# Fingering Strings vs Dorico

The clearest difference is price: Dorico at Free against Fingering Strings's $3.99. Dorico also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 17 months) and ratings volume (2.2K vs 4). Fingering Strings's advantage is review sentiment (92% vs 55%) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Dorico is free to download; Fingering Strings costs $3.99 up front. Dorico sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Fingering Strings asks for nothing beyond the download.

Fingering Strings holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dorico has 2.2K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of Fingering Strings's written reviews are positive against 55% of Dorico's.

Fingering Strings ships an update every 17 months, Dorico every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Fingering Strings | Dorico |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fingering-strings/id367215885/reviews)** | [4.6 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dorico-compose-music/id1556625090/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **2.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **91.7% of reviews** | 55.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 17 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 63 MB | 975 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17** |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Patrick Q. Kelly](https://appshunter.io/developer/310068987) | [Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/316698251) |

## What reviewers say

### Fingering Strings

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fingering-strings/id367215885)

This interactive guide helps string instrument players visualize fingerings for various hand positions across different clefs. It allows users to see and hear notes, intervals, and chords, aiding in learning and practice.

**Highlights:** Multiple instrument support (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass), Extensive hand position library (Simandl, Rabbath), Visual "beginner tape" display, Multi-note display (up to 4 notes), Hear notes, intervals, and chords on piano, Support for Treble, Alto, Tenor, Bass clefs

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 Fingering Strings free?

Fingering Strings costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Dorico free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Fingering Strings or Dorico?

Fingering Strings is rated higher. Fingering Strings averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Dorico averages 4.6 from 2.2K ratings.

### Do Fingering Strings or Dorico have ads?

Neither Fingering Strings nor Dorico shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Fingering Strings or Dorico?

Fingering Strings ships an update every 17 months, and Dorico every 3 weeks. Most recently, Fingering Strings was updated on October 1, 2026 and Dorico on October 27, 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.*