Main trade-off
Kawai ES120
USB carries MIDI, so recording the internal sound to a computer needs another route.
Head-to-head
Kawai ES120 vs Yamaha P-225: Yamaha records two parts and USB audio, Kawai suits wireless MIDI apps
The short answer
Choose the P-225 for two-track practice and direct USB audio recording. Choose the ES120 if compatible wireless MIDI apps are more important than those recording routes.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
A MIDI connection does not settle an audio-recording plan
P-225 sends the internal piano sound over USB. ES120 sends MIDI over USB, so capturing its internal tone needs an analog recording route. If the goal is a simple piano track inside a laptop session, count the interface and cable needs before comparing the keyboards alone.
What this is based on
ES120: Live USB audio interface No. P-225: Live USB audio interface Yes. ES120: USB MIDI Yes. P-225: USB MIDI Yes. ES120: Dedicated line outputs Yes. P-225: Dedicated line outputs Yes. Conditional workflow inference from these documented inputs. No matched performance measurement.
Main trade-off
Yamaha P-225
The music rest increases listed depth to 362 mm, beyond the bare 272 mm body.
Kawai ES120
- Choose it for
- You use a compatible Bluetooth MIDI learning app
- The music rest must fit a shallow surface
- Main trade-off
- USB carries MIDI, so recording the internal sound to a computer needs another route.
Yamaha P-225
- Choose it for
- You want the internal piano tone directly in computer software
- You record one hand and practice against it
- Main trade-off
- The music rest increases listed depth to 362 mm, beyond the bare 272 mm body.
About this comparison
Kawai ES120 vs Yamaha P-225: compare internal recorder tracks, live usb audio interface, included bluetooth midi and the practice routines that change the better choice.
Both are light midrange portable pianos with two headphone connections and line outputs. Yamaha favors computer audio and separate-hand recording, while Kawai adds Bluetooth MIDI.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
You want the internal piano tone directly in computer software
P-225 sends the internal piano sound over USB. ES120 sends MIDI over USB, so capturing its internal tone needs an analog recording route. If the goal is a simple piano track inside a laptop session, count the interface and cable needs before comparing the keyboards alone.
- Kawai ES120
- Caution
- Yamaha P-225
- Better fit
You record one hand and practice against it
ES120 stores three one-part songs. P-225 has one song with two tracks. The Kawai suits keeping several short sketches, while Yamaha suits recording one hand and adding the other within the same song. A larger song count does not automatically mean a more useful practice recorder.
- Kawai ES120
- Caution
- Yamaha P-225
- Better fit
You use a compatible Bluetooth MIDI learning app
ES120 has Bluetooth MIDI as well as audio. P-225 provides Bluetooth audio but needs a compatible wired or optional route for MIDI. If an app's note detection is central to your practice and it supports Bluetooth MIDI, Kawai can reduce the wired setup.
- Kawai ES120
- Better fit
- Yamaha P-225
- Caution
The music rest must fit a shallow surface
Kawai lists 350 mm depth with its rest against Yamaha's 362 mm. Leave cable and playing clearance beyond either figure.
- Kawai ES120
- Better fit
- Yamaha P-225
- Good
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
A MIDI connection does not settle an audio-recording plan
P-225 sends the internal piano sound over USB. ES120 sends MIDI over USB, so capturing its internal tone needs an analog recording route. If the goal is a simple piano track inside a laptop session, count the interface and cable needs before comparing the keyboards alone.
How we reached this conclusion
ES120: Live USB audio interface No. P-225: Live USB audio interface Yes. ES120: USB MIDI Yes. P-225: USB MIDI Yes. ES120: Dedicated line outputs Yes. P-225: Dedicated line outputs Yes. Conditional workflow inference from these documented inputs. No matched performance measurement.
Three saved songs and two tracks answer different needs
ES120 stores three one-part songs. P-225 has one song with two tracks. The Kawai suits keeping several short sketches, while Yamaha suits recording one hand and adding the other within the same song. A larger song count does not automatically mean a more useful practice recorder.
