Radio broadcasting software: 20 free and paid tools

Radio broadcasting software does one of three jobs. An encoder sends the sound from your microphone or mixer to the streaming server your listeners connect to. DJ software mixes a live show, and some of it can stream by itself. Automation software, also called playout, runs the station from playlists and a schedule while nobody is in the studio. None of these programs is a streaming server, except the two self-hosted platforms near the end. Your listeners connect to a streaming host, or to an Icecast server you run yourself, and the software sends your audio there.

Below are the 20 programs we'd look at in October 2026, grouped by job and by the computer they run on, with how each is priced and whether it can stream without help. We run CloudRadio, a streaming platform that encoders and playout programs connect to, and we keep setup guides for most of the programs here. We didn't re-test every program for this update, so the features below come from each maker's own site, checked on October 8, 2026.

Start from what your station does with its hours. If you go live a few times a week and play nothing in between, all you need is an encoder, or a DJ app that streams by itself. A talk show from a USB microphone needs BUTT and nothing else; a DJ set from a hardware mixer needs the same, with the mixer plugged into the computer. For a weekly two-hour show, we'd skip automation software altogether.

If you mix tracks live on a laptop, use DJ software. Check whether it streams on its own (Mixxx, VirtualDJ with a Pro licence and Traktor do; Serato doesn't) or needs an encoder beside it.

If the station has to play around the clock, with shows, station IDs and ads at set times, you need automation. Desktop automation runs on a Windows PC (or a Mac with Radiologik, or Linux with Rivendell) that has to stay on and online for the station to stay on the air. The alternatives are automation on a server you rent and maintain, like AzuraCast or LibreTime, or a host that runs the automation for you, which we cover further down.

Every paid Windows automation program here also includes an encoder, so one program can play the music and stream it. A station with live shows and music in between needs both jobs covered: automation for the empty hours, and an encoder or DJ app for the live ones.

Prices and features were checked on each maker's site on October 8, 2026. Each setup guide shows where the server details go in that program, which is how you connect it to a CloudRadio station: copy the details from your Live DJ page, as described under Encoders. Some guides show older versions of the programs.

An encoder takes the sound from your microphone, mixer or computer, compresses it, and sends it to your streaming server as one continuous stream. Most automation suites below have one built in. You need a separate encoder when your playout or DJ program can't stream, or when the show comes from a hardware mixer.

BUTT

BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool) is a free, open-source encoder by Daniel Nöthen for Windows, macOS and Linux. It streams your microphone or line input to Icecast or Shoutcast in MP3, Ogg Vorbis, Ogg Opus or Ogg FLAC, or AAC once you install the free AAC library its manual links, and it can record the show to your computer while it streams, which gives you a file to edit for a replay. Version 1.47.0 came out in July 2026 (BUTT). It does one job, runs on all three systems and costs nothing, which is why we'd start with it. Our BUTT setup guide shows where your station's details go.

Rocket Broadcaster

Rocket Broadcaster is a Windows encoder that describes itself as a modern replacement for Edcast, Oddcast DSP, BUTT and Darkice. The free edition sends one stream in MP3, Ogg Vorbis or Ogg Opus. Rocket Broadcaster Pro adds AAC, HE-AAC and FLAC, and unlimited simultaneous streams. Version 1.4 added a broadcast audio processor (Rocket Broadcaster). Pick Rocket Broadcaster Pro over BUTT on Windows if you want to send AAC. Rocket Broadcaster setup guide.

RadioCaster

RadioCaster comes from DJSoft, the makers of RadioBOSS. It streams from any input or playback device on a Windows PC, including ASIO sound cards, and costs $59 as a one-time licence with a year of updates (DJSoft buy page). Version 3.7.4 came out in August 2026 (DJSoft downloads), and the RadioCaster page lists its features. RadioCaster setup guide.

Audio Hijack

Audio Hijack from Rogue Amoeba is the Mac encoder to use when the sound comes from other apps, such as a browser, a music player or a call, as well as from a microphone. Its Broadcast block sends what it captures to Icecast or Shoutcast servers. It runs on macOS 14.4 or later, version 4.6.0 is from August 2026, and the download runs as a trial until you enter a licence key (Rogue Amoeba). Audio Hijack setup guide.

To go live from a phone instead, see broadcasting from a smartphone, which covers encoder apps for Android and iOS.

