A Fresh Alternative to SongbookPro
One web app, every device. No buying separate apps, no sync configuration — just your chord sheets, everywhere.
SongbookPro is a decent app for managing chord charts — but if you’ve used it across platforms, you know the frustration. Separate purchases for iOS, Android, and Windows. Sync that only works with a Groups subscription. An interface that’s starting to feel its age.
We built Fretlist for musicians who want something simpler. A modern web app that works on every device from a single account, syncs automatically, and gets out of your way so you can focus on playing.
At a Glance
| Fretlist | SongbookPro | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web (any device, any browser) | iOS, Android, Windows, Amazon Fire (separate apps) |
| Starting price | Free forever | Free trial (12 songs), then ~€7 one-time |
| Subscription | €1,99/month (Pro) | One-time purchase (Solo), subscription for Groups |
| Sync between devices | Automatic (cloud-based) | Requires same platform or Groups subscription |
| Edit from browser | Yes (native) | Yes (SongbookPro Manager) |
| Import from Ultimate Guitar | No | Yes |
| Best for | Musicians who want simplicity across all devices | Musicians who prefer native apps and one-time payment |
Credit Where It's Due
To be fair, SongbookPro has some things going for it:
- One-time purchase option — Pay ~€7 once for SongbookPro Solo (no subscription)
- Import from Ultimate Guitar — Search and import songs directly
- Native apps — Dedicated apps for each platform
- Handwritten annotations — Draw notes on your charts with stylus/finger
- Built-in metronome — Tap-tempo that remembers song tempos
- PDF support — Import and view PDF sheet music
Why Musicians Are Switching
One app, every device, no double-dipping
SongbookPro sells separate apps for iOS, Android, and Windows. Have an iPhone and a Windows laptop? You’re buying twice. And syncing between platforms requires a Groups subscription on top.
Fretlist is one web app that works everywhere. Log in on any device, see all your songs. No extra purchases, no sync configuration. It just works.
A modern interface that stays out of your way
SongbookPro is feature-rich, which means more menus and options to navigate. Fretlist is intentionally minimal — songs on the left, content on the right, done.
It was designed in 2025 with a clean, modern UI. No clutter, no confusion. Musicians tell us it’s a breath of fresh air.
Built for bands, not just solo use
Fretlist’s upcoming Band plan includes per-player settings — so each musician can have their own capo position and tuning preferences for the same song. SongbookPro Groups shares songs, but doesn’t offer per-player customization.
Cloud sync that actually works
With Fretlist, sync isn’t a feature you pay extra for — it’s how the app works. Edit a song on your laptop, it’s on your phone at the gig. No configuration, no same-platform requirement.
Feature by Feature
Both Apps
- Store chord sheets and lyrics
- Organize into setlists
- Transpose chords
- Capo adjustments
- Autoscroll
- Export songs
- Dark mode
SongbookPro Only
- Import from Ultimate Guitar
- PDF sheet music support
- Handwritten annotations
- Built-in metronome
- Native apps (vs web app)
- One-time purchase option
Fretlist Only
- True single-platform experience (no separate purchases)
- Automatic cloud sync on every device, included free
- Per-player settings for bands (coming soon)
- Play Mode with adjustable autoscroll speed
Pricing Breakdown
SongbookPro
- Free trial: 12 songs, no sync
- Solo: ~€7 one-time (per platform)
- Groups: Subscription for team sync and sharing
Fretlist
- Free: €0 forever — 20 songs, 5 setlists
- Pro: €1,99/month — unlimited everything
- Band: €4,99/month — team features (coming soon)
SongbookPro’s one-time purchase works well if you only use one platform. But if you switch between devices, Fretlist’s single web app saves you from buying the same app twice.
Is Fretlist Right for You?
Stick with SongbookPro if you…
- Prefer a one-time purchase over subscriptions
- Want to import directly from Ultimate Guitar
- Need PDF sheet music support
- Prefer native apps over web apps
- Want handwritten annotations with stylus support
Switch to Fretlist if you…
- Use multiple devices and want one app that works everywhere
- Prefer a modern, clean interface
- Want cloud sync that just works — no setup
- Play in a band and want per-player settings (coming soon)
- Want a free tier that’s generous enough to actually use
The Bottom Line
SongbookPro is a solid app, especially if you only use it on one platform and prefer paying once. No argument there.
But if you’re tired of buying the same app on every device, fighting with sync, or navigating a dated interface — Fretlist was built for you. Modern, simple, and works everywhere. Try it free.
Ready to Switch?
20 songs, 5 setlists, no credit card. See if it fits how you work.