Top 5 Yamaha Keyboards: Guide & Recommendations

Yamaha is one of the most widely used keyboard brands among musicians around the globe.
Digital pianos, stage keyboards, arrangers... the range is as vast as it is versatile. With so many models available, it’s not always easy to know where to start. Should you prioritise piano-like feel or a wealth of sounds? Portability or connectivity?

In this guide, we’ve selected 5 essential Yamaha keyboards to help you choose the one that best matches your needs and musical tastes. Discover their features, key strengths and our tips on how to fit them into your musical world.

Yamaha Keyboards Compared

The Yamaha P-145BT packs serious tech into an ultra-compact digital piano. Designed to offer both playability and portability, it serves up a realistic feel thanks to its Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard, faithfully recreating the sensation of a grand piano.

Its sound engine is based on samples of the renowned Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand, delivering a rich, full tone. Damper Resonance effects add realism by simulating the instrument’s natural string resonances for an immersive playing experience.

With 10 onboard voices and advanced functions (Reverb, Sound Boost, Dual, Duo), the P-145BT adapts to many musical styles and lets you personalise your performance. It also includes 50 classical works and 303 educational pieces via the Smart Pianist app—an ideal partner for learning at your own pace.

On the connectivity side, Bluetooth Audio makes it easy to stream your favourite tracks, while the USB-to-Host port slots neatly into any computer-music setup. Light (11.1 kg) and compact, it’s easy to carry—perfect for small spaces or musicians on the move.

The Yamaha Arius YDP-145 B blends the look of an acoustic with the performance of a digital. With 88 GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) keys and half-pedalling support, it delivers an expressive, nuanced touch.

Its sound—sampled from the prestigious Yamaha CFX concert grand—stands out with sparkling highs and deep lows. VRM Lite recreates natural resonances for a harmonic richness close to that of a real grand piano.

Designed to elevate home playing, this furniture-style piano features a Tone Escapement system that helps the sound project from the back of the instrument, creating a more immersive spatial impression throughout the room.

Two-track MIDI recording lets you capture performances easily, while functions such as Dual, Duo, metronome and transpose enrich everyday practice. Supplied with a collection of 50 classical masterpieces, the YDP-145 B invites you to explore a wide repertoire.

The PSR-SX720 is a high-end arranger keyboard designed for composition enthusiasts. With 1,377 voices spanning every style—from classical and jazz to electronic and world—and 450 accompaniment styles, it opens the door to an enormous universe of sounds and textures.

Its responsive FSB keyboard feels great to play, and the wealth of real-time controls (joystick, rotary encoders, 7" colour touchscreen) gives you total command on stage. It’s also a true production hub thanks to its built-in 16-track multitrack recorder, multipads and deep customisation options.

Mic/guitar inputs with dedicated effects make it a strong ally for singers and guitarists wanting to enhance their performances. Its comprehensive connectivity makes it easy to slot into a DAW setup or professional live rig.

The Yamaha CK88 is built for live players who need versatility. Its 88 weighted GHS keys provide a convincing piano feel while remaining flexible enough to jump across styles and setlists.

The powerful AWM2 engine combines expressive stage pianos, richly nuanced organs and modern synths. The interface is tailored for ultra-intuitive live control: with dedicated buttons, sliders and drawbars, you can tweak in real time without menu diving—perfect for the stage.

With 363 voices and 160 Live Set memories, the CK88 makes it easy to prep presets for each song or set. Whether you’re playing solo, in a band or in an electronic setting, this keyboard adapts. It can run on mains power or batteries, offering rare mobility in this category.

The built-in speakers (2×6 W) are ideal for practice, solo work and impromptu jams. On stage, you’ll naturally want an external PA to get the most from its sounds.

The Yamaha PSR-E473 is a feature-packed keyboard. With 61 responsive keys and 820 voices, it offers a very broad sound palette.

Advanced functions (DSP, Split, Dual, Melody Suppressor) make it easy to craft varied arrangements. There’s also an AUX input, USB ports and audio outputs for recording and live use.

Compact and lightweight, the PSR-E473 is perfect for learning, exploring different styles and getting to grips with keyboard playing.

Conclusion

For home use with a realistic piano touch, the P-145BT or YDP-145 B are excellent choices. If you’re after a versatile, creativity-friendly keyboard, the PSR-SX720 and PSR-E473 will have you covered. And for live performers, the CK88 is a must-have!