Quick Overview
- 1#1: PlayIt Live - Powerful live-assisted radio automation software with scheduling, cartwall, mixing, and streaming integration.
- 2#2: RadioBOSS - Comprehensive radio station automation tool for playlist management, scheduling, broadcasting, and voice tracking.
- 3#3: AzuraCast - Self-hosted open-source platform for internet radio stations with automation, analytics, and multi-DJ support.
- 4#4: NextKast - Professional radio playout software featuring live assist, scheduling, logging, and remote access.
- 5#5: PlayoutONE - Flexible radio playout system with cloud connectivity, live logging, and multi-station management.
- 6#6: Zetta - Enterprise radio management software for automation, production, traffic integration, and large-scale operations.
- 7#7: StationPlaylist Studio - Affordable live assist and automation software with queuing, scheduling, and streaming support.
- 8#8: RadioDJ - Free open-source radio automation system with scheduler, mixer, and cart machine features.
- 9#9: SAM Broadcaster Cloud - Cloud-based radio streaming and automation platform with royalty reporting and listener analytics.
- 10#10: LibreTime - Open-source broadcast management software for scheduling, live streaming, and collaborative radio production.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (automation, scheduling, streaming), technical quality, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance and practical benefits to radio professionals.
Comparison Table
Navigating radio station software options can be complex, but this comparison table breaks down top tools like PlayIt Live, RadioBOSS, AzuraCast, NextKast, PlayoutONE, and more to help readers identify the most suitable fit for their needs. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and compatibility, ensuring they select software that aligns with their station's workflow and objectives.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlayIt Live Powerful live-assisted radio automation software with scheduling, cartwall, mixing, and streaming integration. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | RadioBOSS Comprehensive radio station automation tool for playlist management, scheduling, broadcasting, and voice tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | AzuraCast Self-hosted open-source platform for internet radio stations with automation, analytics, and multi-DJ support. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 10/10 |
| 4 | NextKast Professional radio playout software featuring live assist, scheduling, logging, and remote access. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | PlayoutONE Flexible radio playout system with cloud connectivity, live logging, and multi-station management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 6 | Zetta Enterprise radio management software for automation, production, traffic integration, and large-scale operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | StationPlaylist Studio Affordable live assist and automation software with queuing, scheduling, and streaming support. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | RadioDJ Free open-source radio automation system with scheduler, mixer, and cart machine features. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 9 | SAM Broadcaster Cloud Cloud-based radio streaming and automation platform with royalty reporting and listener analytics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | LibreTime Open-source broadcast management software for scheduling, live streaming, and collaborative radio production. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
Powerful live-assisted radio automation software with scheduling, cartwall, mixing, and streaming integration.
Comprehensive radio station automation tool for playlist management, scheduling, broadcasting, and voice tracking.
Self-hosted open-source platform for internet radio stations with automation, analytics, and multi-DJ support.
Professional radio playout software featuring live assist, scheduling, logging, and remote access.
Flexible radio playout system with cloud connectivity, live logging, and multi-station management.
Enterprise radio management software for automation, production, traffic integration, and large-scale operations.
Affordable live assist and automation software with queuing, scheduling, and streaming support.
Free open-source radio automation system with scheduler, mixer, and cart machine features.
Cloud-based radio streaming and automation platform with royalty reporting and listener analytics.
Open-source broadcast management software for scheduling, live streaming, and collaborative radio production.
PlayIt Live
specializedPowerful live-assisted radio automation software with scheduling, cartwall, mixing, and streaming integration.
Powerful live-assist mode with drag-and-drop cart walls and instant audio mixing for dynamic on-air control
PlayIt Live is a professional radio automation software designed for seamless broadcasting, playlist management, and live-assisted DJing. It supports unlimited playlists, scheduling, multi-channel audio playback, and integration with streaming services for internet radio distribution. Widely used by commercial and community stations, it offers both automated playback and real-time control for dynamic shows.
Pros
- Comprehensive automation with advanced scheduling and seamless looping
- Multi-channel support for live mixing and cart walls
- Reliable performance with low latency for professional broadcasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners without prior audio software experience
- Free version lacks some advanced features like unlimited carts
- Limited built-in remote control options compared to cloud-native competitors
Best For
Professional radio stations and broadcasters seeking robust, reliable automation for both automated and live-assisted programming.
Pricing
Free basic version; full licenses start at $299 one-time fee per channel, with multi-channel bundles and optional annual support.
RadioBOSS
specializedComprehensive radio station automation tool for playlist management, scheduling, broadcasting, and voice tracking.
Sophisticated playlist scheduler supporting weighted rotations, clock scheduling, and dynamic constraints for professional programming.
