Comparison

BandHelper vs SetSmith

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

Head to head
About

BandHelper

Streamline band operations with this comprehensive organizational suite. Effortlessly share music, manage setlists, and coordinate rehearsals. Enhance live performances with customizable settings and backing tracks, while also managing finances and contacts professionally.

Highlights
  • Automatic song and setlist distribution
  • Gig invitations and confirmations
  • Reference recording playback with speed/loop
  • Chord transposition
  • Customizable performance settings
  • Backing track and video playback
  • Income/expense tracking
Features
Read full description

Much more than a "songbook" app, BandHelper can organize your band and power your live show. COMMUNICATE EFFORTLESSLY • Distribute songs and set lists automatically to your bandmates • Send standardized gig invitations and confirmations • Maintain one organized source for gig details • Give sub players all the charts and recordings they need for a gig REHEARSE EFFICIENTLY • Sync set list, lyric and chord updates as you work • Play reference recordings instantly, with speed and loop controls • Transpose chords for different singers, capo positions or horn keys • Review notes and voice memos from previous rehearsals PERFORM SEAMLESSLY • Configure keyboards, effects and lighting as you change songs • Play backing tracks, click tracks and video presentations • Customize the interface or use foot switches for hands-free control • Add custom fields for personal notes and reminders MANAGE YOUR BAND PROFESSIONALLY • Track income/expenses and let band members view their earnings • Organize your booking and industry contacts • Build stage plots to send to venues • Generate invoices to send to clients *** If you have a problem or a suggestion, please contact me before writing a review. I can't troubleshoot problems through the review system, but I respond promptly to all help tickets and posts in my support forum. ***

About

SetSmith

Features
Read full description

SetSmith is a setlist and sheet music manager designed for musicians who perform live. Prepare rehearsals faster, stay organized on stage, and focus on your performance instead of your screen. Whether you play solo, in a band, or lead an ensemble, SetSmith keeps your music ready when it matters. SetSmith is ideal for bands, solo performers, musical directors, church teams, orchestras, and any musician using digital sheet music during rehearsals or concerts. - Create and edit multiple setlists - Reorder songs with drag and drop - Use colors, tags, and band labels - Fast search and smart tag suggestions - Quick access to recent setlists Each song can include: - PDF sheet music - Lyrics and chords - Chord notation - MP3 reference audio - Notes and annotations All content is cached for offline use, so your music is always available on stage. Annotate your sheet music: - Write directly on PDFs - Annotate text - Annotate musical symbols like a staff - Adjustable pen color and stroke width - Erase individual strokes or clear pages - Zoom and pan freely - Annotations appear in Play Mode Practice with audio tools: - Built-in audio player - Playback speed control (0.5x to 1.25x) - Automatic STEMs separation - Ideal for rehearsing difficult parts Play Mode for live performance: - Continuous auto-scroll across pages - Manual page navigation with taps - Auto-scroll resumes automatically - Clean, distraction-free interface - Bluetooth pedal and keyboard support Available everywhere: SetSmith its built cloud based and its multiplatform. Bring everywhere your setlists. SetSmith helps musicians rehearse efficiently, perform confidently, and stay focused on the music. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

BandHelper4 screens
SetSmith4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SetSmith at none against BandHelper's 18. SetSmith also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). 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. BandHelper sells 18 one-off in-app purchases. SetSmith asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BandHelper ships an update every 2 weeks, SetSmith every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
BandHelper versus SetSmith: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBandHelperSetSmith
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (113 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews78.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings113 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size70 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperArlo LeachAlejandro Albala

Bugs and requests

BandHelper

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Sync issues between devices
  • Compatibility problems with older hardware
  • Crashes when switching between documents

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to add handwritten notes
  • Improved scrolling and page turning
  • More customization options for layouts
  • Integrated metronome with visual cues

SetSmith

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

18 purchases

BandHelper

One-time18
  • Basic - Solo Artist (month)$3.00
  • Plus - Solo Artist (month)$3.49
  • Pro - Solo Artist (month)$4.00
Show 15 more
  • Basic - 2-5 Users (month)$5.00
  • Basic - 6-20 Users (month)$7.00
  • Plus - 2-5 Users (month)$7.00
  • Pro - 2-5 Users (month)$9.00
  • Plus - 6-20 Users (month)$10.49
  • Pro - 6-20 Users (month)$14.00
  • Basic - Solo Artist (year)$18.00
  • Plus - Solo Artist (year)$28.00
  • Pro - Solo Artist (year)$38.00
  • Basic - 2-5 Users (year)$46.00
  • Plus - 2-5 Users (year)$70.00
  • Basic - 6-20 Users (year)$70.00
  • Pro - 2-5 Users (year)$94.00
  • Plus - 6-20 Users (year)$104.99
  • Pro - 6-20 Users (year)$139.99
None

SetSmith

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BandHelper free?
BandHelper is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SetSmith free?
SetSmith is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do BandHelper or SetSmith have ads?
Neither BandHelper nor SetSmith shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BandHelper or SetSmith?
BandHelper ships an update every 2 weeks, and SetSmith every 4 days. Most recently, BandHelper was updated on September 17, 2026 and SetSmith on September 18, 2026.

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