Simply Piano vs Playground Sessions (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 want to start today with whatever piano or keyboard you own — mic input, zero setup.
Pick Playground Sessions if you own a MIDI keyboard and want to learn real sheet music with precise scoring.
| Feature | Simply Piano | Playground Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| MetaScore | 8.6 / 10 (6 sources) | 8.3 / 10 (5 sources) |
| Annual price | $150/yr · $20/mo | $150/yr · $18/mo · $290 lifetime |
| Free trial | 7-day free trial (card required) | 7-day free trial (card required) |
| Song library | 5,000+ songs | 1,000+ songs |
| Input | Microphone | MIDI |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS, PC, Mac |
| Course style | Structured course | Structured course |
| Sheet music | Yes | Yes |
| Skill levels | beginner, intermediate | beginner, intermediate |
| Kids mode | Yes | No |
Breaking it down
This comparison is really a hardware question wearing an app costume. Simply Piano (8.6) hears any piano through your phone’s microphone: acoustic, digital, keyboard, no cables. Playground Sessions (8.3) requires a MIDI/USB keyboard and gives you nothing until you plug one in.
If you have a MIDI keyboard and a computer, Playground Sessions’ interactive notation and $290 lifetime option are the better long-term value — annual plans cost the same ~$150. If you have an acoustic piano, a phone, and ten minutes, Simply Piano is the only one of the two that works at all.
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.
Playground Sessions: the case for
Playground Sessions is the value pick for one specific buyer: someone with a MIDI keyboard and a computer who wants real sheet music, not animations. The lifetime option is the best deal in the category if you commit. Everyone else should note the hard requirement — no MIDI keyboard, no app.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Simply Piano or Playground Sessions?
Simply Piano is cheaper at $150/yr · $20/mo, versus $150/yr · $18/mo · $290 lifetime for Playground Sessions. Watch our deals page — both apps discount periodically, so the gap moves.
Which is better for beginners, Simply Piano or Playground Sessions?
Both cover beginners; the real split comes down to method. Pick Simply Piano if you want to start today with whatever piano or keyboard you own — mic input, zero setup. Pick Playground Sessions if you own a MIDI keyboard and want to learn real sheet music with precise scoring.
What is the main difference between Simply Piano and Playground Sessions?
Simply Piano is a structured course using microphone input; Playground Sessions is a structured course using midi input. MetaScores: 8.6 vs 8.3.
Prices and ratings verified September 27, 2026. How we rate apps.