Comparing the Best Flagship Portable Pianos 2025: Kawai ES920 vs Yamaha P-525 vs Roland FP-90X

Whether you're a gigging musician, a serious hobbyist, or looking to invest in a long-term home instrument without sacrificing portability, the flagship portable piano market offers several compelling choices. In this article, we compare Kawai’s ES920 , Yamaha’s P-525 , Roland’s FP-90X , and also weigh in on some wildcards that you might not have considered with Casio’s PX-S6000 and PX-S7000 , which blend style and innovation with serious sound capabilities.

• Kawai ES920 uses RHIII , a well-regarded plastic key action with triple sensor, counterweights, and let-off simulation. While not wooden, it’s responsive and nuanced.

• Yamaha P-525 steps up with GrandTouch-S , using real wood white keys and refined escapement, closely mimicking a grand piano. The action is heavier than Kawai's, favoring classical pianists.

• Roland FP-90X features PHA-50 , a hybrid action with wooden sides and plastic core. It feels solid and durable, with excellent balance.

• Casio PX-S6000/PX-S7000 use Smart Hybrid Hammer Action , incorporating wooden elements with slim key profiles. Their feel is surprisingly good for their size, though lighter than Yamaha or Roland.

📝 Verdict: Yamaha and Roland offer the most realistic action but this comes at the cost of weight; Kawai is great for speed and control; Casio strikes a balance between compact form and quality feel.

• Kawai ES920 uses Harmonic Imaging XL , offering lush, warm samples from the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX grand. Great for classical and romantic repertoire.

• Yamaha P-525 uses CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial samples, delivering a bright, projecting sound (CFX) and warm, singing tones (Bösendorfer).

• Roland FP-90X with its PureAcoustic Modeling means no samples, entirely modeled. It provides a very different experience, inifinitely configurable..

• Casio PX-S6000/7000 use Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR , now enhanced with vivid resonance modeling. Their pianos are clear, resonant, and dynamic, though less complex than Roland's modeling.

📝 Verdict: Roland’s modeled engine stands out for the ability to configure; Yamaha for its tonal variety; Kawai for its elegant warmth; Casio for balance and portability.

• Roland FP-90X leads with 60W , delivering stage-worthy sound and rich bass.

• Yamaha P-525 and Kawai ES920 both pack 40W , enough for home use or small gigs.

• Casio PX-S6000/7000 offer 32W systems but with smart speaker placement that enhances stereo imaging.

📝 Verdict: Roland dominates here, especially for solo performance without external amplification.

• Kawai ES920 is the lightest among premium models at 37 lbs —a gigging favorite.

• Yamaha P-525 and Roland FP-90X are significantly heavier, edging into “semi-portable” territory.

• Casio PX-S6000/7000 are the most compact full-featured models, perfect for home or travel, and visually stunning with wooden accents.

📝 Verdict: Casio wins on form factor and aesthetic; Kawai offers the best weight-to-feature ratio.

• Roland FP-90X includes Bluetooth Audio & MIDI , USB Audio, and 1/4" outputs—ideal for performance and streaming.

• Yamaha P-525 has Bluetooth MIDI , USB-to-host/audio, and full MIDI I/O—excellent for MIDI integration.

• Kawai ES920 features Bluetooth Audio & MIDI , and a solid app interface.

• Casio PX-S6000/7000 offer advanced Bluetooth Audio , app integration (via Casio Music Space), and customizable tones.

📝 Verdict: Roland and Casio have the edge in Bluetooth features; Yamaha offers the most versatile MIDI setup.

While not traditional “stage pianos,” the PX-S6000 and PX-S7000 aim for aesthetic-forward design with pro-level performance that may be considered by some as flagship portable pianos. The PX-S7000 includes an integrated stand, triple pedal unit, and high-end finishes, while the PX-S6000 offers more flexibility for portability.

These Casios are ideal for players who value:

• Modern home decor integration

• Lightweight portability with premium sound

• Intuitive controls and touchscreen UI

They might lack the raw acoustic realism of Roland or Yamaha, but for lifestyle-focused musicians, they’re an excellent alternative.

All five of these digital pianos represent the pinnacle of portable piano performance . Choosing the right one depends on your playing style , portability needs , sound preferences , and even your living space aesthetics .

• Want acoustic realism and tonal control? Go with Roland FP-90X .

• Prefer a dynamic, expressive touch? Try Yamaha P-525 .

• Need something lightweight and consistent? Kawai ES920 is a top pick.

• Love modern design and flexible features? Casio PX-S6000/7000 might surprise you.