# StrumForge vs SetMate

The clearest difference is monetization model: StrumForge at free against SetMate's free with in-app purchases. StrumForge also leads on ratings volume (53 vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StrumForge sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and SetMate sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for StrumForge against 5.0 for SetMate. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StrumForge has 53 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

StrumForge ships an update every 3 days, SetMate every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StrumForge | SetMate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (53 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strumforge-chord-progressions/id6760612199/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/setmate-gig-sheets/id6770743582/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **53** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 66 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Adam Spain](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885322054) | [Noah Davison](https://appshunter.io/developer/1864615823) |

## What reviewers say

### StrumForge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strumforge-chord-progressions/id6760612199)

Instantly generate countless guitar chord progressions and practice with built-in scales, tempo, and grooves. Explore various chord types and fingerings, and play along with integrated drum patterns. Designed for musicians to focus on playing and songwriting.

**Highlights:** Generate over 425,000 chord progressions, Play along with chord diagrams in tempo, Solo over progressions with scale diagrams, Lock or randomize key, Choose chord types (open, barre, triads, power), Built-in drum groove and tempo control, Left-handed chord diagram support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StrumForge Pro Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| StrumForge Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| StrumForge Pro Annual | $24.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro | $49.99 | one-time |


### SetMate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/setmate-gig-sheets/id6770743582)

Organize your music library, practice effectively, and perform with confidence using this comprehensive toolkit for musicians. Import or create chord charts, customize song layouts with various widgets, and utilize practice modes for scales, chords, and more. Seamlessly build setlists and perform on stage with a dedicated full-screen view and hands-free scrolling.

**Highlights:** Import and create chord/lyric charts, Customizable song layout with widgets, Practice mode for scales, chords, and tabs, Setlist builder and full-screen performance view, Hands-free auto-scroll for lyrics, Nashville Number System toolkit, Guitar tab editor

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SetMate: Gig Sheets Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| SetMate: Gig Sheets Pro Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| SetMate Pro — Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StrumForge free?

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

### Is SetMate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StrumForge or SetMate?

SetMate is rated higher. StrumForge averages 4.9 out of 5 from 53 ratings, while SetMate averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do StrumForge or SetMate have ads?

Neither StrumForge nor SetMate shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StrumForge or SetMate?

StrumForge ships an update every 3 days, and SetMate every 2 weeks. Most recently, StrumForge was updated on October 17, 2026 and SetMate on October 3, 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.*