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Head-to-head · AI Chord Progression Generators

Hookpad vs Chord Genie

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Hookpad #3 in AI Chord Progression Generators 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Hookpad
Chord Genie #8 in AI Chord Progression Generators 7.4/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Unison

Hookpad leads on 1 check, Chord Genie on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreHookpad · 7.9/10
  • Free planonly Hookpad
  • Most featuresChord Genie · 2 of 2

Hookpad scores higher on our rubric for ai chord progression generators: 7.9 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Hookpad offers free plan; Chord Genie doesn't.

Hookpad is the better fit for songwriters needing theory-guided AI ideas. Chord Genie is the better fit for AI chord generation with linked MIDI tools.

  • Hookpad fits best

    Songwriters needing theory-guided AI ideas

  • Chord Genie fits best

    AI chord generation with linked MIDI tools

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Side by side

Feature Hookpad 7.9/10 Visit ↗ Chord Genie 7.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.4
Ranking #3 in AI Chord Progression Generators #8 in AI Chord Progression Generators
Best for Songwriters needing theory-guided AI ideas AI chord generation with linked MIDI tools
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $7.99/mo $97 one-time
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Desktop
Platforms Web Windows, macOS
Support Email, Community, Docs Email
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Hookpad 0/2 · Chord Genie 2/2
MIDI export Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Melody/bass follow-up Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Key/scale controls Not checked yet Key_and_scale
Genre styles Not checked yet Genre_and_style
DAW plugin formats Not checked yet Vst3_au_aax
Supported platforms Not checked yet Desktop
Our review
Pros
  • Music-theory suggestions connect chord and melody decisions
  • Editors cover chords, melodies, lyrics, recording and mixing
  • Exports include MIDI, MP3, sheet music and lead sheets
  • Generates 4-, 8-, or 16-bar progressions by key, scale, and style
  • Built-in piano roll supports note editing and preset saving
  • Drag-and-drop or export royalty-free MIDI into DAW projects
Cons
  • Web-only access depends on a browser and cloud deployment
  • Free plan limits users to basic chord and melody writing
  • Aria AI generation requires a separate $14.99 monthly plan
  • Requires a $97 one-time purchase and has no free plan
  • Desktop-only support for Mac and Windows excludes mobile workflows
  • Email is the listed support channel rather than live assistance
Our verdict

Hookpad is browser-based songwriting software from Hooktheory for songwriters, producers, musicians, educators, students and composers. Its workspace combines a chord progression editor, chord search, melody editor, lyric editor with…

Read the review →

Chord Genie is a desktop DAW plug-in from Unison for musicians and producers who want AI-assisted chord ideas without leaving a MIDI-focused workflow. Choose a key and scale, select a 4-, 8-, or 16-bar length, and generate progression…

Read the review →
  1. HookpadAI Chord Progression Generators 7.9Free plan
  2. Chord GenieAI Chord Progression Generators 7.4Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Hookpad — where it wins

    • Music-theory suggestions connect chord and melody decisions
    • Editors cover chords, melodies, lyrics, recording and mixing
    • Exports include MIDI, MP3, sheet music and lead sheets

    Where it doesn't

    • Web-only access depends on a browser and cloud deployment
    • Free plan limits users to basic chord and melody writing
    • Aria AI generation requires a separate $14.99 monthly plan

  • Chord Genie — where it wins

    • Generates 4-, 8-, or 16-bar progressions by key, scale, and style
    • Built-in piano roll supports note editing and preset saving
    • Drag-and-drop or export royalty-free MIDI into DAW projects

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires a $97 one-time purchase and has no free plan
    • Desktop-only support for Mac and Windows excludes mobile workflows
    • Email is the listed support channel rather than live assistance
  • Hookpad7.9/10 · Free plan

    Theory-guided chord, melody and lyric creation in a browser, with optional AI generation.

    Visit HookpadFull verdict →
  • Chord Genie7.4/10 · Paid

    A focused desktop chord generator with editable piano roll and lifetime MIDI workflows.

    Visit UnisonFull verdict →

More comparisons

All AI chord progression generators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update