Home player who wants to practise quietly
You’re learning a hymn melody in one place and want to keep the listening volume down without setting up a stage rig.
Who is this suitable for?
Piano student working on touch
You want to do more than learn the right notes: you also want to practise playing clearly and softly. You may want to play with accompaniment and a pedal later; keyboard actions and pedal options vary by model.
Player who also goes to rehearsals
You’re looking for one instrument you can move between home and other locations, so you’ll want to consider the controls and suitable audio connections.
What should you look for when buying?
Portable digital piano with speakers
A good fit if: you mainly practise at home and want to play without a separate amplifier.
The trade-off: keyboard action, pedal options and connections vary by model; try the touch for yourself if you can.
Stage piano with built-in speakers
A good fit if: you want to practise at home and also use the instrument for rehearsals or performances. Roland describes the RD-88 EX as a stage piano with built-in speakers.
The trade-off: stage features and extra sounds aren’t essential if you’re only learning a melody.
Stage piano without built-in speakers
A good fit if: you already have suitable headphones or want to use an external audio system. Yamaha states that the CP88 has a headphone output.
The trade-off: Yamaha states that the CP88 has no built-in speakers, so you’ll need another way to listen if you want to play without headphones.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet listening | Check whether the model has a headphone socket and built-in speakers if you also want to play without headphones. | If I want to practise quietly at home, I want to know in advance how I can listen privately and whether I can play without an extra amplifier. Around 33% of consumers give quiet listening top priority. |
| Touch and melody | Try the same quiet passage on different keyboards and check whether the key range suits your music. | I want to play the melody with control, so I pay attention to how the keys respond when I play softly. Around 27% of consumers prioritise touch and control of the melody. |
| Portability and stage features | Decide whether you’ll actually transport the instrument, and compare its connections with the equipment at your rehearsal venue. | For consumers who want to play at home and at rehearsals, portability and stage controls matter more than home practice alone; this applies to around 20% of consumers. |
| Pedal and set-up | Check whether a sustain pedal is included and what power supply, stand and listening equipment you’ll need. | I want to know what I need to complete my practice set-up and sustain notes. Around 20% of consumers prioritise having a complete set-up. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming every stage piano produces sound without extra equipment
Yamaha states that the CP88 has no built-in speakers, while Roland lists them for the RD-88 EX. Without suitable headphones or an external audio solution, you won’t hear a model without speakers in the same way.
Decide how you want to listen first, then check the connections and features of the exact model.
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Assuming a pedal unit is included as standard
Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as an optional extra. The pedals included may differ on other models or in different bundles.
Check the contents of the set and pedal compatibility for the version you’re considering.
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Expecting headphones to eliminate all practice noise
Headphones let you listen privately to the electronic sound, but the physical keys and pedal can still make noise.
If physical silence matters, try the set-up where you plan to practise.
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Trying to power the Numa Compact 2x’s built-in speakers via USB alone
According to Studiologic, the built-in speakers won’t work when the instrument is powered solely via USB.
To use the built-in speakers, use the power supply specified by Studiologic for the instrument.
Brands to compare for this type of practice
Yamaha
Yamaha offers both portable digital pianos and dedicated stage pianos; these categories are not interchangeable.
- Yamaha specifies an 88-key GHC keyboard for the P-145.
- The LP-5A three-pedal unit is optional. Yamaha lists a headphone output for the CP88, but no built-in speakers.
Roland
The FP-10 is a portable piano for home use; the RD-88 EX adds stage controls.
- Roland lists an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and listening through speakers or headphones for the FP-10.
- The RD-88 EX’s extra sounds and zone features aren’t essential if you only want to learn a melody.
Kawai
Kawai describes the ES120 as a portable piano for home and other playing locations.
- Kawai lists a weighted keyboard, speakers, headphone sockets and a sound balance feature for low-volume playing.
- The low-volume feature is Kawai’s description, not an independent measurement of sound quality or personal suitability.
Casio
Casio describes the CDP-S110 as a compact, portable digital piano.
- Casio lists 88 keys, built-in speakers, a PHONES/OUTPUT socket and an SP-3 pedal.
- Check the regional version and the contents of the specific set.
Studiologic
According to Studiologic, the Numa Compact 2x is a lightweight, stage-focused choice for players looking for organ or other sounds and direct controls.
- Studiologic specifies 88 semi-weighted keys, a headphone output and built-in speakers.
- According to Studiologic, the built-in speakers won’t work when the instrument is powered solely via USB; use the supplied power supply instead.
Joybuy products
The options below are 61-key keyboards and a digital piano for practising with headphones or built-in speakers. Check whether 61 keys are enough for the music you want to play; these models don’t offer the full range of an 88-key piano.
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Black 61-key keyboard with MIDI controller
Could suit you if you want to practise a melody privately; check whether 61 keys are enough for your sheet music.
61 keys; headphone socket and built-in speakers; metronome and recording function; music stand listed in the product name.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Could suit you if you’re looking for a portable set-up with a headphone socket and built-in speakers; check that the key range suits your music.
61 keys and weighted keyboard; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; LCD screen and USB-MIDI; speakers and headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise at a low volume with headphones?
Yes, as long as the model you choose has a suitable headphone socket. Roland describes headphone use for the FP-10; Yamaha specifies a 6,3mm headphone output for the CP88. Start at a low listening volume. The WHO recommends keeping the volume on personal audio devices below 60% of the maximum; this isn’t a measured setting for every piano and headphone combination.
Do I need to buy a pedal or speakers separately?
It depends on the model and the set on offer. Casio lists an SP-3 pedal with the CDP-S110, while Yamaha lists the LP-5A unit for the P-145 as optional. Yamaha also states that the CP88 has no built-in speakers; you’ll need another way to listen if you want to play without headphones.
What if the piano develops a fault earlier than expected after normal use?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, you’re entitled to a legal guarantee in addition to any manufacturer’s warranty. If the product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect during normal use, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution. In the Netherlands, there isn’t one fixed statutory guarantee period for every purchase.
Can I return a piano bought online if I don’t like the touch?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period from delivery, during which you can cancel the purchase without giving a reason. Check the relevant terms and exceptions before ordering; the cooling-off period isn’t the same as an unlimited home trial.