Is Sibelius better than MuseScore?

Sibelius ranks higher in our list of music notation software (#1 against #3, score 92.0 against 90.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. MuseScore is best for: free notation for students and hobbyists. Sibelius is best for: professional engraving and part extraction.

Which is cheaper, MuseScore or Sibelius?

MuseScore: Free and open source under GPL-3.0; no limitations described by the site. Sibelius: Artist $99 a year; Ultimate $199 a year; Ultimate perpetual bundle $899.

Do MuseScore and Sibelius run on the same platforms?

MuseScore supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Sibelius supports Windows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, ChromeOS.

Comparison · Music notation software

MuseScore vs Sibelius: which is better in 2026?

MuseScore90.5#3 in best music notation softwareSibelius92.0#1 in best music notation software

Sibelius ranks higher in our list of music notation software (#1 against #3, score 92.0 against 90.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

90.5
Editorial score
92.0
5
Platforms
5
Yes
Free to use
No
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

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.

Choose Sibelius if you want

Professional engraving and part extraction.

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.

The main differences

Only MuseScore runs on Linux.
Only MuseScore runs on Android.
MuseScore is open source; Sibelius is not.
MuseScore can be used for free; Sibelius requires payment.

Side by side

	MuseScore	Sibelius
Score	90.5	92.0
Rank in list	#3 of 10	#1 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-3.0; no limitations described by the site	SubscriptionArtist $99 a year; Ultimate $199 a year; Ultimate perpetual bundle $899
Free to use	Yes	No
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	WindowsmacOSiPadOS, iOSChromeOSWindows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, ChromeOS
Made by	MuseScore Ltd	Avid
Best for	Free notation for students and hobbyists	Professional engraving and part extraction
Strengths	Free with no limitations Open source under GPL-3.0	Strong score layout and part generation Runs on Mac, PC, iPad and iPhone
Limits	Fewer professional engraving tools than Sibelius	Yearly subscription for most tiers Artist tier limits staves and cloud scores
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about MuseScore vs Sibelius

Is Sibelius better than MuseScore?: Sibelius ranks higher in our list of music notation software (#1 against #3, score 92.0 against 90.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. MuseScore is best for: free notation for students and hobbyists. Sibelius is best for: professional engraving and part extraction.
Which is cheaper, MuseScore or Sibelius?: MuseScore: Free and open source under GPL-3.0; no limitations described by the site. Sibelius: Artist $99 a year; Ultimate $199 a year; Ultimate perpetual bundle $899.
Do MuseScore and Sibelius run on the same platforms?: MuseScore supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Sibelius supports Windows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, ChromeOS.