Best Setlist Apps for Live Performances 2025

Managing setlists during live performances is crucial for smooth shows. These apps help you organize songs, share with band members, and adapt on the fly.

A well-built setlist is more than a sequence of songs. It shapes the energy of the room, gives the band confidence, and helps you recover quickly when something goes wrong. The best setlist apps do the same thing a good road manager does: they keep the show moving, make changes easy, and ensure everyone knows what's coming next. Whether you're playing a thirty-minute opening slot or a three-hour wedding reception, the right app keeps your focus on performing instead of fumbling with notes.

The apps in this guide range from simple digital song lists to professional performance systems that control lighting, backing tracks, and MIDI gear. Your choice should depend on how complex your shows are, how much your bandmates need to collaborate, and whether you perform with charts or from memory. In most cases, simplicity wins on stage, but advanced features become invaluable once your production grows.

Top Setlist Apps

The setlist app market has split into two main camps: lightweight planners for quick organization and heavy-duty performance tools for musicians who need lyrics, chords, MIDI control, and automation. Most working bands land somewhere in the middle, wanting reliable access to their song library, easy setlist building, and a clean display under stage lights. The options below cover the full spectrum.

1. Setlist Helper

Platform: iOS, Android, Web Price: Free with premium features ($4.99/month or $29.99/year)

Key Features:

• Create unlimited setlists
• Share with band members in real-time
• Lyrics and chord charts
• BPM and key information
• Set timing calculator
• Dark mode for stage use
• Offline access
• Export to PDF

Best For: Bands needing real-time collaboration

Pros:

• Intuitive interface
• Real-time sync across devices
• Affordable
• Works offline
• Clean design for stage visibility

Cons:

• Premium required for full features
• Limited customization
• No MIDI integration

Rating: 4.5/5

Website: setlisthelper.com

2. OnSong

Platform: iOS, Mac Price: $19.99 one-time purchase

Key Features:

• Chord charts and lyrics
• MIDI control
• Audio/video playback
• Metronome
• Transpose on the fly
• Automatic scrolling
• Cloud sync
• Import from various formats

Best For: Solo performers and bands with complex needs

Pros:

• One-time purchase
• Extensive features
• MIDI integration
• Professional grade
• Highly customizable

Cons:

• iOS/Mac only
• Steeper learning curve
• More expensive upfront
• Can be overwhelming

Rating: 4.7/5

Website: onsongapp.com

3. Bandhelper

Platform: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows Price: Free tier, Pro $9.99/month or $99/year

Key Features:

• Setlist management
• Lyrics and charts
• Audio/MIDI playback
• Lighting control
• Schedule management
• File storage
• Band communication
• Cloud sync

Best For: Professional bands with complex productions

Pros:

• All-in-one solution
• Cross-platform
• Professional features
• Lighting integration
• Comprehensive

Cons:

• Expensive for full features
• Complex setup
• Overkill for simple needs
• Subscription required

Rating: 4.6/5

Website: bandhelper.com

4. Setlist Maker

Platform: iOS, Android Price: Free with ads, Pro $4.99 one-time

Key Features:

• Create and organize setlists
• Song database
• Set timing
• Notes and reminders
• Share via email/text
• Simple interface
• Offline access
• Multiple bands/projects

Best For: Bands wanting simplicity and affordability

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Simple and intuitive
• No subscription
• Works offline
• Quick setup

Cons:

• Basic features only
• No real-time collaboration
• Limited customization
• Ads in free version

Rating: 4.3/5

Website: Available on App Store and Google Play

5. Setlist Pro

Platform: iOS Price: $9.99 one-time purchase

Key Features:

• Setlist creation
• Song library management
• Notes and lyrics
• BPM and key tracking
• Set statistics
• Export options
• iCloud sync
• Apple Watch support

Best For: iOS users wanting a polished experience

Pros:

• One-time purchase
• Clean interface
• Apple Watch integration
• Good value
• Reliable

Cons:

• iOS only
• No Android version
• Limited collaboration
• Basic feature set

Rating: 4.4/5

Website: Available on App Store

6. Gig Performer

Platform: Mac, Windows Price: $249-399 one-time (different editions)

Key Features:

