The best internet radio software depends on your platform and needs. For cross-platform broadcasting, BUTT and Mixxx are the best free options, while SAM Broadcaster Cloud leads paid tools. Windows users get additional choices like RadioDJ, and Mac users can turn to Audio Hijack or LadioCast.
Here's the full comparison:
| Software | Platform | Cost | Skill level |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool) | Windows & Mac | Free | Beginner |
| Mixxx | Windows & Mac | Free | Beginner |
| VirtualDJ | Windows & Mac | Paid | Advanced |
| SAM Broadcaster Cloud | Windows & Mac | Paid | Advanced |
| SAM Broadcaster Pro | Windows | Paid | Advanced |
| RadioDJ | Windows | Free | Beginner |
| Audio Hijack | Mac | Paid | Advanced |
| LadioCast | Mac | Free | Beginner |
Cross-platform (Windows & Mac)
BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool)
BUTT is one of the first tools many of us use to go live — and for good reason. It’s free, lightweight, easy to set up, and works on both Windows and Mac without any complicated installation steps. If you’re streaming live voiceovers, interviews, or a set straight from your audio interface, BUTT gets the job done without fuss.
Once it’s pointed at your streaming server, it just works — no bloated dashboards, no feature overload. The layout is clean: input on one side, status on the other, with basic level controls and a log to track your connection.
Some reasons it stands out:
- Cross-platform: Runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and even Linux.
- Live only: Perfect for stations focused on live broadcasting (no automation or scheduling).
- Server compatibility: Supports Icecast and Shoutcast out of the box.
- Stability: Rock-solid uptime during live events, even under patchy connections.
BUTT isn’t built for full station management — it doesn’t handle music libraries or automate anything — but that’s exactly the point. It keeps the broadcast layer simple so you can focus on sound quality and content.
Mixxx
Mixxx bridges the gap between DJ software and live broadcast tools — and does it without costing a cent. It’s free, open-source, packed with features, and runs on both Mac and Windows without licensing headaches or hidden limitations.
What really makes Mixxx shine for internet radio is its built-in encoder. You can stream directly to Icecast or Shoutcast servers without needing extra plugins or virtual audio cables.
A few reasons Mixxx stands out:
- Built-in broadcasting: No need for external encoders — stream directly from the app.
- Auto-DJ: Load playlists and let the software handle transitions when you need a break.
- Controller support: Works with a huge range of MIDI devices, from entry-level decks to pro setups.
- Customisable interface: Tailor the workspace to your style — whether that’s 2 decks, 4 decks, or library-first.
While Mixxx isn’t ideal for full-time station automation, it’s perfect for live sets, hybrid shows, and DJs who want performance tools alongside a broadcast signal. The learning curve is smooth, and because it’s open-source, updates come from real users who care about how the tool performs.
VirtualDJ
VirtualDJ wasn’t built specifically for internet radio — but with the right setup, it can handle live streaming like a pro. For DJs looking to broadcast live sets with visual flair and smooth mixing, it’s a strong option.
What makes it work for radio is the broadcasting plugin. With just a few configuration steps, VirtualDJ connects directly to Icecast or Shoutcast servers. From there, you’re streaming in real time with full control over decks, tempo and EQs.
Where VirtualDJ fits best:
- DJ-first interface: Optimised for live sets and beatmatched transitions.
- Broadcast plugin: Built-in encoder for radio streams.
- Customisable layout: Tailor the workspace to your mixing style.
- Controller support: Pairs easily with just about any DJ hardware.
This isn’t the right tool for long-form automation, behind-the-scenes scheduling or if cost is an issue. But when live energy is the priority — especially for shows built around mixing — VirtualDJ delivers a polished, club-ready broadcast experience.
SAM Broadcaster Cloud
SAM Broadcaster Cloud is a paid tool that gives you the flexibility of cloud automation without losing the live DJ features that make stations feel human.
Everything runs from a browser, but there’s also an optional desktop app for live control. That makes it a solid pick for stations with team members spread across time zones or switching between devices. Scheduling music blocks, setting up rotations, and inserting timed content (like IDs or promos) is all handled in the backend — reliably and without constant micromanagement.
Why SAM Cloud is a strong choice:
- Cross-platform access: Fully cloud-based with support for both Mac and Windows users.
- Live + automated: Seamlessly switch between scheduled content and real-time DJs.
- Redundancy built-in: No risk of losing your feed if a local machine crashes.
- Listener tools: Includes stats, monetization options, and station branding features.
It’s especially useful for stations that want a set-it-and-forget-it structure during off-hours but still want the energy of live broadcasting during prime slots.
Windows only
SAM Broadcaster Pro
SAM Broadcaster Pro has been a cornerstone of internet radio for over a decade — and for stations running on Windows, it still holds up. It’s the kind of paid tool you grow into as your station matures.
