LiveAudio review
A free, open-source captioning app that transcribes locally and streams subtitle JSON.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
LiveAudio pros and cons
- 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
LiveAudio fact sheet, pricing and score →
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