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Head-to-head · Speedrun Timer Software

LiveSplit vs OpenSpeedRun

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
LiveSplit #3 in Speedrun Timer Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit LiveSplit
OpenSpeedRun #5 in Speedrun Timer Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit OpenSpeedRun

LiveSplit leads on 0 checks, OpenSpeedRun 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

  • Free planboth

LiveSplit and OpenSpeedRun score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for speedrun timer software; LiveSplit sits at #3 and OpenSpeedRun at #5 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

On game support method, OpenSpeedRun gives you Manual where LiveSplit offers Community.

LiveSplit is the better fit for speedrunners who want a customizable timer and race tools. OpenSpeedRun is the better fit for desktop runners wanting autosplits and streaming tools.

  • LiveSplit fits best

    Speedrunners who want a customizable timer and race tools

  • OpenSpeedRun fits best

    Desktop runners wanting autosplits and streaming tools

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Side by side

Feature LiveSplit 7.9/10 Visit ↗ OpenSpeedRun 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.9
Ranking #3 in Speedrun Timer Software #5 in Speedrun Timer Software
Best for Speedrunners who want a customizable timer and race tools Desktop runners wanting autosplits and streaming tools
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows Windows, Linux, macOS
Integrations 7 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features LiveSplit 2/3 · OpenSpeedRun 2/3
Auto-splitting ✓ ✓
Frame-accurate timing Not published —
Leaderboard integration ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms web, windows windows, linux, macos
Game support method Community Manual
Our review
Pros
  • Connects with Speedrun.com to browse leaderboards, download splits, and submit runs
  • Supports automatic game-time reading and auto-splitting when available
  • Offers customizable layouts, race support, and downloadable or user-developed components
  • Autosplits via RetroArch memory protocol or Linux process memory
  • OBS browser-source overlays through a local WebSocket server
  • Imports and exports LiveSplit files and attempt history
Cons
  • The desktop release is Windows-oriented; the web version is a separate variant
  • Automatic splitting depends on availability for the game
  • Support is through community and documentation
  • Game-specific autosplitter addresses and split configurations are user-supplied
  • Autosplitting is limited to RetroArch or Linux process memory
  • macOS binaries are described as currently untested
Our verdict

LiveSplit is a speedrun timer for runners who want more than basic split timing. It combines run comparisons, customizable layouts, leaderboard tools, and race support, with a free, open-source model. Its desktop release is…

Read the review →

OpenSpeedRun is a free, open-source desktop speedrun timer for solo runners and small groups on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Its graphical timer, split editor, and theme and configuration editors cover the core timing workflow, while…

Read the review →
  1. LiveSplitSpeedrun Timer Software 7.9Free plan
  2. OpenSpeedRunSpeedrun Timer Software 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • LiveSplit — where it wins

    • Connects with Speedrun.com to browse leaderboards, download splits, and submit runs
    • Supports automatic game-time reading and auto-splitting when available
    • Offers customizable layouts, race support, and downloadable or user-developed components

    Where it doesn't

    • The desktop release is Windows-oriented; the web version is a separate variant
    • Automatic splitting depends on availability for the game
    • Support is through community and documentation

  • OpenSpeedRun — where it wins

    • Autosplits via RetroArch memory protocol or Linux process memory
    • OBS browser-source overlays through a local WebSocket server
    • Imports and exports LiveSplit files and attempt history

    Where it doesn't

    • Game-specific autosplitter addresses and split configurations are user-supplied
    • Autosplitting is limited to RetroArch or Linux process memory
    • macOS binaries are described as currently untested

More comparisons

All speedrun timer software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update