Casio Privia PX-870 vs Yamaha Arius YDP-146
Quick Verdict
Choose the Casio PX-870 for the better action, documented 256-note polyphony, a 40 watt four-speaker system and USB audio recording. Choose the Yamaha YDP-146 for the CFX concert grand sample with resonance, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, a large lesson library and a bench in the box. The Casio is the better piano to play and to hear in a room; the Yamaha is the better connected and more complete package for a family.
| Spec | Casio Privia PX-870 | Yamaha Arius YDP-146 |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action | Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II | GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) |
| Sound Engine | Casio AiR with lid simulator | Yamaha CFX sample with damper and string resonance |
| Voices | 19 | 10 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | Not published in listing |
| Speakers | 4 speakers, 40 W total | Built-in stereo |
| Bluetooth | No | Audio and MIDI |
| USB | USB to Host (MIDI); USB flash drive audio recording | USB to Host |
| Pedals | 3 pedals built in, half-damper | 3 pedals built in |
| Weight | 75.6 lb (34.3 kg) | Not published in listing |
| Form Factor | Console with sliding key cover | Upright console with bench |
Mid-Range Consoles Compared
These two sit at the same price and aim at the same family buyer. The PX-870 is the top Privia console with the Tri-Sensor action, the AiR engine, 256-note polyphony and a four-speaker system. The YDP-146 is the 2025 mid Arius with the GHS action, the CFX sample with resonance, Bluetooth and a bench. The listing for the Yamaha does not publish polyphony or speaker power, which this comparison treats as unconfirmed.
Action
The Casio's Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II has three sensors per key and textured key tops; the Yamaha's GHS has two sensors and smooth keys and is lighter. For a student who will progress, the Casio is the more capable keyboard. Yamaha reserves its better GrandTouch-E action for the YDP-166, which costs more.
Sound
The Yamaha's CFX concert grand sample with damper and string resonance is the more refined tone through headphones, with Yamaha's characteristic clarity. The Casio's AiR grand with its own resonance modeling and a lid simulator is warm and full, and its four-speaker 40 watt system projects it into a room far better than the Yamaha's unpublished but historically modest speakers. On headphones, Yamaha; through speakers in a living room, Casio.
Polyphony and Tones
The Casio documents 256-note polyphony and 19 tones. The Yamaha's listing confirms ten voices and does not state polyphony. For layered, pedal-heavy playing the Casio's figure is a known quantity.
Connectivity
The Yamaha has Bluetooth audio and MIDI built in, so play-along music streams wirelessly and Smart Pianist connects without a cable. The Casio has no Bluetooth and uses USB MIDI by cable, but it records audio and MIDI to a USB flash drive, which the Yamaha does not. Both have two headphone jacks.
Lessons, Bench and Cabinet
The Yamaha includes a bench and carries 303 lesson songs plus 50 classics with hand-part muting, which is a strong package for a child's lessons. The Casio includes a 60-piece Music Library and Concert Play recordings but no bench. The Casio has a sliding key cover; the Yamaha has a folding lid.
Assembly and Weight
The Casio is about 76 pounds; the Yamaha's weight is not published on the listing. Both assemble in about an hour with two people.
Everyday Use and Apps
The Yamaha is the more convenient piano to live with. Bluetooth audio streams play-along music through its speakers, Bluetooth MIDI connects Smart Pianist and lesson apps without a cable, and the on-screen panel replaces hold-and-press settings. The Casio needs a USB cable for Chordana Play and lesson apps, but its panel has physical buttons for the most-used functions and the lid simulator and recording are easy to reach. Both have two headphone jacks.
Practice Content and Recording
The Yamaha's 303 lesson songs and 50 classics with hand-part muting are a method book inside the piano, which suits a child working through grades. The Casio's 60-piece Music Library and Concert Play recordings are smaller but include orchestral accompaniment. For reviewing practice, the Casio's audio recording to a USB flash drive is the simpler tool: insert a drive, press record, and send the WAV file to a teacher. The Yamaha records MIDI internally and through Smart Pianist.
Long-Term Fit
The Casio's Tri-Sensor action and 256-note polyphony carry a student further before an upgrade, and owners usually move on only for a more refined action, where the Kawai CN201 and Yamaha YDP-184 are the next steps. The Yamaha's GHS action is the limit an improving student reaches first, which is why Yamaha offers the YDP-166 with GrandTouch-E above it. Both are current models with good resale, so the real question is whether the student's next three years need the Casio's action or the Yamaha's connectivity and lesson content.
Cabinet, Covers and Finish
The Casio has a sliding key cover that disappears into the cabinet and leaves the top panel clear; the Yamaha has a folding lid that stands up behind the keys. The Casio comes in black, brown and white; the Yamaha in black and rosewood. Both have fixed music rests and front-rail headphone jacks. The Casio's four speakers fire through grilles in the top panel, so it should not be used as a shelf; the Yamaha's top is clear. Neither cabinet is furniture-grade, but both look like pianos rather than keyboards on stands, which is the point of buying a console at this price.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy the Casio PX-870 if the piano will be heard through its speakers, the student will progress, or audio recording to USB matters. Buy the Yamaha YDP-146 if Bluetooth, the lesson library and a bench matter, and the player mostly uses headphones. If touch is the priority and the budget stretches, the Yamaha YDP-166 and Roland RP107 are the next step from either.
Casio Privia PX-870
Pros
- Four-speaker 40 watt system that projects up and out like an upright
- 256-note polyphony
- Records audio to a USB flash drive
- Same three-sensor textured action as the PX-770
Cons
- No Bluetooth
- Cabinet is plainer than Yamaha and Kawai consoles at the price
- Action is a step below the Kawai CN201 and Yamaha YDP-184
Yamaha Arius YDP-146
Pros
- CFX concert grand sample with damper and string resonance
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI built in
- 303 lesson songs and 50 classics on board
- Bench and three pedals included
Cons
- GHS is the entry Yamaha action
- Polyphony and speaker power not stated on the listing
- Only ten voices
Who Should Buy Each
Casio Privia PX-870
- The piano will be played through its speakers in a living room
- You want to record practice as audio without a computer
- You want 256-note polyphony for layered, pedaled playing
Yamaha Arius YDP-146
- You want Yamaha's flagship grand sample at the lowest console price
- Lesson apps over Bluetooth MIDI matter
- You want everything, including the bench, in one box
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want the better action and known polyphony | Choose Casio PX-870 |
| If you want Bluetooth and a bench included | Choose Yamaha YDP-146 |
| If the piano will be heard through its speakers in a living room | Choose Casio PX-870 |
| If you want a large built-in lesson library | Choose Yamaha YDP-146 |
| If you record practice to a USB stick | Choose Casio PX-870 |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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