Choosing the right streaming software can be a game-changer for your live broadcasts. With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which one fits your needs the best. In this article, we review the top 10 streaming software options to help you make an informed choice.
Key Takeaways
OBS Studio is a powerful, free option for both beginners and pros.
Streamlabs offers an integrated platform with user-friendly features.
XSplit provides high-quality streaming with a range of customization options.
vMix is ideal for professional productions with its advanced features.
Wirecast is great for multi-platform streaming and professional use.
1. OBS Studio
OBS Studio, also known as Open Broadcaster Software, is a free and open-source streaming tool. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It's one of the best free streaming software options available.
Key Features
Price: Free
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Mac, Linux
Multiple Inputs: Yes
Local Recording: Yes
Guests: Yes, but requires additional software like Zoom or Skype
Supported Live Stream Platforms: All major platforms (with multistreaming)
Pros
Highly customizable due to its open-source nature
Low impact on system resources, ideal for older hardware
Includes an audio mixer for easy audio management
Cons
Steep learning curve for beginners
Interface can be overwhelming
Occasional glitches
2. Streamlabs
Streamlabs, previously known as Streamlabs OBS, is a popular choice for live streaming. It builds on the foundation of OBS Studio but adds more features and a user-friendly interface. This makes it a great option for beginners.
Streamlabs is easy to set up thanks to an optimizer that configures the basic settings for you. This is especially helpful for those new to streaming. The software also integrates chat directly into the application, making it convenient for solo streamers. Additionally, it includes a Test widget to ensure everything is ready before going live.
Pros
Easy to set up with an optimizer
Integrates chat directly into the application
Includes a Test widget
Free to start
Cons
No dedicated tech support
Frequent updates
Pricing
Free
3. XSplit
XSplit Broadcaster is a popular choice for both solo Twitch streamers and those running corporate streams and live events. It's easy to learn and use, making it accessible for beginners while still offering advanced features for professionals. However, it is a Windows-only program, so Mac users will need to look elsewhere.
Features
Video broadcasting
Integrated green screen
Projector mode
Scene preview editor
Stream delay for broadcasting later
Instant replay, slow motion, and scoreboards
Display content from social media
Chroma key compatible
Up to 4k resolution
Pros
Supports multiple inputs from various sources
Integrates with popular videoconferencing apps
Local recording with multitrack audio
Allows livestreaming to up to 3 platforms at once
Cons
Requires some knowledge about encoding as it doesn't come with presets
Supports multiple screens but only one output to those screens
Pricing
Best For
XSplit is ideal for solo Twitch streamers and corporate users who need a reliable and feature-rich streaming software. It offers a good balance between ease of use and advanced capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
4. vMix
vMix is a powerful streaming software designed for professional streamers. It offers a range of features that cater to both beginners and advanced users. One of its standout features is the ability to support up to 1000 inputs with the Pro plan.
Pricing
vMix offers several pricing options to fit different needs:
Supported Operating Systems
Windows
Key Features
Multiple inputs: Supports webcams, cameras, capture cards, playlists, DVDs, presentations, and photos.
Recording: Stream and record with ISO recording for individual inputs.
Guests: Up to 7 remote guests with the Creator Plan.
Live stream platforms: Stream to up to 3 platforms at once, including Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube.
Other features: Branded overlays, flexible UI, alerts, and interactive widgets.
5. Wirecast
Wirecast is a robust streaming software designed for professional-level video productions, especially in sports and entertainment. It supports unlimited camera inputs, making it perfect for both virtual and live events. Wirecast is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
Key Features
Personalize your stream with layouts and overlays
Scene transitions & green screen
Connect your iPhone or iPad to share the screen
Easy to use & setup for beginners with guided onboarding
Built-in alerts, activity feed, and Twitch chat
Screen sharing and web feed sharing
Built-in graphics tool
Stream to any RTMP destination
Remote guests
Multi-bitrate streaming
Unique stock media assets included
Pricing
Pros
Unlimited inputs
Professional live video editing tools
Compatible with various capture cards and devices
Multistreaming to several platforms with Restream integration
Cons
High cost
Steeper learning curve for beginners
6. Restream
Restream is a versatile streaming platform that excels in multistreaming. It allows users to broadcast live videos to over 30 destinations simultaneously, making it a powerful tool for content distribution. The platform is especially popular among gaming, tech, government, sports, media, and music industries.
