This buying guide is designed to assist you in your quest for the best headphones for a digital piano or keyboard, and includes reviews of the top 10 best quality digital piano headphones.
Digital piano headphones are basic accessories of a digital piano or keyboard. They enable you to enjoy listening to your own practicing without disturbing people around and in privacy, knowing you won’t be judged if you hit the wrong note.
It is important to spend some time researching the best headphones for digital pianos to ensure you choose something suitable for your needs.
People who aspire to become expert piano players must spend more time practicing and learning new skills. In most cases, those who have real passion to play the instrument, stay awake at night just to practice.
If you like to play on-the-go, or share a home with others and don’t want them to hear you, there are few things to consider when deciding which headphones to go for.
- To block out noise from elsewhere, opt fo over-ear pair of headphones (this is discussed later). There is a choice between open-back over-ear headphones, or closed-back over-ear headphones, which we will explain below.
- Choose headphones which are compatible with your digital piano’s output to ensure you don’t end up having to purchase adapters.
Some people don’t know the difference and can end up with low-quality headphones or cheap earbuds, instead of high-end headphones. Better quality options can provide superior sound and comfortable design even in longer practice sessions.
A good quality, noise cancelling headphone will capture the smallest difference in sound, and are more immersive than listening through the piano speakers.
Top 10 Best Digital Piano / Keyboard Headphones for 2023
We’ve tested several top-rated and entry-level headphones, and picked 10 of them that best met our standard requirements.
Here are the 10 best headphones for digital piano 2023:
- Sony MDR-7506
- Sennheiser HD 598
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
- Beyerdynamic DT 880
- Yamaha HPH-50B
- Yamaha PRO 500
- Tascam TH-02
- V-Moda Crossfade M-100
- Philips Fidelio M2BT
Sony MDR-7506
Sony MDR-7506 are high-end, industry standard headphones for audio professionals. You can purchase a set for around $100, but the quality of sound equals that of a $200 headphone.
As a closed-back headphone, the MDR-7506 is not always comfortable when worn for a long time. They can be uncomfortable when used in long stretches. That said, the ear cups are movable, and the headband can be adjusted to make it a perfect fit for you own head size.
This headphone can reproduce audio accurately without adding any color to it. It has a neutral sound quality which allow all kinds of instrument sounds to be reproduced naturally, this is perfect for piano sounds.
MDR-7506 has a low-to-no sound bleed. The volume of sound would need to be very high for people nearby to hear the music you’re listening to.
- Sound is detailed and neutral.
- Low sound bleed.
- Decent sound isolation.
- May not be comfortable when worn for a long time.
Sony MDR-7506 headphones recreate instrument sounds well. They are suitable for entry-level and professional level keyboard players.
Sennheiser HD 598
Sennheiser HD 598 is an excellent, good quality digital piano headphone that will give you value for your money. It is an open-back headphone that gives so much comfort and excellent sound quality. The price is high, but this is due to the excellent quality.
Apart from the excellent sound, it has a clear soundstage and a very unique design.
The HD 598 is flexible and made of plastic material. It has a detachable cord connected to the cup of the left ear and the build quality is very sturdy. For an open-ear headphone the bass is pretty good, too.
- Good sound quality.
- Large ear cups gives comfort.
- Decent bass replication.
- Bulky and not super portable.
- Low noise isolation.
Sennheiser HD 598 headphones are perfect for professional pianists. If you need a precise and accurate sound reproduction while practicing then this model is worth considering.
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
This digital piano headphone gives an exceptional quality of sound with exceptional noise isolation. It is well-built with high-quality materials to recreate the sound to a good level.
You won’t be disappointed with the frequency range offered by this audio device. High and low notes are equally clear and crisp.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40X is a model which offers swiveling ear cups. This makes it possible for one-ear monitoring if you need to listen to what else is happening in the room.
It has several outstanding features to include high-grade ear pad, removable cables, solid construction, durability, and comfort.
Although, this headphone has a narrow and less airy soundstage, but its sound is detailed and precise. It has a low sound leakage, and people around you can only hear the music you play if the volume is increased to its maximum level.
- Low leakage of sound.
- Sturdy construction.
- Has a neutral sound signature.
- Suitable for outdoor use or professional studios.
- Narrow soundstage.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40X is suitable for piano sessions in a professional studio, and could also be used in the home by digital piano learners.
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X offers a good level of comfort, with a natural listening experience. It is lightweight is due to the honeycomb aluminum design.
The open-back design gives comfort, and doesn’t give unwanted pressure around the ears due to a prolonged usage. It also has a gold-plated stereo adapter.
The ATH-AD700X is one of the best budget headphones for digital keyboards. It falls within the range of $100, which is a good price considering the fact it provides a clear and detailed sound. This headphone offers open and airy sound aided by Bobbin-wound voice coils and 53mm drivers.
The sound emanating from it is well-balanced and neutral. It has less bass production than some of its competitors, but this is fine for an electric keyboard sound. Some have criticized the high end, and the treble is not clear and well-balanced compared to the other frequencies.