For radio, what matters about a DJ program is whether it can send your mix to a server itself. Mixxx, VirtualDJ and Traktor can; Serato needs a separate encoder beside it.

Mixxx

Mixxx is free and open source (GPL), with no paid version, for Windows 10 or later, macOS 11 or later and Linux. Version 2.5.6 came out in March 2026 (Mixxx). Its Live Broadcasting setting streams to Icecast in MP3 or Ogg Vorbis and to Shoutcast in MP3 (Mixxx manual). The Auto DJ mixes tracks from a queue or from crates, which covers a break in a live show, but it can't start a playlist at a set time. It's the free DJ program we'd install first. For a CloudRadio station, set the server type to Icecast and send 320 kbps MP3; the Mixxx setup guide shows where each setting goes.

VirtualDJ

VirtualDJ runs on Windows 10 (64-bit) and macOS 10.14 or later, and the current release is VirtualDJ 2026 (VirtualDJ). It's free for home use, but broadcasting to a radio server needs a Pro Infinity or Pro Monthly licence. With that licence, it streams to Icecast in Ogg Vorbis or to Shoutcast in MP3 (VirtualDJ manual). CloudRadio's live input accepts Ogg Vorbis, so set VirtualDJ to Icecast and enter the details from your Live DJ page; the VirtualDJ setup guide shows where they go. If another host only accepts MP3 or AAC, send VirtualDJ's output through BUTT instead.

Traktor Pro 4

Native Instruments sells Traktor Pro 4 for $149 as a one-time purchase (Native Instruments). Its manual says Traktor "contains an Icecast client": the Broadcasting page in Preferences takes the server address, port, mount path and password, and the Broadcast button goes live (Traktor manual). The manual doesn't name the format; per third-party guides, Traktor sends Ogg Vorbis (NowPlaying's Traktor notes). CloudRadio's live input accepts Ogg Vorbis, so Traktor can stream to your station directly. A host that only accepts MP3 or AAC needs Traktor's output sent through BUTT instead.

Serato DJ Pro

Serato DJ Pro, for Windows and Mac, is sold as a subscription or a licence, with a 14-day trial (Serato). It has no built-in streaming to Icecast or Shoutcast. Serato's own live-streaming guide sends its output through a virtual audio device (Serato Virtual Audio on a Mac, Virtual Audio Cable on Windows) into OBS. For radio, point BUTT at that device instead. Our Serato setup guide and the guide to capturing audio on a Windows PC show the routing.

Two free Windows programs can run a station: PlayIt Live and RadioDJ. PlayIt Live is the easier start because it streams by itself. RadioDJ needs a database and a separate encoder, and everything in it is free.

PlayIt Live

PlayIt Live, from PlayIt Software, runs on Windows only. The free core covers live assist, QuickCarts for jingles, a segue editor, artist separation, hour clocks, fixed time markers, monitored folders and scheduled events. Three premium modules cost extra, by subscription or a one-time payment: Voice Tracking, Remote Management and Advanced Scheduling (PlayIt Live). Internet broadcasting is built in (Tools, then Internet Broadcast) and streams MP3 to Icecast or Shoutcast servers. For AAC or Ogg, PlayIt Software suggests an external encoder such as Rocket Broadcaster Pro (PlayIt Software FAQ). Version 2.18 came out on October 5, 2026. PlayIt Live setup guide.

RadioDJ

RadioDJ calls itself "one of the most advanced radio automation software available for free". It runs on Windows 10 and 11, keeps its library in a database, and has an audio processor (AGC, compressor, 10-band EQ), auxiliary players, event scheduling and track types for jingles, sweepers and voiceovers (RadioDJ). The download page lists version 3.0.0.5 as the latest (RadioDJ downloads). It has no built-in encoder since version 2. To stream, send RadioDJ's output to BUTT through a virtual audio device such as VoiceMeeter: our guide to capturing audio on a Windows PC covers the routing, and the BUTT setup guide the connection.

Paid playout suites add voice tracking, rules-based music scheduling, AAC encoders and support. Most are one-time licences, often with a year of updates included; the software keeps working after that, and you pay again only for later updates or a new major version. All six below have a free trial or demo version, so try two before you buy.

