NextKast is established Windows-installed radio automation with a built-in music scheduler, voice tracking and streaming encoders. AirWaves takes a different approach: a unified, browser-based broadcast platform where playout runs alongside full traffic & billing, AI imaging and AI DJs, a newsroom, production and processing — and every module also works standalone with the automation you already own. Here is an honest side-by-side so you can decide which fits your station.
Comparison based on features publicly advertised at nextkast.com as of August 2026. NextKast is a trademark of its owner; AirWaves is not affiliated with NextKast. If anything here is out of date, tell us and we will correct it.
| Capability | AirWaves | NextKast |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Browser-based; control from any screen (Windows playout engine) | Windows-installed (Windows 7/10/11 or cloud VPS) |
| Radio automation & playout | Yes — own engine, separate Air and Stream schedules simultaneously | Yes — rotation/AutoDJ, silence trim, crossfade |
| Music scheduling | Yes — format clocks, rule tree, energy-flow sequencing, built in | Yes — built-in scheduler, playlists up to 30 days ahead |
| Traffic & billing | Full traffic, invoicing, AR & general ledger, network clearance & barter | Simple traffic scheduler; no billing advertised |
| AI tools | AI imaging, AI DJ personas, AI newscasts, AI weathercast, AI show prep, AI program director | None advertised |
| Voice tracking | Yes — markers, dayparts, remote via browser | Yes — StudioLink in-studio and remote |
| Streaming | Yes — with VAST ad insertion and stream ad replacement | Yes — 12 built-in encoders, Shoutcast/Icecast/Live365 |
| Audio processing | Full broadcast chain — AGC, multiband, FM clipper, split Air/Stream finals | Crossfade/silence removal, DSP/VST plugin support |
| Production studio | Multitrack editor, segue editor, automatic marker detection | Built-in recorder, podcast rendering |
| Newsroom / weather | Full newsroom, AI newscasts, sponsored weathercasts | Not advertised |
| Use modules with other automation | Every module runs standalone and feeds any automation — including NextKast | All-in-one package |
For stations that want a browser-based platform with full traffic and billing, AI imaging and AI DJ tools, and modules that also feed existing automation — yes. NextKast remains a solid choice for stations that specifically want a classic Windows-installed automation package.
Architecture and scope. NextKast is Windows-installed automation with scheduling, voice tracking and built-in encoders. AirWaves is a unified browser-based platform whose playout engine runs alongside full traffic and billing, AI imaging, AI DJ personas, an AI newsroom and weathercasts, multitrack production, syndication and a full audio-processing chain.
As of August 2026, NextKast advertises a simple traffic scheduler in newer versions, with no billing system listed. AirWaves includes full radio traffic and billing — orders, logs, invoicing, accounts receivable and general ledger — plus network clearance and barter.
No. Every AirWaves module — music scheduling, traffic and billing, AI imaging, AI DJ, weathercast, newscasts, show prep, production, processing, streaming and skimmer — also runs standalone and feeds any automation system you already own, including NextKast.
Not ready to switch anything? Every AirWaves module — music scheduling, traffic & billing, show prep, AI imaging, the AI DJ and more — also runs alongside the automation you already own.
Ask for a live demo and compare it against anything you use today.
Request a demo