LiveAudio
LiveAudio: A free, open-source captioning app that transcribes locally and streams subtitle JSON. Ranked #17 of 21 in Live Captioning Software by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for offline Windows or Linux users captioning audio.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOffline Windows or Linux users captioning audio
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Caption methodAutomated
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runs Whisper transcription locally after initial downloads
- Captures microphones on Windows and Linux, plus Windows system audio
- Broadcasts subtitle JSON to OBS or other localhost clients
Where it doesn't
- Available only for Windows and Linux
- Requires an internet connection for initial setup
- Audio and model options are limited to the listed capture and Whisper choices
Our verdict on LiveAudio
LiveAudio is a free, open-source desktop app from Plynte for streamers and creators who want automated captions from audio on Windows or Linux. It captures microphone input on both platforms and can capture Windows system audio through WASAPI loopback. Whisper transcribes speech locally, while Silero VAD filters silence. Processing uses the computer's CPU, with optional NVIDIA CUDA acceleration.
For a broadcast workflow, LiveAudio sends subtitle JSON over a local WebSocket to OBS or another localhost client. This keeps the caption output on the local machine rather than depending on a remote caption service during operation. Audio devices and transcription models can be hot-swapped without restarting, which is useful when a stream's input changes. The available Whisper model choices are tiny, base, small, and turbo. It is a focused fit for desktop streaming, not a general captioning service spanning other platforms.
LiveAudio needs an internet connection for initial setup and downloads, then can operate offline. Its open-source, free model suits solo creators and small teams who prefer local processing and can work within Windows or Linux. Consider another tool if you need a different operating system or a broader caption workflow beyond local subtitle JSON output. Choose LiveAudio when local Whisper transcription and OBS-oriented broadcasting are the priorities; its narrow platform coverage is the main trade-off.
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LiveAudio pricing
LiveAudio fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Caption method | Automated |
| Live languages | Not verified |
| Delivery format | Broadcast |
| Live translation | Not verified |
| Meeting integrations | Not verified |
| Caption export formats | Subtitle JSON over local WebSocket |
| Deployment | Desktop, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: OBS |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | liveaudio.opencohost.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
LiveAudio integrations
LiveAudio lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- OBS
Alternatives to LiveAudio
- StreamTextHuman and AI captioning, translation, and an embeddable accessible player, priced by the minute.8.8
- 3Play MediaA managed captioning service with live options, human review, and workflow integrations.8.7
- VerbitLive and recorded transcription with optional human review, integrations, and APIs.8.5
See all LiveAudio alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used LiveAudio for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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