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Head-to-head · Speedrun Timer Software

SpeedTool vs LiveSplit

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score SpeedTool #1 in Speedrun Timer Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit SpeedTool
LiveSplit #3 in Speedrun Timer Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit LiveSplit

SpeedTool leads on 1 check, LiveSplit on 2, and 1 is 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 scoreSpeedTool · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresLiveSplit · 2 of 3

SpeedTool scores higher on our rubric for speedrun timer software: 9.0 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

LiveSplit offers auto-splitting; SpeedTool doesn't publish it. SpeedTool offers frame-accurate timing; LiveSplit doesn't publish it. LiveSplit offers leaderboard integration; SpeedTool doesn't publish it.

SpeedTool is the better fit for speedrunners building game-specific timing scripts. LiveSplit is the better fit for speedrunners who want a customizable timer and race tools.

  • SpeedTool fits best

    Speedrunners building game-specific timing scripts

  • LiveSplit fits best

    Speedrunners who want a customizable timer and race tools

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Side by side

Feature SpeedTool 9.0/10 Visit ↗ LiveSplit 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 7.9
Ranking #1 in Speedrun Timer Software #3 in Speedrun Timer Software
Best for Speedrunners building game-specific timing scripts Speedrunners who want a customizable timer and race tools
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Windows, Linux Web, Windows
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features SpeedTool 1/3 · LiveSplit 2/3
Auto-splitting Not published ✓ (best)
Frame-accurate timing ✓ (best) Not published
Leaderboard integration Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Supported platforms Windows, Linux web, windows
Game support method Not published Community
Our review
Pros
  • Synchronizes script execution with game frame output
  • Runs inside the target game and supports nested subsplits
  • Supports OpenGL, DirectX 9, and DirectX 11
  • 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
Cons
  • Lua scripting is currently supported only on Windows
  • The developer describes the project as a work in progress
  • The official page does not describe leaderboard connections or a game catalog
  • 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
Our verdict

SpeedTool is a downloadable desktop timer for speedrunners who want timing tied to a game's frame output rather than a separate timer window. It runs inside a target game, supports nested subsplits, and lets users write Lua scripts in a…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. SpeedToolSpeedrun Timer Software 9.0Free plan
  2. LiveSplitSpeedrun Timer Software 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • SpeedTool — where it wins

    • Synchronizes script execution with game frame output
    • Runs inside the target game and supports nested subsplits
    • Supports OpenGL, DirectX 9, and DirectX 11

    Where it doesn't

    • Lua scripting is currently supported only on Windows
    • The developer describes the project as a work in progress
    • The official page does not describe leaderboard connections or a game catalog

  • 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

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