• Advanced MIDI routing
• Audio processing
• Plugin hosting
• Setlist management
• Real-time control
• Predictive loading
• Professional grade
• Extensive customization

Best For: Professional musicians with complex rigs

Pros:

• Extremely powerful
• Professional grade
• Extensive MIDI control
• Plugin hosting
• Highly customizable

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Steep learning curve
• Overkill for most bands
• Requires computer on stage

Rating: 4.8/5 (for its target audience)

Website: gigperformer.com

7. ForScore

Platform: iOS, Mac Price: $19.99 one-time purchase

Key Features:

• Sheet music reader
• Setlist management
• Annotation tools
• Page turning (foot pedal support)
• Audio recording
• Metronome
• Cloud sync
• Extensive library management

Best For: Musicians reading sheet music

Pros:

• Excellent for sheet music
• One-time purchase
• Professional features
• Foot pedal support
• Great for classical/jazz

Cons:

• iOS/Mac only
• Focused on sheet music
• Not ideal for chord charts only
• Requires iPad/tablet

Rating: 4.8/5

Website: forscore.co

8. SongBook

Platform: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows Price: Free with premium features ($4.99/month or $39.99/year)

Key Features:

• Chord charts and lyrics
• Transpose
• Auto-scroll
• MIDI support
• Cloud sync
• Setlist management
• Import from various sources
• Offline access

Best For: Cover bands and solo performers

Pros:

• Cross-platform
• Large song database
• Easy chord chart creation
• Affordable
• Good for covers

Cons:

• Subscription for full features
• Interface can be cluttered
• Some features buggy
• Limited customization

Rating: 4.2/5

Website: linkesoft.com/songbook

9. Set.fm

Platform: Web-based Price: Free

Key Features:

• Create and share setlists
• Public setlist database
• Artist and venue tracking
• Statistics
• Community features
• Mobile-friendly
• No app required

Best For: Tracking and sharing setlists publicly

Pros:

• Completely free
• No app needed
• Community database
• Easy sharing
• Statistics tracking

Cons:

• Basic features
• Requires internet
• Not designed for live use
• Limited customization
• More for fans than performers

Rating: 4.0/5

Website: set.fm

10. Google Sheets/Excel

Platform: All platforms Price: Free (Google) or included with Office

Key Features:

• Fully customizable
• Share with band
• Real-time collaboration
• Accessible anywhere
• Templates available
• No learning curve
• Free or included

Best For: Budget-conscious bands with simple needs

Pros:

• Free or already owned
• Highly customizable
• Real-time collaboration
• Works on any device
• No special software needed

Cons:

• No specialized features
• Manual setup required
• Not optimized for stage use
• Requires internet for collaboration
• Basic functionality

Rating: 3.5/5 (as a setlist tool)

Feature Comparison

Real-World Scenarios

Sometimes the easiest way to choose is to match your situation to a band like yours. A solo acoustic songwriter playing coffee shops probably only needs a simple setlist with lyrics and chords. A four-piece originals band playing clubs will benefit from shared setlists, BPM tracking, and the ability to rearrange on the fly. A corporate cover band with tight medleys and in-ear monitors may need MIDI control and backing track integration. A worship team or musical theater pit may prioritize sheet music and page-turning support.

Think about your worst-case show moments. If your singer regularly calls audibles mid-set, you need fast reordering. If your guitarist depends on patch changes for every song, MIDI support is non-negotiable. If your band shares a single tablet at the front of the stage, screen readability and a large display matter more than collaboration features. Let your actual performance habits guide the decision more than the feature list.

Choosing the Right App

The options above can feel overwhelming, but most bands can narrow them down quickly by focusing on two questions: how do you consume song information on stage, and how much do you need to collaborate with bandmates? Musicians who read chords or lyrics need a chart-first app. Musicians who play from memory just need clean setlist organization. Bands that build setlists together need real-time sync. Solo performers or bandleaders can get away with simpler, single-device apps.

