Comparison

Piano Nova vs Synthesia

Synthesia uses falling notes like a rhythm game. Piano Nova renders real sheet music you can upload yourself. Here's how they compare.

Feature Piano Nova Synthesia
Upload your own scores PDF, MusicXML, images MIDI & MusicXML files
Sheet music display Real notation Falling notes only
PDF & image upload Smart conversion Not supported
Tempo control
Loop sections
Hands-separate practice
Wait mode
Sight-reading practice Real notation builds skill Falling notes don't
Built-in song library Bring your own 150+ songs included
Platform Web, Android Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Pricing Free tier, $11.99/mo, $79.99/yr, $199 lifetime Free tier, $39 one-time

Who Each App
Is For

Choose Piano Nova if you...

  • Want to practice your own sheet music, not a preset library
  • Need real notation to build sight-reading skills
  • Have PDFs or printed scores you want to play back
  • Want a web app with no install required

Choose Synthesia if you...

  • Prefer a gamified, falling-notes experience
  • Want a large built-in song library
  • Don't need to read traditional sheet music
  • Prefer a one-time payment model

The Verdict

Synthesia is great if you want a game-like piano experience with falling notes. But if you're a musician who reads sheet music and wants to practice your own pieces — not someone else's library — Piano Nova is built for you.

Upload a PDF, a photo, or a MusicXML file. Slow it down. Loop the hard parts. Practice with real notation.

Try Piano Nova Free