Best
Overall Headphone for Keyboard
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Overall: Has An Open-Back Design For A Natural And Spacious Sound
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Best Feature: With An Advanced Acoustic System With Neodymium Magnets For High-Quality Audio
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Budget-Friendly Headphone for Keyboard
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Overall: Professional 40mm Drivers With A 16Hz - 20kHz Frequency Response Reveal Every Nuance
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Best Feature: Mix With Confidence Thanks To A Neutral Sound Signature And Accurate Sound Reproduction
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Versatile Headphone for Keyboard
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Overall: Ideal For Studio Applications With 80-Ohm Impedance
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Best Feature: Clear And Articulate Sound From A Closed-Back Design
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TedScore™: 8.8/10
Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the options of headphones for keyboard piano? Don’t worry! I’m here to help you navigate the choices with advice as friendly as a wave from a neighbor.
Whether you want to block out the noise to focus on your piano playing or keep things quiet for a snoozing pet, there’s a perfect pair of headphones.
Deciding between closed-back headphones that feel snug and open-back headphones that feel more airy for your digital piano can be tough, like picking your favorite biscuit. But what if I told you that a classic set like the Yamaha HPH-150B could enhance your piano playing without costing a fortune?
Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through the best headphones for piano that will make your music shine. By the end, you’ll have figured out the headphone puzzle and be ready to play your piano confidently—so, let’s find the perfect headphones for your digital piano playing, shall we?
Top Headphones for Keyboard Piano
Sennheiser HD 599 Special Edition
Powered by Sennheiser proprietary transducer technology, these over-ear headphones are perfect for audiophiles looking for a slightly warm and well-balanced sound profile. They also have an open-back design that offers a wide and open soundstage, making you feel like you’re in your favourite music studio.
They’re very cushioned and comfortable, perfect for long listening sessions.
The Sennheiser HD 599 stands out from the other headphones on this review with its proprietary transducer technology, delivering a slightly warm and well-balanced sound profile that is favored by audiophiles.
I remember the first time I tried the Sennheiser HD 599 and was amazed by its open-back design, which created a wide and open soundstage, immersing me in the music in a way that other headphones couldn’t match.
One drawback of the Sennheiser HD 599 is that some users may find the bass response to be less impactful compared to other headphones, but it is still worth buying due to its exceptional comfort, high-quality sound reproduction, and spacious soundstage, making it a top choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
Sennheiser HD 599 Special Edition, Open Back Headphone
DESIGNED FOR: audiophiles and music enthusiasts
FEATURES: Has an open-back design for a natural and spacious sound
OTHER INFO: With an advanced acoustic system with neodymium magnets for high-quality audio
Sennheiser HD 599 Special Edition, Open Back Headphone
- Includes two detachable cables for versatile use
- Detailed in the treble with nice sparkle
- Comes with a well-padded headband and ear cups for superior wearing comfort
- Can be a little bulky for some users
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Audio-Technica M40x
These wired headphones are perfect for professionals who need high-quality sound for studio tracking, mixing, and monitoring. They offer superior sound isolation and flat sound response, which means you’re getting accurate sound faithful to the recording.
The sound is full-bodied and potent, with great dynamics and balance. It’s not just studio pros that will appreciate these headphones, though. They’re also great for DJs and music lovers who want crystal-clear sound and an above-average listening experience.
Audio-Technica M40x Professional Studio Headphones
DESIGNED FOR: home and studio use
FEATURES: With a cutting-edge engineering and robust construction
OTHER INFO: Tuned flat for incredibly accurate sound monitoring across the entire frequency range
Audio-Technica M40x Professional Studio Headphones
- Has professional-grade earpad and headband material for durability and comfort
- Accurate and well-balanced sound quality, ideal for monitoring and recording in a studio setting
- Sturdy build quality and comfortable fit for extended use
- Average noise isolation
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
AKG K72
These headphones are excellent for aspiring musicians, producers, or even casual listeners who appreciate the good sound quality. The K72 features a closed-back design, reducing sound leakage and creating a more immersive experience.
