# Mandolin Chords Compass vs ChordAid

The clearest difference is price: ChordAid at Free against Mandolin Chords Compass's $4.99. ChordAid also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.8) and review sentiment (49% vs 17%). Mandolin Chords Compass's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and chart position (#160 vs unranked). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

ChordAid is free to download; Mandolin Chords Compass costs $4.99 up front. ChordAid sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Mandolin Chords Compass asks for nothing beyond the download.

ChordAid holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ChordAid has 270 ratings behind it against 31, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 17% of Mandolin Chords Compass's written reviews are positive against 49% of ChordAid's.

Mandolin Chords Compass ships an update every 64 months, ChordAid every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mandolin Chords Compass | ChordAid |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.8 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mandolin-chords-compass/id1001868385/reviews) | **[4.6 (270 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chordaid-chord-reference/id1165713713/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 31 | **270** |
| Positive reviews | 16.7% of reviews | **48.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 64 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#160** | — |
| Size | 24 MB | 76 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **10.3** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Max Schlee](https://appshunter.io/developer/429770420) | [EMSI SOFT](https://appshunter.io/developer/622084727) |

## What reviewers say

### Mandolin Chords Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mandolin-chords-compass/id1001868385)

**Currently charting:** #160 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

Access a vast library of mandolin chords with a virtual fretboard and authentic sound. Perfect for beginners and experienced players, it offers offline functionality and supports multiple mandolin family instruments. Master any song with this comprehensive practice and composition tool.

**Highlights:** Massive chord library, Virtual fretboard visualization, Authentic chord sound playback, Supports Mandolin, Mandola, Mandocello, Offline functionality, Left-handed mode, One-time purchase

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### ChordAid

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chordaid-chord-reference/id1165713713)

This app serves as a comprehensive chord reference and finder for various stringed instruments. It supports numerous tunings and chord types, allowing users to compare, practice, and customize chord shapes. Features include a reverse chord finder and the ability to translate chords between instruments.

**Highlights:** Chord reference and finder, Supports standard and alternate tunings, Over 45 chord types including slash chords, Adjustable chord shape complexity, Reverse chord finder mode, Translate chords between instruments, Favorite chord marking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Chords | $4.99 | one-time |
| All Tunings | $4.99 | one-time |
| All Chords and Tunings | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Learns a lot
- 👍 Works well for banjo
- 👍 Go-to chord creator
- 👍 Outstanding product for string instruments
- 👍 Excellent for plectrum banjo

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 No idea how to use
- 😞 Clumsy format
- 😞 Bad, missing chords
- 😞 Cannot print chords
- 😞 Free version limited

**Reported bugs**

- Total fail on SMS confirmation
- Chords disappear after a couple of days
- Tutorial not working
- Cannot get it to display any chords

**Requested features**

- Flow view or print out for favorited chords
- Make chords flow down like responsive web
- Add finger numbers
- Add slash chords
- Add support for banjo


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mandolin Chords Compass free?

Mandolin Chords Compass costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ChordAid free?

ChordAid is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Mandolin Chords Compass or ChordAid?

ChordAid is rated higher. Mandolin Chords Compass averages 3.8 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while ChordAid averages 4.6 from 270 ratings.

### Do Mandolin Chords Compass or ChordAid have ads?

Neither Mandolin Chords Compass nor ChordAid shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mandolin Chords Compass or ChordAid?

Mandolin Chords Compass ships an update every 64 months, and ChordAid every 3 weeks. Most recently, Mandolin Chords Compass was updated on October 11, 2026 and ChordAid on October 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*