Ask anyone on the street to name three piano manufacturers, and you can almost guarantee that Yamaha will be the first one that most people think of. The Japanese company has been at the top of the piano tree for decades, building a reputation as producers of some of the finest acoustic pianos in the world since their debut in 1900 - the flagship Yamaha CFX concert grand retails for over £140,000 and is revered by professional concert pianists the world over. With a pedigree like that, you'd expect them also to know a thing or two about making great digital pianos, and you'd not be wrong, with a number of distinct model ranges, including the Clavinova, Arius, Portable Grand, and P-Series pianos on their roster.
Having decided on one of the best Yamaha digital pianos means you’ve already made a great decision, but once you’ve arrived at that point, where next? Such a wide range of products can be a bit bewildering when you're looking for the perfect instrument, so we've put together this buyer's guide to help you navigate Yamaha’s densely populated digital piano line-up. Currently, my top pick is the glorious CLP-885. As the flagship Clavinova, this model is the best of the best, and even tops our list of the best digital pianos, it’s that good. When it comes to the best digital pianos for beginners, I highly recommend the Arius YDP-S55. It’s compact, affordable, and plays great – what more do you need in a beginner instrument?
Now, I've got some handy buying advice further down the page, too, to help you understand the nuances of each series. I’ve answered some frequently asked questions and even added a glossary of terms to help you better understand the jargon surrounding Yamaha pianos.
My name is Daryl, and I'm a Senior Deals Writer at MusicRadar. I'm responsible for writing and maintaining buyer's guides on the site as well as testing out products for reviews. Before writing for MusicRadar, I worked for many years in music retail, helping musicians of all ages find the best gear for them. Whether it was a beginner's first keyboard or a top-of-the-range digital piano for the pros, I was there to help steer players in the right direction.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you are looking for the ultimate family piano: The Clavinova CLP-885 looks the part and has the sound and playability to match. This piano will happily take pride of place in any home and is our pick for the best digital piano overall.
❌ Avoid for very young players: Yamaha pianos can have a heavier key action when compared to the likes of Casio and Roland, so it may not be the best option for very young kids.
What is it? Yamaha’s Clavinova line is legendary, and the new CLP-885 is the latest top-tier model in the series, of course, not counting Yamaha’s grand-shaped digital pianos. Clavinovas have been a familiar sight since the 1980s, popping up in living rooms, schools, and studios around the world. The CLP-885 continues this tradition, offering a digital piano that looks and feels remarkably close to an acoustic upright, just in a more compact and affordable package.
Features: Yamaha packed the CLP-885 with everything you’d want in a modern digital piano. It sports Virtual Resonance Modelling (VRM) for those lush, realistic resonances, so when you play, the sound blooms and evolves just like a real grand. There’s Grand Expression Modelling for nuanced, touch-responsive dynamics, and you get a huge choice of sounds: 53 primary voices, over 400 extra instrument sounds, and some killer sampled pianos, including the flagship Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial. The sleek touch sensor display stays hidden until you need it, making the controls super intuitive without spoiling the classic look.
Performance: When we reviewed the CLP-885, we were blown away. The wooden keys and Yamaha’s latest GrandTouch action give you a super-authentic playing feel, from the heavy bass notes to the light trebles, just like a real acoustic. The pedals are seriously responsive, too, offering the kind of subtle control that pianists love. Sound-wise, Yamaha’s Grand Acoustic Imaging system uses smart speaker tech to fill the room with vibrant, punchy sound, and those binaural samples sound ultra-realistic through headphones, though some might wish for a bit more bass. Whether you’re a beginner or veteran, the CLP-885 is just a joy to play, and that’s why it takes our top spot.
"The CLP-885 sets a new standard for digital pianos, delivering a truly realistic playing experience, impressive acoustic sound, and premium craftsmanship, all packed into an authentic upright-like cabinet. It’s a high-end choice but worth every note!"
Read our full Yamaha Clavinova CLP-885 review
Best beginner piano
✅Buy if you want a slim piano: This Yamaha is about as slim as pianos get, so if you're limited on space, this is the piano for you.
❌Avoid if you need Bluetooth: Unfortunately, this piano doesn't have Bluetooth built in.
What is it? The Yamaha Arius YDP-S55 is a slimline home digital piano designed for anyone short on space but not willing to compromise on quality. It’s the more premium of Yamaha’s slim models, giving you the same playing experience as their full-size YDP-165 but in a much sleeker, shallower cabinet that fits comfortably into modern apartments and cosy corners. Available in classic black or white, it’s got all the style and substance you’d expect from Yamaha.
