Best Setlist App for Bands in 2026

Most bands start with a notes app and a prayer. Here's what to use instead.

What makes the best setlist app for bands?

Feature	Why it matters
Shared song library	Every member works from the same catalog, not separate lists
Real-time sync	Changes on one device update everyone's view instantly
Automatic runtime	Calculates your set length as you build — no mental math
Gig Mode	A clean stage view that works in the dark on any device
Song readiness tracking	Prevents unready songs from ending up in the set
Show history	Tracks what you played, where, and how it went

The problem with how most bands manage setlists

It usually starts with a WhatsApp thread, a Notes app screenshot, or a Google Doc. And for a band that plays once a month with 20 songs, that's fine.

It breaks down when:

Your catalog grows to 60, 80, or 100+ songs across multiple set types
You're playing 2–3 times a week and the "current" setlist is always a different version
A new member joins and has no clean way to access the song library
You're updating the set at soundcheck and not everyone's phone has the same version
You need to know how long a set runs before you commit to a running order

At that point, you need an actual setlist app for bands — not just a list tool.

What to look for in a band setlist app

Shared everything

The core requirement for any band tool: everything should be shared by default. Song library, setlists, show schedules, ratings — if any one member has to manually update their own copy, the system breaks.

Real-time sync

Related to the above, but specifically for in-the-moment updates. If your guitarist changes the opener an hour before the show, the drummer's phone should reflect that without anyone sending a new screenshot.

Automatic set length calculation

This sounds minor until you've had to manually add up song durations before a gig. Enter your show start and end time, and your setlist app should show you exactly how much time you have and where you stand as you build.

Song readiness tracking

A band's catalog is always in flux — songs in various states of readiness. The app should let you mark songs as Solid, Learning, or Needs Practice, and ideally flag when an unready song is in the set.

Gig Mode for stage use

Your setlist app should have a dedicated performance view. Full screen, large text, high contrast, no notifications. Something you can prop up on a phone stand or floor monitor and read from across a dark stage.

Performance data over time

Which songs consistently land? Which are overplayed? Which crowd-pleasers haven't been in the set for 3 months? A great setlist app tracks this passively, so every setlist you build is more informed than the last.

Why Setlistly is the best setlist app for most bands

Setlistly is built specifically for gigging bands. Unlike generic list tools or practice apps with setlist features bolted on, everything in Setlistly is designed around the live performance workflow.

What it does:

Shared song library with keys, tempos, ratings, and readiness status
Real-time sync across all band members
Drag-and-drop setlist builder with automatic runtime calculation
Build For Me — generates a full setlist from your library based on ratings and play history
Remix Set — reorders an existing set for better energy flow
Gig Mode — full-screen stage view on any device
Show history and song analytics
Crowd voting — let fans influence the set before a show
Venue intelligence — track what you played at each room and how it landed

Pricing:

Free plan: unlimited songs, 3 members, 5 shows
Pro plan: $25/month or $250/year per band (not per seat)

Setlistly vs. the alternatives

Setlistly vs. notes apps (Apple Notes, Google Keep)

Notes apps work for a solo musician with a static set. They don't support shared libraries, sync, runtime calculation, song data, or performance analytics. Fine for personal reference, not for band coordination.

Setlistly vs. spreadsheets

Spreadsheets can handle large catalogs and are infinitely customizable, but require manual runtime calculation, have no mobile stage view, don't sync in real time, and require you to build all the structure yourself. Every band that uses spreadsheets eventually rebuilds the same basic functionality from scratch — and it still doesn't have Gig Mode.

Setlistly vs. Bandhelper

Bandhelper is a long-standing option with strong MIDI and notation features. It's well-suited to bands that need device integration (keyboard rigs, backing tracks). For bands primarily looking for setlist management, song organization, and performance analytics, Setlistly is more focused and easier to use.

Setlistly vs. OnSong

OnSong is primarily a chord chart and lead sheet display app. If you need to view charts on stage, it's excellent. If you need to build and manage setlists across a full band, track performance history, and analyze what's working, you need something designed around that workflow.

Which bands is Setlistly best for?

Cover bands with large song libraries that vary per gig type
Wedding and function bands building custom sets for each booking
Original bands tracking song development and live performance data
Church and worship teams coordinating service sets
Touring acts tracking show history and optimizing sets over time

Less suited for solo performers who only need a simple list, or bands primarily focused on chart display rather than setlist management.

Getting started

Setlistly's free plan includes unlimited songs and everything you need to test the full workflow. Setup takes about 10 minutes — add your song library, invite your band members, and build your first setlist.

Start free at setlistly.com — no credit card required.