Quick comparison: 5 free alternatives to Sibelius
| Alternative | Price | Platforms | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MuseScore Studio Top pick | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Dorico SE | Freemium | WindowsmacOS | Offline |
| Flat | Freemium | Web | Online |
| LilyPond | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Noteflight | Freemium | Web | Online |
A closer look at each alternative
-
MuseScore Studio
Top pickOpen SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Professional scores for free, with high-quality playback (Muse Sounds) and MusicXML import.
-
Dorico SE
FreemiumOfflineWindowsmacOS- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- The free version of Steinberg’s Dorico: the same engraving engine, for small ensembles.
-
Flat
FreemiumOnlineWeb- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Runs in your browser; nothing to install.
- Why it stands out
- A score editor in the browser for writing and sharing as a group, like Google Docs for music.
-
LilyPond
Open SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Publication-quality engraving from plain text; ideal if you like writing code.
-
Noteflight
FreemiumOnlineWeb- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Runs in your browser; nothing to install.
- Why it stands out
- Write and play back scores in the browser; the free plan lets you save a limited number of scores.
Tip for students: MuseScore Studio is free and opens MusicXML files: you can bring your scores over from Sibelius by exporting them in that format.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Sibelius or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions about alternatives to Sibelius
What is the best free alternative to Sibelius?
Our first pick is MuseScore Studio. Professional scores for free, with high-quality playback (Muse Sounds) and MusicXML import. Dorico SE and Flat are also worth trying. The best one for you depends on whether you prefer working in the browser or with an installed program.
Are there open source alternatives to Sibelius?
Yes: MuseScore Studio and LilyPond are open source: free, licence-free and with code anyone can inspect.
Which alternatives to Sibelius work offline?
MuseScore Studio, Dorico SE and LilyPond install on your computer and work without a connection. If you'd rather not install anything, Flat and Noteflight run in the browser.
Which alternatives to Sibelius are there for Mac and Linux?
MuseScore Studio and LilyPond run on both macOS and Linux. Also, Flat and Noteflight run in the browser on any system.