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Why People Love Simply Piano: What Makes It Worth the Subscription
Over 16 million people use Simply Piano every month - and it's not hard to see why. Whether you've always dreamed of playing piano but never had the structure, or you tried traditional lessons that didn't stick, Simply Piano makes learning feel less like homework and more like something you actually want to do. It's Apple's Editor's Choice, accredited by Trinity College London, and built by actual musicians and piano teachers - which explains the 4.6-star rating from over 1.5 million reviews across iOS and Android. Here's what makes it work.
In this guide:
- What You Actually Get with Simply Piano
- The Simply Piano Plans Explained
- Why the Family Plan Is Ridiculously Good Value
- What You'll Need to Get Started
- How Simply Piano Stacks Up
- Getting the Best Deal: Free Trial & Subscription Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
What You Actually Get with Simply Piano
Simply Piano is built for beginners and intermediate players - whether you're starting from zero or coming back after years away. The app gives you structured, step-by-step lessons that teach you to read sheet music, play with both hands, and actually sound good surprisingly fast. One reviewer put it plainly: after less than two months, they were playing easy-to-medium songs across different genres. That's the kind of progress that keeps people coming back.
The real draw is the 5,000+ song library , and it's not just filler. You get:
- Songs you actually recognize - Disney favorites, pop hits, classical pieces like Für Elise, movie soundtracks, jazz standards, holiday music, and more
- Real songs from day one - not endless scales and exercises; you're playing recognizable music almost immediately
- Songs adapted to your level - simplified versions first, then more advanced arrangements as you progress
- Constantly updated library - new songs added regularly so the content stays fresh
The app listens through your device's microphone and gives you real-time feedback as you play - it catches mistakes instantly so you always know what needs more practice. If you want even more precise detection, you can connect via MIDI cable (more on that below). You can choose the Soloist path for classical technique and repertoire, or the Chords path if you want to play pop, rock, and jazz songs faster.
It runs on iOS and Android, phones and tablets, and even works on Chromebook - though not on Windows or desktop. Works with any acoustic or digital piano or keyboard you already own, so there's no need to buy specific hardware just to get started.
Simply Piano Plans: Individual vs. Family
Simply Piano offers four subscription types - Individual and Family - each available as either a monthly or annual plan. The differences matter, especially if there's more than one person in your household who might want to learn. All plans include a 14-day free trial , and the annual options save you significantly compared to paying month-to-month.
| Plan | Profiles | Apps Included | Price | Best For |
| Individual Annual | 1 | Simply Piano only | $169.90/year | Solo learner |
| Individual Monthly | 1 | Simply Piano only | $17.90/month | Solo learner, flexible commitment |
| Family Annual | Up to 5 | Simply Piano, Simply Guitar, Simply Sing, Simply Draw | $209.90/year | Families, multiple learners |
| Family Monthly | Up to 5 | Simply Piano, Simply Guitar, Simply Sing, Simply Draw | $23.90/month | Families, flexible commitment |
Annual vs. Monthly - The Math:
- Individual Annual: $169.90/year = $14.16/month (vs. $17.90/month paid monthly)
- Family Annual: $209.90/year = $17.49/month (vs. $23.90/month paid monthly)
The annual plans save you roughly 21-27% compared to paying month-to-month, and you still get the same 14-day free trial to test it out.
Ready to get started? Start your 14-day free trial here and pick the plan that fits your household.
Why the Family Plan Is Ridiculously Good Value
The Family Plan costs roughly $40 more per year than the Individual Plan. That's it. For a second learner in the house, that's essentially free. For a third learner - a kid, a partner, a sibling - it's a clear win by any measure.
Parents especially love this plan, and the reason is simple: it turns practice into something kids actually ask to do. One parent shared that traditional piano lessons didn't stick for her kids - they viewed it as a chore. But Simply Piano? To them, it felt like screen time, and suddenly they were asking to practice. The gamified structure, instant feedback, and song choices keep them engaged in a way weekly lessons with a teacher never did.
