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Head-to-head · Music Learning Apps

EarMaster vs ChordIQ

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score EarMaster #5 in Music Learning Apps 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit EarMaster
ChordIQ #26 in Music Learning Apps 6.5/10 Free plan · 3-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit ChordIQ

EarMaster leads on 0 checks, ChordIQ on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreEarMaster · 8.5/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly ChordIQ
  • Most featuresEarMaster · 4 of 4

EarMaster scores higher on our rubric for music learning apps: 8.5 against 6.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #26.

EarMaster is the better fit for broad ear-training and musicianship practice. ChordIQ is the better fit for mobile ear training and sight reading.

  • EarMaster fits best

    Broad ear-training and musicianship practice

  • ChordIQ fits best

    Mobile ear training and sight reading

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Side by side

Feature EarMaster 8.5/10 Visit ↗ ChordIQ 6.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 6.5
Ranking #5 in Music Learning Apps #26 in Music Learning Apps
Best for Broad ear-training and musicianship practice Mobile ear training and sight reading
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $6/user/yr —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 3 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Android iOS, Android, macOS
Support Email, Community, Docs Email
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo
Features EarMaster 4/4 · ChordIQ 3/4
Live feedback ✓ ✓
Practice tools ✓ ✓
Offline access ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Progress tracking ✓ ✓
Specs
Curriculum scope Mixed Mixed
Included instruments Not checked yet 4
Platform support Multi-platform Multi-platform
Our review
Pros
  • Covers ear training, sight-singing, rhythm, and music theory practice.
  • Real-time pitch and timing feedback supports voice, clap, and MIDI input.
  • Works across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android with progress tracking.
  • Covers sight reading, ear training, rhythm, pitch, chords, and theory
  • Supports iOS, Android, macOS, microphones, and MIDI keyboards
  • Free plan includes most games, with Pro adding custom practice tools
Cons
  • The monthly personal plan costs more than the yearly equivalent.
  • Cloud plans listed here begin with groups of 5–9 users.
  • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of narrowly focused learners.
  • Paid plan prices vary by country and storefront
  • Advanced practice tools require a Pro plan
  • Game-based learning may not suit learners seeking structured lessons
Our verdict

EarMaster is a music-learning app for ear training, sight-singing, rhythm practice, and music theory. It is aimed at music students, hobbyists, professional musicians, teachers, schools, choirs, and conservatories. Practice covers…

Read the review →

ChordIQ is a game-based music-learning app for learners and musicians practicing sight reading, ear training, rhythm, singing, pitch, chords, scales, and music theory. It supports treble, bass, alto, and grand staff exercises, with more…

Read the review →
  1. EarMasterMusic Learning Apps 8.5Free plan
  2. ChordIQMusic Learning Apps 6.5Free plan · 3-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • EarMaster — where it wins

    • Covers ear training, sight-singing, rhythm, and music theory practice.
    • Real-time pitch and timing feedback supports voice, clap, and MIDI input.
    • Works across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android with progress tracking.

    Where it doesn't

    • The monthly personal plan costs more than the yearly equivalent.
    • Cloud plans listed here begin with groups of 5–9 users.
    • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of narrowly focused learners.

  • ChordIQ — where it wins

    • Covers sight reading, ear training, rhythm, pitch, chords, and theory
    • Supports iOS, Android, macOS, microphones, and MIDI keyboards
    • Free plan includes most games, with Pro adding custom practice tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid plan prices vary by country and storefront
    • Advanced practice tools require a Pro plan
    • Game-based learning may not suit learners seeking structured lessons

EarMaster vs ChordIQ: questions

Which is better for music learning apps, EarMaster or ChordIQ?

EarMaster scores higher on our rubric for music learning apps: 8.5 against 6.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #26.

How do EarMaster and ChordIQ compare?

All 5 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.

Do EarMaster and ChordIQ have a free plan?

EarMaster: Yes. ChordIQ: Yes.

More comparisons

All music learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update