How many piano lovers do we have here? Did you buy your first, second, or nth piano recently? We’re sure you’ve got at least one digital piano. It’s lighter, compact, and less expensive (though some are as costly as the analog ones). But do you have the headphones to go with your piano?
Why, you ask?
Well, connecting the headphones to your digital piano will help you concentrate on the tune and pay full attention to it. Moreover, you can practice anywhere and anytime without disturbing others. No one will ask you to stop playing. It’s convenient and comfortable.
Does it mean you can simply plug your headphones into the slot on the digital piano? Technically, you can if the pin fits. However, we suggest you wait and read this post.
There are different types of headphones on the market, and each of them has a different purpose. Some are for audiophiles, some are entry-level models, and some are designed for music instruments. Hold on, though! The headphones for a guitar or drums will not be the same as the headphones for a digital piano.
While the features will overlap, the basic requirements can vary. For example, headphones for drummers moderate the sound and safeguard the drummers’ ears. Headphones for a pianist have to play precise and clear sound output rather than minimize the volume.
That’s why we have tested an array of headphones and shortlisted the below six best piano headphones to buy in 2023 (or even next year and later). Let’s first read the things to consider when looking for piano headphones and then dive into the reviews.
Roundup of the Best Piano Headphones
| Overall Best Piano Headphones | Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones |
| Best Headphones for Digital Pianos | Yamaha HPH-50B Compact Closed-Back Headphones |
| Best Portable Piano Headphones | Yamaha RH1C Portable Headphones |
| Most Comfortable Piano Headphones | Tunical Over-Ear Headphones |
| Best Premium Piano Headphones | Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphones |
| Piano Headphones With Best Sound | Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones |
Things to Consider While Looking for Piano Headphones
1. Open-back vs. Closed-back
When it comes to pianos and open-back vs. closed-back headphones, the latter can be a better choice. These models have a solid outer shell and sealed cups that prevent sound leakage. Noise isolation and blocking ambient noise are important, and these are better in the closed-back models. But if you are more particular about soundstaging and how natural the tune sounds, go for open-back headphones.
2. Wireless vs. Wired
If you have the latest digital piano, it’s likely to come with Bluetooth connectivity. It sounds really cool to use Bluetooth headphones with your piano, right? But we suggest going the traditional route and picking the wired headphones.
Bluetooth connection can result in lags and reduce the sound quality. Wired headphones don’t have any latency and are easier to use. Since you anyway need to sit next to the piano to play it, the wired model shouldn’t restrict your movements.
3. Frequency Response
Piano headphones should have a wide frequency response so that you can listen to all the notes you play on them. The greater the range, the better the headphones. At the same time, the actual sound quality depends on how well the headphones deal with different frequencies.
For example, the best bass headphones focus more on lower frequencies. The mid-range sounds pretty well in most models. The treble or high frequencies sound better in some models. You need piano headphones to deliver consistent output in every range.
4. Impedance and Sensitivity
You have to consider the impedance of the headphones and the digital piano. For best quality sound output, try to match the impedance and get them as close as possible (it’s not always possible to exactly match it). Around 32 Ω is good enough for digital pianos.
5. Design, Fitting, and Comfort
The design of the headphones plays a crucial role in how it fits and feels on the head. The perfect piano headphones would be lightweight yet sturdy and feel comfortable when worn for extended periods. Padding on the ears is essential to minimize sound bleeding and prevent overheating of the ears. And yes, a self-adjusting headband would be great.
6. Headphones vs. Earbuds
So, should you choose headphones or earbuds (in-ear)? Hands down, we’d go for headphones. These sit on or over the ears, unlike earbuds that sit inside the ear canal. Headphones are bigger and cover more surface area, thus providing higher sound isolation and a wider sound staging. Moreover, good quality headphones don’t hurt your ears when you use them continuously for hours.
7. Cable Length
Since we already decided that wired headphones are more beneficial, we just need to make sure that the cable is long enough to enable free movement of your hands. That way, the cable will sit on the side while you practice your digital piano.
8. Durability, Budget, and Warranty
Durability is a non-negotiable factor unless you don’t mind spending on a new pair of headphones every often. The piano headphones have to be sturdy and durable. The build quality has to be decent, if not premium.
Of course, the budget will always be a matter of concern. Thanks to the market demand and high competition among the brands, you can easily find good headphones in all price ranges.
Finally, check if the brand offers a warranty on the headphones. A minimum of a year warranty is a good sign as it suggests that the headphones will at least last for a year.
