Comparison

DSM vs Setlister

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

Head to head
About

DSM

Manage your music setlists with precision. This app offers features for live performance, studio sessions, and practice, including click tracks, MIDI control, and hands-free operation. Sync your data across devices and customize your view.

Highlights
  • Setlist management with BPM and notes
  • Customizable click track and audio playback
  • MIDI integration for external device control
  • Hands-free operation with foot switches
  • Apple Watch app for wrist control
  • Dropbox synchronization for data backup
  • Dark and light mode options
Features
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DSM Pure helps drummers and other musicians organize songs for rehearsals, concerts and live performances. Create a preset for every song with the information you need while playing. Group presets into chains to prepare setlists and keep the correct order throughout a performance. Key features: โ€ข Manage songs, presets and chains โ€ข Configure a click track for every song โ€ข Associate audio playback with presets โ€ข Follow tempo and playback with clear visual feedback โ€ข Reorder songs freely within a chain โ€ข Control the app remotely with AirTurn and iRig โ€ข Support practice sessions with Practise Manager โ€ข Back up, import and export your database DSM Pure brings song details, setlist order, tempo, audio and essential controls together in one place. Prepare a chain before rehearsal or a concert, then move through its presets while keeping the important information in view. Backup tools let you save and restore your database or move it between setups when needed. Designed for direct, dependable operation during preparation and on stage.

About

Setlister

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Create, organize & manage your band โ€” all in one place. Setlists is the all-in-one tool for musicians to manage setlists, songs, rehearsals, events, finances and merch โ€” right from your phone. Forget paper lists and scattered notes: keep your entire band organized and ready for the next gig. Top Features: - Setlist Builder โ€” Drag-and-drop creation to plan your live shows with ease. - Song Library โ€” Centralize your music with lyrics, chords, BPM, key, and metadata. - Rehearsal Manager โ€” Track sessions, take notes, record audio, and monitor progress in real time with Live Activities. - Event Management โ€” Schedule gigs, manage venues, and keep your calendar up to date. - Merch Manager โ€” Manage products and variants, track stock, and log your merch sales at every gig. - Finances & Expenses โ€” Log expenses, split payments among band members, and track your band's financial health. - Band Collaboration โ€” Invite members, share setlists, and stay in sync with push notifications. - MIDI Support โ€” Send program and control changes to your gear directly from your setlist. - Offline Mode โ€” Access everything without an internet connection, with automatic sync when you're back online. Ideal for rehearsals, live gigs, and tours โ€” stay organized and focused on what matters most: your music.

Screenshots

DSM4 screens
Setlister4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Setlister at none against DSM's 4. Setlister also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. DSM sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Setlister asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DSM ships an update every 3 weeks, Setlister every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 6 level
DSM versus Setlister: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDSMSetlister
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews0.0% of reviewsโ€”
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 days โ€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesโ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS17.6 โ€” better18.6
Further details โ€” not scored
Size66 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndreas SchweigerSimone Folador

In-app purchases

4 purchases

DSM

One-time4
  • Enable Setlist Printing$2.99
  • Add Apple Watch Support$3.99
  • Enable Live BPM Measurement$3.99
Show 1 more
  • More Songs and Setlists$8.99
None

Setlister

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DSM free?
DSM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Setlister free?
Setlister is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do DSM or Setlister have ads?
Neither DSM nor Setlister shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DSM or Setlister?
DSM ships an update every 3 weeks, and Setlister every 2 days. Most recently, DSM was updated on October 25, 2026 and Setlister on October 31, 2026.

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