Best Music Notation Software for macOS in 2026

The ranking

1
Sibelius
Professional notation with complete engraving, automatic part generation and video sync on its Ultimate tier. It is paid by yearly subscription or a perpetual bundle, and the Artist tier limits staves.
Best for Professional engraving and part extraction
WindowsmacOSiPadOS, iOSChromeOSSubscription
92.0of 100
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2
Dorico
A composition-first notation program for Windows and macOS, with a free edition for scores up to eight players and a free iPad app. The Pro edition has the publishing options engravers need, at several times the price of Elements.
Best for Composing and arranging, with a free starter edition
WindowsmacOSiPadOSFree plan, paid upgrades
91.0of 100
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3
MuseScore
Free, open-source notation software for Windows, macOS, Linux, iPhone, iPad and Android, with MIDI input and no limitations described. Its engraving tools are less complete than Sibelius's.
Best for Free notation for students and hobbyists
WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidFree and open sourceOpen source
90.5of 100
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4
Flat
Browser-based notation with real-time sharing, a free desktop app for Mac and Windows, and web and mobile apps. Advanced features sit behind a subscription, and its engraving controls are lighter than Sibelius's.
Best for Shared scores in the browser
macOSWindowsWebiOSAndroidFree plan, paid upgrades
85.5of 100
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5
capella
A full notation program for Windows and Mac with three entry modes, sold as a licence or a subscription. It has no free plan beyond the 15-day trial, so MuseScore and LilyPond in this list are the choices for anyone who needs a free tool.
Best for Composing with typed, clicked or direct note entry
WindowsmacOSPaid
76.0of 100
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6
Guitar Pro
Tab and sheet music editor for guitar, bass, drums and piano, on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, sold as a paid desktop licence. It is tablature-first, so Sibelius and MuseScore suit full orchestral scores better.
Best for Guitar and bass tablature on desktop and mobile
WindowsmacOSiOSAndroidPaid
75.5of 100
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7
TablEdit
Tablature and standard notation for fretted instruments on Windows and macOS, with a free demo before buying. It is built around guitar tabs, so for full orchestral scores Dorico and Sibelius are the broader programs.
Best for Guitar and fretted-instrument tablature
WindowsmacOSiOSAndroidPaid
74.0of 100
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At a glance

Product	Score	Price	Platforms
Sibelius	92.0	Subscription	WindowsmacOSiPadOS, iOSChromeOS
Dorico	91.0	Free plan, paid upgrades	WindowsmacOSiPadOS
MuseScore	90.5	Free and open source	WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
Flat	85.5	Free plan, paid upgrades	macOSWindowsWebiOSAndroid
capella	76.0	Paid	WindowsmacOS
Guitar Pro	75.5	Paid	WindowsmacOSiOSAndroid
TablEdit	74.0	Paid	WindowsmacOSiOSAndroid