Compare software

SibeliusMuseScore Studio
Paid

Artist from $99 a year, Ultimate from $199 a year, or an $899 perpetual bundle.

 Free

The program is free and open source. The musescore.com sheet music library is a separate…

Windows, macOS, iOS Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Automatic layout and part generation
  • Video sync and timecode support in Ultimate
  • Plays the score back through a built-in synthesiser as you write
  • MusicXML, MIDI and MEI import and export for moving between programs
  • Subscription pricing for most tiers
  • Artist tier capped at 24 staves per score
  • Major versions have changed the interface substantially
  • The bundled sound library is serviceable rather than convincing
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Closed source Open source
License not stated License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Works offline

Checked October 2, 2026

Checked September 21, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.