Top 6 Headphones for Keyboard and Piano
1. Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones
Overall Best Piano Headphones
- Excellent sound isolation
- Great sound quality
- Approx. 3-meter long coiled cable
- Foldable and portable
- 10 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
- ¼ inch adapter included
- Comfortable for continuous use
- Easy to connect to pianos
- Delicate plastic body
- Heavy cable
Sony MDR7506 are the overall best headphones for digital piano on the market that comes at an affordable price. These headphones are one of the best keyboard headphones on the market. The adapter that comes in the set is a great idea. It makes the headphones compatible with most digital pianos.
Firstly, this model is well-known as a studio headset. Most people we know in the recording studios have a pair of these headphones. While we weren’t impressed by the appearance, the lightweight made up for it. We also noticed how the headphones felt more comfortable on mid-sized heads.
Secondly, the cable is super solid. It is heavy but non-detachable. We let it sit on the side while playing the piano at the desk. We like that we can repair the headphones instead of throwing them away. We also plan to get some extra padded ear cups for more comfort.
In conclusion, the Sony MDR7506 Headphones are one of the oldest and longest-running models on the market. The noise isolation is very good (we love it!). The over-ear closed-back design is comfortable enough for a few hours at a stretch. These headphones were designed for studios and recordings and do the job well when plugged into a digital piano. Newbies and intermediary pianists will like these headphones.
View on Amazon: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones
2. Yamaha HPH-50B Compact Closed-Back Headphones
Best Headphones for Digital Pianos
- Affordable
- Versatile and user-friendly
- Durable
- 2-meter long detachable cable
- 90-degree swivel ear cups
- Natural sound reproduction
- Compact and portable
- Comfortable for continuous use
- Delicate plastic body
Yamaha HPH-50B are the best headphones for digital pianos, especially the Yamaha digital piano. The design is comfortable, allowing us to use the headphones for long periods.
Firstly, we love how the headphones can be adjusted, be it the headband or ear cups. The padding doesn’t get warm during prolonged use. While the headphones fit better on smaller heads, we didn’t have any issues with the over-ear fitting.
Secondly, the noise isolation is worth mentioning. The balanced sound reproduction felt good in the ears. We paid attention to the bass frequencies and are happy to confirm that the sound is rich and clear. The mids and high range also had the same clarity, if not the richness.
In conclusion, Yamaha HPH-50B are a budget-friendly model designed for beginners. Our kids loved using these when practicing their pianos. We are happy with the quality for the price, but sometimes the sound feels a little too thin. The cable is rather delicate, so be careful. However, it is detachable and 2 meters long. If only these had a mini jack! The rest is good enough.
View on Amazon: Yamaha HPH-50B Compact Closed-Back Headphones
3. Yamaha RH1C Portable Headphones
Best Portable Piano Headphones
- Lightweight and portable
- Has a 1/8-inch plug and ¼-inch adapter
- Frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Good value for the price
- Punchy bass and clean highs
- Excellent sound quality
- Sound feels like it is coming straight from the piano
- Noise isolation could have been better
Yamaha RH1C Portable Headphones are the best portable headphones for digital piano with an open-back design and a pocket-friendly price. The accurate sound output makes these a good choice for music artists.
Firstly, we tried the headphones with different musical instruments and found that they work well with pianos, keyboards, and the guitar. The open-back headphones design causes some sound to bleed, but that doesn’t affect the sound it produces.
Secondly, the frequency range is true to its word. We could feel the kick of the lower frequencies and enjoyed the distinct sounds of the highs without any sharpening or shrillness. Compared to Audio Technica, the headphones are more accurate even if they don’t have the additional depth.
In conclusion, the Yamaha RH1C Portable Headphones are comfortable for long periods and can be used anywhere. We carried them to different places and even played the piano on the train. We had no sense of discomfort or ear fatigue. That is a huge bonus, given the price of these budget headphones. The cable is long enough at 2.4 meters.
View on Amazon: Yamaha RH1C Portable Headphones
4. Tunical Over-Ear Headphones
Most Comfortable Piano Headphones
- More natural sound
- Accurate sound and frequency response
- Removable ear cups
- Versatile adapter
- Two detachable cables
- Extremely comfortable for continuous use
- Added comfort with circumaural design
- Good noise isolation
- Replaceable earpads
- Volume is a little low compared to other piano headphones on our list
Tunical Over-Ear Headphones are the most comfortable headphones for digital piano available for a pocket-friendly price. The premium build quality was a pleasant surprise. Moreover, the comfort delivered by these headphones is next level. The ear cups are extremely cushiony and we did not experience any sweating issues. The headband is lightweight and adjustable. All in all, we really liked these piano headphones as we could use them for hours together without any discomfort.
