Chordio
Chordio is an interactive music composition and theory app for iOS and macOS, with workspaces for Composition, Scales, Modes, Sheet Music, Music Theory and L…
What Chordio is
Chordio is an interactive music composition and theory app for iOS and macOS, with workspaces for Composition, Scales, Modes, Sheet Music, Music Theory and Lessons. Its library includes more than 40 scales. Connect a USB, MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI keyboard and Chordio identifies played chords, naming them on the grand staff in real time. Harmony Explorer finds matching scales and suggests diatonic chords, borrowed chords, secondary dominants and tritone substitutions. Users can drag progressions into Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio and other DAWs as MIDI, or import MIDI chords for re-harmonization. Sheet Music includes tempo adjustment, looping, separate-hand practice, transposition and PDF printing. Lesson Packs let users play along with pieces in any key and at any tempo. The free download includes every workspace, built-in sounds, an on-screen keyboard and real-time MIDI chord detection. Full Unlock is a $14.99 one-time purchase for Mac, iPad and Vision Pro, with lifetime updates and no subscription; the iPhone version is purchased separately. The developer states that the app collects no data.
Good
- Includes more than 40 scales.
- Recognizes chords from USB, MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI keyboards.
- Progressions can be exported to DAWs as MIDI.
- Free download includes every workspace.
Watch out
- No Android app is available.
- The iPhone version is purchased separately.
- Content Packs are optional purchases with no listed price.
Who it suits
Chordio suits producers, composers, teachers and learners who want music theory tools alongside composition and sheet music features. It is for Apple-platform users; there is no Android app.
Verdict
Chordio combines composition, theory, practice and MIDI chord tools, with a free download and a one-time Full Unlock option. Check which Apple devices the purchase covers, particularly if you need the separate iPhone version.
Plans and prices
From Chordio's own pricing page, checked 14 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | built-in sounds · on-screen keyboard · every workspace · real-time MIDI chord detection · $0 to download |
| Free download | Free | Free on the App Store · built-in sounds · on-screen keyboard · every workspace · real-time MIDI chord detection · to download |
| Full Unlock | $14.99, paid once | all workspaces and features · Mac, iPad and Vision Pro · lifetime updates · no subscription · one-time |
| Content Packs | — | Chord Packs · Sheet Music Packs · Lesson Packs · optional · no subscription · each |
The facts
Each one read from Chordio's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Android availability
- The FAQ says there is no Android app and that Chordio is currently on Apple platforms.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Android support
- Chordio does not currently have an Android app.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Device licensing
- Buying on iPad or macOS unlocks the other platform and Vision Pro, while the iPhone version is separate.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Independent app description
- The App Store describes Chordio as a composition and theory tool for producers, composers and educators with internal sounds and MIDI support.checked 14 Oct 2026
What it does
- API and SDK
- The official pages describe MIDI and DAW interoperability but provide no public API or SDK documentation.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Chord recognition
- USB, MIDI and Bluetooth MIDI keyboards can be recognised in real time with chord names shown on the grand staff.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Classroom use
- The Mac version supports independently resizable staff and keyboard views, split-screen presentation and light or dark modes.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Composition tools
- Composition supports custom chords, voicings, inversions, chord transformation, playlists, backing rhythms and MIDI/PDF export.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Content packs
- Chord Packs contain sequences and backing rhythms, Sheet Music Packs contain interactive scores, and Lesson Packs contain play-along tracks.checked 14 Oct 2026
- DAW integration
- Progressions can be dragged into Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio and other DAWs as MIDI, and MIDI can be imported back for re-harmonisation.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Harmony Explorer
- Harmony Explorer detects matching scales and suggests diatonic, borrowed, secondary-dominant and tritone-substitution chords.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Lesson content
- Lesson Packs provide play-along tracks whose speed and pitch can be adjusted.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Lessons
- Lesson Packs let users play along with pieces in any key and at any tempo.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Limit: chord and key accuracy
