Free Samplab Alternative for Chord Detection
BeatKey Chord Finder detects chord progressions from any audio file you upload. No subscription. No account. All processing happens in your browser.
Detect Chords Free →What Is Samplab?
Samplab is an AI-powered audio editing platform that includes chord detection as one of its features. It can transcribe chords from audio files, convert audio to MIDI, separate stems, and edit individual notes. It is a comprehensive platform aimed at producers who want AI-assisted audio manipulation.
Samplab requires an account and offers a limited free tier with full features behind paid plans. It also uploads your audio to its servers for AI processing. If you only need fast, free chord detection with no account and no server upload, BeatKey Chord Finder is the simpler option.
Different Tools for Different Jobs
Samplab
Full AI audio editing platform. Chord detection plus audio-to-MIDI, stem separation, note editing. Requires account and subscription for full access. Uploads audio to servers.
BeatKey Chord Finder
Dedicated chord detection tool. Fast, free, no account. Processes audio locally in your browser using Essentia WebAssembly. No AI editing features, just accurate chord analysis.
If you need audio-to-MIDI conversion, stem separation, or AI note editing, Samplab is genuinely more powerful. If you need fast, free chord detection with no account and no server upload, BeatKey is the better choice.
What BeatKey Chord Finder Offers (Free)
Upload any audio file (MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, OGG) and BeatKey analyzes the harmonic content in your browser. No server upload. No account.
Chord Timeline
Detected chords displayed with timestamps. See every chord change throughout the track.
Key + Camelot Detection
Identifies musical key and Camelot code alongside chord progression for full harmonic context.
Export Chords
Copy chord data as plain text or download as JSON for use in your DAW, notes app, or anywhere.
Any Audio File
MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, M4A, and more. Samples, loops, stems, unreleased tracks.
Local Processing
Analysis runs in your browser using WebAssembly (Essentia). Your file never leaves your device.
Full BeatKey Suite
Pair with BeatKey BPM Detector, Delay Calculator, Scale Finder, and Camelot Wheel, all free.
BeatKey Chord Finder vs Samplab
| Feature | BeatKey Chord Finder | Samplab |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (forever) | Free tier (limited) + paid plans |
| Requires account | No | Yes |
| Chord detection from audio | Yes | Yes |
| Works with unreleased tracks | Yes | Yes (with account) |
| Files processed locally | Yes (in-browser) | No (uploaded to server) |
| Chord timeline with timestamps | Yes | Yes |
| Musical key detection | Yes | Yes |
| BPM detection | Yes (via BeatKey) | Yes |
| Audio-to-MIDI conversion | No | Yes (paid feature) |
| Stem separation | No | Yes (paid feature) |
| Note editing | No | Yes (paid feature) |
| Export chord data | Yes (text/JSON) | MIDI (paid) |
Samplab's AI editing features (audio-to-MIDI, stem separation, note editing) are more powerful than BeatKey for complex audio manipulation. BeatKey Chord Finder is the better choice for fast, free chord detection without creating an account or uploading to a server.
Who BeatKey Chord Finder Is For
Producers who just need chord detection
Samplab is a powerful AI audio editing platform, but if you only need chord detection, you are paying for a lot of features you may not use. BeatKey Chord Finder is purpose-built for fast chord analysis: upload, detect, done. Free, no account.
Privacy-first creators
Samplab uploads your audio to its servers for AI processing. BeatKey processes your audio entirely in your browser. If you work with unreleased music, client tracks, or samples you have not cleared, local processing matters.
DJs and sample-based producers
Upload a sample to find out what chords it contains before you flip it. BeatKey gives you chord progressions, musical key, and Camelot code. Pair it with BeatKey BPM Detector for complete harmonic and rhythmic analysis of any loop.
Anyone without a Samplab subscription
Samplab limits features on the free tier and charges for full chord detection and export. BeatKey Chord Finder has no tiers: everything is free. No credit card, no account, no expiring trial.
The BeatKey Tools Suite
Chord Finder is part of a growing suite of free music tools. All browser-based, all free, all processing happens on your device:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free alternative to Samplab for chord detection?
Yes. BeatKey Chord Finder is a free, browser-based tool that detects chord progressions from any audio file you upload. No account or subscription required. All processing happens locally in your browser, so your audio files never leave your device.
How does BeatKey compare to Samplab for chord detection?
Both detect chords from audio. Samplab has more features (audio-to-MIDI, stem separation, note editing) but requires an account and subscription. BeatKey Chord Finder is focused on chord detection only, is completely free, needs no account, and processes audio locally. For chord detection specifically, BeatKey is faster and simpler.
Does BeatKey process audio locally or upload to a server?
BeatKey processes audio entirely in your browser using Essentia WebAssembly. Your audio file is never uploaded to a server. This is important when working with unreleased music, client tracks, or samples that are not cleared for distribution.
Does BeatKey Chord Finder require an account?
No. BeatKey Chord Finder is entirely free with no account, no registration, and no subscription. Open the tool, drag in your audio file, and get the chord progression with timestamps instantly.
Detect chord progressions for free
Upload any audio file. Get the chord progression, musical key, and timestamps. No account, no subscription, no ads.
Open Chord Finder →