# StaffPad Reader vs Dorico

The clearest difference is rating: Dorico at 4.6 against StaffPad Reader's 3.0. Dorico also leads on ratings volume (2.3K vs 10) and review sentiment (55% vs 33%). StaffPad Reader's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StaffPad Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Dorico sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Dorico holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dorico has 2.3K ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of StaffPad Reader's written reviews are positive against 55% of Dorico's.

StaffPad Reader ships an update every 2 months, Dorico every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StaffPad Reader | Dorico |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffpad-reader/id1258751006/reviews) | **[4.6 (2.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dorico-compose-music/id1556625090/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **2.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **55.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 691 MB | 975 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [StaffPad Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1258751005) | [Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/316698251) |

## What reviewers say

### StaffPad Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffpad-reader/id1258751006)

This app provides a synchronized digital music stand experience for digital scores. It allows for real-time sharing and updates of musical scores across multiple devices on a local Wi-Fi network, simplifying rehearsal and performance.

**Highlights:** Real-time score synchronization, Automatic page turns, Sync'd click track, Dark mode, Personal annotations, ScoreSync feature

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StaffPad Reader Pro | $12.99 | one-time |


### Dorico

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dorico-compose-music/id1556625090)

Create professional music notation and compositions with this powerful app. Easily input notes, edit performances, and share your work in various formats. It's suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

**Highlights:** Compose music notation, On-screen keyboard, drum pads, fretboard, MIDI editing tools, PDF, audio, MusicXML export, Print to AirPrint, Read mode with annotation, Automatic engraving

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dorico Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| Dorico Annual Subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Dorico Lifetime Unlock | $119.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful and full-featured notation app on iPad
- 👍 Seamless integration with desktop version
- 🚀 Efficient workflow with keyboard shortcuts
- 👍 Impressive engraving and layout capabilities
- 🚀 Comprehensive feature set for composing and arranging

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 🔒 Subscription-only model, no option to purchase outright
- 🐛 Glitchy touch/scroll functionality
- 🐛 Inability to delete clefs or access certain settings
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance on older iPad models

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening or editing projects
- Corrupted/lost files after app crashes
- Unresponsive keyboard and note input issues
- Scrolling and UI glitches, especially in Engrave mode
- Incompatibility with certain iPad models and iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Support for Apple Pencil and handwriting input
- Improved file management and organization
- Expanded audio unit/plugin integration
- More customization options for layout and engraving
- Ability to export/import flows and projects between iPad and desktop


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StaffPad Reader free?

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

### Is Dorico free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StaffPad Reader or Dorico?

Dorico is rated higher. StaffPad Reader averages 3.0 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Dorico averages 4.6 from 2.3K ratings.

### Do StaffPad Reader or Dorico have ads?

Neither StaffPad Reader nor Dorico shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StaffPad Reader or Dorico?

StaffPad Reader ships an update every 2 months, and Dorico every 3 weeks. Most recently, StaffPad Reader was updated on October 22, 2026 and Dorico on October 29, 2026.

---

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