The catch
Kawai ES120
Because USB carries MIDI, getting the internal sound onto a computer takes a different route.
Side by side
Kawai ES120 vs Yamaha P-225: Kawai suits wireless MIDI apps, while Yamaha records two parts and USB audio
Quick verdict
For two-track practice and direct USB audio recording, the P-225 is the pick. The ES120 is better if compatible wireless MIDI apps matter more to you than those recording routes.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Having a MIDI connection does not give you an audio-recording plan
The P-225 sends its internal piano sound over USB. The ES120 sends MIDI over USB, so capturing its internal tone calls for an analog recording route. If your goal is a simple piano track inside a laptop session, count up the interface and cable needs before you compare the keyboards on their own.
Where this comes from
Live USB audio interface: ES120 No, P-225 Yes. USB MIDI: ES120 Yes, P-225 Yes. Dedicated line outputs: ES120 Yes, P-225 Yes. This is a conditional workflow inference drawn from these documented inputs. There is no matched performance measurement.
The catch
Yamaha P-225
With the music rest attached, listed depth grows to 362 mm, up from the bare 272 mm body.
Kawai ES120
- Why pick it
- Your learning app is compatible and uses Bluetooth MIDI
- A shallow surface has to accommodate the music rest
- The catch
- Because USB carries MIDI, getting the internal sound onto a computer takes a different route.
Yamaha P-225
- Why pick it
- You want the internal piano tone to go straight into computer software
- You record one hand and then practice along with it
- The catch
- With the music rest attached, listed depth grows to 362 mm, up from the bare 272 mm body.
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What this page compares
Kawai ES120 vs Yamaha P-225, compared on internal recorder tracks, live USB audio interface and included Bluetooth MIDI, along with the practice routines that decide the better choice.
Two headphone connections and line outputs come on both of these light midrange portable pianos. Yamaha leans toward computer audio and separate-hand recording, and Kawai adds Bluetooth MIDI.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
You want the internal piano tone to go straight into computer software
The P-225 sends its internal piano sound over USB. The ES120 sends MIDI over USB, so capturing its internal tone calls for an analog recording route. If your goal is a simple piano track inside a laptop session, count up the interface and cable needs before you compare the keyboards on their own.
- Kawai ES120
- Caution
- Yamaha P-225
- Better fit
You record one hand and then practice along with it
Three one-part songs fit on the ES120, whereas the P-225 holds one song with two tracks. Kawai is the better fit for keeping several short sketches. Yamaha is better for recording one hand and adding the other within the same song. More songs do not automatically make a more useful practice recorder.
- Kawai ES120
- Caution
- Yamaha P-225
- Better fit
Your learning app is compatible and uses Bluetooth MIDI
Bluetooth MIDI comes on the ES120 in addition to audio. The P-225 provides Bluetooth audio, but its MIDI needs a compatible wired or optional route. If an app's note detection is central to your practice and the app supports Bluetooth MIDI, the Kawai can cut down on the wired setup.
- Kawai ES120
- Better fit
- Yamaha P-225
- Caution
A shallow surface has to accommodate the music rest
With its rest, Kawai lists 350 mm depth, against 362 mm for Yamaha. Allow cable and playing clearance on top of either figure.
- Kawai ES120
- Better fit
- Yamaha P-225
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Having a MIDI connection does not give you an audio-recording plan
The P-225 sends its internal piano sound over USB. The ES120 sends MIDI over USB, so capturing its internal tone calls for an analog recording route. If your goal is a simple piano track inside a laptop session, count up the interface and cable needs before you compare the keyboards on their own.
How we worked this out
Live USB audio interface: ES120 No, P-225 Yes. USB MIDI: ES120 Yes, P-225 Yes. Dedicated line outputs: ES120 Yes, P-225 Yes. This is a conditional workflow inference drawn from these documented inputs. There is no matched performance measurement.
Storing three songs and recording two tracks are for different jobs
Three one-part songs fit on the ES120, whereas the P-225 holds one song with two tracks. Kawai is the better fit for keeping several short sketches. Yamaha is better for recording one hand and adding the other within the same song. More songs do not automatically make a more useful practice recorder.
How we worked this out
Internal recorder tracks: ES120 1, P-225 2. This is a conditional workflow inference drawn from these documented inputs. There is no matched performance measurement.
A wireless learning app can flip the choice away from the Yamaha
Bluetooth MIDI comes on the ES120 in addition to audio. The P-225 provides Bluetooth audio, but its MIDI needs a compatible wired or optional route. If an app's note detection is central to your practice and the app supports Bluetooth MIDI, the Kawai can cut down on the wired setup.