RadioBOSS is a robust radio automation software from DJSoft.net designed for managing playlists, scheduling music, ads, and news for broadcast and online streaming. It supports multiple audio decks, voice tracking, live assist mode, and streaming to protocols like Shoutcast, Icecast, and HTTP. The software excels in unattended operation for 24/7 radio stations with features like RDS support, remote control, and integration with external data sources.
Pros
- Highly advanced playlist scheduler with constraints and rotations
- Reliable multi-stream support and stable 24/7 automation
- Affordable pricing with extensive format compatibility
Cons
- Windows-only platform limiting cross-OS use
- Dated interface requiring adaptation
- Steep learning curve for complex scheduling
Best For
Small to medium radio stations or online broadcasters needing powerful, cost-effective automation without constant supervision.
Pricing
Compact edition $59.95, Advanced $119.95, Pro $199.95; free trial and lifetime license available.
AzuraCast
specializedSelf-hosted open-source platform for internet radio stations with automation, analytics, and multi-DJ support.
All-in-one self-hosted automation engine with Liquidsoap-powered AutoDJ for seamless 24/7 broadcasting
AzuraCast is a free, open-source, self-hosted web radio management platform designed for creating and running internet radio stations. It offers comprehensive tools for playlist management, automated DJ scheduling, live broadcasting via a web interface, listener statistics, and integration with Icecast or Shoutcast servers. Built on Docker for easy deployment, it supports multiple stations on a single server and provides real-time analytics and API access for advanced integrations.
Pros
- Fully featured for automation, scheduling, and analytics without any cost
- Supports multiple stations and scales well on modest hardware
- Active community and frequent updates with modern web interface
Cons
- Requires server setup knowledge (Docker recommended) and self-maintenance
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- No built-in cloud hosting; fully self-hosted only
Best For
Independent broadcasters, hobbyists, and organizations seeking full control over self-hosted radio stations without subscription fees.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source; optional donations encouraged, no paid tiers.
NextKast
specializedProfessional radio playout software featuring live assist, scheduling, logging, and remote access.
Nextouch remote interface for intuitive mobile voice tracking and station control
NextKast is a robust radio automation software designed for broadcasters, offering playlist scheduling, live assist modes, voice tracking, and comprehensive logging. It supports both on-premise installations and cloud-based deployments, enabling seamless remote access for DJs and station managers. The platform excels in handling continuous playout, commercial scheduling, and integration with streaming services, making it suitable for small to medium-sized radio stations.
Pros
- Advanced playlist scheduling with rotation logic and cart management
- Reliable remote voice tracking and live assist capabilities
- Detailed aircheck logging and FCC-compliant reporting
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Steeper learning curve for new users without prior radio software experience
- Some integrations require custom setup or additional costs
Best For
Small to medium radio stations seeking reliable automation with strong remote production tools.
Pricing
Cloud plans start at $99/month for basic automation; on-premise licenses from $995 one-time with optional annual support.
PlayoutONE
specializedFlexible radio playout system with cloud connectivity, live logging, and multi-station management.
Ultra-reliable multi-channel playout engine with seamless live switching and unlimited simultaneous streams
PlayoutONE is a professional radio automation software that provides comprehensive playout, scheduling, and broadcast management for radio stations. It features multi-channel support, live assist mode, cartwall for jingles and ads, music logging, RDS encoding, and seamless streaming integration. Designed for reliability, it handles everything from automated playlists to live shows with precise timing and compliance reporting.
Pros
- Rock-solid stability with minimal audio dropouts even under heavy loads
- Cost-effective free starter version and scalable paid plans
- Comprehensive logging and reporting for regulatory compliance
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility limits deployment options
- Initial setup and advanced customization have a learning curve
- Some premium integrations require higher-tier subscriptions
Best For
Small to medium radio stations needing reliable, professional-grade playout automation on a budget.
Pricing
Free edition for basic single-channel use; paid plans from £49/month (Studio) to enterprise levels, with perpetual licenses available starting around £999.
Zetta
enterpriseEnterprise radio management software for automation, production, traffic integration, and large-scale operations.
Integrated RCS ecosystem for seamless traffic-to-air workflow automation
Zetta by RCSworks is a professional-grade radio automation software suite designed for commercial broadcast stations. It provides comprehensive playlist scheduling, voice-tracking capabilities, detailed logging, and seamless integration with traffic and sales systems like RCS's own Selector or Traffic. The software supports multi-station management, live assist modes, and reliable 24/7 playback with failover options, making it suitable for high-stakes radio operations.
Pros
- Extremely robust feature set including advanced scheduling and voice-tracking
- Strong integrations with industry-standard traffic and billing systems
- Proven reliability for enterprise-level 24/7 broadcasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High cost prohibitive for small or independent stations
- Primarily Windows-dependent with limited cross-platform support
Best For
Large commercial radio groups managing multiple stations that require enterprise-level automation and integrations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically subscription-based starting at $5,000+ annually per station.
