Software · head to head
SermonAudio vs OpenLP
SermonAudio
Software
Free sermon hosting and distribution platform for churches
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: SermonAudio app requires reconfiguration after restart and resets items to default ordering; OpenLP there is no standalone mobile app; the Android and iOS apps are remote controls for a desktop running OpenLP
- They diverge on capability: SermonAudio covers Sermon Hosting, OpenLP covers Presentation.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SermonAudio and OpenLP actually diverge.
| Attribute | SermonAudio | OpenLP |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | open-source |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Founded | 2005 | 2004 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in SermonAudio
- Sermon Hosting
- Podcast Distribution
- Audio Transcription
- Analytics
- Podcast Platforms
- Website Integration
- Email Distribution
- Social Media Sharing
Only in OpenLP
- Presentation
- Lyric Display
- Media Playback
- Bible Display
- Theme Support
- Plugin System
- Custom Layouts
- Scripture Integration
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
SermonAudio
- Member management
- Donation tracking
- Event planning
- Volunteer scheduling
- Communication
OpenLP
- Member management
- Donation tracking
- Event planning
- Volunteer scheduling
- Communication
Both are used for member management, donation tracking, event planning, volunteer scheduling, communication, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
SermonAudio
- App requires reconfiguration after restart and resets items to default ordering
- Bookmark search functionality sometimes returns no results due to app bugs
- Mobile app limited to iOS and Android without web-based access for church administrators
OpenLP
- There is no standalone mobile app; the Android and iOS apps are remote controls for a desktop running OpenLP
- Only the most recent Fedora release and Debian unstable are supported on those distributions
- The Flatpak build is experimental and the OpenLP team states it does not support its use
- Requires macOS 10.15 or higher and Windows 10 or higher
Pricing, plan by plan
SermonAudio
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the SermonAudio review.
OpenLP
Free- Community EditionFree
- Full features
- No restrictions
- Community support
Which should you pick?
Choose SermonAudio if
- You need sermon hosting.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web.
- You also want podcast distribution.
Choose OpenLP if
- You need presentation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Mac, Linux.
- You also want lyric display.
Questions people ask
- Is SermonAudio or OpenLP better?
- Neither clearly leads. SermonAudio starts at Free and OpenLP at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, SermonAudio or OpenLP?
- SermonAudio starts at Free and OpenLP at Free.
- Does SermonAudio or OpenLP run on more platforms?
- SermonAudio runs on iOS, Android, Web. OpenLP runs on Windows, Mac, Linux.
- Can I use SermonAudio for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is SermonAudio best used for?
- SermonAudio is most often used for member management, donation tracking, event planning, volunteer scheduling.
- What can SermonAudio do that OpenLP cannot?
- SermonAudio covers Sermon Hosting, Podcast Distribution, Audio Transcription, Analytics. OpenLP covers Presentation, Lyric Display, Media Playback, Bible Display.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
SermonAudio: Is SermonAudio free for listening to sermons?
Yes, the sermon library of nearly 3 million audio and video sermons from conservative Christian churches is free to access. However, churches and ministries that want to broadcast their own sermons must pay a subscription fee.
SourceSermonAudio: What is the cost for churches to broadcast sermons on SermonAudio?
SermonAudio offers a flat-fee subscription model at $29.95/month, with smaller ministries potentially eligible for financial aid through a third-party scholarship program.
SourceSermonAudio: What platforms does SermonAudio support for accessing sermons?
SermonAudio supports native apps across a wide range of devices, including iOS, Android, and web browsers, allowing access to sermons anytime, anywhere.
SourceSermonAudio: Does SermonAudio provide offline access to downloaded sermons?
Yes, the app supports offline download capabilities, allowing you to download sermon audio or video and access them even without an internet connection.
SourceSermonAudio: What integrations does SermonAudio offer?
SermonAudio integrates with Logos Bible Software, Blue Letter Bible, Biblearc, and Church Plant Media, enabling seamless distribution and organization of sermon content across platforms.
Source