You searched for "scoreboard software," landed on PC Scoreboards, and it looked like the answer. Then the friction started piling up. Windows only. A USB dongle that has to stay plugged in for every game. A separate license for every sport. Admin rights, which your school IT department isn't handing out without a fight.
There's a simpler path now. A handful of scoreboard tools run in a browser, work on basically any device, and cover every sport on one plan. This page lays out how KeepTheScore and PC Scoreboards stack up on the things schools and leagues actually care about.
Cloud vs desktop
PC Scoreboards is a classic Windows app. You download it, install it on a specific PC, and that's where it lives. The dongle has to be plugged in to run the software. Lose it, break it, leave it in the other gym bag, and you don't have a scoreboard until a replacement shows up.
KeepTheScore goes the other way. It runs in a browser. Open a URL and you've got a scoreboard, on whatever device is closest. Nothing to install, no dongle, no admin rights. A volunteer can pull it up on a personal laptop five minutes before tipoff.
If you run multiple venues with rotating volunteers, that difference shows up fast. You're no longer tied to "the scoreboard computer" that only one person knows how to drive.
Streaming
If you stream games, KeepTheScore has a real advantage. Every scoreboard has a URL you drop into OBS, Streamlabs, or vMix as a browser source. Transparent backgrounds are built in. The overlay updates live as scores change.
PC Scoreboards wasn't built with streaming in mind. To get it into OBS you'd capture the window or the screen, crop it down, and hope nothing shifts mid-game. There's no native transparent overlay mode.
If you broadcast to YouTube or Facebook for the families who can't make it, that's a chunk of setup you just don't have to do.
Pricing
PC Scoreboards uses a one-time purchase model, but they charge per sport. Basketball, football, and baseball is three separate buys, and there's no free trial.
KeepTheScore works differently. There's a free tier you can use forever, with functional scoreboards for any sport. Paid plans add custom logos, advanced themes, and an ad-free display. All sports are included on every plan. You can try the whole thing before you put in a credit card.
For a school watching every line item, "test it first, all sports included" takes the financial risk out of the decision.
Remote score control
With PC Scoreboards, the scorer sits at the computer running the software. If that laptop is plugged into a projector across the gym, someone is physically at that laptop the whole game.
KeepTheScore splits the display from the controls. The scoreboard shows on one screen (TV, projector, LED wall, whatever has HDMI). Scorekeepers control it from their phones, tablets, or any other browser. Two people can control the same board at once: one runs the score, another handles the clock.
For volunteer-run events where you can't always count on a dedicated person at a fixed station, that flexibility matters more than it sounds.
Updates and maintenance
PC Scoreboards updates the old way. Download the new version, install it over the old one, hope your existing setup still works.
KeepTheScore updates in the cloud. Every time you open a scoreboard, you're on the current version. There's nothing to maintain on your end.
When PC Scoreboards is the right pick
Worth saying clearly: if you have a Windows PC bolted to a desk in a gym with bad internet, PC Scoreboards has been doing this since 2002 and it works offline. That's a real advantage KeepTheScore can't match. If offline operation is non-negotiable, stop reading and go with them. For everyone else, the browser-based approach removes a lot of friction.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | KeepTheScore | PC Scoreboards |
|---|---|---|
| No software installation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Works on Mac / Chromebook / tablet | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✗ |
| One-click OBS integration | ✓ | No (screen capture needed) |
| Remote score control from phone | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multiple simultaneous scorekeepers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Transparent overlay for streaming | ✓ | Varies |
| Sport-specific scoreboards | Yes (16+) | ✓ |
| Game clock / shot clock | ✓ | ✓ |
| Team logos and custom colors | Yes (paid) | ✓ |
| Offline operation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Full local hardware control | ✗ | ✓ |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose PC Scoreboards if...
- You need fully offline operation with no internet
- You have a dedicated Windows PC at your venue
- You prefer one-time purchase over subscription
Choose KeepTheScore if...
- You stream games and need easy OBS integration
- You want multiple people controlling the scoreboard from their own devices
- You need cross-platform support (Mac, Chromebook, tablet, phone)
- You want to try free before paying
Frequently Asked Questions
"Can I use KeepTheScore on a Mac or Chromebook?"
Yes. KeepTheScore runs in any browser on any operating system — Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, or Android. No installation required.
"What if my internet goes out during a game?"
Once the scoreboard page loads, it works offline for basic score updates. For best reliability, use a mobile hotspot as backup.
"Do I need to buy a separate license for each sport?"
No. KeepTheScore includes all sports — basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, soccer, and more — in a single subscription.
"Can multiple people control the scoreboard at the same time?"
Yes. Share the control panel URL with scorekeepers, coaches, or announcers. Each person can update scores from their own device simultaneously.
"Is it good enough for live streaming?"
Yes. KeepTheScore works as a browser source in OBS, Streamlabs, or vMix with transparent background support. Many schools use it for both in-venue display and live stream overlay. Full streaming guide here.
"How do I switch from PC Scoreboards?"
There's nothing to migrate. Create a new scoreboard on KeepTheScore, bookmark the URL, and you're ready. Most organizations test during practice games, then switch for regular games once scorekeepers are comfortable.
Try KeepTheScore Today
No installation. No dongle. No commitment. Create your first scoreboard in 30 seconds and test it on any screen before your next game.
Information about PC Scoreboards was accurate as of March 2026. Visit https://pcscoreboards.com for latest details.