Kawai
ES120
$700
Kawai's feature-packed contender with 100 rhythms
Yamaha
The P-145's big brother — same reliability, more features
MSRP
$600
Source: Manufacturer (2025-04-06)
If you like the idea of Yamaha quality but want Bluetooth streaming and headphone practice with better sound, the P-225 is the sweet spot of the P-series lineup.
The P-225 is the Yamaha we recommend most for adult beginners. It has everything the P-145 has — great sound and reliable key feel — plus Bluetooth, recording, and noticeably richer resonance that makes your playing sound more musical. It costs a bit more, but the added features make daily practice more enjoyable and convenient.
The keys feel weighted and responsive, heavier in the bass and lighter in the treble, just like a real piano. The action is slightly lighter overall than the P-145's, making it a little easier on the fingers during long practice sessions. The matte black key surfaces have a nice grip that prevents slipping.
You want the Yamaha name and sound quality, but you also want to practice with headphones after dinner, stream your favorite classical music through the piano's speakers via Bluetooth, and maybe record yourself to hear your progress. A great choice if your spouse is also interested — the two headphone jacks let you both listen at the same time.
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Compact |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 24 |
| Weight | 11.5 kg |
| Speakers | 14W (×4) |
| Bluetooth | Audio |
| Key Surface | Matte Black |
| Sound Modeling | Virtual Resonance Modeling Lite |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 71 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1326×272×129 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
Kawai
$700
Kawai's feature-packed contender with 100 rhythms
Roland
$700
The do-everything portable piano
Yamaha
$460
Yamaha's best-selling beginner piano, refined