StationPlaylist Studio
specializedAffordable live assist and automation software with queuing, scheduling, and streaming support.
Multi-soundcard support with Streams for seamless live-to-automated switching and remote VOX control
StationPlaylist Studio is a Windows-based radio automation software tailored for low-power FM stations, internet radio broadcasters, and background music services. It enables automated playlist scheduling, live-assisted broadcasting, and management of music libraries with advanced rotation rules to ensure variety. The software supports multiple sound cards for complex setups and includes tools like a cart wall for jingles and remote control via TCP/IP.
Pros
- Affordable one-time purchase with no subscriptions
- Low resource usage suitable for older hardware
- Powerful scheduling and rotation algorithms for professional playouts
Cons
- Dated, clunky interface with steep learning curve
- Windows-only, no macOS or Linux support
- Limited modern integrations like cloud streaming services
Best For
Budget-conscious community radio stations, LPFM operators, and hobbyist internet broadcasters needing reliable automation on Windows PCs.
Pricing
One-time license: Creator $149, Studio $199 (full automation features).
RadioDJ
otherFree open-source radio automation system with scheduler, mixer, and cart machine features.
Advanced playlist scheduler with constraints, rotations, and history-based queuing
RadioDJ is a free Windows-based radio automation software that enables users to create and manage playlists, schedule broadcasts, and stream audio over the internet or locally. It includes advanced features like rotation rules, live assist mode, a cartwall for jingles, and support for multiple audio decks. Ideal for small stations, it offers recording, RDC remote control, and compatibility with various formats, making it a cost-effective solution for automated radio playout.
Pros
- Completely free with source code access
- Powerful scheduling and rotation rules
- Built-in streaming and multi-deck support
Cons
- Outdated graphical user interface
- Windows-only compatibility
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Best For
Budget-conscious small online radio stations or hobbyist DJs needing robust free automation.
Pricing
Free download with optional donations; no licensing fees.
SAM Broadcaster Cloud
specializedCloud-based radio streaming and automation platform with royalty reporting and listener analytics.
Cloud-based AutoDJ with intelligent crossfading and gap-killer for seamless 24/7 broadcasting
SAM Broadcaster Cloud from Spacial is a fully hosted cloud-based radio automation platform designed for internet radio broadcasters, eliminating the need for local servers or hardware. It provides powerful AutoDJ scheduling, live broadcasting capabilities, playlist management, and real-time listener analytics. Users can manage multiple stations, handle royalty reporting, and stream in multiple formats with high reliability and scalability.
Pros
- Fully cloud-hosted with 99.9% uptime and no hardware requirements
- Advanced automation including smart playlists and rotation rules
- Comprehensive analytics and royalty reporting integration
Cons
- Subscription pricing can become expensive for high listener volumes
- Steep learning curve for advanced scheduling features
- Limited customization options compared to on-premise alternatives
Best For
Professional internet radio operators seeking reliable, scalable cloud broadcasting without managing infrastructure.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic (up to 500 listeners), scales to $299+/month for premium tiers with unlimited listeners and advanced features.
LibreTime
otherOpen-source broadcast management software for scheduling, live streaming, and collaborative radio production.
Integrated Liquidsoap engine for reliable, low-latency live streaming and advanced audio processing without external dependencies
LibreTime is a free, open-source radio automation platform forked from AI rtime, designed for managing online and broadcast radio stations with features like playlist scheduling, live DJ assists, and multi-user collaboration. It supports advanced audio processing via Liquidsoap integration, enabling seamless streaming to platforms like Icecast and Shoutcast. The web-based interface centralizes show planning, listener statistics, and content management for small to medium stations.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free with no licensing costs
- Robust scheduling tools including smart playlists and calendar-based shows
- Multi-user support with role-based permissions for collaborative broadcasting
Cons
- Self-hosted installation requires server setup and technical knowledge (Docker recommended)
- Web interface feels dated and can overwhelm non-technical users
- Relies on community support rather than dedicated enterprise helpdesk
Best For
Tech-savvy community radio operators or small stations seeking a customizable, cost-free automation solution without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Completely free (open-source, self-hosted); optional donations encouraged.
Conclusion
With tools ranging from powerful live-assisted automation to flexible open-source platforms, the reviewed software caters to diverse radio needs. PlayIt Live leads as the top choice, boasting robust scheduling, mixing, and streaming integration. RadioBOSS and AzuraCast follow closely, excelling as strong alternatives—RadioBOSS for its comprehensive management, and AzuraCast for its self-hosted, open-source flexibility, ensuring there’s a solution for every setup.
Don’t miss out on streamlining your radio operations—try PlayIt Live today to unlock its seamless automation, live assist, and streaming power.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison