Both deliver superb digital piano experiences; the P525 is the refined, future‑proof upgrade.

You want a premium portable piano that feels like a grand but fits a small room. I’ve lived with both Yamaha P515 and Yamaha P525 side by side, gigged them, and taught lessons on them. In short, both are excellent, but one offers modern refinements, while the other nails value. In this yamaha p515 vs p525 comparison, I’ll share what actually matters so you can pick the right fit for your hands, ears, and budget.

Is Yamaha P515 Good?

If you want a top-tier portable piano without paying for the latest badge, my verdict is yes. The Yamaha P515 is a strong buy for serious learners, hobbyists, and working players who need a reliable 88-key board with a convincing grand piano feel. It shines in apartments and small studios and still has enough punch for small gigs.

I first used the P515 for a Sunday brunch set. The action felt confident under fast runs, and the CFX/Bösendorfer pianos held up through a small PA. Later, I taught a beginner-to-intermediate class on it; students noticed the wooden keys right away. It’s a trustworthy workhorse that still feels premium.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• NWX wooden-key action with escapement for a grand-like feel
• Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial piano samples with binaural CFX
• Virtual Resonance Modeling for realistic string and body resonance
• Powerful built-in speaker system suitable for home and small venues
• Bluetooth audio, USB connectivity, layer/split/duo modes, and app support

What I Like

• Natural key resistance makes practice feel meaningful and musical
• Both CFX and Bösendorfer voices cover bright pop and warm classical
• Built-in speakers get surprisingly full without needing a PA
• Easy to set up split and layer for teaching or live textures
• Sturdy build that survives regular transport and rehearsals

What Could Be Better

• Bluetooth is audio-only; wireless MIDI would be nice
• Interface feels a bit dated compared with newer models
• Heft can be noticeable if you gig alone without a case on wheels

My Recommendation

The P515 is ideal if you want top-tier feel and sound at a friendlier price than the newest model. Availability varies, but it’s often the better value.

Best For	Why
Serious learners	Authentic action promotes good technique
Home studios	Excellent built-in sound and easy USB connection
Value-minded giggers	Pro sound/feel without paying for the newest upgrades

Is Yamaha P525 Good?

Yes—if you want the most refined, modern take in this line. The Yamaha P525 brings upgrades that you feel under your fingers and hear in the room. It suits advancing pianists, teachers, and performers who want the latest action, updated sound engine, and improved connectivity in a portable body.

I rehearsed a jazz trio on the P525 and noticed the improved control at very soft dynamics. On a teaching day, Bluetooth MIDI and the updated interface saved me time setting up apps and play-alongs. In this yamaha p515 vs p525 matchup, the P525 is the “buy once, cry once” choice for players who plan to keep their board for years.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• GrandTouch-S wooden-key action with longer pivot for finer control
• Refined CFX and Bösendorfer pianos, plus enhanced modeling realism
• Stronger built-in speakers with a wider, clearer stereo image
• Bluetooth audio and MIDI for wireless practice and apps
• Updated interface for faster access to sounds, splits, and settings

What I Like

• Key feel is more nuanced at soft and medium dynamics
• Acoustic piano tones have more depth and natural bloom
• Wireless MIDI makes apps and lessons friction-free
• UI upgrades speed up live tweaks and teaching setups
• Expanded voice set covers EPs, organs, and more styles

What Could Be Better

• Higher price than the P515
• Still not “ultra-light” for frequent subway or walk-up gigs
• Some players may not need the extra features for home-only use

My Recommendation

Choose the P525 if you want the most refined feel, modern connectivity, and longevity. It’s the long-term, no-compromise pick.

Best For	Why
Advancing pianists	GrandTouch-S action improves expressive control
Teachers and app users	Bluetooth MIDI simplifies lessons and workflow
Gigging pros	Enhanced sound engine and faster onstage control

yamaha p515 vs p525: Side-by-Side Test

I played the same pieces on both boards over a week—classical, ballads, and funk—then used each for teaching. Here’s how the yamaha p515 vs p525 comparison shakes out in real use.

Key Action & Feel: Which Feels More Like a Grand?

Both actions are excellent. The P525’s GrandTouch-S offers finer control at low velocities.

Feature	Yamaha P515	Yamaha P525
Action type	NWX wooden keys with escapement	GrandTouch-S wooden keys with longer pivot
Dynamic control	Very good	Excellent, especially pianissimo
Repetition speed	Confident	Even crisper and more consistent
Fatigue over long sessions	Low	Very low

Ratings: P515 – 8.8/10 | P525 – 9.4/10

The P525 has the edge thanks to its more nuanced GrandTouch-S action.

Piano Sound & Speakers: Which Sounds Better?

Both feature CFX and Bösendorfer pianos; the P525 feels more open and dimensional.