Features: Don’t let the S55’s compact looks fool you; this piano is packed with features that matter. The star of the show is Yamaha’s GH3 keyboard with 88 full-sized, graded, weighted keys for a really authentic feel, plus an extra sensor for better note repetition and dynamic control. The upgraded speaker system (2 x 20W) is a big step up from the entry-level model, delivering a surprisingly rich and full sound. You get 10 high-quality voices, including Yamaha’s acclaimed CFX grand piano, electric pianos, and organs. There’s even a Duo mode for student/teacher practice, dual headphone jacks, a USB port for MIDI, and Smart Pianist app compatibility to make tweaking settings a breeze.
Performance: The S55 feels great to play, especially for its size. The keys are responsive and textured, so your fingers won’t slip even during longer practice sessions. The CFX grand piano sound is lush and detailed, and the speakers do a fantastic job filling a small room. Yamaha’s VRM Lite technology adds a touch of realism with convincing sympathetic resonance, and the half-damper pedal action gets you even closer to the acoustic experience. While there are only 10 built-in sounds and no Bluetooth, the S55’s focus on core quality makes it a winner for anyone who values great piano feel and sound in a stylish, compact package.
"The S55 is a brilliant choice for space-strapped beginners or more advanced pianists who don't need loads of extra bells and whistles, although Smart Pianist compatibility does up the ante somewhat in terms of extra features and ease of use."
Read our full Yamaha Arius YDP-S55 review
Best on a budget
✅Buy if you want a reliable budget option: Yamaha makes the most reliable instruments in the game and the P-145 is no different, even at this price.
❌Avoid if you want to use apps: The P-145 doesn't support smartphone app integration like other options on this list.
What is it? The P-45 portable digital piano has been around almost as long as the wheel, and finally, Yamaha is here with a new version, the P-145. Offering newbie players excellent sound, thanks to the AWM sound engine, portability, and the excellent GHC keyboard at an affordable price, this is one of the best Yamaha digital pianos available right now.
Features: Despite its minimalist vibe, the P-145 packs in the essentials. You get Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keybed, which means the keys are weighted and graded to feel much more like a real acoustic piano. The P-145 offers 10 onboard sounds, including two grand pianos sampled from Yamaha’s CFIIIS concert grand, electric pianos, organs, and more. It’s super portable at under 12kg, with a sturdy build that can survive daily use and the occasional move. There’s a headphone jack for silent practice, a function button for sound selection, and compatibility with Yamaha’s optional triple pedal unit for those looking to upgrade.
Performance: The P-145 delivers where it counts for beginners: the action feels realistic, and the main piano tones are clear and convincing, especially through the built-in speakers with their clever Sound Boost feature. While the additional sounds are a bit hit-or-miss, the core piano voices are expressive enough for practice and casual performances. The keys are a little glossy, which can be slippery for some, but most players will get used to it quickly. Overall, if you want a simple, reliable digital piano that gets the basics right, the P-145 is an excellent place to start your musical journey.
"Yamaha's P-45 was most definitely one of the most popular beginner pianos on the market, and it was easy to see why. It was robust, compact and offered players an authentic feeling instrument at a stellar price. The latest iteration - the P-145 - stays within the guidelines of the previous unit but manages to shrink the model to an even more compact size, making it more portable."
Read more: Yamaha P-145 review
Best for the stage
✅ Buy if you want the very best stage piano: This is an industry-standard stage piano for a reason. It’s dependable, feels amazing to play and sounds incredible - but that does come at a cost.
❌ Avoid if you aren’t a pro: Okay, so if you are a beginner or just an amateur player, you may not need this level of investment.
What is it? The Yamaha CP88 is a professional stage piano built for gigging musicians and serious performers who want classic feel without the fuss. It’s Yamaha’s answer to the modern stage piano, combining an authentic acoustic piano experience with the flexibility needed for live performances. With its rugged aluminium chassis and 88-key Natural Wood Graded Hammer keybed, the CP88 is ready for the road and feels fantastic under your fingers.
Features: This piano is all about hands-on control and versatility. You get instant access to three main sound sections, Piano, Electric Piano, and Sub for pads, synths, and more, each with dedicated controls, so you can tweak your sound live without digging through menus. The CP88 boasts top-tier acoustic piano voices, including Yamaha’s CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grands, a variety of uprights, and classic CP and DX electric pianos. The effects are stellar, too, with real-time control over delay, reverb, drive, modulation, and more. As you’d expect from one of the best stage pianos, the connectivity is top-notch, with balanced XLR outs, MIDI, USB, and multiple pedal inputs.
