Comparison
BandStack vs BandHelper
BandHelper and BandStack both help bands get organized, but they start from different places. BandHelper grew from the stage: a deep performance tool with set lists, charts, backing tracks and gear control. BandStack grew from the group text: getting the whole band on the same page about dates, setlists and gigs, with the stage view built in. Here’s an honest look at both.
We make BandStack, so we’re not neutral. Everything below about BandHelper comes from its own pricing page, its features page, its comparison chart and its App Store listing, checked in October 2026. Prices and features change; check their site for the latest. BandHelper is a trademark of its owner.
The short answer
- Choose BandHelper if your show runs on technology: backing tracks, click tracks, MIDI program changes, lighting cues, foot-switch control. It has been doing this since 2013, and it goes deep.
- Choose BandStack if your band’s headache is coordination: who can play which dates, what we’re playing, who’s been paid, and keeping a band website up to date, with a stage view that shows each player their own part.
Side by side
| BandStack | BandHelper | |
|---|---|---|
| Built around | The whole band: dates, gigs, setlists, chat, money, website | Performance: repertoire, charts, set lists, backing tracks, MIDI |
| Price | Free for a band of up to 8. Pro $12 a month and Pro Plus $24 a month, per band | From $4 a month (Basic, 2 to 5 members) to $12 a month (Pro, 6 to 20 members), per band. A full 30-day free trial; no free plan |
| Who pays | One subscription covers the whole band | One subscription covers the whole band |
| Runs on | Any phone, tablet or computer, in the browser; installs to the home screen | iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac apps, plus a web interface |
| Availability | Members mark any day; the band sees which dates everyone can make | Bandmates accept or decline events you create |
| Building setlists | Setlist Builder drafts whole nights from your songs, ratings and energy shape | Smart lists that filter and sort your songs |
| On stage | Gig View: each player’s own part, auto-scroll, foot pedal, metronome | Charts and lyrics with auto-scroll, foot switches, backing tracks, MIDI and lighting |
| Band chat | Built in, with photos, replies and @mentions | Not listed on its features page |
| Song ratings | After each gig, the band rates how songs went | Bandmates can rate songs |
| Website | A full band website that updates from your gigs and songs, on your own domain | Feeds your public events and set lists to your existing website |
| Contracts and invoices | Contracts signed by both sides online; invoices (Pro Plus) | Invoices (Pro) |
Where BandHelper is stronger
- Stage technology. Backing tracks, MIDI bank and program changes, lighting, Apple Watch, reference recordings with loop and speed controls. If your rig depends on these, BandHelper is the specialist.
- Native apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac, its own screen layouts you can design, and a long track record.
- Price for small bands. Its Basic plan for 2 to 5 members is $4 a month.
Where BandStack is stronger
- Scheduling. Members mark their days once (with a usual week), and the band sees the dates everyone can play before a venue even calls.
- Building the night. The Setlist Builder drafts full sets from what your band rated well, keeps guitar changes down and spreads out each singer’s songs.
- One place to talk. Chat is built in, next to the gig and setlist it’s about.
- The business side. Contracts the venue signs from their phone, invoices, documents and a band website that keeps itself current.
- A free plan that covers the whole band for as long as you like, not just a 30-day trial.
Can you use both?
Yes, and some bands will. If your keys player runs MIDI and tracks from BandHelper, the rest of the band can still use BandStack for dates, setlists, chat and the website. BandStack doesn’t try to control your gear.
See if BandStack fits your band
Free for the whole band, and eligible new bands start with a free 30-day Pro Plus trial. No credit card required.
See BandStackCompare plans