Best iPad setlist app for live bands (2025)
If you play live, your iPad is probably already on a music stand. The question isn’t whether to go digital: it’s which setlist app for iPad won’t let you down when the gig gets real.
Here’s what actually matters on stage, and how StageRally stacks up.
1. Works without venue WiFi
Gig venues are WiFi deserts. Basements, festivals, wedding barns: the network always fails at the worst moment.
What to look for: offline-first design. Your setlist should be fully on the device before soundcheck.
StageRally: every device caches the full set. No internet? You keep playing. When connection returns, live sync resumes automatically.
2. No forced App Store install
Not every band member has the same tablet. Some use Android. Some use a laptop at FOH.
What to look for: browser-based access so anyone can join with a link.
StageRally: works in your browser on iPad, iPhone, Android and laptop. Nothing to install. You can add it to the home screen for a full-screen experience.
3. The whole band on the same song
Solo chart apps are fine for solo acts. Bands need live sync: one person advances, everyone follows.
StageRally: on Club and Mainstage, the bandleader taps next and connected screens follow. You can also adjust your setlist live during a show with live editing.
4. Foot pedal support
Hands on your instrument, not the screen.
StageRally: Bluetooth foot pedal pairing in Settings. Page forward/back without touching the iPad.
5. Lyrics and chords per musician
Singers need words. Guitarists need chords. Same song, different view.
StageRally: per-person tabs and views so each role sees what they need.
How StageRally compares to OnSong and BandHelper
| StageRally | OnSong | BandHelper | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live band sync | ✓ Club / Mainstage | No | ✓ |
| Browser / no install | ✓ | iOS app | App required |
| Offline-first | ✓ | ✓ | Partial |
| Live set editing | ✓ | No | Partial |
| Free solo tier | ✓ Soundcheck | Trial | Trial |
OnSong is excellent for solo chart management on iOS. BandHelper is a full band OS. StageRally focuses on one thing: everyone on the same song, reliably, on any device.
Start free on your iPad today
- Open live.stagerally.app in Safari
- Create a free Soundcheck account
- Add your first songs and setlist
- Tap Share → Add to Home Screen for stage mode
Need a walkthrough? Our iPad install guide and first setlist tutorial get you gig-ready in minutes.
Questions about pricing or live sync? See pricing or read how StageRally compares to other setlist apps.
Try StageRally
Try StageRally for free
Build your setlist and start right away, solo or with your band.