Sound Show vs LivePlay

Sound Show9.1Visit LivePlay9.0Visit

Higher score Sound Show #3 in Soundboard Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit Sound Show

vs

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

• Sound Show fits best

  Cross-platform live-show production

• LivePlay fits best

  Open-source live playback teams

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Side by side

Feature	Sound Show 9.1/10 Visit ↗	LivePlay 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	9.0
Ranking	#3 in Soundboard Software	#4 in Soundboard Software
Best for	Cross-platform live-show production	Open-source live playback teams
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	€25 one-time	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community	Community
Integrations	6 integrations	3 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Small business, Mid-market
Features Sound Show 4/6 · LivePlay 2/6
Desktop app	✓	✓
Browser app	—	Not checked yet
Hotkey triggering	✓	✓
Streaming integrations	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Voice effects	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Multiple soundboards	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android Supports tabs, hotkeys, fades, playlists, effects, and sequences Connects with MIDI, Stream Deck, OBS, QLC+, and remote control	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
Cons	Free plan limits each tab to 40 sounds and 10 tabs Some Free-plan modules are locked Desktop and mobile Pro licenses are separate purchases	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
Our verdict	Sound Show is a desktop and mobile soundboard and multimedia player for live performances. It suits theatre technicians, DJs, podcast and radio producers, streamers, role-playing game masters, and teams running parties, corporate events,… Read the review →	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 →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Sound Show — where it wins

  • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
  • Supports tabs, hotkeys, fades, playlists, effects, and sequences
  • Connects with MIDI, Stream Deck, OBS, QLC+, and remote control

  Where it doesn't

  • Free plan limits each tab to 40 sounds and 10 tabs
  • Some Free-plan modules are locked
  • Desktop and mobile Pro licenses are separate purchases

• 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

• Sound Show9.1/10 · Free plan

  A flexible cross-platform soundboard for live shows, streaming, and multimedia cues.

  Visit Sound ShowFull verdict →
• LivePlay9.0/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit LivePlayFull verdict →