Comparison

MusicReader vs SM Music Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MusicReader

Transform your devices into an electronic music stand with a complete sheet music solution. Manage, annotate, and access your scores offline or via cloud sync. Features include a metronome, recorder, and hands-free page turning.

Highlights
  • Offline music playback
  • Customizable music library
  • Versatile display options
  • In-app annotations
  • Hands-free page turning
  • Integrated music tools
  • Cross-device synchronization
Read full description

Transform your device(s) into an electronic sheet music stand. Start your free demo or 30-day trial today! MusicReader is the complete solution for your sheet music needs across all your compatible devices, such as tablets, laptops, phones, and desktop computers. The MusicReader platform offers a range of features designed especially for musicians, to help with preparation, rehearsals, and live performances. It's the perfect companion for soloists, ensemble members, and orchestra players alike. Key Features of the MusicReader App: # Organized Music Library: Easily sort, search, and organize your music collection. # Versatile Display Options: Choose between full, half, or dual-page views, or let the music scroll on screen. # Integrated Playlist: Arrange your pieces in the order you need for a concert or rehearsal. # Enhanced Page Turning: Turn half a page at a time, or scroll continuously. # Offline Capabilities: The App works fully offline with music stored on your device. (Exceptions: account-related functions and some file conversions require internet.) # In-App Annotations: Mark up your scores with pencil, marker, text, and symbols, or write directly with a digital pen or your finger. You can easily change the color and size of existing annotations. # Hands-Free Page Turning: Use foot pedals or the integrated automatic timer. # Personalized Interface: Show only the menu options you need. # Integrated Music Tools: A built-in music player, metronome, sound recorder, and more are at your fingertips. # Half-Page View: Displays notes larger, making reading easier for visually impaired musicians. # Inverted Colors: Shows white notes on a black background to reduce screen glare and help visually impaired musicians. MusicReader also offers a cloud account for seamless music management: # Cross-Device Synchronization: Keep the same sheet music on all your devices. # Easy Music Transfers: Upload and move sheet music effortlessly. # Secure Backups: Store your music safely in your account. # Music Sharing: Share sheet music with fellow musicians. # Diverse File Support: Import image, eBook, and audio files. # Direct Mailbox: Email files straight to your MusicReader account. # Cloud App: Use MusicReader in any browser. Try it all with our free demo or 30-day trial, then choose an affordable subscription plan. Check out our current offers and bundle deals on our website or within the App's Account Settings. Need help? Our support team is always here for you – just contact us through the App. We'd also love your feedback and suggestions to make MusicReader even better!

About

SM Music Reader

This application allows users to read and play sheet music in MusicXML format. It offers features for both sighted and visually impaired individuals, including screen reader support and braille translation. Access a vast online library of scores and manage your favorites.

Highlights
  • Read MusicXML files
  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Braille music translation
  • MIDI playback with tempo control
  • Sheet music drawing
  • Bookmark management
  • Access online music library
Features
Read full description

SM Music Reader is a free and fully accessible app for everyone to read scores written in MusicXML format. It supports drawing the score, playing and reading with screen reader like Voiceover, so both sighted and blind users can exchange the same score at the same time. The app is connected to Sao Mai online music library with thousands of MusicXML scores. SM Music Reader currently provides the following features: • Read music files written in MusicXML format, • Draw sheet music for exchanging scores among both sighted people and people with visual impairment at the same time, • Play MIDI files: o Play all, by part, staff, current measure and by highlighted passage, o Forward, rewind and loop playback, o Adjust tempo, customize metronome options, volume and select instruments’ voices for each part. • Support reading with screen readers: o View the whole part or selected staff, o Speak note by note and bar by bar, o Speak in order of by voice (horizontal) and by timestamp (vertically), o Speak most details of the score like directions, chords, nuances, slurs/ties, ornaments, fingerings/strings, lyrics, etc. • Braille music translation • Navigate to a certain bar or line, • Set bookmarks, • Manage your favorite lists and view the file’s details, • Access Sao Mai music sharing library, As a non-profit organization, Sao Mai Center for the Blind relies entirely on our sponsored projects and financial aids from donors. Therefore, your contributions, in any manner, will more or less help us maintain and develop this app, as well as other useful tools for the blind.

Screenshots

MusicReader3 screens
SM Music Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SM Music Reader at 100% against MusicReader's 55%. SM Music Reader also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). MusicReader's advantage is ratings volume (8 vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MusicReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SM Music Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SM Music Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of MusicReader's written reviews are positive against 100% of SM Music Reader's.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
MusicReader versus SM Music Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMusicReaderSM Music Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (8 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews54.5% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings8 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 9 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size268 MB36 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperLeoné MusicReader B.V.Sao Mai Center

Customer experience

MusicReader

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive54.5%
Neutral18.2%
Negative27.3%

SM Music Reader

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

MusicReader

One-time1
  • MRSync Subscription 1 Year$14.99
None

SM Music Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MusicReader free?
MusicReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SM Music Reader free?
SM Music Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MusicReader or SM Music Reader?
SM Music Reader is rated higher. MusicReader averages 4.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while SM Music Reader averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do MusicReader or SM Music Reader have ads?
Neither MusicReader nor SM Music Reader shows ads.

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