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UtilitiesStreaming

What are the best software tools for live streaming?

28

Options
Considered

1K

User
Recs.

2 mins

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

The Best 2 of 25 OptionsWhy?

Best software tools for live streaming	Price	OS	Video Codecs
94 Open Broadcaster Software	Free	Windows 7, 8, 8.1 And 10; Mac OS X 10.9 or newer, Linux	-
91 FFSplit	-	-	H264
83 XSplit Broadcaster	-	Windows	H264
79 Wirecast	$495	Windows; OSX	x264; H.264; Flash; ProRes; MJPEG; WMV
-- Cameleon	-	-	-

Open Broadcaster Software

Add Video or Image

Top Pro

Free, open source and cross-platform

OBS is licensed under GPLv2 with code available on GitHub. It's available on Windows, OSX and Linux. See More

Top Con

GUI may be hard to navigate for beginners

KindComus's Experience

It is the worst in history! they expel you from the forum, they do not accept your commints on Github, it eats you 4 processor cores, it is unstable to record and sometimes the recording corrupts you .. See More

Specs

OS:Windows 7, 8, 8.1 And 10; Mac OS X 10.9 or newer, Linux

Top Pro

Light resource usage

Open Broadcaster uses relatively fewer resources than competitors, especially when streaming using Game Mode and by limiting the number of frames per second to 60 or lower. See More

Top Con

Difficult to configure

SuccessfulAsaruludu's Experience

Top Pro

Stream settings are extremely customizable

Open Broadcaster lets you add different streaming profiles, each with its own settings. Each profile can have its keyboard shortcut to start or stop recording, custom resolution, frames per second or even the audio codec of choice. See More

Top Con

Can't output to multiple streams at once (planned)

Ability to stream to multiple outputs is planned. See More

HelpfulVaisravana's Experience

Top Pro

Has over 20 plugins that enhance functionality

OBS has over 20 plugins to choose from, including one's that allow adding video files and any other media supported by VLC as a source, integrating Twich chat and switching scene depending on what window is in focus. See More

Top Con

Cannot record to multiple audio tracks with Replay Buffer (planned)

It's possible in regular recording though. See More

CredibleFuamnach's Experience

it works very well and its easy to use See More

Top Pro

Streams to most live streaming video platforms

OBS can stream to any RTMP-enabled service, including Twitch, YouTube, DailyMotion, and Hitbox. See More

Top Con

Does not support ASIO

Maratik Asiatic :3's Experience

OBS is very well, but if you are not Geek you will get a bad quality stream! See More

Top Pro

Several capture types supported

There are multiple capture types that can be used to stream. By clicking in "Sources Window", you can add the type that you need. Windows Capture_, for example, as the name suggests, captures the windows. _Monitor Capture is similar but captures the window regardless of where it was, this way you can for example capture the whole monitor or a sub-region of the screen. But the most important capture type by far is _Game capture_, which allows users to record full screen captures of games. See More

Top Con

Captures overlays even when told not to

This software has had a bug for several years where it will capture the Steam overlay and other overlays. This is problematic because your private conversations can be viewed by anyone watching your current or past streams. Privacy issues are a major reason to avoid this software. See More

Nadine Swaity's Experience

beginer See More

Top Pro

Supports Intel's Quick Sync for faster and more power efficient video processing

Quick Sync is hardware video encoding and decoding technology that's comparable in speed, compression ratio and quality to x264. Since Quick Sync is a dedicated hardware core on the processor die, it allows for faster and more power efficient video processing. See More

Top Con

Does not yet support H.265/HEVC video encoding

WittyPoseidon's Experience

Live stream See More

Top Pro

Scene previewing allowed in Studio Mode

OBS allows to look at scenes before streaming them in Studio Mode. See More

Top Con

Impossible to streaming live

Lost frames increase over time and audio-video desynchronization occurs. See More

NonchalantSosamshin's Experience

SAM RADIO See More

Top Pro

Simple user interface

Open Broadcaster has a clean and simple interface that is easy to understand even for people who have never used a streaming application before. It has a "Start Streaming" button on the bottom, which, when clicked lets you stream from your chosen source. See More

