10 Best Yamaha Keyboards

The Yamaha P-S500 is a smart digital piano offering 88 weighted keys with graded hammer standard (GHS) action, giving a realistic feel similar to an acoustic piano. This makes it a strong choice for intermediate and advanced players who value authentic touch sensitivity. It includes top-quality sound samples from Yamaha's CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand pianos, enhanced by VRM technology that adds natural resonance, so the sound quality stands out for both practice and performance.

With 660 voices and 403 built-in songs, it provides a wide range of sounds beyond just piano, useful for exploring different musical styles. The Stream Lights feature is especially helpful for beginners, guiding finger placement visually to simplify learning without needing to read music. Additionally, the Smart Pianist app offers interactive lessons and easy control, adding to its appeal for learners who want digital convenience. The P-S500 supports audio and MIDI recording with up to 16 tracks, including microphone input and vocal harmony, which is great for those interested in composing or sharing their music.

The instrument weighs around 22.8 kg, making it less portable compared to smaller keyboards, so it’s best suited for home use rather than frequent transport. Connectivity is primarily USB-based, with optional wireless connections via the app, but it lacks traditional headphone jacks. The Yamaha P-S500 successfully blends realistic piano feel with smart learning aids and a rich sound library, making it ideal for players looking for a home digital piano that supports both serious practice and creative expression.

The Yamaha P-145 Digital Piano is designed with beginners in mind, offering 88 graded hammer compact keys that simulate the feel of a real grand piano. This feature is crucial for learners aiming to develop proper finger technique. The instrument's sound quality is supported by 10 instrumental voices, which help maintain an engaging practice session. While the sound quality is commendable for a digital piano, it might not match that of a traditional acoustic piano, which could be a consideration for more advanced players.

Touch sensitivity is an asset in the P-145, providing a responsive experience that helps mimic the dynamics of a grand piano. The P-145 shines with its portability, weighing in at 12.3 kilograms and boasting a sleek, compact design, making it ideal for musicians with limited space or those needing a portable option. Built-in features like a metronome, sustain pedal, and connectivity options including a headphone jack and MIDI USB connector add value, making it versatile for practice and recording with apps like Smart Pianist and Rec'n'Share.

The instrument's simplicity and functionality are fitting for its target audience. The P-145 remains an excellent choice for beginners or those needing a compact, portable digital piano. It's a stylish and practical option that delivers sufficient sound quality for practice and small performances.

The Yamaha ARIUS YDP-S35 is a stylish and modern digital piano designed mainly for beginners and hobbyists looking for a home piano that closely mimics an acoustic piano experience. It comes with 88 full-sized keys featuring Yamaha's Graded Hammer Standard action, which means the keys feel heavier on the lower notes and lighter on the higher ones, just like a traditional piano. This provides a satisfying touch sensitivity that helps build proper finger technique.

Sound quality is a strong point here, thanks to sampling from Yamaha’s renowned CFX concert grand piano. It includes Virtual Resonance Modeling Lite, which adds realistic string resonance and depth, making the sound more immersive whether played through speakers or headphones. The Intelligent Acoustic Control and Stereophonic Optimiser help balance the sound nicely at different volumes and give natural spaciousness, which is great for playing quietly without losing tone quality.

Built-in features include three pedals like on an acoustic piano, and USB connectivity that lets you connect the piano to apps like Smart Pianist on iOS or Android for learning and recording. In terms of portability, the YDP-S35 is slimmer and lighter than many traditional home digital pianos, but at 38.2 kg it’s still quite heavy to move frequently. It’s better suited to being set up in one spot rather than carried around regularly. The clean white design adds a modern touch that fits well in most rooms. If you want a realistic piano feel and quality sound in a sleek, beginner-friendly package for home use, this Yamaha model represents a solid choice. However, if you need something very lightweight for frequent transport or more advanced digital features, you might want to explore other options.