OpenLP
OpenLP is a free, open-source church presentation software that allows you to manage songs, Bible verses, videos, and images to create professional worship services on any major operating system.
Playlister
Playlister is a specialized digital signage and curriculum management software designed for churches to easily manage, schedule, and present lesson media across multiple classrooms and campus locations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | OpenLP | Playlister |
|---|---|---|
| Website | openlp.org | playlister.app |
| Pricing Model | Free | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $20/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2004 | 2016 |
| Headquarters | null | Nashville, USA |
Overview
OpenLP
OpenLP is a comprehensive presentation tool designed specifically for churches and worship environments. You can manage your entire service from a single interface, integrating song lyrics, Bible translations, and multimedia files without switching between different applications. It allows you to import songs from various formats and display them with customizable themes to match your sanctuary's aesthetic.
You can also control your presentations remotely using a web browser or mobile app, giving you the freedom to move around the stage. Because it is open-source, you get a full-featured professional suite at no cost, making it an ideal solution for congregations that need reliable technology without the burden of expensive monthly subscriptions or licensing fees.
Playlister
Playlister is a dedicated media management platform built specifically for the unique needs of church environments. You can stop juggling USB sticks and complicated AV setups by managing all your classroom media from a single web-based dashboard. It allows you to upload curriculum once and instantly sync it across every screen in your building, ensuring your volunteers always have the right content ready to go.
The platform solves the common headache of curriculum distribution by providing a reliable, plug-and-play experience for your ministry teams. You can create custom playlists, schedule content in advance, and even share lesson materials with parents for at-home use. It simplifies your Sunday morning workflow so your volunteers can focus on teaching rather than troubleshooting technology.
Overview
OpenLP Features
- Song Management Import songs from various sources and organize them into custom service sets for quick access during worship.
- Bible Integration Search and display Scripture verses instantly by importing your preferred Bible translations directly into the software.
- Multimedia Support Integrate videos, images, and audio tracks into your presentations to create a more engaging experience for your congregation.
- Remote Control Control your live presentation from any device with a web browser or the dedicated Android and iOS remote apps.
- Stage View Set up a dedicated display for your worship team so they can see lyrics and clock timers from the stage.
- Custom Themes Create beautiful backgrounds and text styles to ensure your lyrics are readable and match your church's visual branding.
Playlister Features
- Remote Media Management. Upload and organize your videos and images from any web browser and sync them to your classroom screens instantly.
- Automated Scheduling. Set your content to play at specific times across different rooms so your campus runs on autopilot.
- Curriculum Integration. Import lessons directly from popular providers like Orange and Gospel Project to save hours of manual data entry.
- Offline Playback. Download your media directly to the hardware so your presentations keep running even if the church Wi-Fi fails.
- Playlister Lite. Share your curated playlists with families via web links so they can follow along with lessons at home.
- Multi-Campus Sync. Manage multiple locations from one account to ensure brand and curriculum consistency across your entire organization.
Pricing Comparison
OpenLP Pricing
- Unlimited songs and Bibles
- Custom theme creator
- Remote control capabilities
- Stage view for performers
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Community-driven support
Playlister Pricing
- 1 Screen license
- Unlimited media storage
- Apple TV app access
- Standard support
- Curriculum partner integrations
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Priority email support
- Advanced scheduling tools
- Multi-user permissions
- Enhanced reporting features
Pros & Cons
OpenLP
Pros
- Completely free with no recurring subscription costs
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems
- Flexible remote control via mobile devices
- Supports a wide variety of song formats
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to paid alternatives
- Learning curve for setting up complex media
- Limited official support compared to paid software
Playlister
Pros
- Extremely simple for non-technical volunteers to operate
- Eliminates the need for unreliable USB thumb drives
- Seamless integration with major church curriculum providers
- Reliable offline mode prevents Sunday morning tech disasters
Cons
- Requires specific hardware like Apple TV or Pro kits
- Initial setup of multiple screens takes some time
- Limited customization for non-church related signage needs