Performance: The key action is responsive and satisfying, with a triple-sensor mechanism and synthetic ebony/ivory tops that make fast runs and expressive playing effortless. The sounds are rich, dynamic, and cut through a mix, whether you’re playing smooth jazz, punchy pop, hard rock or anything in between. Seamless sound switching lets you change patches mid-song without awkward audio gaps. At 18.6kg, it’s portable for its class, and the streamlined interface just makes you want to play. If you’re after a pro-level stage piano that’s a joy to use night after night, the CP88 is hard to beat.
“The CP88 feels like it’s been designed by players, for players. It might not be red, but this is a stage piano that has a bright future ahead.”
Read our full Yamaha CP-88 review
Best grand piano
✅ Buy if you want a grand piano without the fuss: As this is a digital piano, there is no maintenance, or strings to worry about.
❌ Avoid if you don't have space: Not got the room for a gran piano? Well, this model does come in the upright format.
What is it? Looking to all intents and purposes like an acoustic baby grand piano, the CLP-865GP doesn't quite sit at the top of the Clavinova CLP range, but it is our pick for those seeking the grand look with the massive price tag. The difference is that this grand has literally no strings attached - in place of an acoustic grand piano's soundboard and strings, there is a beautifully finished, polished wooden housing containing a number of shiny, round speakers, laid out in what Yamaha calls a Grand Acoustic Imaging array.
Features: The CLP-865GP receives all the grand piano accoutrements from the CLP features list, namely the GrandTouch-S keyboard with white wooden keys and an increased length from the tip of the key to the fulcrum, and the GP response damper pedal that closely tracks the continuous pedal depression behaviour of an acoustic grand. The signature 800-series touch sensor control panel effectively maintains the traditional look, and it includes full Bluetooth functionality, with built-in Bluetooth audio and wireless compatibility with the Smart Pianist app via Bluetooth MIDI. This all adds up to a beautiful-sounding instrument that's not only rewarding to play but also adds elegance to any home with the space for it.
Performance: Now, we’ve made our thoughts clear on the flagship CLP-885, and as you may expect, the 865GP is remarkably similar, but with its large cabinet and speakers, it has a room-filling sound that is genuinely impressive. The responsiveness of the keys is exactly what you’d expect from Yamaha, which is why we love it. So, if you want to have the look and style of a grand piano, without the incredible weight or ongoing maintenance, then this is the best Yamaha piano for you.
Best digital hybrid
✅ Buy if you want an authentic feel: This piano really does have the feel of a real acoustic grand piano action.
❌ Avoid if looks are important: Okay, so this is a strange looking piano, and it most certainly isn't for everyone.
What is it? Imagine taking one of the world’s finest acoustic upright pianos, removing the strings and soundboard and replacing them with a digital sound generator, leaving only the keyboard mechanism and hammers intact. What you’d be left with is essentially the N-1X AvantGuard hybrid digital piano.
Features: With a slightly unusual design that resembles the cut-off front end of a grand piano, the N-1X promises grand-piano performance in the body of an upright, featuring a high-performance speaker system designed to ensure the sound is projected in a manner virtually identical to that of an acoustic instrument. The ace up its sleeve, though, is that authentic grand piano action, identical to that of an actual Yamaha grand, which, when coupled with the fantastic CFX and Bosendorfer sample sets and advanced features like dual headphone outputs, Bluetooth audio streaming capability and compatibility with Smart Pianist, makes the N-1X an absolute joy to play.
Performance: Playing the N-1X feels almost indistinguishable from a real grand piano. The authentic key action is responsive and expressive, capturing every nuance of your touch. The onboard speakers produce a rich, immersive sound, while the headphone experience is equally impressive. Whether practising quietly or performing for friends, this hybrid delivers an inspiring piano experience every time.
How to choose
When choosing a digital piano, start by considering the size of your space. Digital pianos come in a range of shapes and sizes, from slimline units that fit easily into most rooms to upright models that resemble traditional acoustic pianos. Be sure to measure your space before making a purchase to ensure a good fit.
Next, consider the key action, which is how heavy or light the keys feel when played. There are no strict rules here; simply choose an action that feels comfortable to you. If you prefer a lighter touch, that's perfectly acceptable. Ultimately, the more comfortable you are with your piano, the more likely you are to play regularly.
Finally, think about additional features. For example, you might want a digital piano with built-in Bluetooth for connecting to smart devices, or two headphone outputs for lessons.
Below is a breakdown of the current Yamaha range.
P Series: The portable P-series is great for travelling pianists who want a piano they can gig with or for beginners to set up to practise in a small bedroom or apartment.
