The cross-platform OnSong alternative
OnSong is a great chord-and-lyric app — if everyone in your band is on an iPhone or iPad. Band Central does the same core job (chord charts, lyrics, ChordPro, PDF imports, setlists, and a clean performance view) but runs on iPhone, Android, and any web browser, so your whole band is on the same page no matter what they carry.
Band Central vs OnSong at a glance
| Feature | Band Central | OnSong |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, Android, and Web | Apple only (iPhone/iPad) |
| Web app in a browser | Yes | No |
| Built for the whole band | Yes — members, each with their own lyric version | Single user, with a group storage add-on |
| Real-time sync across devices | Yes | Yes (within Apple) |
| ChordPro support | Yes | Yes |
| Import PDF sheet music and charts | Yes | Yes |
| Setlists and performance view | Yes | Yes |
| Free tier | 50 songs, all core features | Free to view; features need a plan |
| Price | Band plan $29.99/yr — members free | $29.99–$59.99/yr per user |
Why bands switch from OnSong
Works on every device
The drummer on Android and the singer on an iPhone can finally use the same app. OnSong leaves Android players out entirely.
A real web app
Plan setlists and edit chord charts from a laptop at bandcentral.com, then have them on your phone at the gig.
Built for bands, not just one player
Invite your members, share one library, and let each person keep their own lyric version of a song. Only the owner needs a subscription.
Changes sync in real time
Reorder a setlist or fix a chord and everyone sees it instantly, on every device.
When OnSong might be the better fit
We will be honest: if your entire band is on Apple devices, you are a heavy foot-pedal or MIDI power user, or you prefer OnSong's one-time purchase, OnSong is a mature, capable app. Band Central's edge is being truly cross-platform, having a web app, and being designed around a whole band from the start.