Perhaps you own a digital piano and enjoy playing it, but you’re upset since your neighbors are complaining about the noise. Well, indeed, digital pianos tend to get loud.
Don’t worry, there’s a way around that, you can still play your digital piano in peace.
Digital pianos, unlike acoustic pianos, have a headphone jack.
What does it have to do with you?
Well, that means you can get a pair of headphones and play your precious digital piano without being interrupted.
Getting a pair of decent headphones will reward you in many ways. Not only won’t you make any noise, but they will also provide you with a far greater experience, playing your digital piano will be fun and a breeze. Oh also, your neighbors and pets will thank you.
For professionals, digital piano headphones selection might be just as important as the digital piano selection.
In today’s article, I’ll go through the best digital piano headphones you can buy for your digital piano.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | 9.7 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Budget  | 9.5 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Portable  | 8.5 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Value  | 8.8 | Check Latest Price | |
Best For Critical Listening  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Open Back  | 8.2 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Closed-back  | 8 | Check Latest Price | |
Best for Yamaha  | 7.7 | Check Latest Price |
Top 8 Best Headphones For Digital Piano
8. Yamaha HPH-50B – Best For Yamaha Digital Piano
Key Specifications
⦁ Type: Closed-back
⦁ Driver size (mm): 38
⦁ Sensitivity(dB): 103
⦁ Impedance(Ω): 35
⦁ Frequency Response(Hz): 20 – 20,000
⦁ Length of cable: 1.9m
⦁ Weight:4.6 ounces
As the name supplies, the title that I chose for these headphones, already tells that they are great ones! If you already own a Yamaha digital piano, then what could be better than Yamaha headphones! The Yamaha HPH-50B are amazing closed-back headphones that would work great, no doubt that these are among the best headphones for digital piano.
These Yamaha over ear headphones have a very simple design, by simple, I mean that the headphones are just as they should be, because we need them for piano. They come in two colors which are black and white.
With a weight of just 4.6 ounces, the headphones can be easily used whenever and how much you want. The headband allows adjustments and can be swiveled to fit, and the earcups are very fluffy on the inside part for no irritation in any way.
As per the audio quality, these headphones are considered professional when it comes to musical instruments! Why is that so? They bring and deliver to you a quite good quality of sound in general, while the bass and treble are very well-balanced, so yeah a neutral sound.
The frequency response that Yamaha HPH-50B headphones work at is from 20Hz up to 20kHz. Based on the frequency response that the headphones work, you will have a detailed sound when you use them with your digital piano, plus the ear cups provide a great sound isolation so that there is no bothering from the outside world.
Connectivity in these wired headphones is also by a cable. They include a 3.5mm stereo plug that can be easily connected with a wide range of instruments and also any other devices that you may own.
- Extremely cheap
- Good sound quality for the price
- Earpads can isolate some ambient noise
- Lightweight and Portable
- Cable Management
- Just a pair of budget headphones, don't expect cutting-edge technology
Why Should You Buy It?
The Yamaha HPH-50B Compact Stereo Headphones are affordable entry-level headphones with high-quality sound and carefully balanced bass and treble that are suitable for a wide range of uses, including listening to music, watching movies, and practicing an instrument (especially the piano), and much more. Don’t pass up this opportunity if your digital piano is a Yamaha.
7. Sennheiser HD 300 – Best Closed Back Headphones
Key Specifications
⦁ Type: Closed-back dynamic
⦁ Sensitivity(dB): 118 dB
⦁ Impedance(Ω): 18
⦁ Frequency Response(Hz): 18 – 20.000 Hz
⦁ Length of cable: 135 cm
⦁ Weight:182 g
When it comes to finding the best headphones for digital piano, Sennheiser is a name that will be there.
Sennheiser always has great choices for whatever types of headphones you need. That’s why, in this article, you will encounter two names of headphones from Sennheiser. The Sennheiser HD300 are great closed back headphones that can be easily used with your digital piano.
The Sennheiser HD 300 headphones own a minimalist design that makes them very good-looking in many ways. The color that they come in is black and they are made of durable materials, making these headphones stay longer with you.
Being lightweight of only 6.4 ounces the headphones promise portability.
The portability is also included in the fact that the headband of these headphones is foldable! The ear cups, on the other hand, are padded, and they provide comfort even in long sessions of usage.
The audio quality of the Sennheiser HD 300 headphones is also a great thing! The sound is very accurate and clear, as well as it is smooth in many ways. The frequency response that the headphones work at is from 18Hz up to 20kHz.
