Comparison

Online piano courses for adults, compared honestly

Heads-up: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only point to things I actually use. Full disclosure.

Here's how the main ways of learning compare for an adult beginner, based on what each product publicly offers and on common feedback from adult learners. Features and prices change, so check each site before you buy. My Pianoforall link is an affiliate link. The others aren't.

	Pianoforall	Playground Sessions	Simply Piano / Flowkey	Private teacher
Approach	Chords and rhythm first, reading later	Gamified, song-based, reading on screen	App listens and scrolls notes	Whatever you and the teacher choose
Payment	One-time purchase	Subscription or lifetime	Subscription	Per lesson
Needs	Any keyboard or piano; PDFs on a tablet or printed	MIDI keyboard recommended	Phone or tablet near the piano	Travel or video calls
Feedback on your playing	None (you self-check against videos)	Yes, via MIDI	Yes, via mic or MIDI	Best: a human watches your hands
Best for	Adults who want to accompany songs and play by ear	People motivated by scores and streaks	Short daily sessions, casual learners	Classical goals, technique, accountability
Weak spot	Dated look; little classical reading early on	Ongoing cost; less chord theory	Easy to "play along" without understanding	Cost and scheduling

Which I'd pick, by goal

"I want to sing along and play pop songs and carols." A chord-first course. This is what Pianoforall is built for.
"I want to play Chopin someday." A teacher, plus an app for daily reading drills.
"I don't know if I'll stick with it." Start free: my 30-day plan and chord chart. Buy something once you've practiced for two weeks.
"I love games." Playground Sessions or Simply Piano.

The longer write-up, with what I disliked, is in my Pianoforall review and in online piano lessons compared.