1st Note

Yamaha

Yamaha P-255 Review

Yamaha P-255: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

Discontinued
88 Keys 17.3 kg graded hammer 3 Intermediate

Scores

5.9 6.0 4.5 8.2 5.1 Beginner Night Practice Portability Touch Reality Value

Beginner

5.9

Night Practice

6.0

Portability

4.5

Touch Reality

8.2

Value

5.1

Where to Buy

MSRP

$1,500

This model is discontinued. New-old-stock or used listings may still appear, so confirm the current listing status at retailers.

This model is discontinued; links may show used listings, remaining stock, or unrelated search results. These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.

How These Scores Were Calculated

Beginner

5.9
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 3.0
Lesson Function No +0
App Connectivity No +0
Recording Yes +1
Metronome Yes +0.5
Transpose Yes +0.3
Layer / Split Yes +0.3
Preset Songs 10 +0.3
Sound Variety 24 sounds +0.5

Night Practice

6.0
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 2.0
Headphone Jacks 2 +2
Headphone Type 6.3mm, 6.3mm +1
Headphone Optimization No +0
Key Action Quietness graded hammer 3 +0
Volume Control Yes +1
Bluetooth Audio No +0

Portability

4.5
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 5.0
Weight 17.3 kg +0
Width 1333 mm -0.5
Battery No +0
Foldable No +0
Key Count 88 keys +0

Touch Reality

8.2
Factor This Piano Points
Key Action Quality graded hammer 3 (grade 7) +4.2
Key Count 88 keys +1.5
Polyphony 256 notes +1.5
Sound Modeling Pure CF Sound Engine +0.5
Key Surface ivory-feel +0.5

How was this calculated? — Read our methodology

Yamaha P-255 review verdict

This Yamaha P-255 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.

Yamaha P-255 is best read as a portable digital piano for players who already practise regularly. This review looks at weighted-key feel, sound, practice features, value, and realistic comparison points instead of treating the spec sheet as advertising copy.

Pros

  • Key count: 88 keys, a clear basis for digital piano comparison.
  • Touch: weighted hammer action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
  • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
  • Connectivity: USB MIDI.
  • Use case: Its best fit is home practice and stage use.

Cons

  • Main limit: the need for a furniture-style living-room instrument.
  • Stand cost and compatibility are separate checks.
  • Used-market condition and support need careful checking.

Yamaha P-255 is a portable digital piano that makes most sense when its strengths are matched to the right practice situation. The useful points are 88 keys, weighted hammer action, 256-note polyphony, 30W speakers, and a weight of 17.3 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For home practice and stage use, this model can be a sensible candidate if the layout and feature set match the way the instrument will actually be used. Because it is discontinued, the condition, accessories, and local support matter more than the original launch position. The fairest comparison is with models in the same price and use class, where touch, speakers, headphone practice, and connectivity can be judged side by side.

Yamaha P-255 evaluation points

Yamaha P-255 key action and touch

Yamaha P-255 uses a weighted hammer action. For a digital piano with weighted keys, the important question is not only whether the keys are heavy, but whether they help steady daily practice. The ivory feel key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 256-note polyphony; that is enough for ordinary pieces, while more layered playing or heavy pedal use benefits from a higher number. This makes the key action a practical comparison point rather than a decorative specification.

Who the Yamaha P-255 is for

Yamaha P-255 is most relevant for players who already practise regularly. The main use case is home practice and stage use. Strengths: a more piano-like touch. Limits: the need for a furniture-style living-room instrument. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.

Yamaha P-255 sound and speakers

Yamaha P-255 offers 24 sounds and 30W speakers. That is the sound side of the review: enough variety for practice, but the real experience depends on speaker power, headphone use, and the room where it will be played. The headphone output supports quiet practice. For lessons, apps, or recording workflows, the useful connectivity is USB MIDI.

What to know before buying the Yamaha P-255

Before buying Yamaha P-255, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. A stand may need to be budgeted separately. A damper pedal is included, though some players may still want a fuller pedal unit. Because it is discontinued, the condition, accessories, and local support matter more than the original launch position. For searchers looking for a Yamaha P-255 review, the practical conclusion is to treat it as one candidate in a digital piano comparison, not as a universal answer for every player.

Demo Video

Source: Sweetwater Watch on YouTube ↗

Specifications

Keys 88
Key Action Graded Hammer 3
Polyphony 256 notes
Sounds 24
Weight 17.3 kg
Speakers 30W (×2)
Bluetooth No

Recommended Accessories

🪑

Stand

Stand not included (sold separately)

A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.

🎧

Headphones

Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.

🎹

Sustain Pedal

The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.

💺

Bench

An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.

Where to Buy

MSRP

$1,500

This model is discontinued. New-old-stock or used listings may still appear, so confirm the current listing status at retailers.

This model is discontinued; links may show used listings, remaining stock, or unrelated search results. These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.

How It Compares

P-255 vs VIVO H3

The P-255 scores higher in quiet practice, piano-like touch and value for money. Choose the P-255 if quiet practice matters most.

Dexibell VIVO H3 →

P-255 vs PX-S5000

The P-255 scores higher in quiet practice and piano-like touch, while the PX-S5000 is stronger in beginner support, portability and value for money. The PX-S5000 costs $201 less. Choose the P-255 if quiet practice matters most.

Casio PX-S5000 →

P-255 vs ES920

the ES920 is stronger in beginner support, quiet practice and value for money. The P-255 costs $399 less. Choose the ES920 if beginner-friendly features matters most.

Kawai ES920 →

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Sources & transparency

Last verified
Data referenced from
Manufacturer official

How the 5-axis scores are calculated

We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).

Spot a mistake or have a question about what's on this page? Let us know and we'll review it.

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Yamaha P-255