The interface may feel dense at first, but every panel serves a purpose. You can queue tracks manually, schedule rotations, insert ads, and broadcast live — all from a single dashboard. Built-in audio processing gives you control over how your station sounds, with DSP effects, normalization, and crossfade settings dialled in for a smooth listener experience.
Here’s where SAM Broadcaster Pro excels:
- All-in-one control: Manage music, schedule programming, and go live from one app.
- Advanced processing: Built-in compressors, EQs, and DSP chains to polish your sound.
- Playlist automation: Custom categories, rotations, and timed blocks.
- Reliable streaming: Supports multiple servers and formats simultaneously.
This isn’t the tool for someone looking to jump on air quickly — SAM Pro takes time to configure properly. But once it’s set up, it offers a high level of control and broadcast stability that’s hard to beat.
RadioDJ
RadioDJ has built a loyal following for good reason. It’s a free, Windows-based automation system packed with features you’d normally expect from paid software.
Its strength is in 24/7 scheduling. Once your music library is organised and your categories are set, RadioDJ takes over. It builds rotations dynamically, keeps logs, inserts sweepers, and handles playback transitions smoothly. Live mode lets you jump in when needed, but the software is more than capable of holding down a full schedule on its own.
Here’s what makes RadioDJ stand out:
- Cost-effective: Completely free with no usage limits or watermarks.
- Built-in rotation logic: Automatically generates playlists based on your rules.
- Live assist mode: Smooth transition between automated and live content.
- Database-driven: Uses MySQL or MariaDB for stable media handling.
RadioDJ doesn’t include a built-in encoder, so you’ll need to pair it with a tool like BUTT or MB Recaster to get your stream online. But once configured, it becomes a powerful foundation for stations focused on consistent, hands-off programming — with room to scale when you’re ready.
Mac only
Audio Hijack
Audio Hijack stands out as a professional-grade recording tool for Mac users, especially when you want precise control over every sound source. It works behind the scenes — capturing, processing, and routing audio from any app or device on your Mac before sending it to your chosen output.
You can rely on Audio Hijack when your station needs to combine multiple audio sources — like live microphones, music players, and system sounds — into a single polished stream. Its flexibility is unmatched, with options to add effects, filters, or volume adjustments on the fly. Though technically free, it does require a cash outlay to get the most out of.
Key features that make Audio Hijack essential:
- Advanced audio routing: Capture audio from apps, devices, or system audio.
- Live processing: Apply effects, compression, EQ, or noise gates in real time.
- Flexible output: Route audio to files, other apps, or streaming software.
- Scheduling and automation: Automate recordings or audio setups at specific times.
Audio Hijack is perfect for stations wanting to fine-tune every audio element before it reaches listeners.
LadioCast
LadioCast offers a simple yet effective streaming encoder for Mac users who want to get on air without fuss. Lightweight, free and easy to navigate, it connects directly to popular streaming servers like Icecast and Shoutcast, making it a go-to choice for many Mac-based internet radio stations.
The interface might look basic, but it covers essential features: volume control, input selection, and multiple stream outputs.
What makes LadioCast a reliable pick:
- Straightforward setup: Quickly connect to streaming servers with minimal configuration.
- Multiple inputs: Mix audio from different sources within the app.
- Support for multiple streams: Broadcast to more than one server simultaneously.
- Real-time volume adjustments: Manage input and output levels on the fly.
While it doesn’t offer built-in automation or scheduling, LadioCast’s simplicity and stability make it ideal for live broadcasts or stations that rely on external tools for automation.
Finding the right internet radio software can transform your station’s workflow and listener experience. Whether your team uses Windows, Mac, or both, the options we’ve shared cover everything from lightweight live encoders to full-featured broadcasting suites.
The right internet radio provider can also further transform your station. So if you're after a internet radio platform designed for the 21st century, which just works, then look no further than Radio Cult. Most of the tools we mentioned above - regardless of whether they're just a livestream encoder or a full broadcasting suite - need a streaming server to connect to function as intended. So why not chose Radio Cult?
FAQs
What is the best free internet radio software?
BUTT, Mixxx, RadioDJ and LadioCast are all completely free. BUTT is the simplest for live broadcasting, Mixxx adds DJ mixing capabilities, and RadioDJ offers full 24/7 automation on Windows.
Do I need separate software for live broadcasting and automation?
It depends on the tool. All-in-one suites like SAM Broadcaster Pro handle both live and automated broadcasting. Simpler tools like BUTT only handle live streaming, so you'd pair them with a scheduling platform like Radio Cult for automation.
Can I use internet radio software on a Mac?
Yes. BUTT, Mixxx, VirtualDJ, and SAM Broadcaster Cloud all work on Mac. For Mac-only options, Audio Hijack offers professional-grade audio routing and LadioCast provides a free, lightweight encoder.
What's the difference between an encoder and a full broadcasting suite?
An encoder (like BUTT or LadioCast) simply sends your audio to a streaming server. A full broadcasting suite (like SAM Broadcaster Pro) adds playlist management, scheduling, automation, and audio processing on top of the streaming capability.