It is worthy of note that this headphone has an adjustable 3D wing support which prevents the headphone from falling, keeping it snugly up against the side of your head. The ear cup is well-padded to reduce discomfort on the head even after several hours of usage.
- Clear and well-detailed sound.
- Fits comfortably.
- Wide frequency range.
- Poor sound isolation.
- It’s bulky.
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X open-back headphone has a very poor noise isolation and leaks a lot of sound. Not suitable for use in public places but perfect for home use.
Beyerdynamic DT 880
Beyerdynamic is a brand founded in the 19th century in Germany, and has been manufacturing high-grade audio accessories and equipment ever since, including microphones and headphones.
The DT 880 is a semi-open back headphone which isolates noise pretty well, and only leaks a small amount of sound if being played loud.
They are available in three versions: 32, 250, and 600 Ohms. I strongly recommend the 32 Ohm version, because it is designed to work perfectly with consumer grade equipment like the digital pianos.
It is well-built. The headband is made of sturdy yet flexible metal which is comfortably concealed in a soft leather.
The sound from this headphone is good quality and lives up to the Beyerdynamic brand reputation, and it could be used for all kinds of genres, because of its high accuracy.
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 headphone is one of the best headphones sold below the $300 price point.
- Clear and detailed sound.
- Replaceable earpads.
- Soft earpads for comfort.
- Open and airy soundstage.
- Sound leakage is high.
- It’s bulky.
- Non-removable cable.
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 headphones are well built, making them long-lasting and durable.
Yamaha HPH-50B
The HPH-50B is an entry-level, simple, and compact headphone that offer value for money. If you want to enjoy a high-level audio quality, then the Yamaha HPH-50B compact headphone is the best choice on a budget.
Whether it’s a playback of your recorded audio or monitoring of your live performance, this headphone will give you a well-detailed and clear sound. It is a noise cancelling headphone which reduces background noise.
To give a perfect fit around the ears, its length can be adjusted smoothly to make sure the headband matches your head size. The Swivel mechanism in the headphone makes this 90 degrees rotation possible. Also, it can be used for a longtime comfortably without building up pressure around the ears.
- Lightweight.
- Good sound quality.
- Comfortable to wear for a longtime.
- Value for money.
- Good noise isolation.
- Not always a perfect fit for people with large heads.
The Yamaha HPH-50B is an entry-level headphone with a professional grade sound quality. If you want to listen to a superb sound with headphones without spending a fortune, then these could fit the bill.
Yamaha PRO 500
The Yamaha PRO500 headphones are meant for people who do not compromise. It has a steel reinforced headband, with a spacious and soft earpad, to give maximum comfort.
It offers an extraordinary sound with a clear and detailed output. The bass is very powerful, and reproduces any music style. This headphone features strong drivers encased in non-rigid aluminum alloy ear cups, to give a well-rounded sound.
The cup shape of the Yamaha PRO 500 offers excellent noise isolation, while the ear cushion is well-padded to ensure comfort. There are no distortion of sounds even at high volumes, and it provides a rich depth to the sound. It may be overkill for home practice, but it certainly has a professional feel.
As the largest manufacturer of musical instruments in the world, and the choice of several professionals in music, Yamaha understands how to recreate your music for the best output, so that the studio sound experience can be enjoyed anywhere.
- Precise sound reproduction.
- Very powerful bass.
- Comfortable.
- Very expensive.
The Yamaha PRO 500 is the best headphone for Yamaha digital pianos, and it’s suitable for people who go for the top-end audio products. It is expensive, so perhaps it is best suited to people who will use the headphones for producing and mixing music as well as piano and keyboard.
Tascam TH-02
The TH-02 offers a well-balanced sound quality and optimal voice frequency at a reasonable, mid-range price. One of the biggest selling points is that the Tascam TH-02 has a foldable design which makes it even more portable.
This headphone is highly sensitive, and produces a clarity of sound with response frequency that suits piano sounds as well as other instrumentation.
- Compact and foldable design.
- Offers a balanced sound suitable for multiple instruments.
- Well-padded headband and plush ear pads provide comfort.
- Not durable and has been known to break due to the folding mechanism.
This headphone is mostly used in professional performing or recording studios. They provide clear sounds, and are suitable for use as closed-back headphones for digital pianos.
V-Moda Crossfade M-100
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 is a good choice of digital piano headphones with an extremely wide frequency response of 5 to 30,000Hz (that’s even more than the human range of hearing). It gives a clear and good quality sound with optimal performance for piano playing.
This audio accessory produces clear audio at all frequencies thanks to the trademark M-class sound signature. A three dimensional soundstage is also produced to replicate the experience of a live performance.
Although, they are expensive, the quality of sound is outstanding. They’re a good choice for people who also want to use them to produce and record music. For this reason, it is considered as a choice for professional pianists and producers.
- M-class sound signature creates 3D sound.
- Huge frequency response.
- Solid construction.
- Better noise isolation.
- Many have reported the cord as being too short, and it is not detachable or easily replaceable.
This over-ear noise isolation digital piano headphone is suitable for beginners, intermediate, and professional keyboard players. If you’re a casual player, the features may be overkill, but if you have the money to spend, the V-Moda is a good option.
