If you mainly practise with headphones, choose a model with a suitable headphone socket and a keyboard that feels comfortable to play; built-in speakers aren’t essential. If you also want to play without headphones, look for built-in speakers and check the connections. For each model, check what’s included and which version you’re buying.
You want to repeat chord changes without playing the piano sound through speakers. Look for a headphone socket and a stable practice set-up. Korg and Roland list headphone sockets for the models discussed here.
You want to focus on how the keys feel when playing chords and changing between them, and perhaps on using the pedal. The models listed have different keyboard actions; Korg also says the D1 comes with a damper pedal.
You want to use the same instrument at home and somewhere else. Speakers, connections and sound controls may also matter. Roland and Yamaha list built-in speakers for the models discussed here.
For quiet practice, focus on headphone use and how the keyboard feels; built-in speakers are mainly useful if you sometimes want to play without headphones.
Choose this if: you mainly practise with headphones. Korg says the D1 has 88 RH3 keys, a metronome and a headphone socket.
The trade-off: you’ll need external audio equipment to play audibly in the room.
Choose this if: you want to switch between headphones and playing aloud without separate amplification. Roland and Yamaha list built-in speakers and a headphone socket for the RD-08 and CK88.
The trade-off: compare the keyboard feel and controls; extra features aren’t necessarily useful for practising chord changes.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising at low volume | Check the headphone socket and plug size. Don’t assume the keys themselves make no sound. | I mainly practise with headphones and want to hear the piano sound privately; around 36% of consumers say quiet practice is their main concern when buying. |
| Key feel | Compare the keyboard action and check whether you want to use a pedal. | When repeatedly playing chord shapes, I want a touch that suits my playing; around 29% of consumers say key feel is their top priority. |
| At home and elsewhere | Check the dimensions, weight, stand and connections for the set-ups you have in mind. | If I practise at home and rehearse elsewhere, I want to know in advance how I can set up and connect the instrument there; around 21% of consumers say being able to move between playing locations is their main concern when buying. |
| Extra sounds and layers | Decide whether you’ll actually use these features, then compare the controls. | I want to switch between sounds or use layers while playing; around 14% of consumers prioritise extra sounds. |
This varies by model: the Korg D1 has no built-in speakers, while Roland and Yamaha list them for the RD-08 and CK88 respectively.
Decide whether you’ll only play privately through headphones or sometimes want to hear the sound in the room. Check the connections for each model.
With a model that has no speakers, you’ll need external audio equipment to play aloud.
Roland describes additional features for the RD-08 as part of a separate RD-08 Upgrade, so don’t assume they’re included with the standard version without checking.
Compare the features of the version on offer with what you need for practising chord changes.
A headphone socket alone doesn’t tell you which accessories are included with a particular version. Korg lists a stand for the D1 as available separately.
Before buying, check the list of included items and whether you’ll need to provide your own headphones, stand or suitable adapter.
These brands are useful points of comparison. The features listed apply to the models described and aren’t a general recommendation for every product from each brand.
The D1 is a slim stage piano without speakers, designed for headphone practice or use with external audio equipment.
The RD-08 combines weighted keys with speakers and a headphone socket.
The CK88 is a stage keyboard with 88 GHS keys for piano playing and other sounds.
The Piano 6 88 is designed for players who want to use piano and synthesiser layers in their set-up.
This selection includes digital pianos and 61-key keyboards for practising with headphones and speakers. Check whether 61 keys are suitable for your exercises and whether you specifically want a stage piano.
No image available
This could suit you if you want to switch between listening through headphones and playing through speakers at home.
The product information lists 61 keys, a headphone socket and speakers; the description mentions a weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard and a metronome. Check whether 61 keys give you enough range for your exercises.
No image available
This could suit you if you want to use both headphones and built-in speakers while practising.
The product information lists 61 keys, speakers, a metronome and a music rest; the description mentions a headphone socket and USB-MIDI. Check that the features and keyboard range suit the way you plan to use it.
It depends on the model. The Korg D1 has no built-in speakers; Roland lists them for the RD-08 and Yamaha for the CK88. You can listen to the models mentioned privately with suitable headphones.
Korg says a power adapter, music rest and damper pedal are included; a suitable stand is listed among the accessories available separately. The manual recommends cleaning the exterior with a clean, dry cloth and avoiding liquid cleaning products.
In the Netherlands, products are covered by a statutory guarantee, but there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period; if there’s a problem, contact the seller. The Dutch government says that for distance purchases, a 14-day cancellation period applies in many cases. Check the terms and exceptions for the specific purchase.
The Dutch government states that electronic devices placed on the EU market must have a CE marking. Check the marking and product information for the version on offer; general model specifications don’t confirm that an individual item complies.
