10 Best Yamaha Digital Pianos

The Yamaha ARIUS YDP-S35 is a stylish digital piano designed for home use, especially suited for beginners and hobbyists who want an authentic acoustic piano feel. Its 88-key Graded Hammer Standard keyboard delivers a realistic touch, closely mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano, which helps when learning proper finger technique. The sound quality is impressive thanks to the CFX concert grand piano samples and Virtual Resonance Modeling Lite, which adds depth to the sound by simulating string vibrations. This makes the piano sound rich and natural, whether you play softly or loudly.

Connectivity includes a USB port and a headphone jack, allowing you to connect to apps like Yamaha's Smart Pianist, which can help with learning and music management. The inclusion of three pedals adds to the authentic piano experience. While the piano is slim and looks modern with a lacquered black finish, it is relatively heavy at over 38 kg, so it isn’t very portable if you plan to move it often.

The built-in features focus on sound control and headphone optimization rather than offering a wide range of sounds or recording features, which may limit creative options for advanced users. The ARIUS YDP-S35 is a strong choice for those seeking a realistic piano feel and high-quality sound in a sleek design for home practice. It is less suited for users needing extensive digital features or portability but provides excellent value for beginners focused on developing their piano skills.

The Yamaha P-S500 is a smart digital piano designed for intermediate to advanced players who value a realistic piano feel and modern learning tools. It features 88 weighted keys with Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which mimics the touch of an acoustic piano quite well, making it suitable for serious practice. Sound quality stands out thanks to Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand piano voices, enhanced by Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) that adds depth and realism to the piano tones. With 660 voices and 403 built-in songs, it offers plenty of variety for exploring different musical styles.

The inclusion of Stream Lights that glow above the keys is a handy learning feature, especially for beginners or those wanting a visual guide without needing to read music. Connectivity is strong with MIDI and USB ports for connecting to computers or other devices, plus Bluetooth support for wireless interaction with the Smart Pianist app. This app enhances practice by allowing interactive learning and easy sound control. Recording capabilities are advanced, letting you capture performances in both audio and MIDI formats with up to 16 tracks, along with vocal harmony via a microphone input, which is great for creative use.

At 22.8 kg, it’s not very lightweight, so portability is limited if you need to move it frequently. The body is mainly plastic/composite, which keeps it modern-looking but may not satisfy those wanting a traditional wooden finish. The Yamaha P-S500 delivers a compelling combination of authentic piano feel, rich sound, smart features, and useful learning aids, making it a solid choice for home use and intermediate players looking for a versatile digital piano.

The Yamaha P-145 Digital Piano is ideal for beginner musicians who appreciate a portable yet full-sized keyboard. It's equipped with 88 graded hammer compact keys that aim to replicate the feel of an acoustic grand piano, which is a strong point for those looking to develop proper finger technique. The sound quality is enhanced by its 10 instrumental voices, providing enough variety to keep practice sessions engaging, though it might not satisfy more advanced players seeking greater tonal complexity.

In terms of polyphony, the piano allows for a decent number of simultaneous notes, ensuring a smooth performance with most pieces. However, for complex or layered compositions, the polyphony might reach its limits. Connectivity options, including MIDI USB and a headphone jack, make it compatible with external devices, allowing for versatile usage like recording or silent practice. Its integration with apps like the Smart Pianist and Rec'n'Share adds value by offering learning and recording functionalities.

At 12.3 kilograms, the P-145 is notably lightweight and easily transportable, making it suitable for those who need to move their instrument frequently or have limited space. Despite its portability, the piano maintains a solid sound output and clarity, which is commendable for its size. Seasoned musicians may find it lacking in features that cater to more advanced playing techniques or rich acoustic simulations.

The Yamaha P-145 offers a blend of practicality, portability, and essential features that make it a reliable choice for beginners and casual players. It's particularly appealing for those who prioritize space-saving and convenience without compromising on basic sound quality and tactile experience.