Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Digital Pianos

Yamaha P-143 vs Yamaha P45

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Yamaha P45 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about Beginners seeking acoustic piano feel at an affordable price — read the strengths below before deciding.

Yamaha P-143
Ranked #4 in Best Digital Pianos
Yamaha P-143
3 sources2 derived$649.99as of Jul 31

The Yamaha P-143 is a compact, portable digital piano for beginners and casual players. Reviewers found the 88-key GHc keyboard, with its matte black keytops, gives realistic touch response, and the built-in 7W stereo speaker system sounds clear. At 11.1 kg it moves around easily, and USB audio interface support handles computer connectivity. There are no built-in rhythms, and polyphony tops out at 64 voices, which will restrict more advanced playing. It suits anyone who wants an affordable, beginner-friendly instrument and can do without the features on higher-end models.

Strengths
  • 88-key GHc keyboard with matte black keytops offers realistic touch response
  • Built-in 10 preset songs plus 10 piano preset songs for musical variety
  • Includes integrated 7W stereo speaker system with oval 12 cm x 8 cm drivers
Watch-outs
  • Limited to 64 polyphony voices which may restrict advanced playing
  • No built-in rhythm options or drum patterns included
  • Sustain pedal jack only (no 3-pedal unit port as found in P-145 model)
Yamaha P45
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Digital Pianos
Yamaha P45
4 sources3 derived$714.99as of Jul 31

The Yamaha P-45 is an entry-level digital piano with a fully weighted graded hammer action keyboard, which is what beginners are usually after when they want acoustic piano feel. Reviewers noted the 88 keys, the graded hammer action, and 10 instrument voices covering grand and electric pianos. With 64-note polyphony and 12W of speaker power it plays responsively and gets loud enough for home use. Its function controls hide behind the piano keys instead of buttons, which some players find inconvenient. Beginners and intermediates who want a quality instrument at an affordable price should look; anyone who needs advanced features like split mode should consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • 88 fully weighted graded hammer action keys that approximate the feel of an acoustic piano
  • 10 built-in instrument voices including 2 grand pianos and 2 electric pianos
  • 64-note polyphony allowing for complex playing without sound drop-out
Watch-outs
  • Function controls are accessed via piano keys rather than dedicated buttons, requiring a manual reference
  • No bass guitar voice or split mode for layered playing

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Yamaha P-143

The Yamaha P-143 is a compact and portable beginner-friendly piano, but it lacks the advanced features and polyphony of the P-45 and P-145BT. While it offers a realistic touch response and USB connectivity, it's limited in built-in rhythms and has lower polyphony, making it less suitable for advanced players compared to the P-45 or P-145BT.

Yamaha P45

The Yamaha P-45 provides a fully weighted graded hammer action that's similar to the P-145BT's GHC action, but it lacks the advanced connectivity features, USB audio interface, and Smart Pianist app support that make the P-145BT more appealing for modern users. While both are entry-level pianos, the P-145BT offers better portability and wireless capabilities, making it more suitable for those practicing in quiet environments.

Specs side-by-side

SpecYamaha P-143Yamaha P45
Number Of Keys8888 fully weighted graded hammer action
Key ActionGHC keyboardGraded Hammer Standard action
Polyphony6464 notes
Sound Count1010
ConnectivityUSB TO HOST, Headphones, AUX OUT, Sustain PedalUSB to Host, Headphone jack, Sustain Pedal jack
Speaker Output7 W x 212W
Weight24.5 lb25.4 lb
Dimensions1,326 mm x 129 mm x 268 mm1,326 x 295 x 154 mm
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