Harmony Assistant vs Sibelius

Harmony Assistant is desktop software for computer-assisted music composition and editing. It supports MusicXML, MIDI, parts extraction, and tablature, and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Users can enter scores with a mouse, computer keyboard, or external MIDI keyboard, then work in full-page editing or engraver mode for score layout. Its embedded SoftSynth contains hundreds of instruments and can play through basic sound cards without external MIDI hardware. The program loads and saves MIDI, WAV, AIFF, MP3, OGG, TAB, ABC, and XML files. The embedded MyrScript language lets users add features. Documents can be password-protected and allowed to play without modification. Virtual Singer is an additional module for singing lyrics in multiple languages and voices. The trial has no time limit, but saving is disabled and printing is limited to one page while unregistered. A registration code is a lifetime license for one platform and includes future versions.

Sibelius is professional music notation software for writing, editing, and sharing scores. Notes can be entered with MIDI, a keyboard, or Apple Pencil, and MusicXML and MIDI files can be imported while retaining performance data. It supports tablature, VST3 and AU virtual instruments, and AI chord suggestions that generate or complete chord symbols. Edits to dynamic parts stay synchronized with the score. Scores can be published to a private dashboard for browser viewing and playback, while classroom tools let teachers share files and guide student focus from a workstation. Sibelius runs on desktop, mobile, and web, with support for Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone, and Chromebook. Sibelius First is described as free notation software for people new to notation. Artist allows up to 24 staves per score and cloud sharing for 20 scores; Ultimate allows unlimited staves and cloud sharing. The Ultimate Perpetual Bundle costs 899.00 USD as a one-time purchase and includes PhotoScore Ultimate and AudioScore Ultimate. Annual plans are listed at $79 a year for Artist and $159 a year for Ultimate. Displayed prices exclude VAT and applicable taxes.