The multi-app access makes the math even better. The Family Plan covers not just Simply Piano, but also Simply Guitar, Simply Sing, and Simply Draw. If anyone in your household wants to pick up guitar alongside piano, you're getting two full learning subscriptions for the price of one-and-a-bit. Here's how to think about which plan makes sense:
- Solo adult learner → Individual Plan is the right call.
- Family with kids, or anyone interested in guitar or other skills → Family Plan is almost certainly the better deal.
- Three or more learners of any kind → Family Plan pays for itself immediately.
You can upgrade from Individual to Family directly from within the app menu - no need to cancel and start over.
What You'll Need to Get Started
One of Simply Piano's biggest strengths: it works with any piano or keyboard you already own. If you've got an acoustic piano collecting dust, you're set. If you have a digital keyboard from years ago, that works too. The app listens through your device's microphone, so there's no special hardware required.
Don't have a keyboard yet? Entry-level 61-key digital keyboards that work perfectly with the app start around $60-$100 . If you want something closer to a real piano feel - weighted keys that respond to touch the way an acoustic piano does - you're looking at $200-$500 or more . The app doesn't require weighted keys, but the learning experience does improve as you progress, especially if you're serious about building proper technique.
Optional: MIDI Connection for Even Better Accuracy
The microphone works well in a quiet room, but if your household is noisy or you want the most precise note detection possible, a MIDI-to-USB cable is a worthwhile upgrade. These run about $15-$30 and plug directly into your keyboard and device. Not required, but it makes a noticeable difference if you're practicing in a less-than-silent environment.
Quick Checklist to Get Started:
- Any piano or keyboard - acoustic or digital, any brand, any age
- Your phone or tablet - iOS or Android
- Optional: MIDI-to-USB cable (~$15-$30) for more precise feedback than the microphone alone
What About Technique Feedback?
Simply Piano gives you real-time feedback on note accuracy - it knows if you hit the right key at the right time, so you're never guessing whether you got it right. The app focuses on teaching you what to play and building your musical skills. For feedback on hand posture or wrist position, some learners add occasional check-ins with a local teacher as they progress.
If proper technique becomes a concern as you progress, even one or two occasional check-ins with a local teacher can help you course-correct before bad habits set in. But for the first several months of learning? The app gives you everything you need to make real progress.
How Simply Piano Stacks Up
Simply Piano is the most popular piano-learning app globally, with over 16 million active monthly users - more than any other app in the category. It's been featured as Apple's Editor's Choice, voted Best App on Google Play, and mentioned by major publications including Forbes, The New York Times, and The Guardian. The app is also accredited by Trinity College London , one of the world's leading music education organizations - so the pedagogy isn't just gamified lessons, it's legitimately structured music education.
While other piano learning apps exist, Simply Piano's combination of a massive song library (5,000+ tracks), real-time feedback, and the Family Plan (which covers Piano, Guitar, Sing, and Draw) make it the go-to for households serious about learning. The 290,000+ member Facebook community is another signal that people don't just download it - they stick with it and share their progress.
How It Compares to Traditional Lessons
A local piano teacher typically charges $40-$80 per hour in most U.S. cities. Two lessons a month puts you at $960-$1,920 per year . Simply Piano's annual Individual Plan - even at the higher end of reported pricing - is roughly 10-15% of that cost .
A real teacher adds personalized feedback on posture and technique that no app can replicate - which is why many learners use both. But for self-motivated beginners who practice consistently, Simply Piano covers an enormous amount of ground at a fraction of the price.
Getting the Best Deal: Free Trial & Subscription Tips
Simply Piano offers a 14-day free trial - plenty of time to see if the app clicks for you. See the official subscription page for the latest details on trial length and plan options.
All plans auto-renew by default - that's standard for subscription apps, and canceling is straightforward. The only risk is forgetting. Set a reminder before your trial ends if you're still on the fence.
If you're confident you'll stick with it, pay annually . The monthly Individual Plan runs roughly $17.90/month - that's over $214/year if you pay month-to-month versus approximately $170/year on an annual plan. The annual plan saves you a meaningful chunk, so don't default to monthly just because it feels lower-risk. Check current pricing in-app before committing, as these figures can shift.
