If you’ve ever dreamed of playing the piano but felt overwhelmed by traditional lessons, Simply Piano might be the solution you’re looking for. With over 100 million downloads and accolades like Apple’s Editor’s Choice and Google Play’s Best App, this piano learning app has taken the world by storm. But is it worth the hype? In this comprehensive Simply Piano review, we’ll dive into its features, pros, cons, pricing, and how it stacks up against competitors like Flowkey and Pianote.
What Is Simply Piano?
Simply Piano, developed by Simply (formerly JoyTunes), is a mobile app designed to make piano learning fun, interactive, and accessible, especially for beginners. Available on iOS and Android, it uses your device’s microphone to listen to your playing on any piano or keyboard, providing real-time feedback. With a game-like interface, structured courses, and a vast song library, it’s no surprise that Simply Piano has earned praise from users and critics alike, including awards like the Parents’ Choice Award.
Whether you’re a complete novice or brushing up on rusty skills, Simply Piano promises a flexible, self-paced learning experience. But does it deliver? Let’s break it down.
How Does Simply Piano Work?
Getting started with Simply Piano is straightforward:
- Download the App: Available on the App Store or Google Play for mobile devices and tablets (not computers).
- Set Up Your Profile: Choose your experience level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) and goals. You can create up to 5 profiles per account, perfect for families.
- Free Trial: Enjoy a 7-day free trial to test the app.
- Connect Your Instrument: Use any acoustic or digital piano/keyboard. The app listens via your device’s microphone or MIDI connection.
- Start Learning: Follow interactive lessons with instant feedback—blue for correct notes, red for mistakes, and yellow for hints.
The interface is intuitive, displaying a musical staff and on-screen keyboard with highlighted notes. You must play correctly to progress, ensuring you build proper habits. Plus, it works offline after downloading lessons, making it convenient for on-the-go practice.
Key Features of Simply Piano
Simply Piano offers a robust set of features tailored to beginners but with enough depth to keep you engaged:
- 27 Structured Courses: Split into Soloist (solo pieces, reading music, scales) and Chords (pop chords, blues, jazz, accompaniment) tracks. You can focus on one or both, with basic theory included.
- Extensive Song Library: Hundreds of songs, from pop hits like Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” to classical pieces, sorted by difficulty. Backing tracks and 3-star feedback on notes, rhythm, and tempo enhance the experience.
- 5-Minute Workouts: Quick practice sessions to reinforce skills, ideal for busy schedules.
- Printable Sheet Music: Download sheet music for offline practice, though it lacks the app’s interactive scrolling.
- Multiple Profiles: Up to 5 users per account, great for families.
- Offline Mode: Download lessons for use without internet.
- Lesson Recaps: Every course starts with a review to solidify previous concepts.
These features make Simply Piano a versatile tool, especially for beginners seeking a structured yet fun learning path.
Pros and Cons of Simply Piano
To give you a clear picture, here’s a breakdown of Simply Piano’s strengths and weaknesses based on user reviews and expert analyses:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works with any piano or keyboard | No option to skip ahead, can feel slow |
| Teaches note reading from the start | Limited customization (e.g., tempo options) |
| Requires correct play to progress | Slow progression (2 years recommended) |
| Supports up to 5 profiles on one account | Limited advanced music theory and techniques |
| Works offline after downloading | Not ideal for advanced learners |
| Every course starts with a recap | Mobile-only (no desktop version) |
What Users Love: The app’s accessibility, engaging interface, and family-friendly profiles are big hits. It’s also praised for teaching note reading early and ensuring accuracy through feedback.
Common Complaints: Advanced players find it lacking in depth, and some users feel the progression is too slow. The inability to customize tempo or skip lessons can be frustrating.
Simply Piano vs. Competitors: Flowkey and Pianote
To help you choose the best piano learning app, here’s how Simply Piano compares to two top competitors, Flowkey and Pianote:
| Feature | Simply Piano | Flowkey | Pianote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Mobile only | Multi-platform (web, mobile) | Web-based |
| Learning Style | Interactive app with feedback | Interactive video lessons | Video lessons with community |
| Song Library | Hundreds of songs | 1,500+ songs | 1,000+ songs |
| Theory Teaching | Basic theory included | Strong focus on theory | Comprehensive theory courses |
| Price | $149.99/year | $19.99/month or $149.90/year | $19.99/month or $199.99/year |
| Target Audience | Beginners | Beginners to advanced | All levels, especially serious learners |
| Community | No built-in community | No built-in community | Active online community |
| Customization | Limited | More customizable | Highly customizable |
- Flowkey: With a larger song library (1,500+ songs) and stronger music theory focus, Flowkey suits beginners to advanced learners. Its multi-platform availability adds flexibility.
