Sick of using your computer to make music? You don't have to! There are tons of awesome music arranging apps that let you create beats, write songs, and even record vocals - all from your phone! This list has got you covered, with the best of the best apps for making music on Android and iPhone, including Groovepad, BandLab, and Music Maker JAM.
These apps have everything you need to get your creative juices flowing, from simple loops to full-blown instruments, and they're super easy to use, even if you're a beginner. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out, you'll find an app on this list that's perfect for your needs. Get ready to rock!
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Groovepad |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 99M+ | Create your own songs, Easy to use, Extensive sound library |
| 2. BandLab |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 82M+ | Multi-track recording, Built-in effects, Royalty-free samples |
| 3. Music Maker JAM |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 31M+ | 300+ Mix Packs, 500,000+ loops, Easy-to-use interface |
| 4. n |  | Android, iOS | 3.9/5 | 15M+ | Unlimited audio tracks, Professional effects, Share and collaborate |
| 5. MuseScore |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 8M+ | Extensive sheet music collection, Free access to over 1.7 million pieces |
| 6. Maestro |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 3M+ | Write music quickly, Learn musical notations, Compose music easily |
| 7. Soundtrap Studio |  | Android, iOS | 3.8/5 | 3M+ | Real-time collaboration, Thousands of high-quality loops |
1. Groovepad
Intuitive pad-based music creation, Extensive library of sound packs
Cost:
Free (Free), Groovepad Pro ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 98 million downloads |
| Features | Groovepad offers a user-friendly interface, a diverse library of soundtracks, diverse genre options, beat-making capabilities, and the ability to create and share your own music. |
| Who It’s For | Music lovers, aspiring musicians, and anyone looking for a fun and easy way to create their own music. |
- Tags:
- Easy to use
- Unique soundtracks
- Step-by-step tutorials
Groovepad is a mobile music arranging app that lets you create your own beats and songs with a surprisingly intuitive interface. Users have praised its ease of use, noting that even young children can create enjoyable tracks. While some users have encountered technical issues like audio distortion or occasional crashes, the app's overall appeal lies in its ability to turn anyone into a music maker. It offers a diverse library of sounds across various genres, allowing you to experiment and craft unique tracks. While features like multi-sound control and expanded FX options are desired by some users, Groovepad continues to be a fun and engaging tool for anyone wanting to delve into the world of music creation.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use, even for kids
- Great for creating music on the go
- Lots of sounds and loops available
- Fun and creative music making experience
- Audio distortion on some devices
- Limited control over sound layering
- Unlock protocols for sound packs can be tedious
Why we chose it?
Groovepad is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get into music arranging on their phone. It's incredibly user-friendly, even if you're a complete beginner, and offers a huge library of sounds across various genres. The ability to quickly build loops and experiment with different beats makes it a ton of fun, and you'll be surprised how quickly you can create cool tracks!
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2. BandLab
Multi-track recording and editing, Built-in effects and instruments
Cost:
Free (Free), BandLab+ (Monthly) ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 82 million |
| Features | BandLab offers a multi-track studio with recording, editing, mixing, built-in effects, royalty-free loops, collaboration tools, and social sharing features. |
| Who It’s For | Musicians, producers, beatmakers, aspiring artists, and anyone interested in creating and sharing music. |
- Tags:
- Multi-track Recording
- Built-in Effects
- Royalty-free Loops
BandLab is a powerful music arranging app that packs a surprising amount of depth into its mobile interface. With an extensive library of loops, effects, and even virtual instruments with multiple interface options, you'll have endless possibilities for crafting your musical visions. The app boasts a generous free tier, allowing users to explore its features without limitations. While some users have noted slight lag with complex projects, the overall consensus is that BandLab provides a user-friendly and inspiring environment for mobile music production, perfect for both beginners and seasoned musicians.
