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Education · head to head

MasterClass vs Simply Piano

MasterClass logo

MasterClass

Education

Learn from the world's best

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Simply Piano logo

Simply Piano

Education

Piano-only learning app from JoyTunes using microphone listening, no MIDI keyboard required

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Simply Piano has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MasterClass annual membership required with no option to purchase individual courses; Simply Piano microphone-based note detection is less precise than MIDI input for fast or dense passages, so advanced players eventually outgrow its accuracy ceiling.
  • They diverge on capability: MasterClass covers High-quality video, Simply Piano covers Microphone-based listening.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MasterClass and Simply Piano actually diverge.

Attributes where MasterClass and Simply Piano differ
AttributeMasterClassSimply Piano
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionPer user per year or month
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidiOS, Android, Web
Founded2015Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Education).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in MasterClass

  • High-quality video
  • Workbooks
  • Community
  • Mobile apps
  • Offline viewing
  • Smart TV apps
  • Session stories
  • Smart TV platforms

Only in Simply Piano

  • Microphone-based listening
  • Structured curriculum
  • Popular song arrangements
  • Kids mode
  • Practice feedback
  • Offline practice mode

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MasterClass

  • Learning from expertsnot Simply Piano
  • Inspirationnot Simply Piano
  • Skill developmentnot Simply Piano
  • Entertainmentnot Simply Piano

Simply Piano

  • A complete beginner who owns an acoustic piano and wants structured lessons without a MIDI connectionnot MasterClass
  • A parent choosing a self-guided piano app for a child who does not yet take private lessonsnot MasterClass
  • Someone who wants heavily song-driven practice using popular music rather than only classical exercisesnot MasterClass
  • A household deciding between this and Flowkey based on trial experience and song catalogue fitnot MasterClass

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

MasterClass

  • Annual membership required with no option to purchase individual courses
  • No instructor interaction or personalized feedback on student work
  • No hands-on exercises, assignments, or peer discussion with other students
  • Limited interactivity with focus on entertainment value over practical skill development
  • Difficult to cancel subscription according to customer reviews

Simply Piano

  • Microphone-based note detection is less precise than MIDI input for fast or dense passages, so advanced players eventually outgrow its accuracy ceiling.
  • Its curriculum is piano only, so anyone wanting to learn a second instrument needs a separate subscription to Yousician or another app.
  • The free trial is limited, and meaningful progress requires the paid annual subscription at around $120 a year.
  • Background noise and an out-of-tune acoustic piano can degrade the accuracy of the microphone-based scoring.
  • It does not go deep into music theory or advanced classical technique, so a serious student will eventually need a human teacher alongside or instead of it.

Pricing, plan by plan

MasterClass

On request
  • Individual$10/month
    • All classes
    • One device
    • Mobile access
  • Duo$15/month
    • All classes
    • Two devices
    • Offline viewing
  • Family$20/month
    • All classes
    • Six devices
    • All features

Simply Piano

Free
  • Simply PianoFree
    • Limited introductory lessons
  • Premium$119.99/year
    • Full lesson path and song library
    • Progress tracking
    • Family plan options available

Which should you pick?

Choose MasterClass if

  • You need high-quality video.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want workbooks.
MasterClass review

Choose Simply Piano if

  • You need microphone-based listening.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want structured curriculum.
Simply Piano review

Questions people ask

Is MasterClass or Simply Piano better?
Neither clearly leads. MasterClass starts at On request and Simply Piano at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MasterClass or Simply Piano?
Simply Piano has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for MasterClass and Free for Simply Piano.
Does MasterClass or Simply Piano run on more platforms?
MasterClass runs on Web, iOS, Android. Simply Piano runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Simply Piano for free?
Yes. Simply Piano has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MasterClass starts at On request.
What is MasterClass best used for?
MasterClass is most often used for learning from experts, inspiration, skill development, entertainment. Of those, learning from experts and inspiration are not what Simply Piano is typically brought in for.
What can MasterClass do that Simply Piano cannot?
MasterClass covers High-quality video, Workbooks, Community, Mobile apps. Simply Piano covers Microphone-based listening, Structured curriculum, Popular song arrangements, Kids mode.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MasterClass: What is the pricing structure for MasterClass?

MasterClass requires an annual membership with no single-course purchase option. Standard plan costs $10/month, Plus is $15/month with offline access, and Premium is $20/month for up to 6 devices.

Source
Simply Piano: Do I need a MIDI keyboard for Simply Piano?

No, it listens through your device microphone and works with any acoustic or digital piano.

MasterClass: How many courses are available on MasterClass?

MasterClass has over 200 video classes taught by celebrities and experts, with each course containing approximately 20 videos of about 10 minutes each plus detailed workbooks.

Source
Simply Piano: How is it different from Flowkey?

Both use the same microphone-based, piano-only approach; the difference is mainly curriculum style and song catalogue, worth comparing via free trials.

MasterClass: Does MasterClass provide certificates or formal credentials?

No. MasterClass does not provide certificates upon completing a course, so it does not offer formal recognition for course completion.

Source
Simply Piano: Is there a kids version?

Yes, a simplified kids-focused mode and companion product exist for younger learners.

MasterClass: Do MasterClass courses include personalized feedback from instructors?

No. All MasterClass courses are pre-recorded videos, so there is no direct interaction with instructors or personalized feedback on student work.

Source
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