Comparison

Song Key vs HarpBend

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

Head to head
About

Song Key

Features
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Song Key? is the ultimate tool for harmonica players of all skill levels. Simply type in any song title and instantly discover the key of the song, which harmonica to use, and helpful playing tips to get you started. Whether you play blues, country, folk, or rock, Song Key? takes the guesswork out of finding the right harmonica. FEATURES: - Instantly identifies the key of any song - Recommends the best harmonica for cross harp (2nd position) - Shows straight harp (1st position) option - Provides alternative positions for advanced players - Includes specific playing tips for each song - Saves your recent searches for quick reference Perfect for beginners just starting out or experienced players looking for a quick reference. From Wagon Wheel to Sweet Home Chicago, Song Key? has you covered. Just type, find, and play!

About

HarpBend

Features
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The ultimate harmonica practice app. HarpBend listens to your playing and highlights every note on the harmonica grid in real time โ€” so you can see exactly what you're playing, nail your bends, and build your repertoire faster. REAL-TIME DETECTION HarpBend uses your microphone to detect the pitch of each note as you play. Blow, draw, and bend notes light up instantly on the grid โ€” no latency, no guesswork. VISUAL HARMONICA GRID A clear, color-coded grid shows every hole, direction (blow/draw), and bend position. Supports both diatonic (10-hole) and chromatic (12-hole) harmonicas in all keys. SCALES & MODES Overlay any scale on the grid to see exactly which notes to target. Pentatonic, blues, dorian, mixolydian, and more โ€” perfect for learning solos and improvisation. CHORDS & ARPEGGIOS Visualize chord tones directly on the grid and practice arpeggios hole by hole. From basic triads to jazz extensions. JAZZ & BLUES STANDARDS Practice on real chord progressions โ€” 12-Bar Blues, Autumn Leaves, So What, Summertime, and more. The grid updates live at every chord change so you always know which notes fit. METRONOME & BASS PATTERNS Built-in metronome with adjustable tempo and accompaniment patterns (Rock, Pop, Shuffle, Walking) to practice with a full rhythmic feel. BEAUTIFUL THEMES Choose from Classic, Ocean, Forest, or create your own custom color theme. Requires microphone permission for pitch detection.

Screenshots

Song Key3 screens
HarpBend4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Song Key at none against HarpBend's 6. 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. HarpBend sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Song Key asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference ยท 4 level
Song Key versus HarpBend: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSong KeyHarpBend
PriceFreeFree
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo โ€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 โ€” better16.0
Further details โ€” not scored
Size21 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGene HalbrooksNicolas Bertaux

In-app purchases

None

Song Key

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

HarpBend

One-time6
  • Scales Pack$1.99
  • Chords Pack$1.99
  • Bass Patterns Pack$1.99
Show 3 more
  • Chromatic Pack$2.99
  • Songs Pack$2.99
  • HarpBend Pro$6.99

Questions

Is Song Key free?
Song Key is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HarpBend free?
HarpBend is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Song Key or HarpBend have ads?
Neither Song Key nor HarpBend shows ads.

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