Comparison

unrealBook vs MusicReader

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

Head to head
About

unrealBook

This app digitizes your music library, replacing bulky binders with your iPad. Easily organize, search, and access your music or lyrics with features like indexing, bookmarks, and setlists. Ideal for gigging musicians seeking a convenient and portable solution.

Highlights
  • Digitize music and lyrics PDFs
  • Alphabetized and indexed song list
  • Create bookmarks and setlists
  • Hot spots for navigation
  • Built-in music player
  • Annotation tools
  • Wireless syncing between iPads
Read full description

unrealBook allows you to access your entire library of music or lyrics on your iPad with ease. Replace your bulky and heavy binders with a small and light device filled with your music PDF files. The alphabetized and indexed list makes it easy to find the song you are looking for. unrealBook is the answer for the gigging musician! Please check the reviews. 4.5 stars!!!!!! unrealBook is being used on tour with Billy Joel - see October 2014 and July 2016 Keyboard Magazine! unrealBook was one of the first apps for displaying music charts on stage. The evolution continues as many musicians use it on stage every day (and many since day 1!). This product is the result of input from many users. unrealBook does not come with songs or charts, you must add your own PDF files. The screenshots are samples of what you can do with unrealBook. Yes, unrealBook supports PDF Table of contents, user created indexes, bookmarks, keywords. You can even convert the PDF table of contents into indexes. It has been able to do these features for a while. "I LOVE unrealBook" "unrealbook is just an awesome app" "On gigs people are always asking about it and I am always telling them about unrealBook. Thanks for the great app and the great support. Awesome!" "Have been using unrealBook in live band set up for a year or so – really useful app my man, thank you." "I want to thank you for creating unrealBook! I love it!" "I just wanted to let you know that I used unrealBook extensively on my most recent rehearsal and show….couple of weeks ago and it performed flawlessly" "I absolutely LOVE your APP on my iPad" "I love the page turning, it's instant and also the Index is the right size for my fingers! Love not having to carry big books to work! It's so neat!" "I love unrealBook so thanks !!" •Replace your bulky and heavy binders with a small and light iPad filled with your music PDF files. The alphabetized and indexed list makes it easy to find the song you are looking for. •No more asking for a light for your music stand on dark stages. •No more worrying about a breeze turning a page by accident. •Search for a song quickly and easily. •Create bookmarks that allow you to easily load up a large PDF and go directly to a page within. •Use bookmarks and PDF files together to create set lists for different gigs. •Hot spots allow you place highlighted areas on the page that allow you to jump from one page or document to another when pressed (think To Coda and D.S. signs). •There is a built in music player so you can listen to your music while you check out the score! •Connect to the world via email, AirDrop, Dropbox and Box support. •Annotate your scores with auto-highlighted text and colored pens with different sizes. •Create set lists easily. Jump to any song in a set list directly or step through the set list sequentially. •Assign an iPad as a master and have multiple iPads slaved via bluetooth or WiFi! •Record your rehearsals or your band on stage, all while reading music in unrealBook! •Take pictures of a chart on a gig and create a PDF that you can use on stage. • Airturn Support for turning pages. • Use the iRig BlueBoard to jump directly to D.S. and CODA in a document via foot switches. • AirDrop an entire set list of files between two AirDrop compatible devices - including unrealBook Mobile on iPhone.

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!

Screenshots

MusicReader3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MusicReader at Free against unrealBook's $14.99. MusicReader also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs monthly) and device support (4 vs 1). unrealBook's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (85% vs 55%). On ads 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

MusicReader is free to download; unrealBook costs $14.99 up front. MusicReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. unrealBook asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

unrealBook holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: unrealBook has 1.3K ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of unrealBook's written reviews are positive against 55% of MusicReader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

unrealBook ships an update monthly, MusicReader every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 1 level
unrealBook versus MusicReader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterunrealBookMusicReader
Price$14.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (1.3K ratings) — better4.5 (8 ratings)
Positive reviews84.7% of reviews — better54.5% of reviews
Number of ratings1.3K — better8
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size192 MB268 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperAron NelsonLeoné MusicReader B.V.

Customer experience

unrealBook

All ratings1,272 ratings
Positive96.0%
Neutral2.2%
Negative1.8%
Written reviews189 reviews
Positive84.7%
Neutral4.8%
Negative10.6%

MusicReader

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

Bugs and requests

unrealBook

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
  • Inconsistent page resizing and zooming
  • Unexpected behavior when editing lyrics or text

Requested features

4 requests
  • Improved annotation tools with Apple Pencil support
  • Ability to selectively clear annotations
  • Automatic song indexing for PDF songbooks
  • Larger transport controls and more intuitive navigation

MusicReader

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

unrealBook

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

MusicReader

One-time1
  • MRSync Subscription 1 Year$14.99

Questions

Is unrealBook free?
unrealBook costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MusicReader free?
MusicReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, unrealBook or MusicReader?
unrealBook is rated higher. unrealBook averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while MusicReader averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.
Do unrealBook or MusicReader have ads?
Neither unrealBook nor MusicReader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, unrealBook or MusicReader?
unrealBook ships an update monthly, and MusicReader every 9 days. Most recently, unrealBook was updated on October 29, 2026 and MusicReader on October 24, 2026.

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