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TuxGuitar alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave TuxGuitar: packages aren't signed, so installs need security warnings bypassed, and playback sounds are basic MIDI compared with Guitar Pro. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces TuxGuitar, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Guitar Pro currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Guitar Pro logoGuitar ProPaidNoWindows, macOS, iOS +110 of 1066.5
  1. Guitar Pro logo

    1. Guitar ProTop pick

    Best for: Guitarists, bassists and teachers who write, transcribe or practise from tabs

    PaidWindows, macOS, iOS, Android

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from TuxGuitar

    The paid standard, with much better playback sounds and practice tools.

    Pros

    • The .gp format is widely shared, so lots of tabs open directly
    • Strong practice tools: tempo changes, looping, metronome and tuner
    • Imports and exports MusicXML, MIDI, PowerTab and audio formats
    • One licence covers installs on up to 5 computers for one user

    Cons

    • Paid after a 7-day trial, with no free tier
    • No Linux version
    • Engraving options are thinner than in dedicated notation programs
    Visit Guitar Pro Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Guitar Pro a good TuxGuitar alternative?

    Verified facts

    10 of 10 verified
    Free trial
    7 days
    Checked Oct 29, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS
    Checked Oct 29, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Installs per licence
    5 computers
    Checked Oct 29, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Import formats
    GP, PowerTab, MIDI, ASCII, TablEdit, MusicXML
    Checked Oct 29, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mobile apps
    iOS and Android
    Checked Oct 29, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Downloads
    Over 15 million since 1997
    Checked Oct 29, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $69.95 one-time (Guitar Pro 8 licence)
    Checked Nov 1, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Upgrade price
    $34.95 for owners of versions 1 to 7
    Checked Nov 1, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    mySongBook plan
    $40 for 12 months
    Checked Nov 1, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Student discount
    50% for students of enrolled schools
    Checked Nov 1, 2026guitar-pro.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best TuxGuitar alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Guitar Pro logo

Best TuxGuitar alternative for most people

Guitar Pro

The paid standard, with much better playback sounds and practice tools.

Songsterr logo

Best TuxGuitar alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Songsterr

For playing along with existing tabs online instead of maintaining your own files.

Guitar Pro logo

Best TuxGuitar alternative for Mac

Guitar Pro

The paid standard, with much better playback sounds and practice tools.

Guitar Pro logo

Best TuxGuitar alternative for Windows

Guitar Pro

The paid standard, with much better playback sounds and practice tools.

Guitar Pro logo

Best TuxGuitar alternative for iPhone and Android

Guitar Pro

The paid standard, with much better playback sounds and practice tools.

Songsterr logo

Best TuxGuitar alternative for working in the browser

Songsterr

For playing along with existing tabs online instead of maintaining your own files.

TuxGuitar alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to TuxGuitar?

Guitar Pro ranks first right now. The paid standard, with much better playback sounds and practice tools.

Is there a free alternative to TuxGuitar?

Yes. Songsterr (free plan + paid) has a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to TuxGuitar?

None of the 2 alternatives in this list is open source.

Why do people switch from TuxGuitar?

The complaints we hear most: packages aren't signed, so installs need security warnings bypassed; playback sounds are basic MIDI compared with Guitar Pro; version 2.0+ files can't be read by older TuxGuitar releases.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces TuxGuitar, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.