Pros & Cons
- Vast library for song creation
- Free and without usage limits
- Digital instruments with multiple interfaces
- Social media integration for sharing
- Lags with multiple layers of music
- Limited visual studio view while recording
- Missing theramin sound/instrument
Why we chose it?
BandLab is my go-to music arranging app because it's packed with features that make it easy to create professional-sounding tracks on the go. From recording and editing to mixing and mastering, BandLab has everything you need to bring your musical ideas to life. And with seamless collaboration and sharing tools, you can easily connect with other musicians and share your creations with the world.
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3. Music Maker JAM
Vast library of loops, Intuitive beat creation tools, Easy sharing and collaboration
Cost:
Free (Free), JAM Pro ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 31 million downloads |
| Features | Music Maker JAM is a powerful music arranging app that provides a variety of tools for creating and remixing music, including loops, instruments, effects, and more. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in creating or remixing music, from beginners to experienced producers. |
- Tags:
- Easy to use
- Over 300 Mix Packs
- 500,000+ loops
Music Maker JAM is a versatile music arranging app that empowers users to create and customize their own beats and tracks with ease. The app boasts a vast library of loops across various genres, allowing users to effortlessly blend and experiment with different sounds. Users rave about the app's intuitive controls, enabling them to adjust volumes, add their own recordings, and fine-tune every aspect of their creations. However, while the app excels in its core functionality, some users have expressed concerns about the lack of automatic song transfer between devices, occasional recording overwrites, and potential crashes during prolonged editing sessions. These issues, while acknowledged, do not detract from the overall enjoyment and creative possibilities offered by this engaging music arranging app.
Pros & Cons
- Easy music creation
- Many melodies and tracks
- Record own music
- Adjust volume and parts
- Songs not synced between devices
- Recordings can replace existing ones
- Crashes after prolonged use
Why we chose it?
Music Maker JAM is my go-to for arranging music on the go! It's packed with hundreds of thousands of loops across tons of genres, making it super easy to build unique tracks, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. Plus, the intuitive interface makes it a breeze to experiment with different sounds and effects, so you can really bring your creative vision to life.
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4. n
Unlimited audio tracks recording, Loop browser and sample packs
Cost:
Free (Free), n-Track Studio Pro ($14.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 14 million downloads |
| Features | n-Track Studio offers a comprehensive suite of tools for recording, mixing, editing, and mastering music, including multi-track recording, virtual instruments, effects, and a step sequencer. |
| Who It’s For | Music producers, songwriters, and anyone who wants to create and arrange music on their Android device. |
- Tags:
- Unlimited audio tracks
- Built-in effects & plugins
- Step sequencer beat maker
n-Track is a powerful music arranging app for mobile devices that offers a wealth of features for creating and editing music. While some users find the interface initially complex, the app boasts a precise sequencer and impressive audio quality, even in its free version. However, users have reported concerns about track management, with issues like accidental deletion of both tracks and their corresponding sound files. Additionally, there are reports of exported MP3 files not saving to the phone's storage, leading to lost work. Despite these challenges, many users praise n-Track's intuitive layering capabilities and the Songtree community for sharing and collaborating on music.
Pros & Cons
- Accurate sequencer for music
- Easy to layer vocal tracks
- Free multi-track recording app
- Good for music arranging
- Difficult to use for beginners
- Deleting tracks removes sound files
- Exporting to mp3 is unreliable
Why we chose it?
I'm a big fan of n-Track Studio – it's really the best all-around music arranging app I've found for Android and iPhone. The intuitive interface lets me easily lay down tracks, mix, and add effects, while the huge library of loops and samples gives me a ton of creative options. And I love the collaborative features – it's super fun to share my work and get feedback from other musicians.
