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Head-to-head · Best Digital Pianos

Yamaha P-145BT vs Yamaha P-225

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 P-145BT comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.8 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about fit for purpose — read the strengths below before deciding.

Yamaha P-145BT
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Digital Pianos
Yamaha P-145BT
2 sourcesall derived$469.99as of Jul 31

For 2026 the Yamaha P-145BT is one of the top recommendations for beginners, built around a refined Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) action that runs quieter and smoother than the one it replaces. Reviewers liked the Smart Pianist app support and the added Bluetooth for wireless music streaming and app control. The built-in speakers do fine in a small room without ever being remarkable, and 64-note polyphony will eventually hem in advanced players. A USB audio interface, triple pedal compatibility, and a battery power option make it practical for quiet practice and for moving around. Total beginners and adults returning to piano are the fit; anyone filling a larger room will want more speaker.

Strengths
  • — Fully weighted Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) action provides quiet, smooth, and lighter key response compared to previous GHS action
  • — Built-in USB audio interface supports recording directly into music software with zero latency
  • — Compatible with Yamaha Smart Pianist app and Yamaha RecNShare app for enhanced learning and recording features
Watch-outs
  • — Speakers are good but not exceptional, requiring headphones or external speakers for larger spaces
  • — 64-note polyphony may be limiting for advanced classical players using heavy sustain pedal techniques
$469.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Yamaha P-225
Ranked #2 in Best Digital Pianos
Yamaha P-225
1 source$750as of Aug 1

The Yamaha P-225 moves to an upgraded GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) action, more compact and slightly lighter than the GHS action in the P-125. Reviewers described it as solid and sturdy with less side-to-side play, though some found it springy and less enjoyable than the GHS. The sounds get an upgrade too, with CFX grand piano samples and VRM Lite, but the front-firing speakers give a thinner tone than competitors like the DGX-670. Portability improves. Players with arthritis or a preference for traditional action feel may not get on with the GHC.

Strengths
  • — Upgraded piano sounds from the Yamaha CFX Grand engine with VRM Lite
  • — Fully weighted and graded dual sensor hammer action (GHC)
  • — Built-in audio interface via USB to host port
Watch-outs
  • — GHC action feels different and less enjoyable than GHS action for some players
  • — Front-firing speaker system produces thinner sound compared to DGX-670
$750 · Buy at shop.usa.yamaha.comFull review →

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-225

Compared to the Yamaha P-145BT, the P-225 offers a more compact design and upgraded CFX grand piano sounds with VRM Lite, but it falls short in terms of action feel and speaker quality. While the P-145BT provides a quieter and smoother GHC action with Bluetooth support, the P-225's front-firing speakers produce a thinner tone and lacks the wireless connectivity features that make the P-145BT more versatile for modern users.

Specs side-by-side

SpecYamaha P-145BTYamaha P-225
Number Of Keys88 fully weighted88
Key ActionGraded Hammer Compact (GHC)GHC (Graded Hammer Compact)
Polyphony64 notes192 notes
Sound Count10 sounds24
ConnectivityUSB audio/MIDI, BluetoothBluetooth, USB, LR line outs
Speaker Output2x7W7 W x 2
Weight24.5 lb—
Dimensions52.2 (133 cm) x 10.5 (26.8 cm) x 5 (12.9 cm)—
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