10 Best Electric Pianos 2026 in the United States

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 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 YDP165 is a solid choice for anyone wanting a realistic piano experience at home. Its Graded Hammer 3 action provides weighted keys that mimic an acoustic piano's feel, with synthetic ivory tops that help keep fingers from slipping—great for building proper finger technique. The sound quality is impressive, thanks to Yamaha’s CFX Stereo Sampling which captures the tone of a concert grand piano, and the Virtual Resonance Modeling adds natural string resonance for a richer, more authentic sound.

This model includes three piano-style pedals (sustain, sostenuto, and soft), which is nice for expressive playing and practicing advanced techniques. The built-in speakers offer decent amplification for home use, though it’s not designed to fill large rooms or venues. It’s relatively heavy at over 90 pounds, so it’s not very portable if you plan to move it often.

Connectivity is modern with Bluetooth and USB support, allowing you to connect to apps like Yamaha’s Smart Pianist for learning and song playback. It also features comfort settings for headphone use, making it suitable for quiet practice. It’s well-suited for beginners to intermediate players and for home settings, while those needing a very lightweight or stage-ready instrument may want to explore other options.