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Ah, Christmas. That magical time of year when wrapping paper somehow costs more per square inch than gold leaf, and someone always eats the last mince pie before you.
But if you’re shopping for a keyboard or digital piano this year – for yourself, your kids, or that family member who keeps saying “I’ve always wanted to learn” – then fear not. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get something genuinely brilliant.
Here are my top picks for the best keyboards under £500 this Christmas, plus a couple of bonus options if you fancy stretching that budget a smidge.
Yamaha P-145 – £335
For the price, this thing shouldn’t feel this good. It’s Yamaha’s entry-level portable piano, but the weighted keys give it a surprisingly authentic feel. The built-in speakers are excellent, and the overall build makes it feel like you’re getting a lot of quality for not a lot of money.
If I was just starting out again, I’d be buzzing to take this one home. It’s one of those rare instruments that exceeds your expectations beautifully – the perfect first piano for beginners or returning players.
Yamaha NP-35 – £255
Look, it’s not going to blow your mind. But it’s cheap, cheerful, and very light – you can practically lift it with your pinkies.
I meet so many families who want something that’s portable, simple, and doesn’t take up too much room in the boot when they’re heading off to the holiday home. This is that keyboard.
If the goal is to keep the kids learning and playing without breaking the bank, the NP-35 nails it.
Yamaha PSR-E473 – £304
Now we’re in fun mode. This one’s absolutely bursting with sounds, rhythms, and backing tracks.
If you (or your kids) want to learn the keyboard rather than the piano, this is the way to go. The PSR-E473 comes loaded with hundreds of styles and voices that sound genuinely impressive.
Worried about keeping the kids entertained and engaged? No problem. Remember the “DJ” button on school keyboards? Yeah… this has that kind of energy.
Yamaha P-225 – £439
The P-225 is like the P-145’s more refined older sibling – subtle but assured.
It has a larger polyphony (how many notes you can play at once), CFX and Bösendorfer piano samples borrowed from Yamaha’s top-tier Clavinovas, and 24 voices instead of 10.
You won’t necessarily notice all that on day one – but over time, you’ll feel it. The sound quality, the response, the sense of potential. This is the one to buy if you want something that’s not just for Christmas, but for years of playing to come.
Used Bargains (Still Under £500!)
Yamaha SX600 – £499
Buying used is hands down the best way to get more bang for your buck. The SX600 is a brilliant keyboard – think of it as the bigger, better, more handsome older brother to the PSR-E series. It can accommodate any level of player, and the sounds and user interface are superb.
Yes, all those buttons can look a bit intimidating at first, but give it ten minutes and you’ll be creating something that sounds movie-score ready.
If You Really Want to Spoil Them
Yamaha P-515WH (Used) – £1,299
Okay, it’s a step up price-wise. But it’s special. The wooden keys make all the difference – it’s the difference between cassette and vinyl. The clarity, the feel, the appreciation of it all.
It’s a big step up, but because it’s one of our excellent condition used models, you’re saving plenty in the long run. Plus, that sleek white finish gives you a bit of Elton John energy – and who doesn’t want that? (We love you, Uncle Elton!)
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re buying for a beginner, a curious adult, or the next little Elton in your family, you don’t need to overspend to bring real music-making into your home this Christmas.
All these keyboards are available from ePianos, with part-exchange options, free expert advice, and warranty included.
So go on – make this Christmas the one where someone unwraps their first ever C major chord.
View all keyboards here → https://www.epianos.co.uk/keyboards
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These items are sold on behalf of Yamaha, and are sent to us on a per-order basis, typically within 5-7 working days, unless an ETA is otherwise stated.
We'll contact you the moment your purchase arrives with us to organise delivery, based on your selected option.
Example products: Yamaha DGX670, Yamaha P-525, Yamaha YDP-S55, Yamaha Clavinova.
These items must be sent with a heavy-goods courier (typically APC or FedEx). On occasion, depending on which is fastest, we will drop-ship directly from Yamaha to your address via Dachser.
Tracking will be provided by the haulier, with a typical arrival time of 1-2 working days.
*If you have included the optional £180 "Yamaha Premium Service" home delivery & setup option offered on selected products, we will contact you regarding arrangements after purchase.
**The Yamaha CSP Series, Yamaha CVP905 & CVP909, Yamaha CLP875, 885 & 895GP, and Yamaha NU1Xa are all sold on behalf of Yamaha and arrive with us on a per-order basis. As soon as your piano has arrived, we will contact you to organise the appropriate dispatch method. ETA for stock is shown on the product page for those items.
***If you have included the optional £99 home delivery & setup option offered on selected products, we will send your details direct to the installation team, who will contact you within 48 hours to make arrangements.
Depending on which option is most appropriate, we will either contact you to discuss a bespoke ePianos delivery surcharge for goods we can’t package for a 3rd party courier, or otherwise dispatch goods via FedEx or APC.
If a courier is used, tracking will be provided by them directly, with a typical arrival time of 1-2 working days.
Example products: Yamaha PSR-SX920, Yamaha P-225, Yamaha NP-15.
These items will be sent via courier (typically APC or FedEx). On occasion, depending on which is fastest, we will drop-ship directly from Yamaha to your address via UPS or Parcelforce.
Tracking will be provided by the courier, with a typical arrival time of 1-2 working days.
Smaller items, such as books, discs, etc, will be dispatched via Royal Mail second class.
After purchase, you can download the file either from the order confirmation page or the "Downloads" tab in "My Account".
If you have selected the option to receive a pre-loaded USB stick, then this will be dispatched via Royal Mail.
We will contact you regarding any pre-ordered items, and let you know when they arrive so as to arrange delivery with you at a convenient time.
Used items can also be purchased using either of the following options (minimum loan amount of £250 after deposit):
Total amount payable: £893.32
Available finance options are displayed at checkout. Alternatively, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss the options, or email a finance application to you. Find out more by clicking here
Our seasonal opening hours are as follows:
We are closed on all bank holidays, therefore the processing of sales and deliveries will be delayed.
For orders of any stock displaying a 7-10 day lead time, we will contact you as soon as the item arrives with us to schedule a delivery with you.
Occasionally, there may be availability issues with our suppliers, in which case we'll get in touch with you to see if you're happy to wait, or if you'd like to cancel the order and receive a full refund.
This is a special order "agency" item, and comes to us directly from Yamaha on a per-order basis.
It typically takes 7-10 days for this item to arrive with us, whereupon we'll contact you to discuss the arrangement of delivery.
For any pre-orders, we will contact you as soon as the item arrives with us to schedule a delivery with you, and update you with an ETA.
Occasionally, there may be availability issues with our suppliers, in which case we'll get in touch with you to see if you're happy to wait, or if you'd like to cancel the order and receive a full refund.
*Cashback amount varies product to product, as indicated.
Comments:
Curious to know if the Yamaha p225 does actually have the bosendorfer sample you mention, I thought it only has the CFX?
You mention the price new is £599, but you have them for £439 ?
Apologies for the mix-up. The Yamaha P-225 does include the Bösendorfer Imperial piano voice alongside the CFX. And yes, you’re also correct on price: we’ve got them new at £439 (the £599 figure was from an older price list—thanks for flagging).
Appreciate you pointing this out 🙏
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