- Pianote: Known for its structured curriculum and active community, Pianote feels like having a teacher. It’s pricier but ideal for serious learners.
- Simply Piano: Shines for beginners with its fun, interactive feedback and affordability, but it’s less suited for advanced players.
Verdict: Choose Simply Piano for a beginner-friendly, budget-conscious option. Go for Flowkey if you want more songs and theory, or Pianote for a comprehensive, teacher-like experience.
Who Is Simply Piano For?
Simply Piano is best for:
- Absolute beginners wanting a slow, structured progression.
- Kids and adults who enjoy a game-like, interactive approach.
- Families needing multiple profiles on one account.
- Learners of popular music, thanks to its diverse song library.
It’s not ideal for:
- Advanced pianists seeking complex theory or techniques.
- Those wanting fast progression, as it recommends 2 years for mastery.
- Users needing a desktop version, as it’s mobile-only.
Pricing and Value for Money
Simply Piano offers three subscription plans after a 7-day free trial:
- Annual: $149.99/year (best value)
- 6 Months: $89.99
- 3 Months: $59.99
Compared to private piano lessons ($30–$50/hour), Simply Piano is a steal, especially for beginners. For example, just 5 hours of private lessons could cost more than a year of Simply Piano. Reviews like Learnopoly highlight its affordability and interactive features, but value depends on your commitment. If you practice regularly, it’s a cost-effective way to learn.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Simply Piano
To maximize your learning, try these tips:
- Practice Consistently: Even 10–15 minutes daily can lead to progress.
- Use 5-Minute Workouts: Perfect for reinforcing skills when time is tight.
- Explore Both Tracks: Combine Soloist and Chords for a well-rounded skill set.
- Supplement for Advanced Skills: Pair with books or apps like Flowkey for deeper theory.
- Download Lessons: Use offline mode for practice anywhere.
Recent Updates (June 2025)
As of June 2025, Simply Piano’s latest version (7.30.1) includes bug fixes and performance improvements, though no major new features have been publicly detailed. Long-time users note significant enhancements since 2017, showing the app’s commitment to growth.
User Reviews and Ratings
Here’s what users and experts are saying in 2025:
- MusicRadar (2022): “A fast and fun app-based way to learn piano,” great for all ages MusicRadar.
- Learnopoly (2023): Praised its structured courses and progressive difficulty, ideal for beginners Learnopoly.
- Pianoers.com (2025): Noted it’s effective for beginners but warned that piano learning is challenging, and the app may oversimplify Pianoers.com.
Users love the real-time feedback and song variety but wish for more customization and advanced content.
FAQs
1. Is Simply Piano good for beginners?
Yes, it’s excellent for beginners, starting with basics and progressing slowly.
2. Can I learn piano solely with Simply Piano?
You can learn a lot, but for advanced skills, you’ll need supplementary resources.
3. How does Simply Piano compare to Flowkey and Pianote?
Simply Piano is beginner-friendly and fun, Flowkey excels in theory, and Pianote offers community support.
4. Is Simply Piano worth the subscription fee?
For beginners, it’s cost-effective compared to lessons, but value depends on your goals.
5. Can I use Simply Piano on my computer?
No, it’s mobile-only.
Conclusion: Should You Try Simply Piano?
Simply Piano is a top choice for beginners seeking a fun, interactive, and affordable way to learn piano. Its real-time feedback, extensive song library, and $149.99/year price make it a great alternative to costly private lessons. While it’s not ideal for advanced players or those wanting a desktop app, its beginner-friendly design and family profiles are hard to beat.
Ready to start your piano journey? Sign up for Simply Piano’s 7-day free trial and see if it’s the right fit for you. With consistent practice, you could be playing your favorite songs in no time!