Which is Better? the Yamaha p115 vs Yamaha p125

Are you thinking about buying a new digital piano, but you're stuck between the Yamaha p115 or the Yamaha p125? These two digital pianos are only one model year apart, but they have some pretty significant differences. Given how close they are in design, it can be hard to decide which one is the best for you.

Our pick for which is best is the Yamaha p125. The improved sound quality and better connectivity features are just too good to pass up regardless of your budget.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the Yamaha p115 vs p125.

YAMAHA P125

Specs and Features

When we get down into the specs of these two digital pianos, one major difference stands out. The newer Yamaha p125 does not have the Pianist Styles feature. The Yamaha p115 Pianist Styles feature allows musicians to automatically add accompaniment and rhythm just by playing a single cord. While the newer p125 doesn't have this feature, it does have a few features over the older p115.

The p125 has more preset voices giving users 24 presets over the p115’s 14. The Yamaha p125 also has six more rhythm settings than the p115 which only had 14. The newer p125 requires a 9 watt power supply compared to the p115’s 6 watt power supply.

Design

The design between the Yamaha p125 vs p115 is a matter of nuance. Both of these digital pianos have roughly the same dimensions and the same overall size. The difference comes down to the p125 having a more modern-looking frame while the p115 has a classic digital piano look. This difference is subtle, but it can be very important to people who value the aesthetics of their instruments.

Both models are designed to be about as portable as it gets when it comes to 88-key digital pianos.

The differences between these two models really start to make themselves known when we start looking into the sound and connectivity.

Sound

Sound quality is where the Yamaha p115 vs p125 differences start to become clear. Both keyboards use weighted keys and the Intelligent Acoustic Control and the Pure CF Sound Engine for outstanding sound quality. However, the Yamaha p125 makes some upgrades that improve its sound.

The speakers on the Yamaha p125 have been upgraded. Their angle has also been changed to recreate a more natural acoustic piano sound or at least get as close as a digital piano can. The p125 also has more preloaded songs than the p115. These changes might seem minor, but experienced pianists will be able to spot the difference.

The biggest difference between the p115 and the p125 comes in when we look at the connectivity of both digital pianos.

Connectivity

Both of these pianos come with their own unique apps. Yamaha p115 comes with Digital Piano Controller and the Yamaha p125 comes with the Smart Pianist app.

The Yamaha p115 Digital Piano Controller app essentially turns your iOS tablet or phone into a digital screen that controls the piano. This is great and allows you to control all of your piano’s features with an easy-to-use interface. If you're looking for a little bit more, the p125 has an app with more features.

The Smart Pianist app on the p125 handles everything the digital piano controller app does and then some. It's most notable feature is called Chord Chart. This feature allows the app to produce chord charts for all of your favorite songs. All you have to do is sync the app with your music library and it will produce chord charts for your music.

So Which is Better

When comparing the Yamaha p125 vs p115, it all depends on what you value most as a musician. The Yamaha p115 is still certainly viable and a solid digital piano, but if you’re looking to have the best possible sound and the most up-to-date apps, the Yamaha p125 is right for you.

No matter which Yamaha digital piano you pick, you're going to have a great instrument.

Check P115 on Amazon Check P125 on Amazon

If you still want to check more options of Yamaha digital piano, check our previous review of best yamaha 88 key digital piano.