Aspect	Yamaha P515	Yamaha P525
Core piano voices	CFX + Bösendorfer with VRM	Refined CFX + Bösendorfer with enhanced modeling
Binaural experience (headphones)	Immersive on CFX	More natural space and depth
Speaker presence	Strong for home/small rooms	Fuller, wider stereo image
Tone shaping	Solid EQ/effects	More detail and clarity

Ratings: P515 – 9.0/10 | P525 – 9.5/10

The P525 wins for its clearer projection and more lifelike resonance.

Voices & Styles: Which One Does More?

Both cover essentials; the P525 adds range for EPs, organs, and play-alongs.

Area	Yamaha P515	Yamaha P525
Voice library	Well-rounded selection	Expanded set with refined EPs/organs
Rhythms/Styles	Useful for practice	More variety and polish
Layer/Split options	Fast and flexible	Faster access with updated UI
Onboard effects	Practical selection	Finer control and realism

Ratings: P515 – 8.7/10 | P525 – 9.2/10

P525 takes it with broader, more refined sound options.

Connectivity & Apps: Which Is Easier to Connect?

Both connect via USB; the P525 adds Bluetooth MIDI for cable-free control.

Connection	Yamaha P515	Yamaha P525
USB (computer/mobile)	MIDI and audio support	MIDI and audio support
Bluetooth audio	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth MIDI	No (wired needed)	Yes (wireless apps/lessons)
App control	Works well with Yamaha apps	Smoother, quicker setup

Ratings: P515 – 8.2/10 | P525 – 9.3/10

P525 wins for wireless MIDI and faster app workflow.

Controls & Display: Which Is Easier to Use?

Both are straightforward; the P525’s refreshed interface speeds up changes.

Control aspect	Yamaha P515	Yamaha P525
Display	Clear, basic screen	Updated display with better readability
Direct access buttons	Good core controls	More direct-access options
On-the-fly edits	Simple	Faster and more intuitive
Learning curve	Short	Very short

Ratings: P515 – 8.5/10 | P525 – 9.1/10

P525 edges ahead with a cleaner, quicker interface.

Portability & Build: Which Fits Your Space?

Both are portable stage pianos; weight and size are very similar.

Factor	Yamaha P515	Yamaha P525
Weight/size	Portable but not ultra-light	Similar footprint and heft
Build quality	Sturdy and road-ready	Equally robust
Home footprint	Apartment-friendly	Apartment-friendly
Stand options	Compatible with Yamaha stands	Compatible with Yamaha stands

Ratings: P515 – 8.8/10 | P525 – 8.8/10

This one’s a tie—both are similarly portable and solid.

Recording & Practice Tools: Which Helps You Learn?

Both support recording and practice; the P525 streamlines modern workflows.

Tool	Yamaha P515	Yamaha P525
Onboard recording	Yes, practical	Yes, with smoother access
USB audio/MIDI	Yes	Yes
Metronome/duo mode	Yes	Yes
Wireless lessons	Wired to apps	Wireless via Bluetooth MIDI

Ratings: P515 – 8.6/10 | P525 – 9.1/10

P525 leads for practice and recording convenience.

Value for Money: Which Is the Smarter Buy?

Price differs; value depends on your needs and timeline.

Consideration	Yamaha P515	Yamaha P525
Price-to-performance	Excellent	High, with premium cost
Future-proof features	Strong core set	Best-in-line with wireless MIDI
Long-term ownership	Great if you don’t need the latest	Great if you want the latest
Resale appeal	Good	Very good

Ratings: P515 – 9.0/10 | P525 – 9.2/10

P525 offers more future-proofing; P515 is the stronger value buy today.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want the best feel, the most natural piano sound, and wireless convenience, the Yamaha P525 is my pick. It’s the top choice for advancing players, teachers, and pros who want the latest action and app-friendly features.

If you want premium touch and tone without paying for the newest refinements, the Yamaha P515 remains a fantastic buy. In the yamaha p515 vs p525 face-off, choose P515 for value and P525 for refinement.

FAQs Of yamaha p515 vs p525

What is the main difference in the yamaha p515 vs p525?

The P525 upgrades the action (GrandTouch-S), refines the piano engine, improves the speaker image, and adds Bluetooth MIDI. The P515 remains excellent but is less modern.

Which feels more like an acoustic grand?

The P525. Its GrandTouch-S action gives finer control at soft dynamics and a longer pivot feel.

Is the sound upgrade noticeable in real rooms?

Yes. The P525 projects a wider, clearer stereo image and more lifelike resonance. The P515 still sounds great, especially in smaller spaces.

Do both support apps and recording?

Yes. Both support USB MIDI/audio and Yamaha apps. The P525 adds Bluetooth MIDI for wireless use, which speeds up lessons and practice.

Which is the better value in the yamaha p515 vs p525 debate?

For raw value, the P515. For long-term, future-proof performance and feel, the P525.