LivePlay vs Soundplant

LivePlay9.0Visit Soundplant8.7Visit

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

vs

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

• LivePlay fits best

  Open-source live playback teams

• Soundplant fits best

  Power users needing deep desktop control

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Side by side

Feature	LivePlay 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Soundplant 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.7
Ranking	#4 in Soundboard Software	#7 in Soundboard Software
Best for	Open-source live playback teams	Power users needing deep desktop control
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$69/user one-time
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS
Support	Community	Email, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features LivePlay 2/6 · Soundplant 3/6
Desktop app	✓	✓
Browser app	Not checked yet	—
Hotkey triggering	✓	✓
Streaming integrations	Not checked yet	—
Voice effects	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	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	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	No browser app or streaming integrations Free use is limited to non-commercial work The Single User License costs $69 one-time
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 →	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

• 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

• 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

• LivePlay9.0/10 · Free plan

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

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

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

  Visit SoundplantFull verdict →