OpenSpeedRun review
A feature-rich free timer for desktop runners who want autosplits and streaming overlays.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 command-line control and customizable Windows hotkeys give runners alternate ways to manage a session. The feature set is suited to runners who want a desktop tool that can connect timing, splits, and streaming rather than a timer alone.
Autosplitting is a notable capability, with support through RetroArch’s memory protocol or Linux process memory. That does not make game setup automatic: game-specific watch addresses and split configurations are supplied by the user. The project also supports LiveSplit (.lss) import and export, and connects with speedrun.com and therun.gg. For streaming, a local WebSocket overlay server can provide data to OBS browser sources. These options make it more compelling for runners already working with those tools, while those seeking frame-accurate timing should note that this is not listed as a capability.
OpenSpeedRun can export attempt and split history to CSV, and its project is distributed under the BSD 3-Clause License with precompiled releases as well as source builds. Windows, Linux, and macOS are listed as supported platforms, although the README describes the macOS binaries as currently untested. Choose it if you want a configurable free timer with file portability, streaming overlays, and supported autosplitting routes. A runner who needs game-specific autosplitters ready to go, frame-accurate timing, or confirmed macOS binary behavior may be better served by another option.
OpenSpeedRun pros and cons
- 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
OpenSpeedRun fact sheet, pricing and score →
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