The bass is super solid and these headphones, based on their design, are great with noise isolation. The ear cups fully reduce the ambient sound so that the experience while using these headphones with your piano will be greater than ever.
The Sennheiser HD 300 headphones are wired, and to get connected with your piano you should just plug in their single-sided cable and the 3.55mm plug onto your piano and you are more than ready to go!
- Cost Effective
- Attractive Looks
- Good sound quality for the price
- Great Closed Back Design that Isolates the outside noise.
- Lightweight and Portable
- Feels Cheap
- There is a better and newer version
- Only good for Digital Piano use
Why Should You Buy It?
A compact, closed-back, around-the-ear headset with robust bass and smooth frequency response, the HD 300 minimizes outside noise and has A foldable headband that offers easy portability and storage when not in use.
6. Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR – Best Open Back Headphones
Key Specifications
⦁ Type: Open back
⦁ Driver size (mm): 50
⦁ Sensitivity(dB): 100
⦁ Impedance(Ω): 30
⦁ Frequency Response(Hz): 5 – 40,000
⦁ Length of cable: 3 m
⦁ Weight:380 g
Philips Fidelio series is Philips’ most famous thing. There are many headphones that own the name Philips Fidelio, but when it comes to Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR, they are really one of a kind. As titled, they are open back headphones, and let me say that as open back headphones they bring the best!
Weighing only 13.4 ounces, the headphones are comfortable and usable for long periods of time. The headband is fully adjustable and very comfortable, it owns a 3D mesh hammock and also includes leather on the outer part.
The ear cups on the other hand include memory foam material, making them super comfortable while over your ears, and also the material is fully breathable so that there is no irritation on your ears. They come in black color and they look really cool.
I was really surprised by the audio quality while testing these headphones! The sound is very smooth and detailed in many ways of listening. When connected with a piano you can clearly notice the clarity of any note that you type on it. You will be hard pressed to find headphones with more neutral sound than those.
The highs, mids, and lows are greatly balanced together and the details are quite precise. Even though they are open-back headphones, the Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR headphones keep out the ambient noise that may bother you, and that’s an amazing unexpected feature. They do as much as they can in this field, I am not going to lie, they still remain open back so yeah, sound leakage is something you should expect.
To avoid sound leakage, I would advise utilizing them in quiet environments.
The wired connectivity is present on these headphones too. They can be connected via the 3.5mm detachable cable which is oxygen-free and it can be connected with any type of piano, other instruments, as well as any device that you may own.
- Among the best Open Back headphones
- Really Comfortable
- Looking Premium and Quite Robust
- Reasonably Priced
- A really balanced sound profile that is great for Digital Piano Monitoring.
- Design that is bulky.
- Poor noise isolation and leakage performance are the results of an open back design.
Why Should You Buy It?
The Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones feature a very well-balanced sound, making them perfect for listening to music with neutral tones thanks to their neutral sound signature. They also don’t have much low bass, but open-back headphones normally don’t have much bass either. I would advise purchasing them if you prefer open backs over closed backs if you plan to use them professionally or for studio monitoring, or for any other purpose. The sound leakage can be bothersome for many people.
5. AKG K240 MK II – Best For Critical Listening
Key Specifications
⦁ Type: Semi-Open
⦁ Driver size (mm): 30
⦁ Sensitivity(dB): 104
⦁ Impedance(Ω): 55
⦁ Frequency Response(Hz): 15 – 25,000
⦁ Length of cable: 3 and 5 m
⦁ Weight:240 g
Starting with a pair of headphones that have topped the charts for over 30 years,if they are on top of pretty much every chart, they sure will be among best headphones for digital piano too.
The AKG 240 are AKG’s iconic headphones when it comes to studio monitoring. The AKG K240 MKII are their successor and they also don’t compromise when it comes to audio quality, just like their bigger brother.
The AKG K240 MKII are audiophile-grade semi-open circumaural headphones, that offer a lot of value to the table, be it sound-wise or design-wise.
Leatherette and velvet earpads are included, as well as a self-adjusting headband. All of this comes together to create outstanding comfort.
They are remarkably identical to their predecessors in design, with the distinction that the latter has white lines around the ear cups, rather than the iconic gold.
However, I can’t sugarcoat them even If I wanted to, the durability is not there.
They produce a precise and detailed sound signature with powerful bass, thanks to unique Varimotion technology and extra-large transducers. Being professional headphones, we can bill them as neutral sound headphones too.
- Great Design
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Great For Monitoring
- Great Sound Quality
- Bleeding and Leakage due to its construction
- Ambient Noise can interfere
Why Should You Buy It?
I would highly recommend you to buy those headphones if you are an audiophile, or a professional since they are meant mostly for critical listening.
