For playing a waltz, start with a keyboard that lets you control touch response, an adjustable time signature and a suitable sustain pedal. Then consider how you’ll listen to the piano. A portable digital piano with speakers is a good choice for practising at home with headphones, while still letting you play quietly through the speakers from time to time. A stage piano is mainly worth considering if you need stage controls or particular connections. Headphones reduce the piano’s sound in the room, but they won’t silence the sound of the keys and pedal.
If you don’t want the piano to fill the room with sound, look for a headphone socket and volume control. Roland describes two headphone outputs for the FP-30X, while Kawai lists headphone sockets for the ES120.
If you want to practise in three-four time and work on your pedalling, compare the adjustable metronome time signature and the included or compatible sustain pedal. The Casio CDP-S110 manual describes selectable time signatures, while Korg lists time signature and accent settings for the D1.
If you may move the piano or use it on stage, weigh up portability, speakers and audio connections alongside the controls. Roland describes built-in speakers and stage controls for the RD-08, while Korg lists headphone and line-out connections for the D1.
Suitable for: mainly practising at home and switching between headphones and speakers. Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X; for the ES120, Kawai describes headphone sockets, speakers and a metronome, among other features.
Bear in mind: check whether the pedal and stand are included with the version you’re considering. Specifications don’t tell you how loud the keys and pedal will sound in your room.
Suitable for: combining practice at home with stage controls. Roland describes the RD-08 as having weighted keys, built-in stereo speakers and stage features.
Bear in mind: according to the RD-08 manual, the speakers can also be switched on when headphones are connected. Check the setting if keeping the room quiet is important.
Suitable for: mainly playing with headphones, or if you already have a suitable external sound system. Korg lists a headphone socket, adjustable metronome and included sustain pedal for the D1.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a suitable external sound system to play audibly without headphones.
| Consideration | What should you check? | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet practice | Check for a headphone socket and volume control, and whether the speakers stay off when you connect headphones. | If I practise while other people are in the room, I want to listen to the piano through headphones. Around 31% of consumers put quiet practice first. |
| Control over touch response | Compare the exact keyboard and any touch-sensitivity settings. If possible, try playing the same phrase softly and more firmly. | When I practise melody and accompaniment, I want to be able to distinguish deliberately between soft and stronger notes. Around 25% of consumers prioritise touch control. |
| Three-four time and pedal | Check whether the metronome can play the time signature you need, and which sustain pedal is included with the version you’re considering. | When learning a waltz, I want to practise keeping time and connecting notes with a pedal. Around 25% of consumers prioritise practising time and pedal technique. |
| Playing at home and elsewhere | Compare the speakers and audio connections. Also check the dimensions, weight and included accessories. | If I want to use the piano in different places, I need to know whether the speakers and connections will suit my setup. Around 19% of consumers prioritise using their piano both at home and elsewhere. |
Headphones change how you hear the piano, but they don’t muffle the physical sound of the keys and pedal. The RD-08’s speakers can also be switched on when headphones are connected.
Check the speaker setting and listen to the mechanical sound where you plan to practise.
The Korg D1 has headphone and line-out sockets, but no built-in speakers. You’ll need an external sound system if you want to play without headphones.
Choose this setup if headphones are enough or you already have suitable external equipment. Check which connections and cables you’ll need.
Yamaha warns that using an optional FC35 with models including the P-225 on a desk can put pressure on the pedal cable.
Check the manufacturer’s guidance for the exact model, pedal and intended setup, as well as which parts are included with the version you’re considering.
The FP-30X is a portable digital piano for home use, while the RD-08 is stage-focused and offers stage controls.
The P-225 is a portable digital piano with a weighted keyboard.
The ES120 is a portable digital piano worth comparing for use at home and elsewhere, with a metronome and rhythm patterns.
The D1 is stage-focused and designed for use with headphones or your own external sound system.
The CDP-S110 is a compact portable digital piano worth comparing if you have limited space for practice.
An electronic keyboard with a headphone socket and metronome, for anyone considering a 61-key model instead of a stage piano.
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This could be a good fit if you’re looking for a metronome and headphone socket, and don’t need an 88-key stage piano.
The product description lists built-in speakers, a metronome, USB-MIDI, a recording function and a music stand. This is a 61-key keyboard; the listed features don’t make it equivalent to a stage piano.
No. A metronome with an adjustable time signature may be enough to practise keeping time. Check the time signature and accent settings on the model you choose: according to its manual, the Casio CDP-S110 offers selectable time signatures, while Korg lists time signature and accent controls for the D1. An accompaniment rhythm is a separate feature.
For private listening, you can connect suitable headphones to the Korg D1. If you want to play audibly without headphones, you’ll need a suitable external sound system for this model. Check the connections and included parts.
Set the listening volume deliberately low and limit how long you listen. The World Health Organization advises limiting both the level and duration of exposure to loud sounds. Also check the piano’s controls: the RD-08 manual explains that its speakers can be switched on when headphones are connected.
According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. You’re entitled to a product that works properly and can contact the seller if there’s a problem. For online consumer purchases, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms and legal exceptions that apply to your purchase.
Headphones reduce the piano’s sound in the room, but they won’t silence the keys and pedal. The Dutch government notes that nuisance to neighbours may be covered by local authorities’ General Local Regulations. Local rules and the actual disturbance are therefore relevant.
