Head-to-head · Best Digital Pianos

Yamaha P-225 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 P-225 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about Players wanting upgraded piano sounds with compact design — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Digital Pianos

Yamaha P-225

4.5

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.com Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Digital Pianos

Yamaha P45

4.1

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

$714.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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.

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

Spec	Yamaha P-225	Yamaha P45
Key Action	GHC (Graded Hammer Compact)	Graded Hammer Standard action
Polyphony	192 notes	64 notes
Sound Count	24	10
Connectivity	Bluetooth, USB, LR line outs	USB to Host, Headphone jack, Sustain Pedal jack
Number Of Keys	88	88 fully weighted graded hammer action
Speaker Output	7 W x 2	12W
Weight	—	25.4 lb
Dimensions	—	1,326 x 295 x 154 mm

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