Side by side
StaffPad vs Symphony Pro
Both stand on music notation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan iPhoneMacWindows
StaffPad combines handwritten score entry with playback, audio tools, and several export formats. Check the device requirements and Reader's editing limits before choosing it.
Visit StaffPad Free plan iPhoneMac
Symphony Pro combines full score editing, playback, file exchange and Apple-device integration. Its free core plan and paid handwriting option give users a choice, while the beta image-conversion tool remains limited.
Visit Symphony ProThe facts
| StaffPad | Symphony Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Mac, Windows | iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | StaffPad: $49.99, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | staffpad.net | symphonypro.net |
| On music notation software | #13 of 38 | #17 of 38 |
StaffPad: what it does well
- Handwriting recognition creates typeset scores.
- Playback includes more than 55 instruments.
- Exports audio, MIDI, MusicXML, and PDF.
- ScoreSync works on local Wi-Fi without internet.
- Scores stay local rather than in cloud storage.
What to know first
- Android is not supported.
- StaffPad is available only in English.
- Apple Silicon Macs cannot be used to write notation.
- Reader cannot edit music beyond ink annotations.
Symphony Pro: what it does well
- Supports notation and tablature
- Imports and exports major score formats
- Over 100 built-in instruments
- Part extraction and MIDI output
- Free iPhone app for owners
What to know first
- Handwriting recognition is paid
- Mac version requires Apple Silicon
- SyMusOMR beta has recognition limits
- No listed prices for plans
Alternatives to StaffPad Alternatives to Symphony Pro The whole list