10 Must-Have iPad Apps Every Musician Should Try in 2025

Bijgewerkt op: 2025-09-03 07:55:52

The iPad has evolved from a simple tablet into a powerful creative tool that musicians across genres now rely on. Thanks to its large touch screen, powerful processors, and seamless compatibility with MIDI controllers and audio interfaces, iPadOS has become a serious platform for music creation, performance, and learning.

In 2025, musicians use iPad apps for everything—composing, recording, practicing, reading sheet music, and even managing live performances. The App Store offers an impressive range of apps, from free DAWs to professional-level production tools. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best iPad apps for musicians in 2025, highlight their strengths, and help you choose the right apps for your workflow.

Top 10 Best iPad Apps for Musicians in 2025

1. GarageBand (Free DAW for iOS)

GarageBand remains one of the most popular music apps for iPad, and for good reason. It turns your iPad into a mini studio with virtual instruments, drum machines, guitar amps, loops, and multi-track recording. For many musicians, it’s the perfect entry point into music production.

  • Pros: Free, user-friendly, integrates with Logic Pro, great sound library.
  • Cons: Limited compared to professional DAWs.
  • Best For: Beginners, songwriters, and musicians recording demos.
  • Comparison: Easier to use than Cubasis, but less powerful for complex productions.

2. Cubasis 3 (Pro DAW on iPad)

Cubasis, developed by Steinberg, brings professional DAW features to the iPad. It offers unlimited tracks, high-quality audio recording, MIDI sequencing, automation, and compatibility with third-party plugins (AUv3).

  • Pros: Full-featured DAW experience, desktop-grade workflow, reliable for serious production.
  • Cons: Paid app, more complex than GarageBand.
  • Best For: Producers, recording engineers, and professionals seeking a portable studio.
  • Comparison: More advanced than GarageBand, though not as deep as Steinberg’s Cubase on desktop.

3. Auria Pro (Advanced DAW for Professionals)

Auria Pro is another heavyweight DAW built for iPad. It supports multi-track recording, MIDI sequencing, professional-grade effects, and advanced mixing tools, making it ideal for studio-quality projects.

  • Pros: Professional features, excellent mixing environment, plug-in support.
  • Cons: Expensive, steeper learning curve.
  • Best For: Professional musicians and producers who want a desktop-level DAW on iPad.
  • Comparison: Competes with Cubasis, offering deeper mixing tools but a slightly older interface.

4. BandLab (Cloud DAW & Collaboration)

BandLab combines music production with social collaboration. It allows musicians to record unlimited tracks, mix with built-in effects, master instantly, and collaborate with other musicians worldwide.

  • Pros: Completely free, cloud sync, collaboration tools, unlimited projects.
  • Cons: Internet required for many features, less advanced than Cubasis or Auria.
  • Best For: Beginners, students, and musicians who collaborate online.
  • Comparison: Unlike GarageBand, BandLab is cross-platform and cloud-native.

5. StaffPad (Handwriting Notation for Composers)

StaffPad is a groundbreaking notation app that turns handwritten music into digital scores. Using the Apple Pencil, composers can write directly on the iPad screen, and the app converts it into beautifully engraved notation with realistic playback.

  • Pros: Natural handwriting input, professional engraving, orchestral playback.
  • Cons: Expensive, requires Apple Pencil for best use.
  • Best For: Composers, arrangers, and students writing scores.
  • Comparison: Unlike forScore, which focuses on reading sheet music, StaffPad is designed for composing.

6. forScore (Sheet Music Reader for Performers)

forScore is one of the most popular sheet music readers for iPad. It lets musicians organize digital sheet music, annotate with Apple Pencil, and create performance-ready setlists.

  • Pros: Paperless workflow, annotation tools, page-turning options, reliable on stage.
  • Cons: iOS-only, paid app.
  • Best For: Classical musicians, orchestras, and gigging performers.
  • Comparison: More suited for classical sheet music than OnSong, which is chord-chart oriented.

7. OnSong (Chord Charts & Setlists for Live Musicians)

OnSong is built for live performers, worship leaders, and bands. It manages chord charts and lyrics, lets you transpose instantly, and provides scrolling features for hands-free performance.

