# DSM vs NotationPlayer

DSM and NotationPlayer are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. DSM sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and NotationPlayer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DSM ships an update every 3 weeks, NotationPlayer every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DSM | NotationPlayer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 66 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andreas Schweiger](https://appshunter.io/developer/352210908) | [ChorusLogic Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062613715) |

## What reviewers say

### DSM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dsm-pure/id6483937578)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Enable Setlist Printing | $2.99 | one-time |
| Add Apple Watch Support | $3.99 | one-time |
| Enable Live BPM Measurement | $3.99 | one-time |
| More Songs and Setlists | $8.99 | one-time |


### NotationPlayer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notationplayer/id6758664511)

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NotationPlayer Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Full Access | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DSM free?

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

### Is NotationPlayer free?

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

### Do DSM or NotationPlayer have ads?

Neither DSM nor NotationPlayer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DSM or NotationPlayer?

DSM ships an update every 3 weeks, and NotationPlayer every 2 weeks. Most recently, DSM was updated on October 4, 2026 and NotationPlayer on October 7, 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.*