Side by side
OtoTheory vs Tonaly
Both stand on chord finder software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan iPhoneWeb
OtoTheory brings progression building, song analysis, grooves, and theory tools together for players and composers. Check its iOS-only Pro restriction and free-plan export limits against your workflow.
Visit OtoTheory Free plan iPhoneMac
Choose Tonaly if you want chord discovery, songwriting, and practice tools in one app, with MIDI and PDF export. It is a good fit for musicians using its supported instruments and Apple platforms. Look elsewhere if you need reverse chord lookup or a platform beyond iOS and macOS.
Visit TonalyThe facts
| OtoTheory | Tonaly | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Web | iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Lifetime: $99.99, paid once | Tonaly (App Store in-app purchases): $39.99 a year |
| Plans published | 3 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ototheory.com | tonaly.app |
| On chord finder software | #17 of 27 | #21 of 27 |
OtoTheory: what it does well
- Analyzes chords, key, and song sections on iOS
- Includes 19 groove patterns and 50+ presets
- Exports MIDI with BPM and section markers on Pro
- Offers chord playback and reverse chord lookup
What to know first
- Free plan limits users to three local sketch saves
- Free plan has no MIDI or audio export
- Pro is iOS-only; web features are limited
Tonaly: what it does well
- Highlights chords by key and suggests progressions.
- Supports borrowed chords, extensions, and melody exploration.
- Practice includes scales, progressions, solos, and key changes.
- Exports MIDI and PDFs and shares song links.
- Works with piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, and string instruments.
What to know first
- The listed platforms are iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Several Mac features are designated as Pro features.
- Annual and lifetime plans have listed purchase prices.
Alternatives to OtoTheory Alternatives to Tonaly The whole list