Comparison

Fretref vs ChordLibre

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

Head to head
About

Fretref

Features
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Enhance your guitar knowledge and practice routine with the FretRef app Features: - An intuitive Guitar fretboard simulation with box shape pattern visualisations, auto-play feature and an exhaustive library of scales and chords - Numerous custom tunings for multiple number of strings - Realistic guitar tone generated in realtime, no sample downloads required - Includes a harmonisation tool with scale-chord compatibility chart computation for all chords and scales as a handy feature for song-writers, composers - Includes a virtual jam buddy for your guitar practice with the AutoStrum feature - Create & record backing tracks using numerous chords with variable tempo & rhythms and a plethora of drumloops, or just practice along your lead guitar skills - Custom options include 5, 6, 7 & 8 strings - Right and left-handed orientation - Musical scales include: Major scale with the modes- Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian & Locrian, Melodic Minor scale with its modes, Symmetrical scales, Harmonic scales, Pentatonic scales and many more - Chords includes 5th, Major, Minor, 7th, 9th, 13th and many more along with inversions and slash chord and omit notes option for extended chords - Custom tunings include Standard, DADGAD, Open, Crossnote, Modal, Major seconds, Minor thirds, Major thirds and many more - International notations include English, German, Spanish, Indian, Japanese, Japanese (Romanji), Korean, Korean (Romanji), Cyrillic and French - Premium features include full library unlock, progression & strumming pattern save, and the ability to record backing tracks from the AutoStrum feature (with subscription as well as one time full purchase options) Terms and Conditions (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

ChordLibre

Features
Read full description

Transform your performance with ChordLibre – the free, essential PDF chord and sheetmusic manager designed for musicians who value simplicity, speed, and reliability. - Import chord sheets directly from Files, Mail, or other apps - Automatic filename parsing extracts song title and artist- - Quick metadata editing ensures accurate organisation Smart Organisation - Browse by title, artist, or recently opened - Build unlimited setlists for gigs, rehearsals, and teaching - Group songs into sets within each setlist for flexible performance planning Performance Mode - Full-screen PDF viewing optimised for musicians - Swipe smoothly between songs in a setlist - Keep the screen awake during performance - Clean, distraction-free interface for focus on the music Built for Musicians, by a Musician - Lightning-fast search and filtering across your library - Duplicate detection prevents clutter - Switch between grid or list views to suit your workflow - Context menus provide quick access to common song actions Extras - Smart tips banner with useful hints for new users - Optional one-time tip jar (Β£0.99) to remove hints and support development - Native iOS interface that feels fast and intuitive - Share files between devices via standard iOS methods ChordLibre is designed to support solo performers, bands, and music teachers who rely on chord sheets and lead sheets. It eliminates the need for paper binders and avoids the complexity of cloud-dependent systems. With local storage only, your music remains private, secure, and accessible wherever you take your iPad or iPhone. Ideal for guitarists, pianists, ukulele players, and any musician who works with chord-based material. No subscriptions No accounts required No cloud lock-in Just your music, your way. Perfect for: - Guitarists and pianists building setlists for gigs - Ukulele players learning new songs - Teachers managing chord sheets for lessons - Bands rehearsing with organised digital charts ChordLibre combines intelligent organisation with performance-ready reliability, ensuring your chord sheets are always available when you need them.

Screenshots

Fretref4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ChordLibre at every 2 months against Fretref's every 3 months. Fretref's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.1). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Fretref sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and ChordLibre sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Fretref ships an update every 3 months, ChordLibre every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
Fretref versus ChordLibre: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFretrefChordLibre
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” betteriPad
Requires iOS14.0 β€” better18.1
Further details β€” not scored
Size102 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPanña Creative StudiosY McCabe-Costa

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Fretref

Subscriptions2
  • Premium - Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Premium - Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$18.491 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$34.99
1 purchases

ChordLibre

One-time1
  • ChordLibre Support Tip$0.99

Questions

Is Fretref free?
Fretref is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ChordLibre free?
ChordLibre is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Fretref or ChordLibre have ads?
Neither Fretref nor ChordLibre shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Fretref or ChordLibre?
Fretref ships an update every 3 months, and ChordLibre every 2 months. Most recently, Fretref was updated on October 30, 2026 and ChordLibre on October 25, 2026.

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