Synthesia alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Synthesia: no structured courses or video lessons, and built-in song list is small without buying store songs or finding MIDI files. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Synthesia, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Neothesia currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#	App	Pricing	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	Neothesia	Open source	Yes	Windows, macOS, Linux	4 of 4	66.5
2	flowkey	Free plan + paid	No	Web, iOS, Android	4 of 4	62.6

1. NeothesiaTop pick
Best for: Players who want free falling-notes piano practice with their own MIDI files, especially on Linux
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux
66.5
score / 100
Why switch from Synthesia
Free and open-source falling-notes player that also runs on Linux, with no unlock fee.
Pros
Completely free and GPL-3.0 licensed
Plays any MIDI file and works with MIDI keyboards
Built-in synthesizer if no keyboard is connected
Runs on Linux as well as Windows and macOS
Cons
No structured lessons or courses
No mobile or tablet version
You must supply your own MIDI songs
Visit Neothesia Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.3100
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is Neothesia a good Synthesia alternative?
Verified facts
4 of 4 verified
License
GPL-3.0
Checked Oct 30, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
Platforms
Linux, Windows, macOS
Checked Oct 30, 2026polymeilex.github.io(opens source in a new tab)
MIDI keyboard support
Yes, plus a built-in synthesizer
Checked Oct 30, 2026polymeilex.github.io(opens source in a new tab)
Input
MIDI files
Checked Oct 30, 2026polymeilex.github.io(opens source in a new tab)
2. flowkey
Best for: Beginners who want to learn real songs from video and sheet music with gentle feedback
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android
62.6
score / 100
Why switch from Synthesia
Adds video of a pianist, sheet music and step-by-step courses alongside Wait Mode practice.
Pros
Video of a real pianist alongside sheet music
Wait Mode, slow motion, looping and single-hand practice
Large song library plus step-by-step courses
Free to start without a commitment
Cons
Full library and courses need a subscription
Can't load your own MIDI files
No dedicated Windows or Linux desktop app
Visit flowkey Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.387
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is flowkey a good Synthesia alternative?
Verified facts
4 of 4 verified
Users
Over 15 million
Checked Nov 1, 2026flowkey.com(opens source in a new tab)
Wait Mode
Yes
Checked Nov 1, 2026flowkey.com(opens source in a new tab)
Free to start
Yes
Checked Nov 1, 2026flowkey.com(opens source in a new tab)
Song library
Thousands of songs
Checked Nov 1, 2026flowkey.com(opens source in a new tab)