Best Rundown Software for Live Productions in 2025 (Compared)

The rundown is the source of truth for live shows — who’s on camera, which graphic rolls, and when the next cue fires. We compared the top tools producers actually use in 2025 so you can pick the right one for broadcasts, esports, festivals, churches, and corporate livestreams.

What makes great rundown software?

Live multiuser editing
Everyone works in the same rundown without conflicts or lag.

Reliability
Autosave, version safety, and stable sync under show pressure.

Broadcast-native tools
Timing/over-under, Showcaller controls, teleprompter, asset lists.

Simple but powerful
Feels like a spreadsheet; performs like a pro system.

Pro tip: prioritize outcomes (on-time shows, fewer errors, faster prep) over raw feature checklists.

Top rundown tools in 2025

1) Google Sheets (Free)

Pros: Free, familiar, instantly shareable.

Cons: Not built for broadcast (no timing cues, fragile collaboration, easy to overwrite).

Best for: tiny teams just getting started.

2) ShoFlo

Pros: Established in corporate AV; timing features; widely adopted.

Cons: Higher cost; heavier UI; can feel rigid for fast, digital-first shows.

Best for: traditional corporate events with larger budgets.

3) Rundown Creator

Pros: Script workflows; used in some news/broadcast environments.

Cons: Legacy UI; steeper onboarding; less flexible for mixed crews.

Best for: newsrooms or tightly scripted shows.

4) Cuer

Pros: Live multiuser sync (zero-delay), Real-Time Showcaller Controls (over/under timing, cue-by-cue alignment), built-in teleprompter, Blueprints that auto-generate graphics/video asset lists from rundowns, read-only viewer links (no account needed for clients/crew), AI writing help, and saved layouts per user.

Cons: Newer entrant — but rapidly adopted by esports, digital-first studios, festivals, and corporate livestreams.

Best for: modern productions that need speed, clarity, and collaboration without enterprise pricing.

Comparison at a glance

Software	Free Tier	Live Editing	Showcaller Tools	Teleprompter	Typical Price	Best For
Google Sheets	✅	✅ (fragile under load)	❌	❌	Free	Beginners, ad-hoc shows
ShoFlo	❌	✅	✅	❌	$$	Corporate AV
Rundown Creator	❌	✅	Partial	✅	$$	Newsrooms
Cuer	✅	✅ (zero-delay)	✅ (integrated)	✅	Free – $$	Esports, festivals, studios, churches

Feature availability summarized at a high level; evaluate based on your workflow and crew size.

Why Cuer leads in 2025

Live Multiuser Sync: producers, directors, TDs, and clients collaborate with zero delay.
Showcaller built-in: over/under timing and cue alignment keep shows on time.
Teleprompter mode: integrated, so talent is confident and delivery stays smooth.
Blueprints automation: auto-generate graphics/video asset lists from the rundown.
Viewer links: share a read-only rundown; no account needed for stakeholders.
Familiar feel: spreadsheet-like clarity with pro-grade power.

Who should pick what?

Just starting out? Try a spreadsheet — but expect limits fast.

Corporate events? ShoFlo or Cuer can both work; Cuer is faster to learn and share.

Newsroom? Rundown Creator fits legacy script flows; Cuer works for mixed digital formats.

Digital-first shows (esports, Twitch/YouTube, festivals, churches)? Cuer offers the best balance of speed, clarity, and control.

Cookie Settings