BandHQ vs. OnSong
Band organization vs. lead sheet app
OnSong is a lead sheet and chart app with a strong focus on iPad and live control. BandHQ is the organizational hub for bands, songs, setlists, rehearsals, gigs and members in the browser.
Feature Comparison
| Area | Feature / Detail | BandHQ | OnSong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Core purpose | Band/ensemble organization + repertoire | Lead sheets / live control |
| Structure | Workspaces, multiple bands | Yes | More like setlists/projects |
| Songs | Song data, status, notes, links | Yes | Yes |
| Leadsheets & Charts | Text + chords, import, renderer, transpose | Yes, incl. auto-parsing (transpose Pro) | Very strong: ChordPro, layout, themes |
| Files | Audio, PDFs, images | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | Integrated player per song | Yes (Pro/Community) | Yes |
| Setlists | Setlists with duration, notes, event link | Yes | Yes |
| Setlists | Transitions (announcements, drum solos, breaks) | Yes — freely definable transitions between songs | No |
| Songs | Song versions (original, acoustic, live) | Yes | No |
| Songs | Handwritten annotations | Yes (Pro/Community) | No |
| Live | Gig Mode (full-screen with transpose) | Yes | Performance mode available |
| Rehearsals | Rehearsal agenda + gig checklist | Yes | No |
| Practice | Personal practice planner | Yes | No |
| Events | Rehearsals & gigs with RSVP, gig details | Yes | Rudimentary only |
| Members | Members/roles/attendance | Yes | No |
| Automation/MIDI | MIDI, pedals, automation | Not planned | Very strong (MIDI, pedals) |
| Platforms | Available platforms | Web app (all devices) | iOS / iPadOS |
Pricing & Plans
| Product | Plan | Price | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| BandHQ | Free | €0/month | 1 band, 5 members, 10 songs, 3 setlists |
| BandHQ | Pro | €4.99/month | All Pro features |
| BandHQ | Community | €14.99/month | For schools / large communities |
| OnSong | Free/Basic | Basic features | For testing |
| OnSong | Premium/Pro | Subscription (annual/monthly) | MIDI, cloud, advanced features |
Screenshots
BandHQ
Song detail
Event view
Workspace dashboard
OnSong
Lead sheet view
Setlist
MIDI setup
Conclusion
BandHQ is the right choice for bands and ensembles that want to manage their entire organization centrally in the browser. OnSong is for musicians who primarily need a powerful lead sheet tool on iOS with MIDI control.
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