So you want to play a game with your family or friends that needs a timer or you need a neutral device to decide who got the answer first but you don’t have a gameshow like buzzer device on hand. If you are trying to play via over online video call, this can be even harder to organize. Don’t let not having a physical buzzer prevent you from planning your next game night with these buzzer programs and apps. Having access to these apps makes playing virtually even more fun of an idea.
Great news #1: All the following on this list are free (except one, but I REALLY like that one for large groups, so I’m featuring it). Some are apps are available via web browser and some are apps for your phone or tablet.
Great News #2: (coming soon!) As I was typing up this list to showcase them for you, I realized how boring of a post this was going to be. Just listing these buzzer apps did not do them any justice (the more I hopped around on their sites to gather info the more I got excited about all the game possibilities with them…yes, I may be a dork! 😉 ) SO, I created a quick video to let you see them in action. So, if you are not in love with the idea of clicking on each link below and wandering around, watch the video and then pick your favorites to use for your next virtual game night.
Buzzers for your web Browser
I will be honest, after looking over all these digital buzzer options, I’m leaning towards the web browser options as my favorite as they don’t seem to include ads like a lot of free apps do. Just something to consider as you are picking one to use for your next game night.
BuzzIn.Live
This buzzer is good for specific timed buzzing needs. For example, a game where the participants draw for 1 minute or gather answers for 20 seconds
How To Use: To create your timer and have family/friends join your same “game”, you click “create game”, then click “create” again. It will allow you to set your timer length you would like you timer to buzz by. You then can send the code at the top of your game page to who you want to join. They will click on “Join Game” and use your code on the homepage.
Just Buzz In!
Super Simple set up. Great for a game that needs a buzzer to show who answered first.
How To Use: Host will “Create a Room” and give the guests a code to join the same room. Guests will click “Let’s Play!”, enter the room code and create a name. Everyone pushes the space bar to buzz their timer and the host will be able to see who buzzed. The host pushes the space bar to clear the buzzers and reset them for the entire room.
Try Just Buzz In! Here
Cosmo Buzz
An online multiplayer buzzer to play “quiz shows” around the world with family and friends. This one has some fun features, like allowing the guests to type their answers in and the host instantly sees it. The buzzer also has a fun sound.
How To Use: Host clicks “Host Buzzer Room” and can give the room code to any guest they want to come. Host can see answers immediately typed in, let guests “guess” a number, lock the buzzer, clear the buzzer and only let the first buzz count. Joining is super simple for guests. They just need the room code and enter a name.
Try Cosmobuzz HERE
Buzzer Apps for your Phone (via Apple Store)
Trivia Bowl Buzzer: This app uses bluetooth capabilities to connect to multiple devices ( which is now your buzzer) to one host and removes the need for a wired buzzer. Players buzzer will sound and vibrate. The host will know who buzzed in first and prevent others from buzzing in. This one is probably better for in person playing
Friend Game Buzzer: Designed for iPad. Can host up to 64 players. Has some fun features like a timer for those who take too long, automatic point tracking and 2nd place question offer.
Buzzer Apps via Google Play
LightSpeed: Great for quizzes and game shows with a night with freinds/family or even in a classroom. Supports up to 250 participants, built in score sheet manager, it lists all who buzz-in in chronological order, you can customize the buzzer sound, participants can reconnect and start where they left off if for some reason they had to leave (or get a call) and more fun features. It is free to participate with but there is a cost for a 24 hour quiz code ($3) or they do have an option that never expires ($14), which is a great idea if you would use it often.
Buzzer: More of a Buzzer sound app, but does the job if you are needing a buzzer. They have two buzzer sounds: The Red button will sound a buzz and the Green button will sound a bell. They share a fun idea of using this app to buzz in on your favorite game show, too.
The Buzzer: A multi-purpose buzzer app that can be used for game shows, quizzes or simply as a buzzer. It offers a wide selection of buzzer tones to choose from. It will also register the timing of the last 10 buzzes.
Buzzer Apps on Both Apple and Google Play Stores
Sync Buzzer: Great for in person playing connecting via wifi. Play as individuals or as a team if you don’t have enough devices. Allows for a host to know who buzzed in first and host can prevent individuals/teams who have answered wrong from buzzing in again for the same question. (free)
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