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5. MuseScore
Extensive sheet music library, Intuitive music notation editor
Cost:
Free (Free), MuseScore Pro ($14.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 7.5 million downloads |
| Features | MuseScore offers a comprehensive set of tools for composing, editing, and printing sheet music, including a wide range of instruments, notation features, and audio playback capabilities. |
| Who It’s For | Musicians, composers, students, and educators who need a powerful and versatile music arranging app. |
- Tags:
- Extensive sheet music collection
- Free access to 1.7 million pieces
- Suitable for all instruments
MuseScore, a popular music arranging app for mobile devices, boasts a vast library of free scores, offering a treasure trove for musicians of all levels. While users praise its impressive collection and the ability to view and practice scores on the go, recent updates have brought about mixed reactions. Some have found the app to be glitchy and slow, with search functionality often failing to deliver expected results. Others, however, welcome the new score viewer in MuseScore 4, but express frustration over subscription offers and the lack of download options on Android. Ultimately, despite its potential, MuseScore's mobile app currently faces challenges in providing a smooth and reliable music arranging experience.
Pros & Cons
- Large collection of free scores
- New score viewer is great
- No ads in the free version
- Supports MuseScore 4 format
- App is often glitchy and unstable
- Subscription offers are intrusive
- Search functionality is unreliable
Why we chose it?
MuseScore is my go-to app for arranging music on the go. It's packed with features like a comprehensive notation editor, a huge library of free scores, and easy sharing capabilities, making it perfect for collaborating with other musicians. Plus, it's incredibly intuitive to use, even for beginners, so you can start arranging and sharing your music right away!
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6. Maestro
Compose music quickly and easily, Write various musical notations
Cost:
Free (Free), Maestro Pro ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 3 million downloads |
| Features | Maestro lets you write sheet music with various musical notations and symbols, compose music easily, and even add dynamic effects, articulations, and more. |
| Who It’s For | Music composers, songwriters, music students, and anyone who wants to write music easily. |
- Tags:
- Easy music composition
- Write and learn notations
- Compose music quickly
Maestro is a powerful music arranging app that empowers both students and experienced musicians to craft their musical ideas. While some users have noted minor quirks in the interface, like the need for manual lyric spacing when printing, the app's overall functionality and intuitive design shine through. Maestro offers a wide range of tools for creating intricate musical arrangements, allowing users to experiment with different instruments, dynamics, and even the gradual tempo changes of a ritardando. With its vast library of instruments and intuitive interface, Maestro is a valuable tool for anyone looking to bring their musical visions to life.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use for arranging
- Powerful for music composition
- Regular updates with new features
- Good for students learning arranging
- Lyrics printing quality issues
- Limited ritardando tempo control
- Key signature display inconsistent
Why we chose it?
Maestro is my go-to music arranging app because it's incredibly user-friendly, letting me create intricate musical arrangements with ease. The intuitive interface and vast library of musical notation symbols make it a breeze to write everything from simple melodies to complex orchestral scores. Plus, Maestro's ability to export my work in multiple formats means I can easily share it with others or print it out for rehearsals.
7. Soundtrap Studio
Real-time collaborative music making, Thousands of high-quality loops
Cost:
Free (Free), Solo ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music Arranging App |
| Downloads | Over 3 Million |
| Features | Soundtrap allows you to record, edit, and arrange music with a wide range of instruments, loops, and effects, all within a collaborative online studio. |
| Who It’s For | Musicians, producers, songwriters, podcasters, educators, and anyone looking to create and collaborate on music projects. |
- Tags:
- Real-time collaboration
- Thousands of high-quality loops
- Remote recording with chat
Soundtrap Studio is a powerful music arranging app that shines on desktop, offering a comprehensive set of tools for recording, EQing, and collaborating with other musicians. While the mobile app version has the potential to be just as impressive, it's currently hampered by occasional glitches and crashes, leading to a less-than-smooth user experience. Despite these drawbacks, the app's core functionality and user-friendly interface suggest it's worth keeping an eye on as it continues to develop and address these issues.
Pros & Cons
- Collaborative music creation
- Basic recording and EQ
- Easy-to-learn tutorials
- Intuitive website format
- Slow and buggy app
- Frequent app crashes
- Unreliable messaging system
Why we chose it?