4. Sennheiser HD 280 – Best Portable
Key Specifications
⦁ Type: Closed-Back/Over-Ear
⦁ Driver size (mm): 40
⦁ Sensitivity(dB): 113
⦁ Impedance(Ω): 64
⦁ Frequency Response(Hz): 8 – 25,000
⦁ Length of cable: 1.3 m
⦁ Weight:285 g
Sennheiser has wowed the audiophile community with its high-quality headphones for years now. But they truly got the nail on the head with their HD 280 Pro.
The HD 280 Pro are a pair of closed-back monitor headphones from Sennheiser that feature a collapsible design with swiveling ear cups.
Design-wise, they look unique but still remain bulky and made out of plastic. There’s nothing spectacular here, but what does one expect from a pair of low-cost studio monitor headphones?
If we wanted a premium metal design from Sennheiser, it would feel like robbing them.
Why am I making this statement?
The audio quality provided by such headphones is just incredible. There isn’t a single audiophile who hasn’t been impressed by their sound.
The sound is nicely balanced, with the deep bass not being overemphasized as it would be with a pair of normal headphones. Overall they sound good across all the ranges, so there’s nothing to worry about audio quality; no wonder those are a pair of well-known headphones.
Furthermore, they perform admirably in terms of passive noise canceling. The HD 280 pro uses a pretty strong clamping force to isolate noise from outside, although the pressure can often cause headaches.
- Solid construction
- The sound is neutral
- Comfortable
- Neutral frequency response
- At the low end, poor adaptability
- No detachable cable
- Bulky, unsteady design
Why Should You Buy It?
They are pretty much back-to-back rivals with the AKGs mentioned above, both are meant for studio work and audiophiles, just the Sennheisers come in more portable and have a less durable design. Overall as I said they are decently comfortable and sound really good, also they make traveling a breeze thanks to the folding system.
3. Audio Technica ATH-M50X – Best Value
Key Specifications
⦁ Type: Closed-back dynamic
⦁ Driver size (mm): 45
⦁ Sensitivity(dB): 99
⦁ Impedance(Ω): 38
⦁ Frequency Response(Hz): 15 – 28,000
⦁ Length of cable: 1.2 m and 3.0 m
⦁ Weight:285 g
Whatever I say about those headphones, is not enough; the value they deliver at this price point is absolutely unrivaled.
For years, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x has been a favorite among audio enthusiasts, you will hear and see the name of those speakers on every single forum that has to do with audio gadgets.
They use a circumaural design to encircle the ears and provide great sound isolation. The headband and earpads are comprised of high-quality materials for comfort and durability.
However, they are nothing flashy. Audio Technica decided to keep things simple and professional.
The ear cups may also be folded and swiveled to 90 degrees for easy traveling.
Overall, they have a fantastic sound signature, something you would expect from Audio Technica. They have a pleasant tone with excellent bass and treble responsiveness. The voice and instruments have a lot of texture to them and are well separated.
- Unbeatable Value
- Solid Design
- Punchy Bass
- No Compromise when it comes to sound quality
- Made out of plastic
- Bass can bee too much sometimes
Why Should You Buy It?
The Audio Technica ATH-M50X pretty much check all the boxes for everything you would need, whether it’s for daily listening, professional work, or even your digital pianos.
2. Panasonic RP-HT161M – Best Budget
Key Specifications
⦁ Type: Over-Ear, Closed-Back
⦁ Driver size (mm): 30
⦁ Sensitivity(dB): 98
⦁ Impedance(Ω): 32
⦁ Frequency Response(Hz): 10 – 27,000
⦁ Length of cable: 2m
⦁ Weight:91 g
I believe that there is a solution for almost everything. Even if you spent all of your money on your digital piano, you can still buy a pair of headphones with some extra saved cash.
No, they’re not a pair from some unknown brand that sounds terrible; instead, they’re from Panasonic and come at a very low price.
So, if you’re not an audiophile, instead you simply want a pair of headphones that are inexpensive, the Panasonic RP-HT161-K will be your companion during those digital piano times.
Design-wise, Panasonic took a simple approach, with a matte black finish and comfy ear cups that can also help with noise isolation.
Yes, they do feel cheap, but that is to be expected at this price point.
The audio quality is fair across all frequency ranges; the bass is well-defined, the mid-ranges are clear, and the trebles are adequate.
- Extremely cheap
- Good sound quality for the price
- Earpads can isolate some ambient noise
- Lightweight and Portable
- Cable Management
- Just a pair of budget headphones, don't expect cutting-edge technology
Why Should You Buy It?
