A Modern Alternative to OnSong
No iOS lock-in, no bloated menus. Your chord sheets on any device, with bulk import from OnSong built in.
OnSong is packed with features — MIDI, DMX, projection, backing tracks. But if you just want your chord sheets organized and accessible, all that power gets in the way.
Fretlist is built for musicians who want to spend their time playing, not configuring software. Import your OnSong library, open your setlist, play.
At a Glance
| Fretlist | OnSong | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web (any device) | iOS only |
| Starting price | Free (Early Access) | Free (limited), then €24–48/year |
| Unlimited songs | Free during Early Access | Essentials: €24/year |
| Import from OnSong | Yes — .backup, ChordPro, PDF, ZIP | N/A |
| Offline mode | Yes (installable PWA) | Yes |
| Play Mode | Yes — auto-scroll, wake lock, metronome, section nav | Yes — with MIDI triggers |
| MIDI/DMX control | No | Yes (Premium) |
| Edit from computer | Yes (it’s web-based) | Limited (OnSong Console add-on) |
Credit Where It's Due
OnSong is powerful. If you need MIDI, lighting, and projection, it’s hard to beat:
- MIDI integration for pedals, synths, and lighting
- DMX stage lighting automation
- Lyrics projection for congregations
- Backing tracks synced to your setlist
- Bluetooth foot pedal support
Why Musicians Are Switching
Import your entire OnSong library
Fretlist reads OnSong .backup files directly — songs, setlists, and metadata all come across. It also handles ChordPro, PDF, DOCX, and ZIP archives. Musicians have imported libraries of 4,000+ songs in one go.
Any device, any browser
OnSong is iOS only. If you or a bandmate has Android, Windows, or just wants to edit from a computer — you’re stuck.
Fretlist runs in any browser. Edit on your laptop, pull it up on your phone at the gig. Install it as an app for offline access. One account, everywhere.
Play Mode built for the stage
Full-screen chord sheets with auto-scroll, adjustable speed, built-in metronome, wake lock so your screen stays on, section navigation to jump to any part of the song, and keyboard shortcuts for hands-free control. Dark mode included.
Simple enough to use on stage
OnSong has menus within menus and a learning curve. Fretlist is intentionally focused: songs and setlists, done well. Open it, find your song, play.
Feature by Feature
Both Apps
- Store lyrics and chords
- Transpose to any key
- Organize songs into setlists
- Capo adjustments
- Dark mode for stage use
- Offline access
- Auto-scroll
OnSong Only
- MIDI/DMX integration
- Backing tracks
- Bluetooth pedal support
- Lyrics projection
- Chord diagrams
Fretlist Only
- Works on any device (web-based, no iOS lock-in)
- Edit from any computer natively
- Bulk import (OnSong backup, ChordPro, PDF, ZIP)
- Export to PDF, DOCX, ChordPro, JSON
- Share songs via link, WhatsApp, or email
- Install as app (PWA) for offline use
Pricing Breakdown
OnSong (2026)
- Free: View songs, limited features
- Essentials: €24/year (~€2/month)
- Premium: €48/year (~€4/month) — MIDI, projection, backing tracks
- Group plans: Variable pricing
Fretlist
- Currently free — all Pro features included during Early Access
- Pro plan coming at launch — pricing TBD
- Band plan coming later — shared library, per-player settings
Fretlist is currently in Early Access — all features are free while we finalize pricing. Sign up now and get full access.
Is Fretlist Right for You?
Stick with OnSong if you…
- Run a worship band with MIDI/lighting/projection needs
- Need backing tracks integrated with your setlist
- Are committed to the Apple ecosystem
- Need chord diagrams displayed on screen
Switch to Fretlist if you…
- Want your chord sheets on any device, not just iOS
- Want to import your OnSong library and keep everything
- Need a stage-ready Play Mode with auto-scroll
- Prefer something simple that just works
- Want offline access without the complexity
The Bottom Line
OnSong is built for complex stage setups — worship teams, MIDI rigs, projection. If that’s your world, it makes sense.
If you just want your chord sheets organized, accessible from any device, and ready for the stage — Fretlist does exactly that. Import your OnSong library in minutes and see the difference.
Ready to Switch?
Import your OnSong library, set up a setlist, and take it to your next gig. Free to start.