How we reached this conclusion
ES120: Internal recorder tracks 1. P-225: Internal recorder tracks 2. Conditional workflow inference from these documented inputs. No matched performance measurement.
A wireless learning app can reverse the Yamaha choice
ES120 has Bluetooth MIDI as well as audio. P-225 provides Bluetooth audio but needs a compatible wired or optional route for MIDI. If an app's note detection is central to your practice and it supports Bluetooth MIDI, Kawai can reduce the wired setup.
How we reached this conclusion
ES120: Included Bluetooth MIDI Yes. P-225: Included Bluetooth MIDI No. ES120: Included Bluetooth audio reception Yes. P-225: Included Bluetooth audio reception Yes. Conditional workflow inference from these documented inputs. No matched performance measurement.
Choice A
Kawai, ES120
ES120
Bluetooth audio and MIDI, two headphone sockets and dedicated line outputs give the ES120 flexible connections without moving to a heavy cabinet. The onboard recorder stores three one-part songs.
- Best matched use
- You use a compatible Bluetooth MIDI learning app
Checked facts
- Internal recorder tracks: 1
- Live USB audio interface: No
- Included Bluetooth MIDI: Yes
- Depth before music rest: 280 mm
Choice B
Yamaha, P-225
P-225
The two-track recorder lets you record one hand and practice the other without setting up an app. Two headphone sockets and separate line outputs also help it move between home lessons and amplified playing.
- Best matched use
- You want the internal piano tone directly in computer software
Checked facts
- Internal recorder tracks: 2
- Live USB audio interface: Yes
- Included Bluetooth MIDI: No
- Depth before music rest: 272 mm
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Kawai ES120 | Yamaha P-225 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal recorder tracks | 1 | 2 | Track allocation and independent overdubbing matter more than a large number alone. |
| Live USB audio interface | No | Yes | This determines whether compatible software can receive the internal piano sound directly over USB. |
| Included Bluetooth MIDI | Yes | No | A compatible note-responsive app needs MIDI support rather than an audio-only Bluetooth connection. |
| Depth before music rest | 280 mm | 272 mm | Bare depth excludes the music rest, cable route and comfortable playing clearance. |
| Depth with music rest | 350 mm | 362 mm | Paper music can change the usable placement depth even when bare bodies look similar. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Kawai ES120
- A three-pedal unit and furniture stand are optional.
If you choose Yamaha P-225
- The selected base offer does not include the furniture stand or three-pedal unit.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
You use a compatible Bluetooth MIDI learning app
Choose Kawai ES120. ES120 has Bluetooth MIDI as well as audio. P-225 provides Bluetooth audio but needs a compatible wired or optional route for MIDI. If an app's note detection is central to your practice and it supports Bluetooth MIDI, Kawai can reduce the wired setup.
You want the internal piano tone directly in computer software
Choose Yamaha P-225. P-225 sends the internal piano sound over USB. ES120 sends MIDI over USB, so capturing its internal tone needs an analog recording route. If the goal is a simple piano track inside a laptop session, count the interface and cable needs before comparing the keyboards alone.
You require a verified winner for mechanical key noise or personal playing comfort
Choose neither. The manufacturer records do not provide a matched test for those outcomes. Try the instruments in your intended conditions.
What matters in practice
Before you choose
What this comparison cannot tell you
- The comparison uses documented specifications and conditional setup reasoning. We have not measured key feel, mechanical noise or speaker performance side by side.
- Dimensions describe the specified body or cabinet. Leave room for the rest, cables, bench and player.
- Check the exact Amazon model, color, supplied accessories, condition and delivery date before ordering.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current digital pianos comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawai ES120 |
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| Yamaha P-225 |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Kawai ES120
You use a compatible Bluetooth MIDI learning app
See price & reviews on AmazonYamaha P-225
You want the internal piano tone directly in computer software
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.