Key Features
Multistreaming to 30+ destinations
In-browser live streaming
Scheduled events
Collaborative tools for team streaming
Customizable broadcasts with logos, branded graphics, and overlays
Invite up to nine guests to join your stream
Real-time captions
Upload and stream pre-recorded videos
Overview and Company History
Restream started as a multistreaming platform but has expanded its offerings to include various streaming products. Restream Studio, their in-browser live streaming tool, is designed to boost brand exposure and sales.
Basic Functionality
Restream is a cloud-based platform that supports in-browser live streaming. It is widely used for its ability to broadcast to multiple social platforms with a customized broadcast. Users can add logos, branded graphics, and overlays, and even schedule pre-recorded videos to go live.
7. Lightstream
Lightstream is a web-based live streaming tool that allows you to create professional-quality streams without needing to download any software. It offers a range of features that make it easy to customize your stream. You can add your own graphics, place them anywhere on the screen, and even include remote guests and green screens.
Pricing
Features
Unlimited projects, scenes, and layouts
Text, images, webcams, and video clips as sources
Third-party integrations for graphics and stream alerts
Control your stream from the Lightstream mobile app
Include pre-recorded content or use media from their stock library
Facebook Live and Twitter integration for comments, live polls, and viewer counts
Chroma Key compatible
High-quality encoding for maximum quality
8. StreamYard
StreamYard is a simple live streaming platform that operates directly from your browser. It is designed to make live broadcasting easy and accessible for everyone, from businesses to individual content creators. This platform is ideal for those who want to create engaging live sessions on social media without the need for complex software.
StreamYard offers several pricing plans to suit different needs:
Pros:
Easy to use
No downloads required
Good for audience engagement
Cons:
Limited advanced features
No on-demand streaming
9. Twitch Studio
Twitch Studio is a streaming software designed specifically for Twitch users and is currently in the Beta phase. It is free for Twitch users and supports both Windows and Mac operating systems. This software allows multiple audio sources and offers local recording capabilities.
Key Features
Personalize your UI by customizing your layout.
Selective recording: Choose which sources appear in your live stream or recorded video.
Replay buffer.
Game overlay for single monitors.
Bespoke app store for additional tools and plugins.
Aggregated chat (when multistreaming).
Monetization options.
Backed up to the cloud.
Overlays and custom templates.
Squad Stream
Twitch’s Squad Stream feature allows up to 4 creators to go live and stream together, making it easier to collaborate and engage with your audience.
Supported Platforms
Twitch Studio supports live streaming exclusively on Twitch, making it an ideal choice for dedicated Twitch streamers.
10. Nvidia ShadowPlay
Nvidia ShadowPlay is a solid software for recording games and live streaming. It allows you to record up to 30 minutes of gameplay at up to 1440p resolution with little impact on game performance. This makes it one of the best free streaming tools for gamers who just want to play without worrying about performance issues.
However, ShadowPlay is far less flexible than OBS Studio. There are no overlays or multi-source scenes – just the game itself. This makes it perfect for those only streaming gameplay, but if you want to create something more sophisticated, OBS Studio might be a better choice.
ShadowPlay's video recording and screengrab tools are excellent, but streaming isn't its strongest suit. It encodes in the GPU rather than the CPU, meaning it has negligible impact on performance, but lacks advanced features like picture-in-picture.
Conclusion
Choosing the right streaming software can be a challenge, but it's important to find one that fits your needs. Each software has its own strengths and weaknesses, so consider what features are most important to you. Whether you need something simple for basic streaming or a more advanced tool with lots of features, there's a software out there for you. Take your time to explore your options, and you'll be well on your way to creating great content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best streaming software?
The best streaming software depends on your needs and what features are most important to you. We've reviewed some top options to help you decide.
Is there free streaming software available?
Yes, many streaming software options offer free versions with basic features. OBS Studio and Streamlabs are popular free choices.
What should I consider when choosing streaming software?
Consider factors like your budget, the features you need, and the platforms you want to stream on. These will help you narrow down your options.
Can I record videos with streaming software?
Yes, most streaming software allows you to record videos as well as stream live. This is useful if you want to save your streams for later.
Is streaming software easy to use?
Some streaming software is very user-friendly, while others have a steeper learning curve. It varies from one program to another.
Do I need special equipment to use streaming software?
You'll need a camera and a microphone at the very least. Some setups might also require additional hardware depending on your needs.