"If you close your eyes, you'd almost forget you're playing a digital piano": Yamaha Arius YDP-165 digital piano review

What is it?

The Yamaha YDP-165 sits at the top of the popular Arius line, designed to balance quality and affordability by bringing premium elements of the Clavinova series to a more budget-friendly price. The Arius range includes four models: two compact versions, the YDP-S35 and YDP-S55, and two standard-size pianos, the YDP-145 and YDP-165.

YDP stands for Yamaha Digital Piano, designed to be a classy and permanent addition to your home, featuring an elegant, furniture-like design in a compact size that fits most spaces. Its classic look and sturdy, beautiful finish embody Yamaha’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The YDP-165 features simple switches on both sides of the keyboard for power and volume control, along with elegantly illuminated function buttons. As is customary with Yamaha, a hidden hook underneath allows for convenient headphone storage.

The YDP-165 is available in four finishes: the classic black and white, as well as elegant dark rosewood and beautiful white ash.

The keyboard features 88 weighted keys with Yamaha’s GH3 (Graded Hammer 3) action, replicating the feel of an acoustic grand piano with a heavier touch in the lower register and a lighter feel in the higher notes. The synthetic ebony and ivory texture of the keys provide a familiar experience for seasoned players. Like a grand piano, the YDP-165 has three pedals- sustain, soft, and sostenuto - with half-damper functionality for more precise sustain control. This allows for a gradual sustain effect rather than simply on or off, making performances feel more natural - especially for pieces requiring delicate pedaling, like Chopin or Debussy.

The YDP-165’s sound is modeled after the Yamaha CFX concert grand, with powerful lows and crisp highs. The Virtual Resonance Modelling (VRM) Lite technology used in this piano provides a realistic sonic experience by simulating sympathetic resonance, where vibrations travel through the instrument. In simple terms, when we play an acoustic piano, sound travels through the soundboard, causing other strings to vibrate and adding richness to the sound, which is easily noticeable in the higher register. The piano offers a variety of voices, including three piano sounds (CFX Grand, Mellow Grand, and Pop Grand) and seven other voices: two electric pianos, harpsichord, vibraphone, pipe organ, jazz organ, and strings.

Designed for headphone use, the YDP-165 incorporates advanced listening technology to enhance the audio experience. It adjusts the tone based on the volume to maintain a natural sound balance while being gentle on the ears and uses the 'Stereophonic Optimizer' effect to mimic the experience of hearing the piano from a seated position. 

The speakers are a significant improvement over its much-loved predecessor, the YDP-164, and are designed to deliver a natural, immersive sound experience. The instrument also includes classic features such as reverb types and depths, a metronome, touch sensitivity adjustment, transpose options, and a recording function.

The YDP-165 offers various learning tools, with 353 built-in songs, including 50 classical pieces and 303 practical exercises from methods like Beyer, Burgmüller, Czerny, and Hanon. It connects via USB to the Yamaha Smart Pianist app, providing easy access to learning content and instrument settings. The keyboard can be split into two identical octaves for student-teacher play in the same range. Additionally, it features two stereo jack inputs for connecting two sets of headphones.

Build quality

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The Yamaha YDP-165 follows in the footsteps of the popular YDP-164, bringing real improvements in sound quality, key response, and an overall more authentic playing experience. For the price, this instrument offers exceptional value - and then some! 

Aesthetically, this piano has the timeless look of a classic home digital piano, built to last. It's a solid, well-built instrument with a premium feel, as you'd expect from Yamaha. The keyboard lid mechanism operates smoothly, the music sheet holder is sturdy, and you'll know this instrument could last a lifetime if you wish. The YDP-165 is slightly more compact than a Clavinova, making it a perfect fit for most spaces, while still offering that upright piano look. 

The buttons have a traditional design, making it easy to navigate the YDP-165's features. After familiarising yourself with the manual, the key combinations to access the settings and extra functions become second nature. If you're looking for a more design-focused home digital piano, there are other options available. However, if simplicity and elegance are what you're after, the YDP-165 is an excellent choice. We also love the headphone hook tucked underneath the keyboard - it's small details like this that remind you of Yamaha's expertise in piano making.

Playability

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How does it feel to play the YDP-165? It's impressive, especially for the price! The key action is smooth and realistic, with subtle variations in response depending on the range you're playing. If you close your eyes, you'd almost forget you're playing a digital piano. The ebony and ivory texture on the keys is a remarkable detail that will certainly please acoustic piano players. It's an absolute joy to play! While the keys are a bit on the firmer side, making the key action a little challenging for a beginner, once you're accustomed to it, it will help develop the right strength and technique for more dynamic playing.

