Simply Piano vs Flowkey (2026): Which Is Worth It?
Two of the most-searched piano apps, compared on price, method, and who each one actually suits — from public ratings data, not marketing copy.
Pick Simply Piano if you are a total beginner who wants the most structured, hand-holding curriculum — or if the app is mainly for kids.
Pick Flowkey if you want the highest-rated app overall, a song-first approach, and to pay $30/year less.
| Feature | Simply Piano | Flowkey |
|---|---|---|
| MetaScore | 8.6 / 10 (6 sources) | 8.9 / 10 (6 sources) |
| Annual price | $150/yr · $20/mo | $120/yr · $20/mo |
| Free trial | 7-day free trial (card required) | 7-day free trial (card required) |
| Song library | 5,000+ songs | 1,500+ songs |
| Input | Microphone | Mic or MIDI |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Web |
| Course style | Structured course | Course + song library |
| Sheet music | Yes | Yes |
| Skill levels | beginner, intermediate | beginner, intermediate |
| Kids mode | Yes | No |
Breaking it down
This is the heavyweight fight of piano apps: the most-downloaded (Simply Piano, MetaScore 8.6) against the highest-rated (Flowkey, MetaScore 8.9). Both use your device microphone, both run on phone and tablet, and both will take a beginner from zero to playing songs. The difference is philosophy, not quality.
Simply Piano is a curriculum: day-by-day courses, gamified progression, excellent kids profiles. Flowkey is a songbook with a teacher attached: pick music you like, slow it down, learn it in sections. On price, Flowkey wins at about $120/year versus $150 — and its frequent discounts widen the gap. Unless you need maximum structure or kids profiles, Flowkey is the pick for most people.
Simply Piano: the case for
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.
Flowkey: the case for
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Simply Piano or Flowkey?
Flowkey is cheaper at $120/yr · $20/mo, versus $150/yr · $20/mo for Simply Piano. Watch our deals page — both apps discount periodically, so the gap moves.
Which is better for beginners, Simply Piano or Flowkey?
Both cover beginners; the real split comes down to method. Pick Simply Piano if you are a total beginner who wants the most structured, hand-holding curriculum — or if the app is mainly for kids. Pick Flowkey if you want the highest-rated app overall, a song-first approach, and to pay $30/year less.
What is the main difference between Simply Piano and Flowkey?
Simply Piano is a structured course using microphone input; Flowkey is a course-plus-library hybrid using mic or midi input. MetaScores: 8.6 vs 8.9.
Prices and ratings verified September 27, 2026. How we rate apps.