10 Best Weighted Keyboards 2025 in the United States

The Yamaha P-143B is a solid choice for beginners and even intermediate players seeking a weighted keyboard experience. One of its standout features is the weighted keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, enhancing your playing technique. The premium grand piano sound is impressive, with 10 unique voices that provide a rich and resonant experience, making practice sessions enjoyable. The compact design is another highlight, as it allows for easy portability, whether you're at home or traveling. Built-in speakers provide convenience, although they may lack the depth of sound found in higher-end models.

While this piano offers a variety of sounds, the polyphony is not specified, which might limit the complexity of the music you can play without notes dropping out. The connectivity options are somewhat basic, with USB output but lacking advanced features such as Bluetooth, which could enhance its usability with modern devices and apps. Additionally, the lightweight design, while portable, may not feel as sturdy as some heavier models.

The P-143B is well-suited for those who prioritize a realistic piano feel and sound quality in a lightweight package. It’s a great option for home practice and can also serve well for small performances or traveling musicians. However, if you're looking for advanced features and extensive connectivity options, you might want to explore other models in the weighted keyboard category.

The Yamaha P45B is an 88-key weighted action digital piano, which aims to provide an authentic playing experience similar to that of an acoustic piano. With its GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) action, the keys are heavier on the lower end and lighter on the higher end, mimicking the feel of a traditional piano. This makes it suitable for intermediate players who want to practice on an instrument that resembles an acoustic piano in sensitivity and response.

The P45B comes with ten different digitally sampled voices, including sounds from Yamaha's grand pianos, providing users with a variety of tones to explore. The dual mode feature allows combining two voices, such as piano and strings, offering creative possibilities in music composition and performance. While it has a robust design and quality sound, the P45B is relatively limited in terms of polyphony, which might restrict complex musical pieces that require multiple simultaneous notes. The built-in speaker provides decent sound output, and there's a headphone jack for private practice sessions, which is a practical feature for home use.

Connectivity includes a USB port, allowing for integration with digital devices, though it's not the most advanced option for those seeking extensive connectivity features. At 25.3 pounds, it is reasonably portable for an 88-key digital piano, suitable for both home use and transport to lessons or gigs. The Yamaha P45B is a good choice for intermediate players looking for a realistic piano feel and a simple interface, with enough features to support learning and basic performance needs. However, those looking for advanced features or higher polyphony might need to consider more feature-rich models.

The Yamaha Arius YDP165R is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a weighted digital piano, particularly those who value a realistic playing experience. With its 88 graded hammer keys, it replicates the feel of an acoustic piano, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike. The synthetic ivory tops on the keys enhance grip and comfort, which is particularly beneficial during long practice sessions.

One of the standout features is the CFX Concert Grand Piano sound, delivered through advanced VRM Lite technology, ensuring a rich and authentic audio experience. The built-in speakers provide powerful sound, complemented by three piano-style pedals that enable nuanced performance. For those who enjoy learning, the variety of built-in songs and compatibility with the Smart Pianist app offer great educational value.

On the connectivity front, the YDP165R includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB options, allowing for easy integration with other devices and apps, which can enhance your playing or recording experience. The piano is quite heavy at 92.6 pounds, making it less portable if you intend to move it frequently. The price point may also be on the higher side for casual players or those just starting. Additionally, while the built-in sounds are impressive, some users might eventually desire a broader range of tones for different musical styles.