10 Best Electric Pianos 2025 in the United States

The Yamaha Arius YDP184R is a high-quality electric piano that excels in several key areas. It features the Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) action with synthetic ivory key tops that provide a realistic and tactile playing experience similar to an acoustic piano. The CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice delivers exceptional sound quality, mimicking the richness of Yamaha's CFX concert grand piano, further enhanced by Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) for a more expressive sound. With a polyphony of 128, it ensures smooth performance even during intricate passages.

The built-in speakers and amplification system deliver clear and powerful sound, making it suitable for home use or small performances. The full dot LCD display facilitates easy navigation of the piano's features, including MIDI recording capabilities with up to 16 tracks for playback, which is great for composing and practice sessions. Additionally, the Stereophonic Optimizer enhances the headphone experience, making it feel like you're playing in a room rather than through headphones.

Its weight of 123 pounds makes it less portable compared to other models, and it requires a power source, so it isn't ideal for on-the-go musicians. Connectivity options include a USB Type B interface, which is essential for connecting to other devices but may lack the versatility of wireless options. The package includes a padded bench, music stand, power supply, and sheet music book, providing everything needed to start playing immediately. The Yamaha Arius YDP184R is well-suited for home use and dedicated practice, offering a realistic playing experience and high-quality sound, though its portability is limited due to its size and weight.

The Yamaha P225B is a digital piano that aims to deliver an authentic playing experience while remaining portable and user-friendly. One of its standout features is the Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard action, which uses weighted keys to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players. The piano's sound quality is impressive, thanks to the CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice, which captures the rich tones and dynamic range of a concert grand piano. Additionally, the Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) enhances the realism further by simulating the natural resonances of piano strings and the body, making performances more expressive. The inclusion of a Half-Damper Pedal also offers greater control over sustain, adding nuance to your playing.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the P225B is relatively lightweight for an 88-key instrument at 25.4 pounds, it may still be cumbersome for some users who prioritize extreme portability. The lack of built-in speakers might deter those who prefer to play without headphones, as they would need to connect external speakers for a better sound experience. Connectivity options are decent with USB integration, but it might not offer as many advanced options as other models in the market.

For beginners and intermediate players looking for an authentic piano feel without the bulk of an acoustic piano, the Yamaha P225B strikes a solid balance between quality and convenience. Its user-friendly Smart Pianist app can help enhance the learning experience, making it a good choice for a wide range of ages and skill levels.

The Yamaha Arius YDP105B is designed with beginner and intermediate players in mind. It features an 88-key Graded Hammer Standard keyboard, which mimics the feel of an acoustic piano, providing a natural and responsive touch. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to develop proper finger strength and technique. The piano offers a rich and dynamic sound quality, with 10 different instrument voices, including an essential grand piano sound, which enhances the playing experience.

The built-in stereo amplifier and speakers ensure good sound projection, though they might not be as powerful as those found in larger, more advanced models. The traditional upright design and elegant wood grain finish make it a stylish addition to any room. It also comes with a bench and a 3-pedal unit, which adds to its value. Dual headphone jacks are a practical feature for practicing duets or playing quietly without disturbing others.

However, the piano weighs around 82.7 pounds, making it less portable than other digital pianos. Connectivity options are somewhat basic, with a 3.5mm jack being the primary means of connecting to other devices. This might be limiting for those seeking more advanced connectivity features. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Yamaha Arius YDP105B is a solid, reliable option for those serious about learning and improving their piano skills.