RadioBOSS

RadioBOSS from DJSoft plays, schedules and streams on Windows, to Shoutcast v1 and v2 and Icecast servers (DJSoft). Even the $199 Standard licence includes the scheduler, the playlist generator and streaming in MP3, AAC, Ogg, Opus or FLAC. Advanced ($249) adds dayparting and user access control, and Ultimate ($299) adds remote voice tracking (editions). Each licence is one-time with a year of updates (DJSoft buy page). Version 7.2.5 came out in September 2026. RadioBOSS setup guide.

SAM Broadcaster Pro

SAM Broadcaster Pro from Spacial is Windows-only automation with built-in encoders in AAC, HE-AAC, MP3 and Ogg for Icecast and Shoutcast servers, plus voice tracking, an audio processor and listener statistics. It costs $299 once, or three payments of $110, with 12 months of updates and a 14-day trial (Spacial). Spacial also sells SAM Broadcaster Cloud, a hosted version. To connect the desktop program, add an Icecast encoder and enter the details from your station's live input.

StationPlaylist Studio

StationPlaylist Studio runs on Windows, and the company says it works on Mac and Linux under WINE without official support. Its encoder streams MP3, AAC+ and Ogg to Icecast and Shoutcast. Studio Standard is $159 and Studio Pro $299, one-time, with 12 months of updates. Creator, the music and ad scheduler, and Remote Voice Tracker are sold separately (StationPlaylist). Scripts are available for the JAWS and NVDA screen readers, which makes it the program to try first for a blind or visually impaired broadcaster. StationPlaylist setup guide.

mAirList

mAirList has a built-in encoder for Icecast and Shoutcast and mAirListDB, a networked library with music scheduling (mAirList). It runs on Windows. Commercial licences start at €400 before VAT for the Standard edition; voice tracking needs the Advanced edition, €600 before VAT. Licences get free updates within the same major version (mAirList prices). The Home Studio licence is €119 including VAT, for individuals who make no money from their station (mAirList for home users). Version 8.1.1 came out on October 6, 2026, and the program has a 30-day trial. mAirList setup guide.

NextKast

NextKast runs on Windows and has 12 built-in encoders for Icecast and Shoutcast, music scheduling with rotations, and StudioLink, browser-based voice tracking that hosts can use from home (NextKast). NextKast Pro is $199 and Broadcast $399, one-time, with a free trial; NextKast OnAir for LPFM and online stations is also sold by subscription (NextKast pricing). The download page lists version 7.1.3. NextKast setup guide.

ProppFrexx ONAIR

ProppFrexx ONAIR from radio42 is Windows playout for live assist or full automation, written for large terrestrial stations as well as small web radios. It streams directly to Shoutcast and Icecast, and has two schedulers, cartwalls and voice tracking, including from home (radio42). There's a demo version to download, and prices are on radio42's purchase page. ProppFrexx setup guide.

If you run a licensed FM station with several studios, the broadcast vendors are worth a call too: Broadcast Radio sells Myriad 6 Playout, with voice tracking and music scheduling, and ENCO sells DAD.

Most playout programs are Windows-only. radio42 suggests Parallels Desktop (or Boot Camp on an older Intel Mac) for running ProppFrexx on a Mac, and StationPlaylist's WINE route has no official support. One program here is built for the Mac.

Radiologik DJ

Radiologik DJ and Scheduler from MacinMind runs a station around the clock on macOS 11 or later, on Apple Silicon or Intel. It uses the Music app as its library, handles music selection and timing and plays station IDs; Scheduler Advanced adds ads, podcasts and voiceover intros and outros (Radiologik). The trial includes every feature and never expires, but its reminders need a click, so it can't run a station unattended until you buy a licence. Radiologik doesn't stream by itself: pair it with BUTT or Audio Hijack on the same Mac.

For a simpler setup, Mixxx's Auto DJ plays and crossfades a queue of tracks on a Mac, without a schedule.

Mixxx and BUTT both run on Linux, so live shows are covered. For automation there are three open-source projects. Rivendell runs on a Linux studio computer; LibreTime and AzuraCast run on a server and you manage them from a web browser.

Rivendell

Rivendell is free radio automation under the GPL, built for on-air use with large, touchscreen-friendly controls; it recommends Ubuntu 22.04. It doesn't stream to Icecast by itself: the project points to GlassCoder, its encoder for Icecast, Shoutcast and HLS. The current release is 4.5.0 (Rivendell).