Firstly, these headphones can be easily used by audio professionals although they appear like entry-level models. We had one surprise after another with these headphones. The unboxing ritual was a delight. Then, we loved the high-quality sound they produced (after the break-in period).
Secondly, the headphones are travel-friendly. The leather pouch is sturdy enough to keep the headphones safe. Of course, we used these when practicing on the bus. We tried the straight and coiled cable just to see how the headphones feel. Needless to say, we are quite satisfied with the results.
In conclusion, the Tunical Over-Ear Headphones are solid headphones for digital piano and bock external noise if we increase the volume to full. The headphones are lightweight and feel secure on the head. The volume is a little low. We don’t like to increase it to full, but sometimes, that’s the only way to catch the low notes.
View on Amazon: Tunical Over-Ear Headphones
5. Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphones
Best Premium Piano Headphones
- Lightweight and portable
- Padded ear cushions
- Two detachable cables
- Impressive sound staging
- Durable and robust build
- Luxurious and premium-quality earpads covered with velour
- Built using premium components, such as highly efficient aluminum coils
- Sound isolation could have been better
- Not exactly suited for outdoor practice
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 599 SE are the best premium headphones for digital piano designed for audiophiles. The neutral sound signature delivers a high-quality sound output.
Firstly, the large oval ear cups and the ear cushions are so comfortable! We totally enjoyed wearing these headphones for long practice sessions. The headband is padded enough to keep it gentle on the skull.
Secondly, the headphones are really stable and have a neutral sound. The bass is just there, while the mids and highs are distinct. One issue we found is the lack of sound isolation. Just don’t use these in a noisy environment. The open-back headphones don’t offer noise isolation or block ambient noise.
Lastly, we’re categorized them as the most premium piano headphones for a reason. They’re built using high-quality internal (Aluminum voice coils) and external (plush ear pads and a solid headband) components.
Finally, the Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 599 SE Headphones are excellent headphones with smooth audio reproduction. The well-balanced sound makes these a great choice when playing a digital piano. The digital piano headphones feel nice and good, though we wouldn’t say no some bass boost. Despite a few minor flaws, we would gladly pick these headphones to use in the studios.
View on Amazon: Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphones
6. Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones
Piano Headphones With Best Sound
- Full-spectrum sound output
- Breathable ear cushions
- 12 Hz to 35 kHz frequency range
- Durable headband with padding
- Great highs and vocals
- Mild bass; balanced tones
- Extremely durable and sturdy
- Somewhat bulky and not travel-friendly
Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 offer the best sound for the digital pianos with warm and natural tones. The open-back headphones are wonderful for indoor (home studio use).
Firstly, we are in love with the design of these headphones. So, so comfortable and good despite the bulkiness! The build is sturdy, and we know this set will last for a long time. The moisture-wicking fabric on the ear pads is a huge plus.
Secondly, the open-back design really brings out the sound staging. The bass isn’t too emphatic, and neither are the highs. Everything is moderate and smooth. We know that bass lovers will want more bass notes, but it works for piano songs.
To conclude, Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 are great digital piano headphones for professionals and are worth the price. Audiophiles will love these headphones, though we recommend using these when indoors. The lack of noise isolation can be an issue when practicing the piano outside. Don’t let that stop you from investing in these premium headphones. We are more than happy with the results.
View on Amazon: Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones
Frequently Asked Questions About Piano Headphones
Yes. Most digital pianos today have a headphone jack to plug in your headphones. Acoustic pianos doesn’t usually have this feature.
For wired headphones, you just have to insert the pin into the headphone jack. You don’t need to use any adapter in most instances. The jack should fit perfectly in the piano slot provided for the connection.
For wireless Bluetooth connectivity, you need to press the headphone button on the digital piano and wait for the LED light. Then press the pairing button to pair the headphones with the piano. Detailed instructions will be provided with the wireless headphones package.
No. Gaming headphones are not suitable for pianos. Pianos require a balanced audio profile which is not offered by gaming headphones.
Final Words
We hope have the necessary information to invest in a worthy piano headphone that suits your needs. If you ask us to choose one pair, we would recommend Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones for their closed-back design and affordability. We also recommend Tunical Over-Ear Headphones for their comfortable design and Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones for the premium quality and performance.
However, we suggest you take your time to go through the various options and choose the headphones that cater to your requirements. Connect the headphones to your piano and play as long as you want without any disturbance. The piano sound won’t reach anyone.
Got any questions? Wish to share your personal experiences with headphones? Drop a comment below!
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