A Modern Alternative to OnSong
Built by musicians who wanted something simpler. No iOS lock-in, no bloated menus — just your chord sheets, on any device.
OnSong has been around since 2009 and it’s packed with features. MIDI, DMX, lyrics projection, backing tracks — the works. But if you’re here, you probably don’t need all that. You just want your chord sheets organized and accessible.
That’s exactly why we built Fretlist. A modern web app for musicians who want to spend their time playing, not configuring software.
At a Glance
| Fretlist | OnSong | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web (any device) | iOS only |
| Starting price | Free forever | Free (limited), then €24–48/year |
| Unlimited songs | Pro: €1,99/month | Essentials: €24/year |
| Learning curve | Minimal | Steeper |
| Best for | Solo artists, singer-songwriters, small bands | Worship teams, complex stage setups |
| Offline mode | Coming soon | Yes |
| MIDI/DMX control | No | Yes (Premium) |
| Edit from computer | Yes (it’s web-based) | Limited (OnSong Console add-on) |
Credit Where It's Due
Credit where it’s due — OnSong is powerful. If you actually need MIDI, lighting, and projection, it’s hard to beat:
- MIDI integration to control pedals, synths, or lighting
- DMX stage lighting automation
- Lyrics projection for congregation sing-alongs
- Backing tracks synced to your setlist
- Bluetooth foot pedal support for hands-free page turning
Why Musicians Are Switching
Any device, any browser, done
OnSong is iOS only. If you or a bandmate has an Android phone, a Windows laptop, or just want to edit from a desktop browser — you’re stuck.
Fretlist runs in any browser. Phone, tablet, laptop, whatever you’ve got. Edit on your computer, check it on your phone at the gig. One account, everywhere.
Edit from your actual computer
“The lack of ability to edit on my computer and transfer to my iPad is annoying. I have to export each song individually and AirDrop it.”
We hear this a lot. With Fretlist, your songs live in the cloud. Edit anywhere, see changes everywhere. No exporting, no AirDropping, no syncing headaches.
Simple enough to use on stage
OnSong has menus within menus, settings for everything, and a learning curve that takes time to climb. That’s the trade-off for all that power.
Fretlist is intentionally focused: songs and setlists, done well. You can be up and running in minutes, not hours. Open it, find your song, play.
Pricing that makes sense
OnSong’s pricing has evolved over the years — there’s OnSong 2020, OnSong 2026, Essentials, Premium, group plans, legacy purchases... it gets confusing.
Fretlist keeps it simple: • Free: 20 songs, 5 setlists — enough to try it properly • Pro: €1,99/month for unlimited everything • Band: €4,99/month for teams (coming soon)
No surprises. No in-app purchase maze.
Feature by Feature
Both Apps
- Store lyrics and chords
- Transpose to any key
- Organize songs into setlists
- Capo adjustments
- Dark mode for stage use
OnSong Only
- Offline mode (Fretlist: coming soon)
- MIDI/DMX integration
- Backing tracks
- Bluetooth pedal support
- Lyrics projection
- PDF import
- Chord diagrams
Fretlist Only
- True cross-platform (web-based, works everywhere)
- Edit from any computer natively
- Simpler, modern interface
- Per-player settings for bands (coming soon)
- No iOS lock-in
Pricing Breakdown
OnSong (2026)
- Free: View songs, limited features
- Essentials: €24/year (~€2/month) — editing, transpose, sharing
- Premium: €48/year (~€4/month) — MIDI, projection, backing tracks, priority support
- Group plans: Variable pricing for teams
Fretlist
- Free: €0 forever — 20 songs, 5 setlists, full transpose/capo
- Pro: €1,99/month — unlimited songs & setlists, Play Mode, print layouts, export
- Band: €4,99/month — shared library, per-player settings (coming soon)
Is Fretlist Right for You?
Stick with OnSong if you…
- Run a worship band with complex production needs
- Need MIDI control for pedals, keyboards, or lighting
- Want backing tracks integrated with your setlist
- Are committed to the Apple ecosystem (iPad/iPhone only)
- Need lyrics projection for audiences
Switch to Fretlist if you…
- Are a solo artist, duo, or small band
- Want to edit chord sheets from your computer
- Use Android, Windows, or multiple platforms
- Prefer something simple that just works
- Want a generous free tier to start with
The Bottom Line
OnSong is built for complex setups — worship teams, MIDI rigs, projection systems. If that’s your world, it makes sense.
But if you just want your chord sheets organized and accessible from any device, Fretlist was built for exactly that. By a musician, for musicians. Give it a try — it’s free.
Ready to Switch?
20 songs, 5 setlists, no credit card. Set up in under a minute and see the difference.