Yamaha P115 vs P125 (Differences & Which Is Better?)

• How do the two instruments differ from one another? 
• What features do these two “P” models have in common?
• Read on to find out which portable Yamaha is right for you

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Beginner pianists and pro pianists alike flock to Yamaha’s digital and acoustic pianos, and for good reason. This maker is known for having reliable builds with lovely action, and excellent sampling technology. Yamaha’s portable digital piano line brings economical pianos to the table, without sacrificing quality. 

I like to think of the P115 and P125 as siblings. The Yamaha P115 model was first released in 2015 and was designed to replace the earlier model, the Yamaha P105. The P115 has been highly sought after since its release 7 years ago. The Yamaha P125 model was first released in 2018 and was designed to replace the P115. 

Yamaha P115 Vs. P125: Which is Better?

 

Short answer: both the Yamaha P115 and the Yamaha P125 are excellent instruments, but the P125 has more to offer with its updated sound banks, more realistic sound, and new accompaniment features. If you are trying to find an economical used instrument, though, the Yamaha P115 is still a solid entry-level instrument.

In the section below, I will further compare and contrast the two models in-depth.

P115 and P125: Comparison Chart

	P115	P125
Release Date	2015	2018
Price Point	$600	$700
Sound Bank	14 voices	25 voices
Number of Piano Tones	3	8
Rhythms	14 rhythms	20 rhythms
App Compatibility	Digital Piano Controller	Smart Pianist
Number of Preset Songs	64	71
Pedals	Supports both single-pedal and triple-pedal units	Supports both single-pedal and triple-pedal units
Material	Plastic	Plastic
Number of Buttons	14	14
Number of Speakers	4	4
Onboard Recorder	Yes: MIDI, 2 tracks	Yes: MIDI, 2 tracks
Auto Off	Yes	Yes
Effects	Reverb, sound boost, intelligent acoustic control	Reverb (4 types)

P115 Versus P125 (Differences Explained) 

Build

The P115 and P125 have the same dimensions, are made of the same plastic shell, and both weigh the same. That being said, the P125 has had some slight alterations to the build that make it look sleeker. 

Takeaway

The Yamaha P115 and P125 are equally as portable but look a bit more modern, aesthetically speaking. 

Action & Feel

The P115 and P125 both have 88 weighted, graded hammer keys, which are designed to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. The P125’s keyboard has an improved matte finish, on the black keys. This synthetic ebony provides a better grip and prevents the keys from getting slick when you’re playing for long periods. 

Both keyboards are touch sensitive, Additionally, the P125’s keys have a higher level of sensitivity, which means that they can detect and respond to even the slightest touch. 

Takeaway

There’s not a ton of difference between the action of the P115 and P125, but the P125 does take the cake when it comes to having that extra nuance. The addition of its non-slip grip to the black/synthetic ebony keys is a big plus. 

Connectivity

Both the P115 and P125 have similar connectivity. Both models have USB and MIDI ports for connecting to a computer and DAW. They also have AUX input and output jacks for connecting to external speakers and headphones.

Takeaway

When it comes to connectivity, these two pianos are equaled.

Sound Engine/ Polyphony

Both the Yamaha P115 and P125 use Yamaha’s Pure CF sound engine. The CF sound engine is which is known for recreating high-quality piano sounds, such as a grand piano.

The P125 has an improved Pure CF sound engine that provides a wider dynamic range and better tonal quality, especially when playing loudly due to its ‘sound boost’ option The P125 also has more polyphony, which means that you can play more notes at once without any of the tones being cut out abruptly.

Takeaway

The P125’s sound engine is similar to the P115’s, but the many minor tweaks and updates make it superior. 

Speaker System

One area where the P125 is noticeably different from the P115 is the sound system. The P125 model has updated speakers. The tweeters on the P125 have been moved, making the sound more full and realistic. This model also boasts two-way speakers, meaning that the sound comes from both above, and below, further adding to the realism. 

Takeaway

The P115’s 4-speaker sound system is good, but the P125’s is better!

Soundbank

The P125 has 11 more sounds than the P115. Some of the sounds the updated model boasts include the following 6 categories:

• Piano
• Organ
• Electric Piano
• Vibraphone/Clavichord
• Strings
• Bass

The P115 has 14 total sounds including:

• Electric pianos
• Organs
• Bass
• Strings

Both instruments have the renowned 9-foot concert grand piano sample, which is by far the best tone on both soundbanks. 