LibreTime

LibreTime is a free, open-source (AGPLv3) radio automation platform with a web interface for the library, playlists and the schedule. You install it on a Linux server with Docker or its installer, and it serves your listeners its own Icecast streams and takes live DJs on a separate input (LibreTime install guide). Version 4.5.0 came out in July 2025.

AzuraCast

AzuraCast is a free, open-source, self-hosted "web radio station in a box": Liquidsoap as the AutoDJ, Icecast-KH to serve listeners, DJ accounts for live shows, and playlists you can schedule by time or every few songs (AzuraCast docs). It runs in Docker and needs at least 2 GB of RAM, with 4 GB recommended (requirements). You rent the server, and you keep it updated and backed up.

Desktop automation plays only while the computer running it is on and online. A Windows update that restarts the PC at night, a power cut or a dropped connection takes the station off the air until someone notices. On 38 CloudRadio stations with a local time zone, midnight to 6 a.m. held about 20% of a day's listening over the 90 days to October 8, 2026. In our reading, a station with nobody on air overnight still has an audience to lose.

There are three ways to keep a station playing around the clock: a PC that stays on at the studio, automation on a server you rent (AzuraCast or LibreTime), or a host that runs the automation on its own servers.

CloudRadio works the third way. Its AutoDJ runs on our servers and you manage it in the browser, so no playout software has to run on your computer around the clock. Upload your music and the station plays it on shuffle. For more control, add playlists in Light, Medium or Heavy rotation, and a weekly schedule (how CloudRadio automation works). For a live show, connect BUTT, Mixxx or the encoder in your playout program to your Studio Input: your show takes over, and the AutoDJ comes back when you disconnect or your connection drops. Hosts you book on the schedule go live from home with their own login, which only works during their shows (scheduled DJ shows, going live as a DJ).

The AutoDJ has no voice tracking, and no hour clocks that place items at set minutes. The closest thing is a playlist with Randomize order turned off, so it plays in a fixed order, with tags as items, each playing a random track with that tag: for example two songs, a random station ID, then two more songs. You can schedule it by time or put it in rotation. If your format depends on voice tracking or hour clocks, keep your desktop program and leave it connected to the Studio Input around the clock: when that PC restarts or loses its connection, the AutoDJ plays until it reconnects. While it's connected, it also takes priority over hosts' scheduled shows, so give live guests the Guest DJ Input, which takes priority over it.

Free software covers all three jobs: BUTT and Rocket Broadcaster's free edition stream, Mixxx mixes, and PlayIt Live and RadioDJ run a station. The money buys four things.

• Voice tracking. Recording the links between songs ahead of time, so a show sounds live while you're away. It's built into SAM Broadcaster Pro, mAirList Advanced, NextKast and ProppFrexx, and a paid module in PlayIt Live. The free way is to record links in an audio editor and add them to the playlist, as in our voice tracking guide.
• Music scheduling with rules. Rotations built from categories, with rules that keep artists and songs apart: RadioBOSS's playlist generator, mAirListDB, NextKast, StationPlaylist Creator and PlayIt Live's Advanced Scheduling module.
• AAC. BUTT streams AAC once you add the free AAC library from its manual; otherwise AAC needs Rocket Broadcaster Pro or a paid suite such as RadioBOSS, SAM Broadcaster Pro or StationPlaylist Studio. MP3 at 320 kbps is fine for a CloudRadio station, so you don't have to pay for AAC.
• Updates and support. Most one-time licences include a year of updates. PlayIt Live's modules by subscription, VirtualDJ Pro Monthly and Serato's subscription plan are ongoing payments.

None of this software includes the right to play music to the public. That depends on where you broadcast; see music licensing.

None of these four gets updates anymore.

• LadioCast. The free Mac encoder's last update, version 0.13.0, is from October 30, 2018 (App Store). Radiologik still mentions it; use BUTT or Audio Hijack instead.
• AltaCast. The Windows encoder based on Edcast. Its downloads page is dated December 2013, and the site's security certificate has expired. BUTT or Rocket Broadcaster do the same job.
• PlayoutONE Standard. Aiir still offers it free, as "legacy software, available as-is, with no updates or support provided", and points professional stations to PlayoutONE Pro (Aiir).
• Jazler RadioStar 2. Jazler has announced its end of life, with Jazler SOHO as its successor (Jazler).