Top Con

Corrupt recording

When recording videos of more than 20 minutes of recording, the MP4 recording destroys you. See More

Top Pro

New GUI

Version 22.0.2 for Windows has a new simpler to use interface with a multitude of easily accessible settings. See More

Top Con

Can't link to an audio file as a source

You can download a plugin called DirectShow Audio Source, but you're only given options to use audio inputs (mic, speakers, etc...). You cannot simply select a wav or mp3 file to loop (going AFK or BRB for example). See More

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FFSplit

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Top Pro

Free

Top Con

No built-in game source capture

FFSplit requires an external program for capturing game source. See More

ExpertAoGuang's Experience

Live PB22 Wala See More

Specs

Video Codecs:H264

Video Formats:FLV; MKV; MP4

Audio Codecs:MP3; AAC

Top Pro

Clean interface

Top Con

Discontinued

VersatileAoGuang's Experience

Top Pro

Simultaneous broadcast

FFSplit allows streaming to multiple services at the same time. See More

Top Con

Very limited methods for manipulating source

FFSplit can't rotate, crop, pan, tilt or zoom sources. There's also no de-interlacing, chroma key, color or gamma adjustment support. FFSplit can only resize the source, adjust transparency and adjust volume. See More

Top Pro

Light resource usage

Top Con

Windows only

FFSplit runs only on Windows. Other operating systems such as OSX or Linux are not supported. See More

Top Con

Doesn't work on Windows XP

FFSplit works on Windows Vista or later. See More

23 Other Options Considered

XSplit Broadcaster

Add Video or Image

Top Pro

Functionality can be extended via plugins

XSplit has a source plugin store (with about 5 plugins) that add functionality such as whiteboards, image slideshows and video playlists. See More

Top Con

Resource heavy

IntelligentJumis's Experience

nb vjh,bvjzhzgvbuzhjzgvb See More

Specs

Video Codecs:H264

Video Formats:FLV; MP4

Audio Codecs:Speex; AAC

Top Pro

Very short learning curve

Top Con

Premium version is required for commercial use

A paid license is required to use XSplit for any commercial purposes. The personal license is $4.95/mo and the premium license is $8.95/mo. See More

SophisticatedPiltzintecuhtli's Experience

Having used Manycam and Webcammax for ten years. OBS Studio did not flow well, feels clunky. When my toy like goto programs stopped working or have issues. I downloaded XSplit and within 3 seconds of it opening I had cmers 1 and camera 2 on the screen as a scene. Within the next few seconds I was adjusting the settings See More

Top Pro

3D positioning

Any scene element can be positioned in 3D space by rotating in all axis. See More

Top Con

Windows only

XSplit runs only on Windows. Other operating systems such as OSX or Linux are not supported. See More

BrilliantPatollo's Experience

Top Pro

Simultaneous broadcast

A paid license allows streaming to multiple services at the same time. See More

Top Con

Stream delay is behind a paywall

Top Pro

Transitions

XSplit has a couple of built-in transitions for switching scenes. Transitions such as wave, fade, hole, etc, that can add a bit of character to a stream. See More

Top Con

Adding text requires a plugin

While a minor inconvenience, most other tools include this functionality by default. See More

Top Pro

Has a limited free version

XSplit offers a free version that includes both XSplit Broadcaster and XSplit Gamecaster, but is limited to .aac 96 kbps mono audio, .mp4/.flv@30fps video and advanced features like image overlays, Twitch integration or a preview editor. See More

Top Con

Can't go above 1080p

Top Pro

Some source delay support

Webcams and capture card video as well as any audio can be delayed. See More

Top Pro

Supports interactive Flash files

XSplit allows loading .swf files to the scene that can then be interacted with using keyboard and mouse inputs. See More

Wirecast

Add Video or Image

Top Pro

Provides a lot of advanced functionality

Wirecast has support for rare, advanced functionality such as IP cameras, remote desktop capture, 3D virtual sets, image slideshow, scoreboards, and projectors. See More