Philips Fidelio M2BT
The Philips Fidelio bluetooth headphones for digital piano offers a high definition sound with wireless connectivity. It has intuitive buttons embedded on the earshell which makes it easy to switch between devices.
This closed-back headphone features a bass system which enriches the bass frequencies. The air vent regulates pressure that builds up within the inner chamber, and provides a conducive environment to the diaphragm for optimal response at lower frequencies.
This Fidelio wireless headphones has an acoustic seal embedded in the inner chamber, which prevents all leakage of sounds and ensure it doesn’t bleed out of the headphones.
This headphone is good for comfort coupled with a great sound performance. You may change your mind from using wired headphones once you’ve tested the features of this cordless device, which is the best digital piano wireless headphone on the market.
- Simple user-interface buttons.
- Can be worn for a long time comfortably.
- No sound leakage.
- Reliable bluetooth connection.
- Build quality could be better.
Are you in search of the best digital piano wireless headphone? If yes, then consider this pair of wireless headphone with a high definition sound and maximum comfort.
How to Choose the Right Headphone Model for Your Instrument
Different types of headphones are available on the market including over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, and earbud headphones. The best types used for digital pianos are the over-ear headphones which exist in two forms: Closed-back and Open-back over-ear headphones.
Closed-back Over-ear Headphones
This is the most popular headphone style. It can be found at virtually any music or electronic store.
The style consists of a sturdy outer shell which blocks air from passing, thereby producing a more powerful and deep bass with excellent noise isolation. The solid outer shell also acts as prevention for music ‘bleeding out’ into the surroundings, which will help avoid disturbing others.
This is the style of headphone which is used by DJs to ensure they can monitor what is happening in spite of other audio surrounding them.
- Noise isolation.
- Good for noisy environments.
- Usually better bass response.
- May be uncomfortable if used for a longtime.
- Can be louder on the ears and make your eardrums tired.
Open-back Over-ear Headphones
The main disadvantage of this headphone is lack of noise isolation. This is why it’s not suitable for casual use, although some musicians still prefer it, because it provides a natural sound.
This headphone style will allow sound and air to pass through the cups in and out, so that you can hear some sounds from the environment around.
- Able to be worn comfortably for long periods.
- More natural sound which isn’t as tiring on the ears.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Bass is not always as loud and punchy.
What Are the Best Piano Headphones to Purchase?
All headphones designed for digital piano come with their strengths and weaknesses. There are some qualities that makes one preferred to another, and you should think about the environment you will be playing in. For sound isolation, it means that, a high-end headphone must have the ability to block-off outside sound.
A quality headphone can interact acoustically with the environment. It may be able to produce a large, accurate, and clear soundstage, and in doing so, replicate the sound of stereo speakers.
Sound leakage from headphones will normally depend on the back design of the headphone, whether it’s open or closed back design. Open-back headphones tend to allow for the sound to be more audible by others in the room.
What to Look for In a Headphone for Digital Piano?
There are a few buying tips to consider when purchasing headphones for a digital piano.
Choose Over-ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are better than the in-ear types also called earbuds. This is due to the fact that, the over-ear headphones provide better quality of sound with noise cancellation compared to earbuds.
Soundstage Is Important
Soundstage is how the device recreates the audio to give an output that is close to the source of the audio. It contributes to the audio quality that people tend to ignore.
The name ‘Soundstage’ is from the stage performance, where there is a difference between the source audio and the resounding audio. Although it may be difficult to gauge this function in a pair of headphones, but you’ll be able to know the level of adjustment of the audio quality.
A good quality digital piano headphone must have a well-adjusted soundstage to give an immersive experience.
Consider What You Need the Headphone for
Your reason for purchasing a pair of headphones for a digital keyboard, determines the type of headphones you may want to buy.
If you’re in a noisy environment, and you want a pair of headphones that will give you peace from such disturbance, then you should go for a headphone with a closed-back.
If you’re an advanced piano player looking for a headphone that will pick any subtle nuance in your performance, then a high-end pair of headphone with precise and clear audio should be purchased.
Decide on what you hope to get from the headphones first, then narrow your search accordingly.
Comfort
Although the quality of sound is important, comfort is also vital for headphones. If you’ll be wearing the headphone for a long time, then comfort cannot be overlooked.
Most people don’t realise that ears can get tired and if you listen to loud sounds for a long time on poor quality headphones it is likely that your eardrums will start to suffer.
Unfortunately, several headphones with good quality sounds are uncomfortable to the user.
A good brand of headphone should focus on both comfort and audio quality. So you should concentrate on both when making your choice.
Quality is Paramount
If you’re serious about playing the piano, then look for a pair of headphones that will give you a reliable reproduction of the music played.
No matter what your budget is, there are suitable digital keyboard headphones on the market. Be sure to read through customers reviews of different devices.
Conclusion
You can master piano far more quickly and easily with a reliable listening device which offers a high sound quality, and is comfortable for use over a long period of time.
A noise cancellation feature will give you the knowledge that other sounds won’t interfere with your practice, and that others won’t be able to hear what you’re doing.
The top 10 best headphones for digital pianos listed here are options which are neutral and give a well-balanced sound with great audio clarity.