- A reviewer reported incorrect enharmonic chord naming and said changing key did not transpose some progression chords.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: crashes
- UK reviewers reported frequent iPad crashes that lost input, while a Chordio+ reviewer reported crashes during chord entry.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: MIDI fidelity
- A reviewer reported MIDI input not matching the original composition and said chord recognition needed improvement.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: pop-ups and value
- Chordio+ reviewers complained about intrusive pop-ups and said cheaper alternatives were available.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: purchase restoration
- A reviewer reported being unable to restore premium, chord-pack and sheet-music purchases.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Notable update
- Version 3.1.9 introduced Harmony Explorer with detected scales, functional chord suggestions and relationship colouring.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Praise: ease of use
- A UK App Store reviewer praised the interface, chord recognition, built-in sounds and usefulness for teaching and practice.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Praise: real-time learning
- A US reviewer said USB piano input was translated into notation and chords immediately and helped identify played chords.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Apple lists the developer's stated privacy practice as no data collected.checked 14 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker identity
- The App Store identifies One In A Billion Ltd as the developer and Anthony Briscoe as provider.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Maker location
- The contact page lists One In A Billion Studios in London, UK.checked 14 Oct 2026
The full review of Chordio
Overview
Chordio is a music composition, theory and practice app for people who want to develop ideas at a keyboard and carry them into a DAW. It suits Apple-based producers, composers, teachers and learners who value a broad toolkit over a single-purpose chord finder. Its strongest appeal is the combination of harmony exploration, real-time MIDI chord recognition and two-way MIDI exchange; Android users and anyone needing the separate iPhone app should look elsewhere.
Key features
Explore harmony and shape progressions
Harmony Explorer finds scales that fit a musical idea and offers diatonic chords, borrowed chords, secondary dominants and tritone substitutions. With more than 40 scales, reverse chord lookup, a progression generator and a voicing explorer, Chordio gives composers and learners several ways to move from a sound or chord toward a usable progression. That breadth is more compelling for exploration than for someone who only needs a quick chord identification tool.
Recognize chords and move ideas to a DAW
Chordio recognizes chords played on USB, MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI keyboards, then names them on the grand staff in real time. This makes it useful for turning a played idea into a readable harmonic reference. Progressions can be dragged into Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio and other DAWs as MIDI, and MIDI chords can be imported back for re-harmonization. The exchange works in both directions, so the app can support a DAW workflow rather than leaving material isolated in a separate study tool.
Practice and learn
The Sheet Music workspace supports tempo adjustment, looping, separate-hand practice, transposition and PDF printing, giving learners practical ways to work through a piece at their own pace. Lesson Packs let users play along with pieces in any key and at any tempo. These tools extend Chordio beyond composition, though users seeking lessons should account for the optional cost of Content Packs.
Pricing
The Free download costs nothing and includes built-in sounds, an on-screen keyboard, every workspace and real-time MIDI chord detection. It is a meaningful starting point for users who want to explore the app's core tools without paying, rather than a short trial that expires.
Full Unlock costs $14.99, paid once, billed one-time. It includes all workspaces and features, Mac, iPad and Vision Pro support, and lifetime updates, with no subscription. For someone who expects to use Chordio across supported Apple platforms, the one-time purchase avoids recurring charges. A purchase on iPad or macOS includes the other platform and Apple Vision Pro, but the iPhone version is purchased separately.
Content Packs are optional, billed each, and have custom pricing. They cover Chord Packs, Sheet Music Packs and Lesson Packs; their separate purchase means the Full Unlock is not the whole story for users who want additional content. Chordio has no subscription plan.
Platforms
Chordio is available for iOS and macOS, with a purchase on iPad or macOS also covering the other platform and Apple Vision Pro. The iPhone version is a separate purchase, so buyers who need it should factor that into their decision. There is no Android app, which rules it out for Android-only users. The developer states that the app does not collect any data. Support is available through a contact form, email, FAQ and video tutorials.
