The best soundboard apps let you play sound effects, audio memes, and custom clips for entertainment, pranks, or live events on both Android and iOS. This curated list of the best soundboard apps covers professional tools for podcasters, massive meme libraries for casual fun, and specialized apps for seasonal scares, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
What to look for in the best soundboard apps
Choosing the right soundboard app depends on platform availability, customization options, sound library size, pricing, and your specific use case. Professional users need advanced features like multi-track playback and volume control, while casual users may prioritize a large library of meme sounds and easy recording. Budget also matters, as some apps offer free ad-supported versions while others require a subscription or one-time purchase for full functionality.
1. Soundboard Studio
Soundboard Studio is designed for complex setups, allowing users to fade sounds in and out, set individual volume levels for each button, and trigger track automations. It is available for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, and supports iPad split-screen multitasking, enabling it to run alongside other apps like scripts or recording software. Features include looping capability, simultaneous playback of multiple sounds, and the ability to group tracks on different boards for organization. Users can bulk import tracks from cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud Drive. The free version lets you add up to 24 tracks. A free version provides 4 boards, while a Pro version unlocks unlimited boards and background playback. Pricing options for Soundboard Studio Pro include weekly, yearly, or a one-time purchase.
2. Custom Soundboard
Custom Soundboard is great for Android users looking for a Soundboard Studio equivalent. Custom Soundboard lets you add tracks from URLs except YouTube links due to copyright reasons. Custom Soundboard lets you backup your soundboards and share them with your friends.
3. Meme Soundboard by ZomboDroid
Meme Soundboard by ZomboDroid houses more than 500 audio tracks and is updated regularly. Meme Soundboard by ZomboDroid lets you play up to 16 different tracks at the same time without worrying about length restrictions.
4. Meme and Vine Soundboard
Meme and Vine Soundboard offers over 200 audio tracks, including popular anime tracks like 'Yare Yare Daze' and 'Anta Baka' from Evangelion. Meme and Vine Soundboard Gold Version provides an ad-free experience and access to 100 more tracks.
5. Instant Buttons
Instant Buttons offers more than 400 sounds classified into categories like memes, commercials, songs, video games, anime, and sports. It is available on both Android and iOS, includes a recording feature to create your own sounds, and lets you set any track as a ringtone or alarm. The app has a free ad-supported version and an annual subscription for an ad-free experience and unlimited access.
6. My Soundboard
My Soundboard lets you add an unlimited number of audio tracks but does not categorize them; it only has a favorites tab. My Soundboard is completely free to download and use, and the app won't bombard you with ads at all.
7. Live Streamer Soundboard
Live Streamer Soundboard features sound bites from popular YouTube and Twitch gamers like Daequan, Myth, Ali-A, Shroud, and Tfue.
8. FunSoundz
FunSoundz contains more than 250 audio tracks, including theme songs of classic shows like Friends, Ghost Busters, and How I Met Your Mother.
9. Game Show FX Soundboard
Game Show FX Soundboard features only 16 tracks, including three theme music tracks, correct answer sounds, wrong answer buzzers, a timer track, the Inception horn, and a drum roll track. It is free to use but comes with ads and offers in-app purchases.
10. Memesound
Memesound features more than 1,300 meme audio tracks in over 30 categories, including air horn sounds, MLG memes, and "Epic Fail" tracks. The free version lets you play different audio tracks at the same time, loop tracks, and change the intensity of each track.
11. Animals Soundboard
Animals Soundboard houses more than 120 different animal sounds, including cats, dogs, elephants, canaries, foxes, and even mosquitoes. It features a Prank Mode Tool that plays a set audio track when someone moves your phone.
12. Halloween Soundboard App
The Halloween Soundboard App includes 48 scary sound effects like crow noises, maniacal laughter, and creaking doors. It features layering and looping capabilities, is available on both Android and iOS, and offers a premium upgrade for an ad-free experience and the ability to record your own spooky tracks.
How to choose the right soundboard app for your needs
For professional podcasting or live events, choose Soundboard Studio for its advanced controls and bulk import features. For casual meme playback with a huge library, 101 Soundboards is ideal. If you need cross-platform portability and offline playback, Podcast Soundboard works on nearly every device. Apple users who want a simple interface should consider LitPads. For quick, categorized sound effects, Instant Buttons offers a solid free option. Budget-conscious users can start with free ad-supported versions, while professionals should invest in a Pro subscription for unlimited boards and background playback. If you want to integrate your soundboard with your music streaming, you can even use it alongside Spotify mobile features for added fun during parties or streams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a soundboard app for prank calls?
Yes, many soundboard apps include sound effects and meme clips designed for pranks, but be aware that some apps contain mature content and are not recommended for children.
Do soundboard apps work offline?
Some apps, like Podcast Soundboard, are designed for offline playback, while others require an internet connection to access cloud-based sound libraries. Check the app description for offline capabilities before downloading.
Can I record my own sounds with these apps?
Several apps, including Instant Buttons and the premium version of Halloween Soundboard App, allow you to record and trim your own audio clips directly within the app.
Are there soundboard apps that work with external displays?
Soundboard Studio Pro supports connecting your iPhone or iPad to an external display, making it suitable for live performances or studio setups.
What file formats do soundboard apps support?
Soundboard Studio supports MP3, WAV, and AIFF files, while other apps may have different format restrictions. Always check the app's specifications before importing audio.