I really like those headphones, especially how life-saving they can be for people who are on a budget. As previously stated, if you are not prepared to spend a lot of money, don’t hesitate to grab those headphones. Moreover, they are really portable you can just toss them in your backpack and go on journeys with your digital piano.
1. Sony MDR-7506 – Best Overall
Key Specifications
⦁ Type: Dynamic, closed
⦁ Driver size (mm): 40
⦁ Sensitivity(dB): 106
⦁ Impedance(Ω): 63
⦁ Frequency Response(Hz): 10 – 20,000
⦁ Length of cable: 3m
⦁ Weight:230 g
First released in 1991, they are still making the rounds on different lists that were written in 2022.
You guessed it, that’s none other than the famous Sony MDR-7506.
Since its introduction, the Sony MDR7506 has been a steady presence in the audio world.
The truth is that a product does not achieve this degree of popularity and longevity by accident, right?
Despite their outmoded and unfashionable appearance, they are splendid headphones that sound really good, especially for someone who plays digital piano.
Don’t let the outdated and plastic design lie to you, the MDR-7506 is really built like a tank. The headband is wide enough to suit most heads without being overly tight. The ear cups are well-padded and will not irritate your ears.
Furthermore, they provide excellent sound isolation.
They are billed for studio use, which means they are not overly boosted on high or low frequencies. They are perceptually neutral and sit perfectly at a balanced frequency, which is ideal for musicians and audio engineers.
So yeah, they sound really good, once you put them on, there’s no going back.
- Sound incredibly clear
- Strong cable
- Affordable
- Excellent sound for mixing
- The coiled cable is quite heavy.
- Plastic construction
- With long use, the pads generate heat in the ears
Why Should You Buy It?
The MDR 7506 is a popular choice among digital piano players and I can see why. Although, I wouldn’t recommend them for daily use; they won’t be as good if you listen to Spotify.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Headphones
We think of headphones as a device that allows us to listen to music. True, but headphones have a much more complicated nature, and you need to think about a few factors before purchasing a pair.
What works for someone else won’t suit you or vice versa. Since this is the case with the best headphones for digital pianos, I’ll try to be as clear as possible on what you need to know when buying a pair of headphones for digital piano.
Wired Vs Wireless
These days, wireless technology is taking the world by storm.
Although one thing is certain: they will never be able to match the audio quality of a wired system, at least not for a few decades.
As I mentioned above, new digital pianos come with a headphone jack. Newer ones even have cutting-edge features like Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can even use wireless headphones on them. A few years ago, this was just a pipe dream.
Anyway, you’ve probably noticed that there are no Bluetooth headphones on the list.
That’s because I thought it would be pointless. You will be chained to your piano anyway, so what’s the point?
Aside from that, wired headphones are less expensive and produce superior sound, in contrast to Bluetooth headphones.
If you want to learn more about Wired vs. Wireless, I published a blog specifically about it, so be sure to read it.
Closed-Back Headphones Vs. Open-Back Headphones
This is a tricky matter because both types have advantages and disadvantages, and it comes down to personal preference and the nature of why you require headphones.
Let’s break through both types.
Closed-Back Headphones
The ability to passively isolate noise is what makes those headphones so good.
They have an outside coating that prevents air from getting to the cups, indicating that they are sealed. However, that has a disadvantage.
However, that has a disadvantage.
Nevertheless, if you can’t take loud surroundings and want more bass and a better sound solely for your ears, those types of headphones are the way to go.
Open-Back Headphones
I assume this is due to their bleeding and sound leakage, as they are unable to isolate the air as well as closed-back headphones.
The headphone cups allow air and sound to freely flow in and out. As a result, all outside noises will come in loud and clear.
That means you won’t be able to hear your guilty-pleasure music, which I’m guessing is Gunther-Ding Dong, everyone else will be able to hear it.
On the bright side, this is a plus on some occasions because you are aware of your surroundings and can tell what is happening.
What amazes me, though, is that such headphones remain a favorite among many audiophiles due to their ability to produce good sound quality.
Note, Earbuds.
Some of you may disagree, but I don’t think earbuds or in-ear headphones belong here. In most situations, they aren’t the best for musical instruments and they don’t seem to capture the dynamics of a digital piano as well as they should, which is why I didn’t include them. However, I’m not going to prohibit you from using them, a lot of people do so.
Sound Quality and Performance
If you offer a regular person an excellent pair of headphones, he will say, “Wow, those sound great.”
If you give it to an audiophile, he’ll start talking in numbers.