Who it's for
Chordio is a strong fit for Apple users who compose, teach or study music and want theory tools, practice features and MIDI workflows together. Producers can use it to explore harmony and move progressions into a DAW, while learners can work with sheet music and play-along lessons. It is a weaker fit for someone looking only for a lightweight chord finder, an Android app, or a solution that includes the iPhone version in the same purchase.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad composition, theory and practice coverage in one app, including more than 40 scales and six workspaces.
- Real-time naming of chords played on USB, MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI keyboards can help turn keyboard ideas into readable notation.
- Two-way MIDI exchange supports sending progressions to major DAWs and importing chords back for re-harmonization.
- Full Unlock is a one-time purchase with lifetime updates and coverage for Mac, iPad and Vision Pro.
Cons
- The iPhone version is purchased separately, unlike the cross-platform coverage of an iPad or macOS purchase.
- There is no Android app, excluding users who need native Android support.
- Content Packs cost extra, so users seeking additional chord, sheet music or lesson material may pay beyond Full Unlock.
Alternatives
ChordU is a better option for someone who wants Android or web access, or specifically needs uploads, MusicOnly mode and downloads in its $5 a month Premium plan; it also has a free limited-access plan.
Chord Analyser is an Android and iOS alternative with a free plan, suited to readers comparing mobile chord-analysis apps.
ChordSequence is worth choosing if Android or web access and free WAV and MIDI export matter more than Chordio's broader composition and practice toolkit; all its features are free without a paywall or usage limit.
OtoTheory may suit iOS users who prefer a web companion and want to compare its three local sketch saves on the free plan with its 99.99 USD one-time Lifetime plan.
Chord ai is a mobile alternative for Android and iOS users; its free plan states unlimited use of basic features, with advanced features in a $9 a month monthly Pro plan.
Harmony Pro is a free choice for readers seeking a macOS, Windows or web alternative.
SongEngine is an option for macOS or Windows users looking for a free core plug-in with 60+ presets.
ChordProgressions.org is a free in-browser studio alternative for web users; JavaScript is required for its playback and editing.
For more options, see Chord Finder Software.
Verdict
Choose Chordio if you use Apple devices and want harmony exploration, practice tools and two-way DAW MIDI workflows in one place, with a one-time Full Unlock rather than a subscription. Its main drawbacks are the separate iPhone purchase, no Android support and extra charges for Content Packs. If you need Android access or a narrow chord-finding tool, another app will be a better fit.
Getting started
- Visit chordio.co.uk.
- Download the free version from the App Store.
- Use the on-screen keyboard or connect a USB, MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI keyboard.
- Purchase Full Unlock for $14.99 one-time for Mac, iPad and Vision Pro.
- Purchase the iPhone version separately if needed.
Limits worth knowing
The free download includes every workspace, built-in sounds, an on-screen keyboard and real-time MIDI chord detection. Full Unlock costs $14.99 one-time; it does not include the separately purchased iPhone version, and optional Content Packs are billed separately.
Questions
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The free download includes every workspace, built-in sounds, an on-screen keyboard and real-time MIDI chord detection.
How much does Full Unlock cost?
Full Unlock is $14.99 USD one-time, with no subscription and lifetime updates.
Which platforms are supported?
Chordio is available on iOS and macOS. A purchase on iPad or macOS includes the other platform and Apple Vision Pro; the iPhone version is purchased separately.
Does Chordio work with DAWs?
Progressions can be dragged into Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio and other DAWs as MIDI. MIDI chords can also be imported back for re-harmonization.
What does the app do with personal data?
The developer states that Chordio does not collect any data.
Alternatives to Chordio
- 1
ChordU
Free planAndroidiOSWeb7.9From $50 a year - 2
Chord Analyser
Free planAndroidiOS7.6$3.49 one-time - 3
Chordify
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.3From $2 a month - 4
Chord ai
Free planAndroidiOS7.1From $69 a year - 5
Reverse Chord Finder Pro
iOSmacOS7.1From $0.99 a month - 6
OtoTheory
Free planiOSWeb6.9$99.99 one-time