Short answer: SmartVerses and Pewbeam both detect Bible verses live, including paraphrases, run on Mac and Windows and work with ProPresenter. Pewbeam adds AI lyrics that follow the singer line by line, offline on-device transcription, 20 translations, published pricing and the Pewnote member app.
At a glance
| Pewbeam | SmartVerses | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free plan (60 minutes of transcription, one-time); Plus $14/month or $144/year; Core $30/month or $300/year | Free download; pricing not published on its site |
| Runs on | Windows 10+ and macOS 10.13+ | macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Windows (64-bit) |
| Automatic verse detection | Yes, including paraphrased verses | Yes, including paraphrases, with confidence review |
| Works offline | Yes, on Plus and Core | Not stated |
| Output | HDMI display, plus NDI to ProPresenter, EasyWorship and OBS on paid plans | Native ProPresenter connection, audience display, NDI and web output |
| Worship lyrics | AI lyrics that recognise the song and follow the singer line by line, including CCLI songs | Song library with fast navigation |
| Slide generation | AI slides from the sermon, notes or a prompt | Smart Slides Builder with AI-assisted designs |
| Bible translations | 20 (4 on the free plan) | Not stated |
| Member follow-up | Pewnote app: notes, quizzes and devotionals | Not stated |
Where Pewbeam is stronger
- Hands-free lyrics. Pewbeam recognises which song is being sung and advances the lyrics line by line on its own, where a song library still needs an operator.
- Offline. On Plus and Core, transcription runs on the computer itself, so detection survives a dropped connection.
- Clear pricing. Plans and limits are published up front.
- Members keep the sermon through Pewnote.
Where SmartVerses is the better fit
- A native ProPresenter connection as well as NDI and web output, if you want verses driven inside ProPresenter directly rather than over NDI.
Which should you choose?
Both handle live verses well. Choose Pewbeam if you want lyrics that run themselves, reliable offline detection and a member app. Choose SmartVerses if a native ProPresenter connection is the deciding factor.
Frequently asked questions
Do Pewbeam and SmartVerses both work with ProPresenter?
Yes. SmartVerses lists a native ProPresenter connection. Pewbeam sends its output to ProPresenter, EasyWorship and OBS over NDI on paid plans.
Does Pewbeam follow worship lyrics automatically?
Yes. On Plus and Core, Pewbeam's AI lyrics recognise which song is being sung, bring up its lyrics and advance them line by line, for any song, including your own library and CCLI songs.
More comparisons
Pewbeam vs PrayerKey · Pewbeam vs TajiCast · Pewbeam vs ProPresenter · Pewbeam vs EasyWorship
Sources
Competitor details were checked on their official sites on 24 September 2026. Prices and features change, so confirm on each site before you buy.