Head-to-head · Music Learning Apps
JustinGuitar vs EarMaster
JustinGuitar leads on 0 checks, EarMaster 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 scoreJustinGuitar · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresEarMaster · 4 of 4
JustinGuitar scores higher on our rubric for music learning apps: 8.8 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
On curriculum scope, EarMaster gives you Mixed where JustinGuitar offers Instrument.
JustinGuitar is the better fit for beginner guitarists wanting a free curriculum. EarMaster is the better fit for broad ear-training and musicianship practice.
- JustinGuitar fits best
Beginner guitarists wanting a free curriculum
- EarMaster fits best
Broad ear-training and musicianship practice
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Side by side
| Feature | JustinGuitar 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | EarMaster 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #2 in Music Learning Apps | #5 in Music Learning Apps |
| Best for | Beginner guitarists wanting a free curriculum | Broad ear-training and musicianship practice |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | $6/user/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features JustinGuitar 3/4 · EarMaster 4/4 | ||
| Live feedback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Practice tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline access | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Progress tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Curriculum scope | Instrument | Mixed |
| Included instruments | 1 | Not checked yet |
| Platform support | Multi-platform | Multi-platform |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | JustinGuitar is a guitar-learning service and mobile app built around Justin Sandercoe’s beginner teaching method. It is designed for people starting guitar who want a guided path rather than isolated lessons. The curriculum covers Grades… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
JustinGuitar — where it wins
- Structured Grades 1–3 curriculum with 210 video lessons
- Chord-change exercises, tuner and daily 10-minute practice routine
- Song library includes lyrics, chords and adjustable tempo
Where it doesn't
- Focused on guitar rather than multiple instruments
- Paid app subscriptions and content tiers can be confusing
- App-store prices may vary by country and storefront
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.
- JustinGuitar8.8/10 · Free plan
A free, structured beginner guitar curriculum with practical tools and song practice.
Visit JustinGuitarFull verdict → - EarMaster8.5/10 · Free plan
Broad musicianship practice with adaptive feedback, tracking, and teacher tools.
Visit EarMasterFull verdict →
JustinGuitar vs EarMaster: questions
Which is better for music learning apps, JustinGuitar or EarMaster?
JustinGuitar scores higher on our rubric for music learning apps: 8.8 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
How do JustinGuitar and EarMaster compare?
All 5 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do JustinGuitar and EarMaster have a free plan?
JustinGuitar: Yes. EarMaster: Yes.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update