AudioPad vs Soundplant

AudioPad9.4Visit Soundplant8.7Visit

Higher score AudioPad #1 in Soundboard Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit AudioPad

vs

Soundplant #7 in Soundboard Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 6 features Visit Soundplant

• AudioPad fits best

  Free cross-platform soundboard users

• Soundplant fits best

  Power users needing deep desktop control

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	AudioPad 9.4/10 Visit ↗	Soundplant 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.7
Ranking	#1 in Soundboard Software	#7 in Soundboard Software
Best for	Free cross-platform soundboard users	Power users needing deep desktop control
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free	$69/user one-time
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, Linux	Windows, macOS
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features AudioPad 4/6 · Soundplant 3/6
Desktop app	✓	✓
Browser app	Not checked yet	—
Hotkey triggering	✓	✓
Streaming integrations	✓ (best)	—
Voice effects	Not checked yet	—
Multiple soundboards	✓	✓
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	88-key mapping with global hotkeys and MIDI control Sequencing, recording, effects, sound banks, and unlimited polyphony Works on both Windows and macOS with a free non-commercial version
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	No browser app or streaming integrations Free use is limited to non-commercial work The Single User License costs $69 one-time
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 →	Soundplant is a standalone software sampler that turns a computer keyboard or MIDI device into a sound trigger. It is aimed at performers and production teams working in live music, theater, radio, film, podcasts, streaming, presentations,… Read the review →

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

• Soundplant — where it wins

  • 88-key mapping with global hotkeys and MIDI control
  • Sequencing, recording, effects, sound banks, and unlimited polyphony
  • Works on both Windows and macOS with a free non-commercial version

  Where it doesn't

  • No browser app or streaming integrations
  • Free use is limited to non-commercial work
  • The Single User License costs $69 one-time

• AudioPad9.4/10 · Free plan

  A strong free choice for desktop sound triggers, routing, and voice-chat playback.

  Visit AudioPadFull verdict →
• Soundplant8.7/10 · Free plan

  A desktop soundboard with deep keyboard, MIDI, sequencing, and effects control.

  Visit SoundplantFull verdict →