The headphones have a decent frequency response and a sound signature that’s well-balanced and natural. The build quality is reliable, and the lightweight design makes them comfortable for extended periods.
AKG K72 Closed-Back Headphones
DESIGNED FOR: studio work and general listening on a daily basis
FEATURES: Professional 40mm drivers with a 16Hz - 20kHz frequency response reveal every nuance
OTHER INFO: Mix with confidence thanks to a neutral sound signature and accurate sound reproduction
AKG K72 Closed-Back Headphones
- Excellent isolation with a closed-back design and large circumaural ear cups
- Offers a serious performance and outstanding comfort
- Immersive isolation with minimised bleed
- Bulky headphones
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Sony MDR7506
These headphones are designed with a large diaphragm and foldable capabilities. The MDR7506 also has a protective carry pouch and gold-plated UnimatchTM adaptor, ensuring easy transportation and compatibility with various audio devices. Thanks to their metal extension and circumaural closed-back design, you’ll find that these headphones are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Plus, with the unmistakable lettering that screams “professional” and “Sony”, you know you’re making a great choice.
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
DESIGNED FOR: studio use or live performances
FEATURES: With neodymium magnets and 40-millimetre drivers for powerful, detailed sound
OTHER INFO: Includes a 9.8-ft cord that ends in a gold-plated undetachable plug
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
- Closed ear design provides comfort and outstanding reduction of external noises
- Frequency Response: 10 Hertz to 20 kilohertz
- With rugged construction and a secure, highly effective closed-ear design
- Folds up for storage or travel in a provided soft case
- The ear cups may not be as comfortable for extended use as some higher-end headphone
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
This headphone’s sound quality is top-notch, with a neutral balance perfect for critical listening. Moreover, they’re built to last, featuring a solid metal frame and dense ear cups that can handle even the toughest wear and tear.
They even come with swappable ear pads to ensure you stay comfortable during long listening sessions.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones, 80 Ohm
DESIGNED FOR: mixing and mastering audio
FEATURES: Ideal for studio applications with 80-ohm impedance
OTHER INFO: Clear and articulate sound from a closed-back design
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones, 80 Ohm
- Accurate frequency reproduction thanks to the top-notch impulse response
- Allows you to wear it for hours without discomfort
- Provides accurate listening to your mixes, masters, and edits
- The long cable and bulky size may not be preferred by some pianists
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Roland RH-5
Equipped with high-performance 40mm drivers and large-scale housings, these headphones provide clear and dynamic sound that is perfect for musical-instrument practice or simply listening to your favourite tunes.
What’s more, the closed-back design offers excellent sound isolation and ensures a comfortable fit that won’t slip or slide while you’re playing the piano.
Roland RH-5 Quality Comfort-Fit Headphones
DESIGNED FOR: musicians and audio enthusiasts
FEATURES: Equipped with high-performance 40mm drivers for dynamic sound
OTHER INFO: Provides a natural, balanced response for a range of instruments
Roland RH-5 Quality Comfort-Fit Headphones
- Secure and comfortable lightweight design
- Offers exceptional value and high-quality performance
- Includes conversion plug to accommodate standard and mini headphone connectors
- The ear padding may not be as durable as some higher-end headphones
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha HPH-150B Open-Air Neutral Palette Headphones
These open-air headphones feature small, soft, lightweight velour ear pads that offer outstanding comfort for extended listening and long practice sessions. Additionally, the swivel mechanism allows you to adjust the headphones to fit the angle of your ears perfectly.
The HPH-150B’s neutral tone palette is great for listening to digital musical instrument sounds in high fidelity.
