SightSing vs EarMaster
An honest, side-by-side look at both apps.
EarMaster has been the default ear-training app for music students since 1996. It's comprehensive, classroom-ready, and Windows/Mac/iOS native. SightSing is newer, web-based, and built around one thing: real-time microphone feedback while you sing. Here's the honest comparison.
| Feature | SightSing | EarMaster | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singer-focused (mic-based grading) | Yes — every exercise grades your voice in real time | Limited — mic-based singing is one mode; most exercises are click-to-identify | |||
| Sight-singing 18-level curriculum | Yes — peer-reviewed by a vocal-pedagogy PhD | Yes — much broader course library across many skills | |||
| Interval / chord / scale identification | Intervals only (singer-focused) | Intervals, chords, scales, chord progressions — much broader | Note: If you need broad theory ear-training (chord identification, harmonic progression), EarMaster wins. | ||
| Rhythm trainer | Yes — tap or clap, real-time onset detection | Yes — rhythm reading and dictation modules | |||
| Works on iPhone Safari | Yes — native web, just open the link | iOS app required (App Store install) | |||
| No download required | Yes — browser-based | No — desktop install or App Store | |||
| Classroom / school deployment | Not yet — teacher pilot waitlist only | Yes — full school licenses, LMS integration, teacher dashboards | Note: If you run a school music program, EarMaster is the better fit today. | ||
| Pricing | $4.99/mo or $49/year | ~$60 one-time (EarMaster Pro) or ~$30/year (EarMaster Cloud) | Note: EarMaster's one-time license is a better deal if you'll use it for years. SightSing's subscription is lower upfront and includes ongoing curriculum updates. | ||
| Free tier | Yes — levels 1–3 free forever, no card required | Free version with limited exercises | |||
| Best for | Singers, choir members, voice students, returning adult musicians | Music theory students, instrumentalists, classroom programs | |||
The honest verdict
- Choose EarMaster if you need broad ear training across many skills (chords, progressions, theory), if you're in a classroom program, or if you prefer a one-time purchase to a subscription.
- Choose SightSing if you're specifically a singer (choir, voice student, returning musician) and you want real-time feedback on your singing voice — not click-to-identify drills.
- Many users use both. EarMaster for theory and ear training; SightSing for the daily singing practice. They're not directly competing — they overlap at the seam.