Want to see what deals are currently available? Check out Groupon's Simply Piano coupons page before you subscribe - there may be active offers worth grabbing.
Why Simply Piano Works
Simply Piano has over 16 million active users because the app genuinely makes learning piano feel achievable. You're not grinding through scales for weeks before you play something recognizable. You're playing Disney songs and pop hits from day one, getting instant feedback, and seeing real progress within weeks.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: " I had a lifelong dream of learning how to play, and even owned an actual piano but had no motivation. " Simply Piano gave them the structure and engagement they needed to actually follow through. Another parent shared that her kids, who couldn't stick with traditional lessons, suddenly loved practicing because the app turned it into something that felt fun rather than forced. Most users see real progress within two months - one reviewer went from zero to playing easy-to-medium songs in that timeframe.
That progress isn't accidental - it's the result of structured curriculum designed by actual piano teachers and accredited by Trinity College London. The app knows how to teach, not just how to gamify.
Simply Piano is built for beginners through intermediate players - with content that scales from day one through your first one to two years of learning. If you're already past Grade 5 or preparing for advanced classical exams, you'll want to pair it with traditional instruction.
The 14-day free trial is the obvious first move - there's no risk, and you'll know within a few days whether it clicks. Most people who try it stick with it. Start your free trial at Simply Piano here and find out for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Simply Piano cost per month?
Based on publicly reported pricing at the time of writing, the Individual Plan runs approximately $17.90/month on a monthly billing cycle, or roughly $14/month when paid annually (~$169.90/year). Pricing varies by platform (App Store vs. Google Play), so always check the app for current rates before subscribing.
Is the Simply Piano Family Plan worth it?
For households with two or more learners, absolutely. The Family Plan costs roughly $40 more per year than the Individual Plan and covers up to five profiles plus Simply Guitar, Simply Sing, and Simply Draw. A second learner tips the math in its favor immediately; a third makes it a no-brainer. See the full plan breakdown above for more detail.
What equipment do I need to use Simply Piano?
Any acoustic or digital piano or keyboard works - the app listens through your device's microphone. If you don't own a keyboard yet:
- Entry-level 61-key models: ~$60-$100
- Weighted 88-key keyboards (closer to a real piano feel): $200-$500+
- Optional MIDI-to-USB cable: ~$15-$30 for more precise note detection
For the full breakdown, see What You'll Need to Get Started above.
Does Simply Piano have a free version?
Simply Piano offers a 14-day free trial, after which a subscription is required. Unlike some apps with limited free content, Simply Piano gives you full access during the trial so you can truly test whether it's the right fit before you commit.
Is Simply Piano better than traditional piano lessons?
They serve different needs - and many people use both:
- Traditional lessons: $960-$1,920/year (two lessons/month at $40-$80/hour). Personalized feedback on technique, posture, and dynamics that no app can match.
- Simply Piano: Roughly 10-15% of that cost. Structured lessons, real-time note feedback, 5,000+ song library, and the flexibility to practice whenever you want.
Many learners use Simply Piano as their primary tool and add occasional in-person lessons for technique check-ins - that hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.
Can kids use Simply Piano?
Yes - and parents consistently report that kids love it. The app has separate learning paths designed for children, and the gamified structure keeps them engaged in a way traditional lessons often don't. One parent shared that her kids viewed Simply Piano as "screen time" and actually asked to practice. The Family Plan makes this especially practical since up to five people can use it, and it includes Simply Guitar, Simply Sing, and Simply Draw as well.
Is Simply Piano accredited?
Yes. Simply Piano is accredited by Trinity College London , one of the world's leading music education organizations. The app was also created by musicians and piano teachers, and its pedagogical methods are patent-protected. It's been recognized as Apple's Editor's Choice and voted Best App on Google Play, with mentions in Forbes, The New York Times, and The Guardian.
See all Our Simply Piano Codes & Deals
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