brand lists a different compatible option for half-pedalling.
Korg
Compare the B2 if you’re looking for a portable digital piano and want to choose your preferred pedal setup in advance.
- Korg specifies an 88-key NH keyboard and a PHONES socket for the B2.
- According to Korg, half-pedalling requires the optional PU-2; check what’s included in your chosen bundle.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key instruments with a headphone socket or port. Check that the range of keys suits the music you want to practise.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Consider this model if a headphone socket and a 61-key range suit your practice space and repertoire.
The product description mentions 61 touch-sensitive, weighted keys, a metronome and a portable design; the product title lists a headphone socket.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
Consider this model if 61 keys are enough and you want to practise with headphones; check that the music stand mentioned will work with your setup.
The product information mentions 61 keys, a headphone port, metronome, recording function and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise with headphones while the people I live with are at home?
Yes. With a piano that has a headphone socket, you’ll hear the piano through your headphones instead of its speakers. However, the keys, pedal or setup may still make some noise. If necessary, agree a suitable time to practise with the people you live with.
Which pedal do I need to practise broken chords?
First, check whether the supplied damper pedal offers the control you want to practise. For half-pedalling, Kawai lists a compatible F-10H option for the ES120, while Korg lists the optional PU-2 for the B2. Check the compatibility and bundle contents for the exact model.
What are my rights when buying a piano online from a professional seller?
According to the Dutch government, most distance purchases come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. It also states that you’re entitled to a product that works as it should, and that there is no fixed statutory warranty period for all products. Before buying, check the seller information, any extra costs and the exact model.