AnyScore vs Flowkey vs Simply Piano: Which Piano App Is Right for You?

If you’re shopping for a piano app, you’ve probably narrowed it down to a few big names. Flowkey and Simply Piano are the two most popular options, and AnyScore is a newer contender with a fundamentally different approach.

Let’s break down what each does well, where they fall short, and who each is best for.

The Fundamental Difference

Simply Piano and Flowkey are song-based learning platforms. They provide a curated library of songs and teach you how to play them step by step.

AnyScore is a practice studio for your own music. You bring the sheet music — any PDF, MusicXML, or scanned page — and AnyScore turns it into an interactive practice environment with MIDI tracking, coaching, and analytics.

This isn’t a subtle difference. It defines who each app is for.

Simply Piano: The Beginner’s Best Friend

What it does well:

• The most beginner-friendly onboarding of any piano app
• Heavily gamified — earning stars and completing levels keeps you motivated
• Works with just your device’s microphone (no MIDI keyboard required)
• Structured curriculum that takes you from zero to playing basic songs

Where it falls short:

• Songs are simplified arrangements, not real sheet music
• No MIDI support means less accurate feedback
• Limited for intermediate or advanced players
• Cannot upload your own music

Best for: Complete beginners who have never touched a piano and want a fun, guided introduction.

Flowkey: The Song Learner

What it does well:

• Massive library of songs across genres (pop, classical, jazz, film)
• “Wait Mode” pauses until you play the right note
• Beautiful interface with video of real pianists playing
• Supports both microphone and MIDI input

Where it falls short:

• Still a closed library — you can’t bring your own sheet music
• Limited practice tools (no loop drill, no targeted remediation)
• Analytics are basic — no detailed timing or hand-specific tracking
• Arrangements are still adapted versions, not original scores

Best for: Hobbyists who want to learn popular songs at their own pace without formal lessons.

AnyScore: The Serious Practice Tool

What it does well:

• Upload any sheet music (PDF, MusicXML, camera scan)
• Four distinct practice modes: Learn, Practice, Perform, Preview
• Wait-for-me coaching that adapts to your pace
• Guided loop remediation — auto-identifies weak measures and drills them
• Deep analytics: timing trends, hand balance, hold control
• Both MIDI and microphone input supported
• Practice your teacher’s actual assignments, not simplified versions

Where it falls short:

• Currently in beta (coming soon to iOS)
• No built-in song library — you bring your own music
• Steeper learning curve than Simply Piano

Best for: Intermediate to advanced players, students working with a teacher, classical and jazz musicians who practice real repertoire.

Related: Best piano app for sheet music →

Feature Comparison

Feature	AnyScore	Flowkey	Simply Piano
Custom sheet music upload	✅	❌	❌
Built-in song library	❌	✅ (large)	✅ (medium)
MIDI input	✅	✅	❌
Microphone input	✅	✅	✅
Wait-for-me mode	✅	✅	❌
Loop practice	✅	❌	❌
Auto weak-spot detection	✅	❌	❌
Timing analytics	✅ (detailed)	Basic	Basic
Hand-specific tracking	✅	❌	❌
Gamification	Minimal	Minimal	Heavy
Beginner curriculum	❌	✅	✅

The Verdict: It Depends on Your Stage

Just starting out? Go with Simply Piano to build fundamentals in a fun way. Once you can read basic treble and bass clef, you’ll outgrow it.

Want to learn songs casually? Flowkey has the best library and a pleasant learning experience.

Ready to practice seriously? AnyScore is the only option that lets you practice your own music with professional-grade tools. If you have a piano teacher, if you play classical or jazz, or if you’ve outgrown simplified pop arrangements — AnyScore was built for your next chapter.

Many pianists use multiple apps at different stages. There’s no rule that says you can’t start with Simply Piano, graduate to Flowkey for songs, and then move to AnyScore when you’re ready for serious practice.

Related: Best piano apps for iPad in 2026 → Related: The Ultimate Guide to Piano App Practice Modes →