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Head-to-head · Soundboard Software

AudioPad vs LivePlay

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score AudioPad #1 in Soundboard Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit AudioPad
LivePlay #4 in Soundboard Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 6 features Visit LivePlay

AudioPad leads on 0 checks, LivePlay on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAudioPad · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresAudioPad · 4 of 6

AudioPad scores higher on our rubric for soundboard software: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

AudioPad is the better fit for free cross-platform soundboard users. LivePlay is the better fit for open-source live playback teams.

  • AudioPad fits best

    Free cross-platform soundboard users

  • LivePlay fits best

    Open-source live playback teams

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Side by side

Feature AudioPad 9.4/10 Visit ↗ LivePlay 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.0
Ranking #1 in Soundboard Software #4 in Soundboard Software
Best for Free cross-platform soundboard users Open-source live playback teams
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations 6 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Small business, Mid-market
Features AudioPad 4/6 · LivePlay 2/6
Desktop app ✓ ✓
Browser app Not checked yet Not checked yet
Hotkey triggering ✓ ✓
Streaming integrations ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Voice effects Not checked yet Not checked yet
Multiple soundboards ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Unlimited sounds with custom global hotkeys
  • Sub-20ms latency and separate local/transmitted volume controls
  • Works with Discord, Zoom, Teams, OBS Studio, Steam, and Slack
  • Runs free on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Supports nested cue lists, carts, hotkeys, MIDI, fades, and looping
  • Adds metering, routing, timecode, ducking, and remote operation
Cons
  • Desktop support is limited to Windows and Linux
  • Runs locally rather than providing cloud-based access
  • License references identify both MIT License and GPLv3
  • Its workflow is focused on cue-based production rather than casual effects
  • Remote operation centers on HTTP/WebSocket and local-network control
  • There are no paid tiers for teams seeking a commercial plan structure
Our verdict

AudioPad is a free, open-source desktop soundboard for gamers, streamers, and voice-chat users. It plays music, sound effects, memes, and voice clips through a microphone input, with global hotkeys for triggering sounds and support for…

Read the review →

LivePlay is a free, open-source desktop application for playing audio cues during live shows. It is aimed at sound operators in theatres, conferences, houses of worship, AV installations, and other live events. Playlists and nested cue…

Read the review →
  1. AudioPadSoundboard Software 9.4Free plan
  2. LivePlaySoundboard Software 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AudioPad — where it wins

    • Unlimited sounds with custom global hotkeys
    • Sub-20ms latency and separate local/transmitted volume controls
    • Works with Discord, Zoom, Teams, OBS Studio, Steam, and Slack

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop support is limited to Windows and Linux
    • Runs locally rather than providing cloud-based access
    • License references identify both MIT License and GPLv3

  • LivePlay — where it wins

    • Runs free on Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Supports nested cue lists, carts, hotkeys, MIDI, fades, and looping
    • Adds metering, routing, timecode, ducking, and remote operation

    Where it doesn't

    • Its workflow is focused on cue-based production rather than casual effects
    • Remote operation centers on HTTP/WebSocket and local-network control
    • There are no paid tiers for teams seeking a commercial plan structure

More comparisons

All soundboard software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update