ASCAP vs BMI vs SESAC: Which PRO Is Best for You in 2026?

Look, the music industry is famous for overcomplicating things, but your royalties shouldn’t be one of them. If you’re making music and it’s living on Spotify, playing in a bar, or airing on a podcast, you are owed money. Period.

To get that money, you have to pick a Performance Rights Organization (PRO). In the U.S., that means choosing between the “Big Three”: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.

Here’s the straight talk on how they actually differ and which one won’t waste your time.

The Basics: What do these guys actually do?

Think of a PRO as your “collection agent.” Venues and streaming platforms pay them a massive fee for the right to play music. The PRO then looks at the data, sees your name, and sends you a check for your performance royalties.

Heads up: This is different from the money you get from your distributor (like DistroKid) or SoundExchange. You need a PRO to cover the “public performance” side of the house.

The Breakdown: Which one is your tribe?

1. BMI (The “Start Here” Choice)

BMI is the heavy hitter of the indie world. Why? Because it’s free for songwriters to join.

  • The Vibe: Low barrier to entry. If you’re a bedroom producer or a DIY singer-songwriter, BMI is the path of least resistance.

  • The Catch: They have a 2-year contract. Also, they recently went “for-profit,” which has some industry veterans raising an eyebrow about future payout structures.

  • The Best Part: BMI Live. If you play a gig at a local dive bar, you can submit your setlist and they’ll pay you for playing your own songs.

2. ASCAP (The Member-Owned Choice)

ASCAP is the only one of the three that is still a non-profit run by its members (other songwriters).

  • The Vibe: It feels a bit more like a community or a “union.”

  • The Catch: There’s a one-time $50 fee to join.

  • The Best Part: Flexibility. Their contracts are only 1 year long. If you decide you hate them, you aren’t locked in for nearly as long as you are with the others.

3. SESAC (The “Invite Only” Choice)

Don’t get your hopes up on this one just yet unless you’ve already got some serious traction. You can’t just sign up for SESAC; you have to be invited.

  • The Vibe: High-end boutique. Think Adele, Jack Harlow, and Bob Dylan.

  • The Catch: You need a “hook-up” or a manager with a connection to get in.

  • The Best Part: Speed. Because they have fewer members, they process data faster and usually get money into your bank account sooner than the big guys.

Comparison at a Glance

Feature ASCAP BMI SESAC
Cost to Join $50 $0 $0 (But must be invited)
Contract 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years
Who it’s for The Career Songwriter The DIY Artist The Pro / Film Composer

The Verdict: Which should you pick?

Honestly? Don’t overthink it.

  • If you have $0 right now: Go with BMI. It’s free and it gets the job done.

  • If you want to be part of a member-led group: Go with ASCAP. The $50 is a small price to pay for a 1-year commitment and a non-profit structure.

  • If you’re a pro with a massive sync deal or a radio hit: Talk to your lawyer about getting into SESAC.

One final rule: You can only belong to one PRO at a time as a songwriter. Pick one, register your songs, and move on to the important stuff—making the music.