What I mean by this is that audiophiles won’t be satisfied with just “good sounding” headphones; instead, they’ll look at more details, such as Driver Type and Size, Sensitivity, Impedance, Frequency Response, and more specifications.
That doesn’t stop there; they will also try to find the sound signature of the headphones and at what range they exceed the most.
So yes, sound quality is the key thing that you should seek in every pair of headphones, not just the ones for a digital piano.
Headphones with a neutral, well-balanced sound profile and an even frequency response are best for piano sounds.
Anything with too much bass that is mostly used by DJs should be avoided.
Design/Comfort and Durability
In terms of importance, design is second only to sound quality.
Although there are certain instances where design is more important, such as with vintage headphones, which are purchased primarily for their coolish nostalgic design.
Regardless, it does not specify that the headphones must only be fashionable; they must also be comfy and long-lasting.
You’ll be wearing them for a long period, so you want them to be as comfortable as possible. Anything that would be harsh on your ears should be avoided.
They should be able to withstand a few bumps in terms of durability. I’m not suggesting they be as tough as a tank, but they should be able to take a hit or two.
Note
Please keep in mind that what is comfortable for someone else may not be comfortable for you; different people have different head and ear sizes. If a headphone has proven to be pleasant for a group of people, chances are it will be comfortable for you as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are digital pianos as good as real pianos?
In general, digital pianos are more oriented in a modern, electronic way, meaning they are much more versatile, but at the same time, they are also more comfortable. What separates them from traditional pianos is simply their versatility.
Do I need special headphones for a piano?
There is not a definite rule that you need special headphones to use with a piano. However, you should always go for those types of headphones that offer or bring a well-balanced sound and also combined with even frequency response. If you use your piano in a quiet place, then open-back headphones, are the types that I would recommend to you. They allow a little bit of breathing and a little bit of sound leakage that won’t bother anyone. But, in case you live in a noisier place, then choose closed-back headphones to not bother other people at all.
Another thing you should consider is ear sensitivity. Can your ears handle loud volumes for longer periods of time? If not, i would recommend you get a pair of headphones for sensitive ears.
Can I use wireless headphones for my digital piano?
Yes, as long as the piano has Bluetooth capabilities. However, as previously said, it is not suggested. Be it wired or wireless, it is pretty much the same thing. You will be seated in front of the piano anyway.
How do put headphones on a piano?
Putting in headphones on a piano is probably the easiest thing possible. Just as mentioned, in the introduction part, most pianos come with a headphone jack and that is the way of connecting your headphones to your piano. Plug the cable in and you are more than ready to go.
Can I use noise-canceling headphones?
You can definitely use them! When using a piano you don’t want to be bothered and you don’t want any distraction from the place that surrounds you. That’s why choosing noise-canceling headphones won’t cause you any problem.
What is the standard size of a digital piano’s headphone jack?
I think that you won’t have a problem finding the prominent 3.5 mm, in almost all digital pianos.
How do I know which size of audio jack my digital piano has?
The most obvious way to tell which audio jack size your digital piano has is the name itself of the audio jack, be it 2.5mm, 3.5mm, or 6.3.5mm.
Can I use old headphones with the digital piano?
Yes, you sure can, the Sony’s mentioned above were first released in 1991.
Final Words
You’ve probably noticed that the list I put together largely includes headphones that work very well for studio work while also being cost-effective.
Why is that?
When I was doing my research, I kept in mind that you wouldn’t need a pair of high-end headphones that would seriously break your bank; instead, you want something comfortable that sounds decent.
There’s something for everyone in my selection of digital piano headphones since the headphones reviewed can be used for a variety of purposes.
So do not hesitate to invest in a set of headphones that offer tons of versatility. Sooner or later, they will come to use.
Further Reading
I bet that you liked the digital piano headphones, how about some further reading?
I’ve written several intriguing blogs, like why do most new phones remove the headphone jack and can headphones cause hair loss.
If you want to read more about headphones, I wrote an article about the top headphones for EDM and Hardstyle.
I guess, electronic music is not your thing? No worries, there are some amazing rock headphones you can check out.
For our old souls out there, I have a list of some excellent vinyl headphones.
It doesn’t end there; there are several listings of floor-standing speakers as well. There’s one for under $300, one for under $500, and one for under $2000 for the wealthy.
It was a pain for me to find the right headphones to wear with my glasses, so to make things easier for you, I rounded up a list of some excellent headphones for people with glasses.
This concludes today’s discussion; hopefully, everything was clear and I was able to provide you with some further information about headphones and audio devices in general.
Audio Engineer
You’ll never find anyone more passionate about audio as me. I love to share my knowledge with others and help people find the right equipment for them.
