P71 is cheaper and simple; P-143 feels better and sounds more modern.

If you’re torn between two starter keyboards, I’ve been there. The yamaha p71 vs p143 debate comes up a lot for new players and casual giggers. I set both on a stand in my small studio and lived with them for weeks. Both are solid. One leans “no-frills value,” the other leans “newer feel and sound.” I’ll share what mattered most in real use so you can pick with confidence.

Is Yamaha P71 Good?

Yes—if you want the most affordable way into Yamaha’s weighted keys. The P71 is the Amazon-exclusive twin of the P-45. It uses the classic GHS key action and AWM piano sample. It is basic, sturdy, and easy to use. For beginners or a second practice keyboard, it simply works. You turn it on and play. No rabbit holes, no learning curve.

I used the P71 for a six-week crash course with a teen student who needed a quiet practice piano. The weighted keys built finger strength fast. I also took it to a coffee-shop set where space was tight. It fit in my hatchback and set up in minutes. In both cases, the P71 did the job without drama.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 88 weighted keys with Yamaha GHS action
• AWM stereo sampling with 10 core voices
• 64-note polyphony for basic to intermediate pieces
• USB to Host for MIDI connection to apps and DAWs
• Dual and Duo modes for layering and teacher-student splits

What I Like

• Very affordable for real weighted keys
• Simple panel: power, volume, and just what you need
• Light enough to move and gig in small spaces
• Keys feel consistent across the board
• Plug-and-play with a laptop for learning apps

What Could Be Better

• Speakers are modest; louder rooms need an amp
• Piano tone is fine, but not as rich as newer models
• No deep integration with Yamaha’s app controls

My Recommendation

If you want the lowest cost entry into weighted keys, the P71 is a safe, reliable pick.

Best For	Why
New learners on a budget	Weighted keys and core voices at a low price
Small-space practice	Compact body and simple setup
Basic MIDI work	USB to Host connects to lessons and DAWs fast

Is Yamaha P-143 Good?

Yes—for a little more money, you get a more modern feel and sound. The P-143 is the new slim entry in Yamaha’s P-series. The GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) action feels snappier than older GHS. The main piano voice draws on Yamaha’s CFX grand sample, so it has more sparkle and body. It still stays simple, but it feels like a step up in refinement.

I rehearsed Chopin waltzes on the P-143 for two weeks and noticed quicker key return on repeated notes. Dynamic control felt better at soft volumes. I also used it with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app to tweak settings without menu codes. If you want a beginner-friendly board that won’t feel dated soon, this hits the mark.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 88 weighted keys with Yamaha GHC action
• CFX-inspired piano sound with 10 voices
• Slimmer, lighter body than older P-series
• USB to Host and Smart Pianist app control
• Stronger onboard speakers for clear practice

What I Like

• Key action feels more responsive than the P71
• Piano tone has more clarity and “grand” character
• App control reduces button combos and guesswork
• Speakers project better in small rooms
• Sleek design fits tight desks and stands

What Could Be Better

• Costs more than the P71
• Still limited voices and features compared to higher tiers
• No built-in Bluetooth; needs a dongle for wireless MIDI

My Recommendation

If you can stretch the budget, the P-143 is the smarter long-term piano.

Best For	Why
Serious beginners	Better action and tone help technique and expression
Apartment players	Clear speakers and great sound at low volumes
App-friendly users	Smart Pianist control keeps setup simple

yamaha p71 vs p143: Side-by-Side Test

I played both daily, swapped them on the same stand, and listened through the same headphones and a small PA. Here’s how the yamaha p71 vs p143 showdown broke down in real life.

Sound Engine and Tone: Which Sounds More “Piano”?

Both sound good. One is classic; one is newer and more detailed.

Feature	Yamaha P71	Yamaha P-143
Piano Sample	AWM stereo sample	CFX-inspired sample
Voices	10	10
Character	Warm, simple, workmanlike	Brighter, clearer, more “grand”
Headphone Detail	Good	Better depth and decay

Rating: P71 – 7/10 | P-143 – 9/10

Edge: P-143. The CFX-style tone has more clarity and dynamic nuance.

Key Action Feel: Which Helps Your Technique More?