How we worked this out
Included Bluetooth MIDI: ES120 Yes, P-225 No. Included Bluetooth audio reception: ES120 Yes, P-225 Yes. This is a conditional workflow inference drawn from these documented inputs. There is no matched performance measurement.
Option A
Kawai, ES120
ES120
The ES120 offers flexible connections, namely Bluetooth audio and MIDI, two headphone sockets and dedicated line outputs, and you do not need a heavy cabinet to get them. Its onboard recorder holds three one-part songs.
- Best for
- Your learning app is compatible and uses Bluetooth MIDI
Facts we checked
- Tracks on the internal recorder: 1
- Live USB audio interface: Absent
- Bluetooth MIDI included: Yes
- Depth ahead of the music rest: 280 mm
Option B
Yamaha, P-225
P-225
Record one hand, then practice the other, all on the two-track recorder and with no app to set up. Two headphone sockets and separate line outputs make it easy to go from home lessons to amplified playing.
- Best for
- You want the internal piano tone to go straight into computer software
Facts we checked
- Tracks on the internal recorder: 2
- Live USB audio interface: Present
- Bluetooth MIDI included: No
- Depth ahead of the music rest: 272 mm
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Kawai ES120 | Yamaha P-225 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal recorder tracks | 1 | 2 | A large number by itself counts for less than track allocation and independent overdubbing. |
| Live USB audio interface | No | Yes | Whether compatible software can take the internal piano sound directly over USB depends on this. |
| Included Bluetooth MIDI | Yes | No | For a compatible note-responsive app, MIDI support is what counts. An audio-only Bluetooth connection will not do. |
| Depth before music rest | 280 mm | 272 mm | The music rest, cable route and comfortable playing clearance are all left out of bare depth. |
| Depth with music rest | 350 mm | 362 mm | The usable placement depth can shift with paper music, even if the bare bodies look alike. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Kawai ES120
- You can add a three-pedal unit and a furniture stand as options.
With Yamaha P-225
- Neither the furniture stand nor the three-pedal unit comes with the base offer you have selected.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your learning app is compatible and uses Bluetooth MIDI
Go with Kawai ES120. Bluetooth MIDI comes on the ES120 in addition to audio. The P-225 provides Bluetooth audio, but its MIDI needs a compatible wired or optional route. If an app's note detection is central to your practice and the app supports Bluetooth MIDI, the Kawai can cut down on the wired setup.
You want the internal piano tone to go straight into computer software
Go with Yamaha P-225. The P-225 sends its internal piano sound over USB. The ES120 sends MIDI over USB, so capturing its internal tone calls for an analog recording route. If your goal is a simple piano track inside a laptop session, count up the interface and cable needs before you compare the keyboards on their own.
You need a verified winner on mechanical key noise or on personal playing comfort
Neither model fits. Manufacturer records contain no matched test for those outcomes. Try the instruments under the conditions you intend to play in.
Decision guide
How to decide
Having a MIDI connection does not give you an audio-recording plan
The P-225 sends its internal piano sound over USB. The ES120 sends MIDI over USB, so capturing its internal tone calls for an analog recording route. If your goal is a simple piano track inside a laptop session, count up the interface and cable needs before you compare the keyboards on their own.
Storing three songs and recording two tracks are for different jobs
Three one-part songs fit on the ES120, whereas the P-225 holds one song with two tracks. Kawai is the better fit for keeping several short sketches. Yamaha is better for recording one hand and adding the other within the same song. More songs do not automatically make a more useful practice recorder.
A wireless learning app can flip the choice away from the Yamaha
Bluetooth MIDI comes on the ES120 in addition to audio. The P-225 provides Bluetooth audio, but its MIDI needs a compatible wired or optional route. If an app's note detection is central to your practice and the app supports Bluetooth MIDI, the Kawai can cut down on the wired setup.
What this page can’t tell you
- This comparison rests on documented specifications and conditional reasoning about your setup. We have not put key feel, mechanical noise or speaker performance side by side and measured them.
- The dimensions given are for the specified body or cabinet. Allow space as well for the rest, cables, bench and player.
- Before you order, verify the exact Amazon model, color, supplied accessories, condition and delivery date.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the digital pianos we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawai ES120 |
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| Yamaha P-225 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Kawai ES120
Your learning app is compatible and uses Bluetooth MIDI
See price & reviews on AmazonYamaha P-225
You want the internal piano tone to go straight into computer software
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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