Head-to-head · Music Learning Apps
EarMaster vs Playground Sessions
EarMaster leads on 1 check, Playground Sessions on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreEarMaster · 8.5/10
- Free planonly EarMaster
- Free trialonly Playground Sessions
- Most featuresEarMaster · 4 of 4
EarMaster scores higher on our rubric for music learning apps: 8.5 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #22.
EarMaster offers free plan; Playground Sessions doesn't. On curriculum scope, EarMaster gives you Mixed where Playground Sessions offers Instrument.
EarMaster is the better fit for broad ear-training and musicianship practice. Playground Sessions is the better fit for piano learners wanting structured song practice.
- EarMaster fits best
Broad ear-training and musicianship practice
- Playground Sessions fits best
Piano learners wanting structured song practice
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Side by side
| Feature | EarMaster 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | Playground Sessions 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #5 in Music Learning Apps | #22 in Music Learning Apps |
| Best for | Broad ear-training and musicianship practice | Piano learners wanting structured song practice |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $6/user/yr | $149.99/user/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Phone, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features EarMaster 4/4 · Playground Sessions 3/4 | ||
| Live feedback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Practice tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline access | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Progress tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Curriculum scope | Mixed | Instrument |
| Included instruments | Not checked yet | 1 |
| Platform support | Multi-platform | Multi-platform |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | EarMaster is a music-learning app for ear training, sight-singing, rhythm practice, and music theory. It is aimed at music students, hobbyists, professional musicians, teachers, schools, choirs, and conservatories. Practice covers… Read the review → |
Playground Sessions is piano-learning software for beginners and developing players who want structured lessons alongside song practice. Its Bootcamp lessons and supplemental Courses are paired with interactive sheet music and arrangements… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
EarMaster — where it wins
- Covers ear training, sight-singing, rhythm, and music theory practice.
- Real-time pitch and timing feedback supports voice, clap, and MIDI input.
- Works across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android with progress tracking.
Where it doesn't
- The monthly personal plan costs more than the yearly equivalent.
- Cloud plans listed here begin with groups of 5–9 users.
- Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of narrowly focused learners.
Playground Sessions — where it wins
- Structured Bootcamp lessons plus supplemental Courses
- Real-time feedback through microphone or USB/MIDI
- Looping, tempo control, backing tracks, and progress statistics
Where it doesn't
- No free plan
- Monthly membership starts at $24.99
- Lifetime plan limits copyrighted-song access to two years
- EarMaster8.5/10 · Free plan
Broad musicianship practice with adaptive feedback, tracking, and teacher tools.
Visit EarMasterFull verdict → - Playground Sessions6.9/10 · 7-day trial
A full piano-learning app with strong practice tools, but a paid-only model.
Visit siteFull verdict →
EarMaster vs Playground Sessions: questions
Which is better for music learning apps, EarMaster or Playground Sessions?
EarMaster scores higher on our rubric for music learning apps: 8.5 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #22.
How do EarMaster and Playground Sessions compare?
Of the 5 checks we put side by side, EarMaster leads on 1, Playground Sessions on none, and 4 are level. Free plan only on EarMaster.
Do EarMaster and Playground Sessions have a free plan?
EarMaster: Yes. Playground Sessions: No.
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All music learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update