Cue Light is the easiest Tally Arbiter alternative. No Node.js, no server, no configuration. Open the app in a browser, share the display link, and you have a working tally light in 30 seconds.
| Factor | Tally Arbiter | Cue Light |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 1–2 hours | 30 seconds |
| Requires Node.js | ✗ Yes | ✓ No |
| Local server required | ✗ Yes — must stay awake | ✓ No server |
| Works over internet | ✗ LAN only (tunnel needed) | ✓ Built-in |
| Switcher integration | ✓ Automatic from switcher | Manual (director taps) |
| Cost | Free (self-hosted) | Free |
| Remote guests | ✗ LAN only | ✓ Share a link |
Tally Arbiter is the better choice if you need automatic tally signals from your switcher — where cutting to Camera 2 automatically changes the tally without anyone tapping a button. This matters in high-speed multi-camera production where manual coordination would be too slow.
For most independent productions, church AV, wedding videography, podcasting, and live streaming — where the director can tap a button when they switch cameras — Cue Light is significantly simpler with no meaningful trade-off.
30 seconds to live. No Node.js, no server, no configuration.
Start free — no signup