# Mandolin Chords Compass Lite vs ChordAid

Mandolin Chords Compass Lite and ChordAid both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 49% of ChordAid's written reviews are positive against 0% of Mandolin Chords Compass Lite's. ChordAid also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 69 months) and ratings volume (270 vs 12). Mandolin Chords Compass Lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ChordAid sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Mandolin Chords Compass Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

ChordAid holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ChordAid has 270 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Mandolin Chords Compass Lite's written reviews are positive against 49% of ChordAid's.

Mandolin Chords Compass Lite ships an update every 69 months, ChordAid every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mandolin Chords Compass Lite | ChordAid |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mandolin-chords-compass-lite/id1121687970/reviews) | **[4.6 (270 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chordaid-chord-reference/id1165713713/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **270** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **48.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 69 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 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 Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mandolin-chords-compass-lite/id1121687970)

Instantly discover over 8,000 mandolin chord voicings across all fretboard positions. Hear how each chord sounds and find the perfect fit for your music without needing a music theory degree. Supports mandolin, mandola, and mandocello.

**Highlights:** 8,000+ chord voicings, Instant visual chord diagrams, Audio playback for each chord, 56 chord types supported, Supports Mandolin, Mandola, Mandocello, Left-handed friendly, Offline access

**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 Lite free?

Mandolin Chords Compass Lite is free to download, 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 Lite or ChordAid?

ChordAid is rated higher. Mandolin Chords Compass Lite averages 4.4 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while ChordAid averages 4.6 from 270 ratings.

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

Neither Mandolin Chords Compass Lite nor ChordAid shows ads.

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

Mandolin Chords Compass Lite ships an update every 69 months, and ChordAid every 3 weeks. Most recently, Mandolin Chords Compass Lite was updated on October 20, 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.*