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Head-to-head · Soundboard Software

LivePlay vs Linux Show Player

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score LivePlay #4 in Soundboard Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 6 features Visit LivePlay
Linux Show Player #6 in Soundboard Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 6 features Visit Linux Show

LivePlay leads on 0 checks, Linux Show Player on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreLivePlay · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresLinux Show Player · 3 of 6

LivePlay scores higher on our rubric for soundboard software: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

LivePlay is the better fit for open-source live playback teams. Linux Show Player is the better fit for linux cue and soundboard production.

  • LivePlay fits best

    Open-source live playback teams

  • Linux Show Player fits best

    Linux cue and soundboard production

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Side by side

Feature LivePlay 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Linux Show Player 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.8
Ranking #4 in Soundboard Software #6 in Soundboard Software
Best for Open-source live playback teams Linux cue and soundboard production
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Linux
Support Community Community, Docs
Integrations 3 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features LivePlay 2/6 · Linux Show Player 3/6
Desktop app ✓ ✓
Browser app Not checked yet Not checked yet
Hotkey triggering ✓ ✓
Streaming integrations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Voice effects Not checked yet Not checked yet
Multiple soundboards Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Free and open source for locally installed show control
  • Supports concurrent playback, timing, effects and normalization
  • MIDI, OSC, keyboard triggers and cue automation support
Cons
  • 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
  • Runs on GNU/Linux rather than multiple desktop platforms
  • Focused on stage cue playback instead of broader audio production
  • Requires production teams to manage a locally installed workflow
Our verdict

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 →

Linux Show Player is a free, open-source cue player for theatre, musical and other stage productions. It is designed for performers, technicians and production teams that need locally installed sound playback on GNU/Linux. The software…

Read the review →
  1. LivePlaySoundboard Software 9.0Free plan
  2. Linux Show PlayerSoundboard Software 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • Linux Show Player — where it wins

    • Free and open source for locally installed show control
    • Supports concurrent playback, timing, effects and normalization
    • MIDI, OSC, keyboard triggers and cue automation support

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs on GNU/Linux rather than multiple desktop platforms
    • Focused on stage cue playback instead of broader audio production
    • Requires production teams to manage a locally installed workflow

More comparisons

All soundboard software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update