# MuseScore review, pricing and alternatives

Source: https://listme.name/software/musescore
Website: https://musescore.org/en

Free, open-source music notation software for desktop and mobile

MuseScore Studio is free, open-source music notation software for composing, arranging and printing scores on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is released under GPL-3.0, and mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android are also available.

MuseScore Studio is a full notation editor with a score canvas, MIDI keyboard input, playback and import and export with other programs. The site describes the software as completely free with no limitations, and its community builds and maintains it. Its source is on GitHub under GPL-3.0, and releases are published on the download page.

MuseScore is free to use and has a large user base among students and hobby musicians. Its engraving tools are less complete than Sibelius's for large professional projects, so publishers with complex layouts may need a paid program.

- Free and open source | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | open source (GPL-3.0)
- Price: Free and open source under GPL-3.0; no limitations described by the site
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## Strengths

- Free with no limitations
- Open source under GPL-3.0

## Limits

- Fewer professional engraving tools than Sibelius

## Rankings

- #2 of 6 in [best Music notation software](https://listme.name/best/music-notation-software), score 90.5: 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.

## Alternatives

- [Sibelius](https://listme.name/software/sibelius), score 92.0
- [Flat](https://listme.name/software/flat), score 85.5
- [StaffPad](https://listme.name/software/staffpad), score 83.0
- [Noteflight](https://listme.name/software/noteflight), score 80.0
- [LilyPond](https://listme.name/software/lilypond), score 78.5