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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

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Neothesia logoNeothesiaOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 466.5
  1. Neothesia logo

    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)

The best Synthesia alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Neothesia logo

Best Synthesia alternative for most people

Neothesia

Free and open-source falling-notes player that also runs on Linux, with no unlock fee.

Neothesia logo

Best Synthesia alternative for a free option

Neothesia

Free and open-source falling-notes player that also runs on Linux, with no unlock fee.

flowkey logo

Best Synthesia alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

flowkey

Adds video of a pianist, sheet music and step-by-step courses alongside Wait Mode practice.

Neothesia logo

Best Synthesia alternative for open source

Neothesia

Free and open-source falling-notes player that also runs on Linux, with no unlock fee.

Neothesia logo

Best Synthesia alternative for Mac

Neothesia

Free and open-source falling-notes player that also runs on Linux, with no unlock fee.

Neothesia logo

Best Synthesia alternative for Windows

Neothesia

Free and open-source falling-notes player that also runs on Linux, with no unlock fee.

Neothesia logo

Best Synthesia alternative for Linux

Neothesia

Free and open-source falling-notes player that also runs on Linux, with no unlock fee.

flowkey logo

Best Synthesia alternative for iPhone and Android

flowkey

Adds video of a pianist, sheet music and step-by-step courses alongside Wait Mode practice.

flowkey logo

Best Synthesia alternative for working in the browser

flowkey

Adds video of a pianist, sheet music and step-by-step courses alongside Wait Mode practice.

Synthesia alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Synthesia?

Neothesia ranks first right now. Free and open-source falling-notes player that also runs on Linux, with no unlock fee.

Is there a free alternative to Synthesia?

Yes. Neothesia (open source) and flowkey (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Synthesia?

Yes: Neothesia.

Which Synthesia alternatives work on Linux?

Neothesia runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Synthesia?

The complaints we hear most: no structured courses or video lessons; built-in song list is small without buying store songs or finding MIDI files; best experience needs a MIDI-capable keyboard.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Synthesia, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.