Soundtrap Studio is my go-to app for arranging music on the go! It's packed with features like hundreds of instruments and thousands of loops, making it super easy to build a track from scratch. Plus, the real-time collaboration with friends makes it even more fun. I love that I can easily switch between devices and continue working on my music wherever I am!
8. Score Creator
Intuitive note input system, Comprehensive chord symbol library
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 995,000 downloads |
| Features | Score Creator offers a range of tools for composing, editing, and arranging music, including note input, chord diagrams, and a comprehensive library of musical symbols. |
| Who It’s For | Songwriters, composers, musicians, and music lovers who want a powerful music arranging app on their mobile device. |
- Tags:
- User-Friendly Interface
- Fast and Efficient Music Input
- Comprehensive Music Notation
Score Creator bills itself as a music arranging app for mobile devices, promising a streamlined way to compose on the go. While it's praised for its beginner-friendliness and intuitive interface, experienced musicians might find it lacking in the depth and precision offered by desktop counterparts. Some users, accustomed to the power of programs like Sibelius and Finale, have expressed frustration with the app's limitations in editing and note manipulation, finding the process cumbersome and inefficient. While Score Creator boasts a user-friendly interface, seasoned composers may find themselves yearning for a more robust and nuanced music arranging experience.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to understand UI
- Good for beginner songwriters
- Free to use and download
- Supports basic music notation
- Not intuitive for experienced users
- Limited notation features
- Difficult to edit note durations
Why we chose it?
Score Creator is a fantastic choice for arranging music on your phone, and here's why. First, it's incredibly user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a layout that makes it easy to add notes, chords, and other elements. Second, it offers a robust set of features that go beyond basic notation, including the ability to create custom instruments, edit tempo and time signatures, and even add lyrics and guitar tabs. Finally, it's constantly updated with new features and improvements, making it a truly powerful and versatile tool for any music arranger.
9. Music Writer
Compose and edit sheet music, Supports multiple staves and layers
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 473,000 downloads |
| Features | Music Writer allows you to compose, create, and edit sheet music with features like adding notes, changing time signatures, copying sections, adding lyrics, and playing back your creations. |
| Who It’s For | Music Writer is a great [music arranging app] for musicians, composers, and students who want to create and edit sheet music on their mobile devices. |
- Tags:
- MIDI compatible
- Multi-staff editing
- Lyric support
Music Writer is a powerhouse music arranging app that's steadily gaining momentum on mobile. The developers are constantly pushing out updates, adding new features and notation symbols every few days, making it a truly dynamic tool. Users rave about its ease of use, comprehensive features, and affordability, placing it at the top of the pack. While some beginners might find the traditional note-writing process a bit challenging, the app's impressive features, including multiple instrument support, accurate playback, and the ability to save and update scores, are praised by experienced users who appreciate its intuitive design and robust capabilities.
Pros & Cons
- Frequent updates with new features
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Comprehensive features for music notation
- Affordable and offers great value
- Requires knowledge of music notation
- Lacks a note selection feature for beginners
- May not be as well-known as other apps
Why we chose it?
Music Writer is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to arrange music on their mobile device. It's packed with features like multi-track editing, MIDI support, and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to bring your musical ideas to life. Whether you're a seasoned composer or just starting out, Music Writer provides a powerful and intuitive platform for arranging music on the go.
10. Flat
Real-time collaboration with others, Cloud-based music editing software
Cost:
Free (Free), Plus ($5.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 340,000 downloads |
| Features | Flat is a cloud-based music notation and arranging app offering real-time collaboration, sheet music editing, exporting to various formats, and an intuitive interface with support for multiple instruments. |
| Who It’s For | Composers, musicians, students, teachers, and anyone who wants to create and share music. |
- Tags:
- Real-time collaboration
- Cloud-based music notation
- Intuitive Interface
Flat is a music arranging app that lets you create, edit, and share your musical ideas with ease. While users rave about its intuitive interface and fun features, perfect for exploring and creating unique melodies, some have experienced issues with PDF export on certain devices. The app boasts a wide range of instruments and offers a free version with options to upgrade for expanded features. While some users have noted minor issues with specific instrument sounds, overall, Flat is a powerful and enjoyable tool for anyone interested in composing and arranging music.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use
- Wide instrument variety
- Fun for all ages
- Create unique music
- PDF export issues
- HQ trumpet dynamic issues
- Limited percussion voices
Why we chose it?
