LivePlay vs Soundpad

LivePlay9.0Visit Soundpad8.6Visit

Higher score LivePlay #4 in Soundboard Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 6 features Visit LivePlay

vs

Soundpad #8 in Soundboard Software 8.6/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 6 features Visit Soundpad

• LivePlay fits best

  Open-source live playback teams

• Soundpad fits best

  Budget Windows users wanting polished basics

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Side by side

Feature	LivePlay 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Soundpad 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.6
Ranking	#4 in Soundboard Software	#8 in Soundboard Software
Best for	Open-source live playback teams	Budget Windows users wanting polished basics
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free plan	€4.99 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows
Support	Community	Docs, Community
Integrations	3 integrations	7 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business
Features LivePlay 2/6 · Soundpad 3/6
Desktop app	✓	✓
Browser app	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	One-time €4.99 purchase unlocks unlimited sound files Hotkeys, search, categories, and multiple hotbar pages Routes playback to speakers, microphone, or both
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	Windows-only desktop software No full free plan; the no-cost version is a limited trial Browser-based access is not available
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 →	Soundpad is a Windows desktop soundboard for playing audio through a microphone, speakers, or both in voice-chat applications and games. It suits users who want quick access to sound effects, clips, or recorded audio without committing to… Read the review →

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

• Soundpad — where it wins

  • One-time €4.99 purchase unlocks unlimited sound files
  • Hotkeys, search, categories, and multiple hotbar pages
  • Routes playback to speakers, microphone, or both

  Where it doesn't

  • Windows-only desktop software
  • No full free plan; the no-cost version is a limited trial
  • Browser-based access is not available

• LivePlay9.0/10 · Free plan

  A capable open-source soundboard for cue-driven live production.

  Visit LivePlayFull verdict →
• Soundpad8.6/10 · Paid

  A low-cost Windows soundboard with polished core controls and a one-time price.

  Visit SoundpadFull verdict →