To further enhance the realism of the playing experience, the classic three-foot pedals feel great, and the additional half-damper feature takes it a step further by providing more nuanced control over the sustain.

Sound

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Now, does the YDP-165 sound as good as it plays? Well, this might be where its limitations become apparent. However, at just under £1000, it still delivers more than expected. When played through headphones, the experience is incredibly immersive and organic. The Virtual Resonance Modelling does a fantastic job of capturing the rich harmonics that give premium grand pianos their beautiful, full tone. We loved getting lost in the beautiful, shimmery textures when playing high notes. Playing Debussy's Clair de Lune was an absolute treat on the YDP-165. 

The one thing that reminded us we were playing on a digital piano was when we unplugged the headphones. While the speakers on the YDP-165 pack a punch and do an excellent job delivering bright highs and punchy mids, we missed the warmth of a real piano and the acoustic resonance that comes from the sound traveling through the instrument. That said, the sound of the YDP-165 is still superior to its competition in this price range and should satisfy most piano players.

We often criticise digital piano makers for the lack of originality in their built-in sound choices, and unfortunately, that's the case here. While the three beautifully sampled pianos are a highlight, it would make a real difference if there were more options easily available, like a felted piano or an older upright for blues lovers.

Digital pianos are a great tool for beginners, offering connectivity with phones, laptops, and tablets to enhance the learning experience. Yamaha takes this even further with built-in exercises from iconic methods like Hanon and Czerny. This addition provides valuable resources to help develop technique and muscle memory.

The YDP-165 features some great tools for music teaching. The two stereo jack headphone inputs allow for two sets of headphones to listen simultaneously, making it ideal for both teacher and student to play and learn together. The fact also that the keyboard can be split into two identical ranges means that both teacher and student can play the same part at the same time, making lessons more comfortable and interactive.

On the downside, the piano only supports USB connectivity. However, if Bluetooth is a must, a Bluetooth adapter can be purchased separately. It is worth noting that the YDP-165 was released in 2022, but we think it still feels relevant in 2025.

Final verdict

If you're looking for a reliable, compact beginner digital piano with great sound and feel at a reasonable price, the YDP-165 is a top contender. Its predecessor set the standard for mid-range digital pianos, and this model continues to offer an excellent balance of quality, playability, and affordability.

While the keyboard might feel a little firm for early players, it will satisfy most with its organic touch and feel. The immersive sound, modeled on the iconic Yamaha CFX concert grand, is superb and inspiring. The instrument is simple yet offers some truly interesting learning tools. Its design may be understated, but it's timeless and elegant, showcasing real craftsmanship. It may not be the boldest statement piece in the room, but it will blend seamlessly into any space.

The YDP-165 is now 3 years old and could benefit from more advanced technology, like Bluetooth connectivity. However, if plugging in your tablet or laptop isn't an issue, we believe this instrument will remain relevant for years to come.

The YDP-165 is proof that when it comes to home digital pianos, you’re always in safe hands with a household name like Yamaha.

Hands-on demos

Piano Schmitz GmbH & Co. KG

Yamaha YDP 165 Demo - YouTube

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Popplers Music

Playing Demonstration of Yamaha Arius YDP-165 | Nocturned performed by Jenna from Popplers Music - YouTube

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Specifications

• Dimensions: Width: 1,357 mm [53-7/16"], Height: 849 mm [33-27/64"] (With music rest raised: 1,003 mm [39-31/64"]), Depth: 422 mm [16-5/8"]
• Weight: 42.0 kg (92 lbs., 10 oz.)
• Keyboard: 88 Keys - GH3 keyboard with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops
• Touch Response: Hard/Medium/Soft/Fixed
• Pedals: Sustain (with half-pedal function), Sostenuto, Soft
• Key Cover Style: Sliding
• Music Rest: Yes
• Music Braces: Yes
• Piano Sound: Yamaha CF
• Key-off Samples: Yes
• Smooth Release: Yes
• Number of Voices: 10
• Polyphony (Max.): 192
• Headphones: Standard stereo phone jack (x 2)
• Amplifiers: 20 W x 2
• Speakers: 12 cm x 2
• Power Supply: PA-300C
• Accessories: Owner's Manual, 50 Classical Music Masterpieces Music Book, Online Member Product Registration, Warranty*, Bench*, Power cord*/AC adaptor* PA-150 or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha *varies by area.
• Contact: Yamaha