Compare software

Linux Show Player vs QLab: catalog facts
Linux Show Player	QLab
Best for: Sound operators running cues for theatre and live stage shows on Linux	Best for: Theatre and live event designers running cues from a Mac
Free Free and open source under GPL-3.0-or-later, with optional donations.	Free + paid options Free to download; advanced features require a paid licence.
Linux	macOS
List and cart layouts for different show styles Concurrent cue playback with pre and post wait All 4 strengths for Linux Show Player List and cart layouts for different show styles Concurrent cue playback with pre and post wait MIDI and OSC control Real-time effects and ReplayGain normalisation	Sound, video, lighting and show control in one cue list Object audio for spatial sound All 4 strengths for QLab Sound, video, lighting and show control in one cue list Object audio for spatial sound Used in professional theatre Actively developed with regular updates
Linux only Focused on audio cues rather than lighting or video	macOS only Advanced features need a paid licence
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Not open source
License: GPL-3.0-or-later	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Linux Show Player linux-show-player.org Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for QLab qlab.app Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.