Takeaway 

Both pianos have similar sound engines, but the sound bank of the P125 is better all-around. Since it has more tones it has more applications and some of the sounds have been improved, the P125 yet again beats out the P115.  

Shared Features

Here are some positive features both instruments share: 

• They’re both extremely easy to use
• They both come with dual, split, and duo modes
• They are both fairly economical
• They have rhythm and accompaniment features
• The pianos both have reverb FX
• Both have a wonderful grand piano sample

Pros and Cons Chart: P115

Pros	Cons
It is easy to navigate	None of the keys are textured
The four speakers lead to a fuller sound	No LCD screen
The hammer action is great for serious beginners	You can’t save presets
The tones are good for the price	This model isn’t currently being produced (it is discontinued)
It has reverb	No Bluetooth
There are accompaniment features like rhythms 7.1 OUR SCORE See Also Yamaha PSR-F52 Review (Best $100 61-Key Electric Piano?) and preset songs	Small soundbank

Pros and Cons Chart: P125 

While the P125 is the better option of the two, it’s certainly not without its cons.

Pros	Cons
It’s easy to use; the controls are straightforward	It doesn’t have textured white keys
It sounds really good for the price	It doesn’t have as many acoustic piano tones as I’d hoped (of the 8 tones, only 4 are acoustic. The others are synthy, or E. pianos
The speaker placement is perfect	No LCD screen
There are new FX and more FX than the previous model	You can’t save presets
It has a decent-sized sound bank	The speakers aren’t super powerful
Overall, there have been many improvements to the model!	No Bluetooth, or updates to connectivity since the last model

Digital Piano FAQs

Who are these Two Pianos Made For? 

Both the P115 and P125 are entry-level instruments, meaning that they are made with beginners in mind. That being said, I believe that a lower-intermediate instrumentalist can succeed with either piano, as long as they aren’t looking for too many bells and whistles onboard. Keep in mind that P115 and P125 wouldn’t suit composers or singer-songwriters as well as models with more recording capabilities and sounds.

What is the Best Portable Yamaha Out There? 

In my opinion, the best portable Yamaha piano out there is the new P-S500. It has a sound sample of an Imperial Bosendorfer, 403 song presets, and stunning virtual resonance Modeling (VRM).  But I believe that beginners get the best bang with Yamaha P125.

Does the “P” Portable Line Hold its Value? 

While digital instruments also seem to go out of date faster than we’d like, I believe that the “P” line, along with Yamaha’s other digital instruments, holds its value quite well. For example, I have a Yamaha DGX that’s not made anymore, but its MIDI output, paired with its large sound bank, still serves me quite well. 

Do Portable Digital Pianos Work Well For Classical Pianists?  

Portable digital pianos can be excellent starter instruments for classical pianists, but only if they have weighted keys. Luckily, both the P115 and P125 have graded hammer action, meaning that the keys are both weighted and graded, so they get heavier as you go down lower. In short, both pianos work well for beginning classical pianists. For intermediate classical and jazz pianists, I’d recommend something along the lines of an F-140R by Roland, or an ES-110 by Kawai. 

What Other Comparable Pianos Would You Recommend?

Other instruments that are similar to the P115 and P125 include 

• Casio PX-S1100 
• Casio CDP-S360
• Upgrade: Yamaha P515

The PX-1100 costs about $700, making it comparable in price to the P125. The PX-1100 has 192 notes of polyphony, grand piano sampling, and 18  total tones. Also, all of the keys are textured, rather than just the black notes. 

The S-360 costs a bit less than the P115 and P125, but still offers hammer action and a portable slimline body. If you are looking for a plethora of tones, this model will be your best bet: it has over 700 voices. 

If you are looking to upgrade: the P-515 is an excellent contender.  Yamaha’s current flagship model is in the “P” line, meaning that it is the newest. The price tag is much higher ($900 higher) but you will get to enjoy the newest of the new features, including wooden accents, and a touchscreen interface. 

Final Thoughts

Yamaha’s P line offers musicians high-quality sounds and touch at a low price point. If you are a beginner pianist, the Yamaha P line is certainly worth considering!