Yamaha HPH-150B Open-Air Neutral Palette Headphones
DESIGNED FOR: digital instrument players
FEATURES: Open-air headphones with a neutral tone palette for faithful reproduction of digital musical instrument sounds
OTHER INFO: With small, soft, light-weight velour ear pads and a swivel mechanism to properly fit your ear angle
Yamaha HPH-150B Open-Air Neutral Palette Headphones
- Includes a gold-plated stereo plug and 2-meter cable for easy, convenient connection
- Compact, fashionable design available in black or white to match your instrument
- Ideal for digital piano playing, mixing and mastering, and music listening
- There's no padding on the headband
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Why are digital piano headphones useful?
If you’re a pianist who plays on a keyboard or digital piano, you know that the sound quality of your instrument is paramount to your performance. However, not everyone has the luxury of playing on a high-end acoustic piano or a top-of-the-line digital piano with built-in speakers.
That’s where headphones come in.
Using headphones with your keyboard piano can have several benefits (plus a few drawbacks).
Benefits of Using Headphones
One of the biggest advantages of using headphones with your keyboard piano is that you can practice or perform without disturbing anyone else in the room or nearby.
This is especially important if you live in an apartment or have roommates or family members who might not be particularly keen on your blasting out a piano concerto at 3am!
With digital piano headphones, you can play as loudly as you want without worrying about complaints or noise restrictions.
Finally, using headphones can give you a more immersive playing piano experience from the actual sound. When I use the right headphones, I feel like I’m in my own private concert hall, enveloped by the rich, full sound of my piano.
Drawbacks of Using Headphones
While there are many benefits to using headphones with your keyboard piano, there are also a few drawbacks. One of the biggest drawbacks is that headphones can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, especially if you’re using over-ear headphones.
This can be particularly problematic if you’re practicing or performing for hours and need breaks to rest your ears.
Another drawback of using headphones is that they can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for high-quality headphones that can reproduce the full range of your keyboard piano’s sound.
Finally, practising the piano using headphones can be isolating, especially if you’re used to playing with other musicians or in front of an audience. With headphones, you’re in your own world, which can be great for practising, but is most definetly not ideal for performing or collaborating with others!
Types of Headphones for Keyboard Piano
If you’re looking for headphones for piano, several types are available. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming.
Let’s take a look at them:
Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are designed to cover your ears completely. They’re generally considered the most comfortable headphones, as they distribute the weight evenly across your head. Over-ear headphones also provide excellent noise isolation, which is important if you play in a noisy environment.
One disadvantage of over-ear headphones is that they can be bulky and heavy, which means they can get hot and sweaty after extended use, which can be uncomfortable.
In-Ear Headphones
In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds or in-ear monitors, are designed to fit snugly inside your ear canal.
They’re very portable and lightweight, making them a popular choice for people always on the go.
On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones are designed to rest on your ears. They’re generally more portable than over-ear headphones but provide good noise isolation. On-ear headphones are also less bulky and heavy than over-ear headphones, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
One disadvantage of on-ear headphones is that they leak more sound than over-ear headphones, which can be problematic when recording music.
Features to Consider When Choosing Headphones
When choosing for your keyboard headphones, there are several features you should consider to ensure you get the best experience possible. Here are some key features to keep in mind:
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is an important feature in such headphones if you want to block out external noise and focus on your music. Look for headphones with active noise cancellation, which uses microphones to detect external noise and then cancel it out with an opposite sound wave.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are crucial when choosing headphones for extended periods of use. Look for headphones with soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband to ensure a comfortable fit. Over-ear headphones are generally more comfortable than on-ear headphones, but on-ear headphones are more portable and lightweight.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is arguably the most important feature when choosing headphones. Look for headphones with a balanced sound profile with clear highs, mids, and lows. Closed-back headphones are ideal for keyboard piano use as they block out external noise and prevent sound leakage.
Durability
Durability is another important feature to consider, especially if you plan on using your headphones frequently. Look for headphones that are made with high-quality materials and have a sturdy build. Headphones with detachable cables are also a good option, as they’re less likely to break.