Arius: The Arius range of compact home console-style pianos are designed to enhance smaller spaces without being overbearing. They’re brilliant for beginners, particularly families with kids who want to start learning.
Clavinova: The Clavinova line represents the more upmarket home digital pianos, with more sophisticated speaker systems, upgraded keyboards and other more advanced features.
Portable Grand: The Portable Grand range currently consists of just one model, the DGX-670, which is more of a piano/arranger keyboard hybrid instrument with multiple sounds and auto-accompaniment styles.
AvantGrand: At the upper end of the scale are the AvantGrand hybrid pianos, which feature stringless acoustic actions mated to digital sound modules for the ultimate blend of acoustic and digital technology.
FAQs
Should I order a piano online?
For many, the idea of buying a piano online can feel intimidating. However, it doesn’t need to be. While pianos are undeniably bulky, most reputable retailers offer delivery services, and sometimes even assembly, for an additional fee. These conveniences make purchasing a piano online much more accessible than you might expect.
When your new piano arrives, be prepared for large, heavy boxes. It's wise to arrange for help moving the box into your home; most digital pianos require at least two people to manoeuvre safely. If you’re concerned about the weight or tight spaces, having a third person can make the process even smoother.
Once your piano is inside, assembly is usually simple. Most digital pianos arrive flat-packed, and putting them together is much like assembling flat-pack furniture. Typically, you’ll only need to attach the legs and pedalboard, so there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. That said, having someone assist you can make assembly even easier and quicker.
Find out more in our guide to ordering a piano online.
Do Yamaha digital pianos come with pedals?
Acoustic pianos can feature up to three foot pedals, but only one of them is absolutely essential when starting out, and that's the sustain or 'damper' pedal. For this reason, all of the Yamaha pianos on our list offer a sustain pedal input, with a basic pedal or footswitch included in the purchase price.
Some of the larger pianos come with all three pedals with metal footplates, as you'd find on an acoustic piano.
Can I use headphones with a beginner digital piano?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of going digital is the ability to practice with a set of headphones. As well as built-in speakers, a headphone output is absolutely crucial so that you can practise confidently to your heart's content while the rest of the family does their own thing. All of our contenders sport at least one headphone socket, and a couple provide a second, extra socket for your teacher or proud parent to listen in!
What is Yamaha Smart Pianist?
The majority of instruments in Yamaha's digital piano family are compatible with the company's Smart Pianist mobile app, so no buyer’s guide covering Yamaha digital pianos would be complete without mentioning this incredibly useful companion. Smart Pianist is a single app that senses which model of piano you’ve connected it to and makes available the features that are compatible with that model. These include selecting and editing the piano sounds, accessing extra voices, performing with a built-in backup band or orchestra, playing along with built-in songs or recordings from your favourite bands and artists and helping to develop your skills with extensive interactive lesson programmes.
Using Smart Pianist on a connected mobile device such as an iPad or Android tablet can significantly enhance how you use your Yamaha piano, adding what is effectively a large touchscreen colour display to your instrument that makes it even more of a joy to use.
How we chose the best Yamaha digital pianos
Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best Yamaha digital pianos available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are musicians, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best Yamaha digital pianos on the market right now.
Find out more about how we test music gear and services at MusicRadar.
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With more than 17 years of experience, MusicRadar is the premier music-making website in the world. Run by musicians for musicians, we offer expertly written gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by an extensive team of highly experienced industry professionals.
Below you'll find more information on the expert authors of this guide.
Daryl is a Senior Deals Writer at MusicRadar, and is responsible for writing and maintaining buyer's guides on the site as well as testing out products for reviews. Before writing for MusicRadar, Daryl worked for many years in music retail, helping musicians of all ages find the best gear for them. Whether it was a beginner's first keyboard or a top-of-the-range digital piano for the pros, Daryl was there to help steer players in the right direction.
Quentin is a composer specialising in writing for contemporary dance, theatre and film. He is also a classically trained pianist and multi-instrumentalist. One half of trip-hop duo Moon Thrills, Quentin also teaches songwriting to the undergraduate students at LCCM in London. He has a newly discovered passion for sound synthesis and finds it a great way to explore new and exciting ways to develop his music.
Dave is an expert in all things keys, from beginner keyboards, to digital pianos, synths and beyond, and has been a music technology writer and product tester since 2007, contributing to the likes of Computer Music, iCreate, MusicRadar and Attack Magazine. Dave has also programmed and played keys on recordings by a range of world-renowned artists including George Michael, Kylie and Gary Barlow.
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