Autochords

Autochords is a songwriting app for iPhone and iPad that generates chord-progressions ideas and shows how to play them on guitar, piano, or ukulele. It is a strong fit for writers who want to explore harmonies away from a full studio, while players can use its diagrams and playback to turn an idea into something playable.

Overview

Pick a progression style and key, and Autochords presents a primary sequence with alternatives suitable for other song sections. That approach is useful when a verse, chorus, or bridge needs related but different harmony; it gives you several starting points rather than dictating an arrangement. The app is focused on chord-based songwriting, so it suits harmonic sketching better than a complete recording or production environment.

Key features

Each progression can be previewed at the chosen tempo through piano, guitar, or ukulele sounds. Matching chord diagrams for all three instruments make the suggestions actionable: a guitarist, pianist, or ukulele player can move from listening to practice without translating a chord chart from another format.

A built-in library offers dozens of progressions spanning western-music styles. The library is broad enough for regular idea hunting, but some entries require PRO, so the free tier does not expose the whole catalog. The progression generator is therefore most valuable to users willing to work within the free selection or upgrade when a locked style becomes important.

PRO adds tempo changes, color themes, favorites, custom progressions, and MIDI export. Export uses the iOS share sheet, allowing the MIDI file to open in compatible software, including desktop DAWs such as Logic or GarageBand. That creates a useful handoff from a mobile sketch to a larger arrangement, although Autochords remains an iPhone and iPad tool rather than a desktop workstation. Chord-chart export is also supported for taking playable references beyond the app.

The privacy policy says personal information is not collected without permission and that third-party analytics and crash reporters are not used. Anonymous usage and diagnostic data may still be sent to Astrocode servers and retained for up to two years, while support emails are retained by Fastmail.

Pricing

The free plan is the right trial for casual writers and players who mainly need suggestions, playback, and diagrams. Monthly PRO limits commitment while unlocking the complete creative toolkit. Annual is cheaper than paying 2.99 USD every month over a year, and Lifetime is the clearest choice for regular users who expect to keep the app. No free trial is stated. If PRO expires, existing favorites and custom progressions remain viewable, but you cannot add or remove favorites or create or delete custom progressions, which makes continued editing dependent on an active subscription.

Platforms

Autochords is presented for iPhone and iPad on iOS. MIDI sharing can reach compatible desktop applications, but the app itself is not offered as a macOS, Windows, Android, or web product.

Who it's for

Choose it if you write songs on the move, play guitar, piano, or ukulele, and want audible alternatives plus instrument-specific diagrams. It is less suitable if your work depends on desktop-native editing, broad cross-platform access, or unrestricted custom-progression management after a subscription ends.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Style-and-key suggestions include alternatives for different song sections, helping avoid a single-loop songwriting process.
• Playback and diagrams cover guitar, piano, and ukulele, connecting inspiration with practical playing.
• PRO MIDI export provides a direct route into compatible apps such as Logic and GarageBand.
• Lifetime PRO costs 29.99 USD once, avoiding an ongoing payment for committed users.

Cons

• Some library progressions are locked behind PRO, narrowing free browsing.
• Only iOS devices run the app, limiting access for Android, Windows, macOS, and web users.
• Expired PRO accounts can use saved favorites and custom progressions but cannot manage or create them.
• Anonymous diagnostics may be retained for up to two years.

Alternatives

ChordU is the broader choice when Android or web access matters; its Premium plan is $5 a month and adds uploads, downloads, and MusicOnly mode.

Chord Analyser suits Android and iOS users seeking a free, no-ad option with no stated trial.

Chordio is the better fit for iOS and macOS users who want built-in sounds, an on-screen keyboard, workspaces, and real-time MIDI chord detection.

ChordSequence is preferable when Android or web support and unrestricted free WAV and MIDI export are priorities.

Harmony Pro is a free macOS, Windows, and web alternative.

OtoTheory fits iOS and web users who want a free tier with three local sketch saves or a 99.99 USD lifetime plan.

Chord ai is an Android and iOS option with unlimited basic free use and a 9.00 USD monthly Pro plan.

ChordProgressions.org is a free browser studio for users comfortable with JavaScript-enabled playback and editing.

Chord Finder Software provides a wider directory of tools to compare.

Verdict

Autochords is a good recommendation for iPhone and iPad songwriters who want fast progression ideas, instrument playback, and usable chord diagrams in one place. Its main reason to choose PRO is the combination of custom progressions, favorites, tempo control, and MIDI export; look elsewhere if you need desktop or Android access, or must keep managing saved material after a subscription ends.