Is Dorico better than MuseScore?

Dorico ranks higher in our list of music notation software (#2 against #3, score 91.0 against 90.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Dorico is best for: composing and arranging, with a free starter edition. MuseScore is best for: free notation for students and hobbyists.

Which is cheaper, Dorico or MuseScore?

Dorico: Free Dorico SE for up to eight players; Elements and Pro are paid. MuseScore: Free and open source under GPL-3.0; no limitations described by the site.

Do Dorico and MuseScore run on the same platforms?

Dorico supports Windows, macOS, iPadOS. MuseScore supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.

Comparison · Music notation software

Dorico vs MuseScore: which is better in 2026?

Dorico91.0#2 in best music notation software

MuseScore90.5#3 in best music notation software

Dorico ranks higher in our list of music notation software (#2 against #3, score 91.0 against 90.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

91.0
Editorial score
90.5
3
Platforms
5
Yes
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Dorico if you want

Composing and arranging, with a free starter edition.

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.

Choose MuseScore if you want

Free notation for students and hobbyists.

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.

The main differences

Only MuseScore runs on Linux.
Only MuseScore runs on iOS.
Only MuseScore runs on Android.
MuseScore is open source; Dorico is not.

Side by side

	Dorico	MuseScore
Score	91.0	90.5
Rank in list	#2 of 10	#3 of 10
Price	Free plan, paid upgradesFree Dorico SE for up to eight players; Elements and Pro are paid	Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-3.0; no limitations described by the site
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	Yes
Platforms	WindowsmacOSiPadOSWindows, macOS, iPadOS	WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Made by	Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH	MuseScore Ltd
Best for	Composing and arranging, with a free starter edition	Free notation for students and hobbyists
Strengths	Free Dorico SE for scores up to eight players Tools to move and reduce music between instruments Projects move between desktop and iPad	Free with no limitations Open source under GPL-3.0
Limits	Pro costs several times the price of Elements Features are split across three editions	Fewer professional engraving tools than Sibelius
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Dorico vs MuseScore

Is Dorico better than MuseScore?: Dorico ranks higher in our list of music notation software (#2 against #3, score 91.0 against 90.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Dorico is best for: composing and arranging, with a free starter edition. MuseScore is best for: free notation for students and hobbyists.
Which is cheaper, Dorico or MuseScore?: Dorico: Free Dorico SE for up to eight players; Elements and Pro are paid. MuseScore: Free and open source under GPL-3.0; no limitations described by the site.
Do Dorico and MuseScore run on the same platforms?: Dorico supports Windows, macOS, iPadOS. MuseScore supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.