Stackapella and Smule
As of November 2026
Smule is for singing songs with others: duets and group performances from a catalogue of over 15 million songs, with pitch guides. Stackapella is for learning harmony and recording every part yourself, from public-domain songs and your own.
Who each is for
Smule is for
- Singing popular songs from a very large catalogue.
- Duets and group performances with other singers.
- Live karaoke sessions.
Stackapella is for
- Learning a harmony part by ear, with feedback on your pitch.
- Recording every part of a song yourself.
- Free courses, from your first note to four-part harmony.
Side by side
| Smule | Stackapella | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Android. Web: not stated12 | In any modern browser, on phones and computers. It installs like an app; there's no app-store app yet |
| Price | Join duets free. VIP: $5.99 to $12.99, or $7.99 a week (App Store)12 | Free to learn. Plus is $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year |
| Learn a part by ear, with live pitch feedback | Pitch guides while you sing. Learning a harmony part: not stated12 | Yes: hear each part from a guide voice, then sing it while your notes light up as you hit them |
| Record your own parts, stacked in time | Layered group songs2 | Yes: record each part over the ones before, lined up in time |
| Harmony parts suggested for your own tune | Not stated | Yes: sing or hum a tune, and alto, tenor and bass are suggested to fit it |
| A course from first note to harmony | Not stated | Yes: free courses, from your first note to four-part harmony, and on skills and styles |
| Choir tools | Not stated. Duets, group performances and live sessions2 | Choir groups and practice tracks |
| Bring in sheet music (MusicXML or MIDI) | Not stated | Not yet: sing or hum a tune, write it in the note editor, or open a Stackapella file |
| Languages | 141 | English |
| Open source | Not stated | Yes, under the Attribution Assurance License |
"Not stated" means we couldn't find it in the product's own listing or website, not that it's missing.
Where each fits better
Where Smule fits better
- You want to sing popular songs with other people.
- You want duets, groups and live sessions.
Where Stackapella fits better
- You want to learn to hold a harmony part.
- You want to record every part yourself.
- You want a course that starts at your first note.
Questions
Does Stackapella have popular songs?
Its library is public-domain songs, like Amazing Grace, and you can make your own. It doesn't license popular songs.
Can I sing with friends in Stackapella?
Yes: share a song by link so friends can learn it part by part, and choirs can use groups.
Is Stackapella free?
Yes: every course and every song in the library, with a free account, and unlimited workouts, your history, singing with friends and choir groups. Plus, for $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year, adds more storage, MP3 and stems, and unlimited private arrangements.
Try Stackapella
Start with your comfortable note. No account needed, and every course is free.
Sources
Seen 2 November 2026, on each product's own listing or website.
Product names belong to their owners. Stackapella isn't connected with any of these products or their makers.