  • Pros: Tailored for live shows, easy setlist management, stage-friendly.
  • Cons: Subscription required for advanced features, iOS-focused.
  • Best For: Bands, singers, and worship leaders managing gigs.
  • Comparison: Unlike forScore, OnSong focuses on chord charts instead of sheet music.

8. Yousician (Learning Instruments)

Yousician is an interactive learning app for guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, and voice. It listens as you play and provides real-time feedback, turning practice into a gamified experience.

  • Pros: Fun, engaging, works with multiple instruments, structured lessons.
  • Cons: Premium subscription needed for full access.
  • Best For: Beginners and hobbyists learning instruments at home.
  • Comparison: More interactive than Tunable, though Tunable offers more precise practice tools.

9. Moises.ai (AI Stem Separation & Practice)

Moises uses AI to separate vocals, drums, and instruments from any song. Musicians can change pitch, slow down tracks, or mute parts for practice. It’s an excellent practice companion.

  • Pros: AI-powered separation, free tier available, mobile-friendly.
  • Cons: Internet required, free tier limitations.
  • Best For: Students, cover artists, and musicians practicing with backing tracks.
  • Comparison: Complements BandLab and GarageBand by focusing on practice rather than full production.

10. Audiobus (App Routing & Live Performance Tool)

Audiobus allows apps to connect and route audio between each other. It makes the iPad feel like a professional studio hub, letting musicians combine instruments, effects, and DAWs seamlessly.

  • Pros: Flexible routing, live performance integration, pro-level workflows.
  • Cons: Requires compatible apps, learning curve for beginners.
  • Best For: Live performers and advanced producers.
  • Comparison: Unique compared to other apps on this list, as it focuses on connecting tools rather than being a standalone app.

Key Features to Look for in iPad Music Apps

When choosing apps for your iPad, keep these factors in mind:

  • Multi-Track Recording: Essential for professional work (Cubasis, Auria).
  • Notation and Sheet Music: StaffPad and forScore are must-haves for composers and performers.
  • Learning Tools: Yousician helps beginners, while Moises supports practice.
  • Performance Features: OnSong and Audiobus enhance live shows.
  • Collaboration: BandLab makes sharing and co-creation easy.

Free vs Paid iPad Music Apps

Free apps like GarageBand, BandLab, and Moises’ basic version are excellent for beginners. They allow musicians to record, practice, and collaborate without investment. Paid apps such as Cubasis, Auria Pro, StaffPad, forScore, and OnSong provide professional reliability, advanced features, and stage-ready performance tools that serious musicians depend on.

Best Apps by Use Case

  • Best for Beginners: GarageBand, Yousician
  • Best for Professional Producers: Cubasis, Auria Pro
  • Best for Composers: StaffPad, forScore
  • Best for Live Performance: OnSong, Audiobus
  • Best for Collaboration & Practice: BandLab, Moises

FAQs About iPad Apps for Musicians

Which is the best free music app for iPad?
GarageBand is the best free DAW, while BandLab offers collaboration and cloud sync.

Can iPad apps replace desktop DAWs?
Yes, apps like Cubasis and Auria Pro are powerful enough for serious production, though desktops still offer more plugins and processing power.

Are iPads good for live music performance?
Yes. Apps like OnSong, forScore, and Audiobus are widely used by gigging musicians and worship leaders.

Which app is best for writing sheet music on iPad?
StaffPad is the best for composition, while forScore is ideal for reading and managing sheet music.

Do iPad apps support MIDI keyboards and audio interfaces?
Yes. Many apps, including GarageBand, Cubasis, and Auria Pro, support external MIDI devices and USB audio interfaces.

Conclusion

The iPad has become an indispensable tool for musicians in 2025. From composing with StaffPad, practicing with Yousician, and performing with OnSong, to recording with Cubasis or GarageBand, the iPad covers every aspect of the music-making journey.

Beginners can start with free tools like GarageBand and BandLab, while professionals may find apps like Auria Pro, Cubasis, and forScore essential. With the right combination of apps, your iPad can function as a complete studio, classroom, and stage assistant all in one.