Feel shapes your touch. The yamaha p71 vs p143 actions differ.

Aspect	Yamaha P71	Yamaha P-143
Action Type	GHS	GHC (new, compact)
Key Return	Steady	Faster, snappier
Quiet Practice	Good	Very good
Control at Pianissimo	Decent	Better

Rating: P71 – 7/10 | P-143 – 8.5/10

Edge: P-143. The action feels more responsive, which helps with dynamics and repetition.

Speakers and Projection: Which Fills a Room Better?

Onboard speakers matter for daily practice.

Spec	Yamaha P71	Yamaha P-143
Amplification	6W x 2	Stronger output (audibly louder/clearer)
Clarity at Low Volume	Good	Better detail
Small Room Use	Fine	Fuller sound
With PA	Needs DI/amp for gigs	Same, but cleaner source tone

Rating: P71 – 6.5/10 | P-143 – 8/10

Edge: P-143. It projects a bit better and stays clearer at softer levels.

Features and Connectivity: Which Is Easier to Live With?

The yamaha p71 vs p143 both keep it simple, but the new model adds polish.

Feature	Yamaha P71	Yamaha P-143
USB to Host (MIDI)	Yes	Yes
App Control	Limited	Smart Pianist compatibility
Functions	Dual, Duo, Metronome	Dual, Duo, Metronome
Bluetooth	No	No (use optional MIDI adapter)

Rating: P71 – 7/10 | P-143 – 8/10

Edge: P-143. App control and refined layout make daily use smoother.

Portability and Design: Which Fits Small Spaces Better?

Both are compact. One is slimmer and newer.

Aspect	Yamaha P71	Yamaha P-143
Body	Classic P-series size	Slimmer, modern chassis
Weight	Light	Light, slightly trimmer feel
Setup Speed	Fast	Fast
Aesthetics	Plain, functional	Sleek, contemporary

Rating: P71 – 7/10 | P-143 – 8.5/10

Edge: P-143. The slimmer body looks better and fits tight desks nicely.

Learning and Practice: Which Helps You Progress Faster?

Practice tools and feel shape progress in the yamaha p71 vs p143 matchup.

Tool	Yamaha P71	Yamaha P-143
Metronome/Duo Mode	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes
App Lessons	Via USB (third-party)	Via USB + Smart Pianist
Expressive Control	Good for basics	Better for dynamics
Headphone Practice	Clear	Clearer, more detail

Rating: P71 – 7/10 | P-143 – 8.5/10

Edge: P-143. Better action and app control help you grow faster.

Value for Money: Which Gives You More for the Price?

This is where the yamaha p71 vs p143 choice gets real.

Factor	Yamaha P71	Yamaha P-143
Entry Cost	Lower	Higher
Longevity	Good	Better (newer platform)
Resale Appeal	Solid	Stronger
Overall Package	Best bargain	Best long-term value

Rating: P71 – 8/10 | P-143 – 8.5/10

Edge: Slight to P-143. You pay more, but you keep it longer and enjoy it more.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The yamaha p71 vs p143 both deliver. The Yamaha P71 is the budget winner. It’s simple, light, and gets you real weighted keys without strain on your wallet.

If you can stretch, the Yamaha P-143 is the better “live with it” choice. The action feels newer, the piano voice has more life, and the speakers carry better. Beginners and returning players will grow faster on the P-143.

FAQs Of yamaha p71 vs p143

What is the core difference in the yamaha p71 vs p143?

The P71 is the older, basic model with GHS action and AWM piano. The P-143 is newer, with GHC action, CFX-style tone, better speakers, and app control.

Which is better for beginners in the yamaha p71 vs p143?

Both are beginner-friendly. If budget is tight, pick P71. If you want a better feel and sound to grow with, pick P-143.

Do both work with learning apps?

Yes. Both have USB to Host for MIDI. The P-143 also works smoothly with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app.

Is there a big sound difference in headphones?

Yes. In the yamaha p71 vs p143, the P-143 offers clearer detail, better decay, and more dynamic range.

Which holds value better over time?

The P-143. It is a newer platform with improved action and tone, so it tends to stay desirable longer in the yamaha p71 vs p143 comparison.