Consider Your Needs

For Simple Setlist Management:

• Setlist Maker
• Setlist Pro
• Google Sheets

For Band Collaboration:

• Setlist Helper
• Bandhelper
• SongBook

For MIDI Control:

• OnSong
• Bandhelper
• Gig Performer

For Sheet Music:

• ForScore
• OnSong
• SongBook

For Budget-Conscious:

• Setlist Maker
• Google Sheets
• Set.fm

For Professionals:

• Bandhelper
• Gig Performer
• OnSong

Key Features to Look For

Essential:

• Easy song organization
• Quick setlist creation
• Readable on stage
• Offline access
• Reliable performance

Nice to Have:

• Real-time collaboration
• Lyrics/chord charts
• BPM and key info
• Set timing calculator
• Export options

Advanced:

• MIDI control
• Audio playback
• Lighting integration
• Foot pedal support
• Plugin hosting

Best Practices for Using Setlist Apps

Setup and Organization

Song Database:

• Enter all songs once
• Include key information (BPM, key, length)
• Add notes (intros, endings, special cues)
• Organize by genre, era, or mood
• Keep updated

Setlist Creation:

• Create templates for different venues
• Consider flow and energy
• Note transitions
• Include timing
• Plan encores

Band Sharing:

• Share before rehearsal
• Update in real-time
• Include notes for each member
• Confirm everyone has access
• Have backup plan

During Performance

Stage Setup:

• Charge device fully
• Bring backup power
• Adjust brightness for stage
• Lock screen orientation
• Disable notifications

Best Practices:

• Have printed backup
• Keep device secure
• Quick access to setlist
• Easy to read from distance
• Simple navigation

Flexibility:

• Easy to reorder songs
• Quick access to full library
• Mark songs as played
• Add songs on the fly
• Note audience requests

Backup Plans

Always Have:

• Printed setlist
• Multiple devices with app
• Offline access enabled
• Backup power source
• Simple paper backup

Prepare For:

• Device failure
• Battery death
• App crashes
• Internet issues
• Screen visibility problems

DIY Setlist Solutions

Paper Setlists

Pros:

• No technology needed
• Always works
• Easy to read
• Quick to create
• No learning curve

Cons:

• Not easily shared
• Hard to modify
• Can get lost
• Not environmentally friendly
• No backup

Tips:

• Large, readable font
• Laminate for durability
• Multiple copies
• Tape to stage
• Use setlist holder

Whiteboard/Chalkboard

Pros:

• Easy to modify
• Visible to whole band
• Reusable
• No technology
• Simple

Cons:

• Not portable
• Can be erased accidentally
• Venue-dependent
• Not professional looking
• Limited space

Best For: Rehearsals and casual gigs

Tablet with Notes App

Pros:

• Free (if you have tablet)
• Simple
• Customizable
• Offline
• Easy to use

Cons:

• No specialized features
• Manual setup
• Not optimized for stage
• Basic functionality

Best For: Starting out or simple needs

Advanced Setlist Management

Integration with Other Tools

Lighting:

• Bandhelper (lighting control)
• MIDI-triggered lighting
• Cue-based systems

Audio:

• Backing tracks
• Click tracks
• Audio cues
• Synchronized playback

Video:

• Video cues
• Synchronized content
• Visual effects

Automation

MIDI Control:

• Patch changes
• Effect switching
• Keyboard sounds
• Automated transitions

Foot Pedals:

• Page turning
• Song advancement
• Hands-free control

Voice Control:

• Siri/Google Assistant integration
• Hands-free operation

Conclusion

The right setlist app can streamline your performances and reduce stress. Choose based on your needs, budget, and technical requirements.

Quick Recommendations:

• Best Overall: Setlist Helper (balance of features and price)
• Best for iOS: OnSong (powerful and affordable)
• Best for Professionals: Bandhelper (comprehensive features)
• Best Budget: Setlist Maker (simple and cheap)
• Best Free: Google Sheets (customizable and collaborative)

Start with a simple solution and upgrade as your needs grow. The best app is the one you'll actually use consistently.

Getting Started:

1. Choose an app based on your needs
2. Enter your song database
3. Create a few setlists
4. Test during rehearsal
5. Refine your system
6. Always have a backup plan

Remember: Technology should enhance your performance, not complicate it. Keep it simple and reliable.

The best setlist app is the one that disappears once the show starts. If you find yourself tapping through menus while the audience waits, the tool has become the performance. Build your setlists during the week, test them at rehearsal, and walk into the gig knowing that your device is charged, your backup is ready, and your focus is on the music. A little preparation goes further than the most expensive feature set.