Flat is the ultimate choice for mobile music arranging because it's super intuitive and lets you create and edit scores quickly with its clean and modern interface. It's also cloud-based, so you can collaborate with others in real-time and access your music from any device. And if you need to export your work, Flat supports a variety of formats, including PDF, MIDI, and MusicXML.
11. Toool
Intuitive music creation interface, Powerful music generator (no AI)
Cost:
Free (Free), Toool Pro ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 230,000 downloads |
| Features | Toool offers a wide range of features for music production, including a virtual keyboard, drum machine, sampler, looper, and a powerful music generator. |
| Who It’s For | Toool is perfect for anyone who wants to create music on the go, including beatmakers, composers, musicians, and anyone interested in music arrangement. |
- Tags:
- Powerful Music Generator
- Beginner-Friendly Interface
- AI-Powered Composition
Toool is a mobile music arranging app that's been praised for its ability to spark creativity and help musicians learn the theory behind their sounds. Users love its intuitive interface and engaging features, calling it "super interesting" and "a very fun app to experiment on." One user even credits Toool with breaking through a creative block, noting its "awesome" sidechaining feature as a key element. While some users desire more advanced instruments and effects, the app's potential for growth is undeniable. As one user describes it, Toool is "a huge resource" for any musician looking to refine their skills and understand the building blocks of their own music.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use and fun
- Engaging for creative blocks
- Helpful for music learning
- Good for experimenting with sounds
- No real virtual instruments
- Lacks audio track (WAV)
- Subscription model not preferred
Why we chose it?
Toool is my go-to app for arranging music on my phone because it's so intuitive and powerful! I love that it uses sophisticated algorithms to generate unique musical ideas, rather than relying on AI, and it's super easy to experiment with different sounds and rhythms. Plus, it's surprisingly versatile, letting me arrange entire songs, build beats, and even create custom sound packs - all on my phone!
12. iWriteMusic
Intuitive sheet music creation, Comprehensive notation tools
Cost:
Free (Free), Pro ($19.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Music & Audio |
| Downloads | Over 53,000 downloads |
| Features | iWriteMusic is a music arranging app offering a wide range of tools for creating sheet music, including notation, lyrics, chords, and staff customization, making it perfect for professional musicians, teachers, students, and composers. |
| Who It’s For | Professional musicians, music teachers, students, songwriters, composers, and arrangers. |
- Tags:
- Easy Music Writing
- Intuitive Interface
- Comprehensive Tools
iWriteMusic is a powerful music arranging app that empowers you to notate and protect your musical creations. Users rave about its intuitive design, which makes it easy to write down ideas and create professional-looking scores. While some users have encountered minor bugs and limitations, particularly with the Android version's performance and audio playback restrictions, iWriteMusic remains a highly-rated app that stands out for its ease of use and comprehensive features, making it a must-have tool for any serious musician.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to create sheet music
- Helps copyright and protect songs
- Intuitive interface for song notation
- Best notation app for many users
- Bugs in editor mode and submenus
- Jagged movement and scrolling on Android
- Limited free audio playback duration
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love iWriteMusic! It's the easiest app for arranging music I've ever used, with intuitive controls and a clean interface. Plus, it's got everything you need to create professional-quality sheet music, from adding clefs and time signatures to customizing instrument sounds and exporting in multiple formats. If you're looking for a powerful yet user-friendly music arranging app, iWriteMusic is the clear winner!