The iPad is the ideal piano-app device — big enough to read notation, portable enough to sit on any music stand, and every major app supports mic input so there is nothing to plug in. These are the apps with the best tablet experience: touch-optimized interfaces, landscape notation views, and no desktop-only features you will miss.
Learn songs first, theory second — huge library with instant feedback.
Flowkey is our top-ranked app because users love it more consistently than anything else in the category: the highest store ratings, the most forgiving learning curve, and a song library that keeps practice fun. Its weakness is structure — if you want a strict curriculum, look at Simply Piano or Skoove. For everyone else, this is the safest first download.
The most-downloaded piano course app — structured lessons from zero to playing songs.
Simply Piano is the default recommendation for total beginners for a reason: the course structure is the most refined in the business, and mic input removes every setup excuse. But it is the most expensive course app here, and intermediate players hit a ceiling fast. Start with the free trial; if you finish the first two courses, it earned its price.
| Feature | Flowkey | Simply Piano |
|---|---|---|
| MetaScore | 8.9 / 10 (6 sources) | 8.6 / 10 (6 sources) |
| Annual price | $120/yr · $20/mo | $150/yr · $20/mo |
| Free trial | 7-day free trial (card required) | 7-day free trial (card required) |
| Song library | 1,500+ songs | 5,000+ songs |
| Input | Mic or MIDI | Microphone |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android |
| Course style | Course + song library | Structured course |
| Sheet music | Yes | Yes |
| Skill levels | beginner, intermediate | beginner, intermediate |
| Kids mode | No | Yes |
Not on day one. The mic-input apps here (Simply Piano, Flowkey, Skoove, Yousician) hear any piano or keyboard through your phone — no cables. MIDI-only apps (Playground Sessions, Piano Marvel) do require a MIDI keyboard. Past month three of real practice, an 88-key weighted keyboard is worth it; see our keyboard roundup.
Most piano apps cost $120–$150 per year. Every pick above offers a free trial — never pay before trialing, and check our deals page for current discounts before committing.
Prices and ratings verified September 27, 2026. How we rate apps.