Portability
If you plan on taking your headphones with you on the go, portability is an important feature. Look for headphones that are lightweight and foldable for easy storage. In-ear headphones and on-ear headphones are generally more portable than over-ear headphones.
Tips on How to Choose the Best Headphones for You
When it comes to choosing the best headphones for your keyboard piano, there are a few things you need to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Tip #1 – Comfort: You’ll be wearing your headphones for long periods, so you must ensure they’re comfortable. Look for headphones with soft padding and an adjustable headband.
Tip #2 – Sound Quality: Your headphones’ overall sound and quality are essential. You want to hear all the nuances in your music, so look for headphones with a wide frequency range and good bass response.
Tip #3 – Wired vs Wireless: Do you want wired or wireless headphones? Wireless headphones offer more freedom of movement, but wired headphones generally offer better sound quality.
Tip #4 – Open vs Closed Back: Open-back headphones provide a more natural, spacious sound, while closed-back headphones offer better noise isolation. Consider where you’ll be using your headphones and choose accordingly.
Tip #5 – Price: Headphones come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to set a budget before shopping. Keep in mind that higher-priced headphones don’t always mean better quality.
Ultimately, your best headphones will depend on your preferences and needs. Take your time to research and try out different models before making a decision. With the right headphones, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in your music and enjoy playing your keyboard piano even more.
Headphones For Keyboard Piano
Summary
You did it! You’ve reached the end of our ultimate guide on headphones for digital piano players.
It’s possible to find a good balance between price and quality. It’s great to know that options like the Yamaha HPH-150B are available for people on a tight budget who still want good quality. For high-quality sound, consider headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x or the well-regarded Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO for excellent clarity.
Remember, the most important thing when choosing the best headphones for digital piano is to find a pair that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for noise-cancelling headphones for a quiet practice session or open-back headphones for a more natural sound, plenty of options are available.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pick out the perfect pair of headphones that will elevate your playing experience. Remember to prioritize your comfort, sound quality, and budget when deciding.
Happy playing!
And if you’re looking at buying a digital piano – then don’t forget to look at our Digital Piano Buyer’s Guide to help you on your journey
It’s refreshing to see the Yamaha HPH-150B on the list. There’s something about open-air headphones that brings a natural sound stage, making piano pieces come alive. They don’t make ’em like they used to, but Yamaha always keeps quality in check.
Can anyone recommend which of these headphones might be the best for someone with a lot of background noise at home? Trying to practice piano while the house is full of chaos! Need something with top-notch noise cancellation. Thoughts?
howdy neighbor, gotta say i got me one of them beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro after reading something like your article, robert emery. boy, what a difference it makes! feels like I’m right there in the concert hall, minus the sticky floors haha. thanks for the tip!
Glad you liked the DT 770 Pro, Ned! They really do make a world of difference. Stick to articles like these, and you’ll be a tech guru in no time!
Interesting to see how much thought needs to go into choosing the right headphones. Never realized how important noise cancellation and comfort could be until now.
I have to slightly disagree with the inclusion of on-ear headphones for keyboard piano. In my experience, over-ear offers superior sound isolation and comfort, which is critical for lengthy music sessions or detailed production work. However, I understand the appeal for some due to their lighter weight and portability.
Roland RH-5, huh? Hope they make my piano sound as good as a live jazz club. If not, guess I’ll just have to play better!
Quick note on the Audio-Technica M40x mentioned – they’ve got a reputation for being incredibly durable, which is key for those of us who are a bit clumsy. Definitely a good pick especially if you’re moving around a lot with your kit.
Absolutely thrilled to see the Sennheiser HD 599 Special Edition make your list, Robert Emery. After using them for a few weeks now, I can attest to their comfort during long practice sessions and the sound quality truly brings out the nuances in piano compositions. Great choice for any serious musicians out there.
Good to hear!
hey, was wondering if noise cancellation is really that big a deal for practicing at home? always thought it’s more for public places. got a noisy flat though, so might be worth considering?