P-143 feels fresher and nicer to play; P-45 stays unbeatable on price.

You want a real piano feel in a small space. I’ve been there. The Yamaha P45 and the newer P143 both promise that “just play” simplicity. In my hands-on time, both did the job well, but in different ways. The core question in the yamaha p45 vs p143 is simple: do you want the lowest price or the newest feel and sound? I tested both at home and on small gigs. Here’s what I found so you can choose with confidence.

Is Yamaha P45 Good?

The short answer is yes. For beginners and budget-focused players, the P45 is a smart start. It gives you 88 weighted keys, a clean piano tone, and a sturdy build. It feels like a true piano more than any cheap synth does. If you want to learn on something that will not fight you, this will do nicely.

I used the P45 for a few living room lessons and a small coffee shop set. It set up fast, sounded musical, and stayed out of my way. I paired it with headphones late at night and kept neighbors happy. In the yamaha p45 vs p143 debate, the P45 wins if cost matters most.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 88-key Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) weighted action
• AWM stereo-sampled piano sound
• 64-note polyphony with 10 built-in voices
• USB to Host for simple MIDI connection
• Duo mode and metronome for practice

What I Like

• Very easy to set up and start playing
• Weighted keys feel firm and predictable for new players
• Simple buttons; no menu maze
• Solid value for the price
• Compact and light enough to move without stress

What Could Be Better

• Speakers are modest for larger rooms
• No dedicated line outputs for stage mixers
• Older sound engine next to newer Yamaha models

My Recommendation

If you’re starting out or want the lowest cost for a real piano feel, choose the P45. It’s easy to trust and easy to carry.

Best For	Why
Beginners on a budget	Great feel and tone for the price
Small apartments	Compact, quiet with headphones
Simple home practice	No-frills, reliable, easy controls

Is Yamaha P143 Good?

Yes, and it is the better player’s choice in this pair. The P143 is newer and feels more refined. The key action is tighter and quieter. The main piano tone has more body and sparkle. If you want a small upgrade in feel and sound, this is it.

I first tried the P143 at a rehearsal with a singer. The dynamic range felt wider, so I could play softer and still be heard. At home, the speakers filled my small studio with a warmer tone. In the yamaha p45 vs p143 match-up, the P143 pushes ahead on touch and tone.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Newer compact graded hammer action for a crisper feel
• Updated piano sample with more clarity and body
• 64-note polyphony with 10 essential voices
• USB to Host (modern connection) with app control support
• Stronger onboard speakers for small rooms

What I Like

• Keys feel more responsive and quiet
• Main piano voice sounds richer and more open
• Works well with apps for deeper control
• Slim design fits tight spaces
• Better speaker punch for practice and casual play

What Could Be Better

• No built-in Bluetooth; cable still needed
• Still no dedicated line outputs
• Costs more than the P45

My Recommendation

If you want the best play feel and a cleaner sound in this duo, pick the P143.

Best For	Why
Serious beginners	More expressive touch and nicer tone
Home players	Stronger speakers and slim body
App-friendly users	Simple USB control with popular apps

yamaha p45 vs p143: Side-by-Side Test

I played both models back-to-back for a week. I tried scales, jazz voicings, and soft ballads. Here is how the yamaha p45 vs p143 shakes out across the key areas that matter.

Key Action and Feel: Which Feels More Like a Real Piano?

Both aim to mimic an acoustic piano. The P143 feels a touch tighter and more refined under the fingers.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P143
Action type	GHS weighted	Newer compact graded action
Key noise	Audible at high speed	Quieter and tighter
Control at soft touch	Good	Better
Dynamic range feel	Solid	Wider

Ratings: Yamaha P45 – 7/10 | Yamaha P143 – 8.5/10

“P143 edges out the P45 with a cleaner, more responsive touch.”

Sound Engine and Voices: Which Sounds Better?

I compared the main piano, electric pianos, and strings.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P143
Main piano character	Warm and simple	Richer with more sparkle
Polyphony	64 notes	64 notes
Voices	10	10
Layer/Duo	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes

Ratings: Yamaha P45 – 7/10 | Yamaha P143 – 8/10

“P143 wins on clarity and depth, even with the same voice count.”

Speakers and Volume: Which Fills the Room Better?

I tested in a bedroom and a small studio.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P143
Power	Modest built-in speakers	Noticeably stronger output
Tone at low volume	Good	Fuller
Projection	Small room	Small to medium room
Headphone sound	Clean	Clean with better body

Ratings: Yamaha P45 – 6.5/10 | Yamaha P143 – 8/10

“P143 has more punch and warmth from the speakers.”

Connectivity and App Support: Who Plays Better with Tech?

I used USB for MIDI and app control.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P143
USB connection	USB to Host (older style)	USB to Host (modern)
App control	Basic	Better app integration
Bluetooth	No	No (use cable)
Audio outputs	Headphone jack only	Headphone jack only

Ratings: Yamaha P45 – 6.5/10 | Yamaha P143 – 8/10

“P143 is more future-friendly for simple app use and control.”

Portability and Build: Which Is Easier to Live With?

Both are slim. The P143 is a bit more compact.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P143
Size/weight	Light and manageable	Slightly slimmer and lighter
Stand options	Compatible with basic stands	Compatible with compact stands
Pedal included	Simple footswitch	Simple footswitch
Build feel	Sturdy	Sturdy and refined

Ratings: Yamaha P45 – 7.5/10 | Yamaha P143 – 8/10

“Both are easy to move; P143 feels a bit sleeker.”

Learning and Practice Tools: Which Helps You Learn Faster?

I looked at the basics that matter for practice.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P143
Metronome	Yes	Yes
Duo mode	Yes	Yes
Recording	No	No
App-based lessons	Basic via MIDI	Better via apps over USB

Ratings: Yamaha P45 – 7/10 | Yamaha P143 – 8/10

“Both teach well; P143 adds smoother app support for lessons.”

Value for Money: Which Gives More for Your Budget?

Price varies, but the roles are clear.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P143
Typical price	Lower	Higher
What you pay for	Solid basics	Newer feel and sound
Resale	Good	Very good
Overall value	Great at entry price	Great if you want better touch

Ratings: Yamaha P45 – 8/10 | Yamaha P143 – 8/10

“P45 wins on price; P143 wins on refinement. Both are fair buys.”

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If cost is your main driver, get the P45. It is simple, honest, and good to learn on. It nails the basics and keeps money in your pocket. In the yamaha p45 vs p143 matchup, that still matters.

If you want a nicer touch and richer tone, buy the P143. It feels newer and plays cleaner. You will notice it every time you sit down. For many players, that small upgrade is worth it.

FAQs Of yamaha p45 vs p143

What is the biggest difference in the yamaha p45 vs p143?

The P143 has a newer key action and a richer main piano sound. The P45 wins on price and keeps the basics.

Does the P143 have better speakers than the P45?

Yes. The P143 speakers sound fuller and project better in small rooms. The P45 is fine for practice but has less punch.

Are the polyphony and voices the same in the yamaha p45 vs p143?

Yes. Both offer 64-note polyphony and 10 core voices. The P143 still sounds cleaner thanks to its newer tone engine.

Which is better for beginners: yamaha p45 vs p143?

Both work well. If budget is tight, pick the P45. If you want a better feel and plan to stick with it, choose the P143.

Do either have line outputs or Bluetooth?

No line outputs and no built-in Bluetooth on either. Use the headphone jack for audio out, and USB for MIDI and apps.