Band Mode
Share songs and setlists with end-to-end encryption per band; roles and invites built in.
Songbook Buddy vs BandHelper
BandHelper focuses on band calendars, gig logistics, and setlist sync. Songbook Buddy adds a full song library, ChordPro editor, theater mode, and end-to-end encrypted band libraries in one app.
How Songbook Buddy compares
Conditional positioning against well-known apps. Choose another product when its focus matches your workflow; choose Songbook Buddy when you need the full ChordPro journey on your platforms.
| Aspect | SBB | BH |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Complete ChordPro workflow — import, edit, publish, perform, collaborate | Band calendar, setlists, and gig logistics |
| Platforms (typical) | Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux (one codebase) | iOS/iPadOS + web companion |
| Offline-first | Yes — local database; sync optional | Offline with sync for band data |
| ChordPro editor depth | Custom ChordPro parser, many directives, custom blocks | Not a ChordPro authoring tool |
| Band sharing & end-to-end encryption | Band Mode + per-band key, roles, invites | Strong band/setlist sharing; different security model |
| Live session leader/follower | Yes — scroll, playback, setlist, metronome sync | Real-time setlist sync for bands |
| Metronome / meter | Sample-accurate click; live sync; time signatures | Not the primary focus |
| MIDI & footswitch control | MIDI & USB foot pedals; network MIDI on macOS | Limited compared to performance apps |
| Print / PDF | Print pipeline, PDF-oriented options | Setlist print/export for gigs |
| Cloud sync | Optional encrypted sync (Basic+); WLAN for audio/sheets | Cloud sync central to band workflow |
| Localization | 23 interface languages + translated help + PDF manuals | English-first; band markets global |
Competing products change continuously. This table describes typical positioning — choose another app when its focus matches your workflow; choose Songbook Buddy when you need the full ChordPro journey on your platforms.
Choose BandHelper when scheduling and multi-band admin matter most. Choose Songbook Buddy when charts, stage performance, and ChordPro editing are central.
Explore by Feature
Band Live Sessions
One device leads; others follow song, scroll, playback, setlist, and metronome.
Setlists
Organise songs for gigs and rehearsals with drag-and-drop, per-entry keys, and archive.
Switching tips
- Import your chart files into Songbook Buddy and rebuild setlists to match BandHelper gig lists.
- Use Band Mode for encrypted sharing — roles and invites mirror how bands already collaborate.
- Live Sessions replace leader/follower setlist sync with scroll, playback, and metronome alignment.