Top Con

Expensive

Costs $495. See More

Sinews Nellore's Experience

Specs

OS:Windows; OSX

Video Codecs:x264; H.264; Flash; ProRes; MJPEG; WMV

Video Formats:MOV; FLV; WMV

Top Pro

Streams to multiple networks simultaneously

Wirecast can stream to multiple networks as long as you add non-Facebook networks using the manual RTMP method. See More

Top Con

Image can't be rotated

Top Pro

Functionality can be extended via plugins

Top Pro

Can create and automate playlists

Wirecast offers an option to create and automate playlists - even with live shots - by modifying the duration of each shot. Playlists also can be used to create highlight reels after capturing Instant Replays. See More

Mirillis Action!

Add Video or Image

Top Pro

Info HUD showing FPS, LIVE viewers etc.

Top Con

30-day trial period

KindComus's Experience

Is the best software to encode and broadcast live. See More

Specs

OS:Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10

Video Codecs:H.264/AVC , H.265/HEVC, FICV

Video Formats:AVI 2.0, MP4

Audio Codecs:Linear PCM (Stereo/5.1) (AVI) AAC LC (Stereo/5.1) (MP4)

Top Pro

Live Streaming with Overlay sources

Up to 6 modular custom url sources, logo, graphics overlay and more See More

m-kp's Experience

I can LIVE stream and record my games anytime. FPS loss is minimal, there are frequent updates with new features coming quite often. See More

Top Pro

Recording webcam or USB/HDMI capture devices

MemorablePapNiginGara's Experience

Easy to use and does a very good job. See More

Top Pro

Benchmarking tool

Top Pro

Screen drawing panel

For adding text, shapes, arrows and more. See More

Top Pro

4K Webcam support

Amazing performance with Logitech BRIO 4K. See More

Lightstream

Top Pro

Easy to use / quick setup

Go live in under 60 seconds. See More

Top Con

Recommended ~5MB upload

Some may not have internet speeds that are fast enough for Lightstream. See More

Caitlin Cuesta's Experience

Easy to use, even if you have absolutely zero technical knowledge (I don't). There is also an entire support community and Wiki to help troubleshoot if you encounter any issues. See More

Top Pro

Free

Top Con

Black screen

rado84's Experience

Completely useless! Streaming never started. See More

Top Pro

Browser-based

No downloads necessary, go live from your browser. See More

Top Con

Sound issues

There can be constant crackling noises during Facebook live sessions through Lightstream. See More

Top Pro

Remote guests

Add guests to your stream with the click of a link. See More

Top Con

Apps missing

Top Pro

Live chat support

Help is always there if you need it. See More

Flash Media Live Encoder

Add Video or Image

Top Pro

Free and cross-platform

Flash Media Live Encoder is available as a free download for Windows and Mac devices. See More

Top Con

Very limited source functionality

Flash Media Live Encoder can only have 1 source, has no scene switcher and lacks any functionality for manipulating the source such as rotating, cropping, adjusting color, gamma or volume. See More

WonderfulSeonangsin's Experience

Flash media encoder works better for me - am saying for me only. I have OBS studio and absolutely love the features. But I can not seem to get it to broadcast/stream as clear an video stream as with Flash Media Encoder. To get around the lack of features not offered by or in AFME I use Manycam or Webcammax or any other preferred web cam management program. I find then I am not tied to any one encoder, and always have the same features that I am used to using no matter what program I use. And, no OBS doesn't improve if I do not use Manycam or Webcamax. Even with straight to camera source OBS FOR ME it seems doesn't deliver a clear a video. I recommend Media Encoder to anyone, and I broadcast using it on Twitch and iVlog.tv as AbiliTV to both. I will be glad to show the difference in quality live if you need to see it. I could have some setting wrong in OBS as far as I know. So any help would rock. Twitch enter AbiliTV into search. iVlog dot tv: If you see AbiliTV in the live section on the front page click it to tune in. Twitter enter AbiliTV to locate my tweets when I go live. See More

Specs

Video Codecs:H264; VP6

Video Formats:FLV; F4V

Audio Codecs:MP3; Nelly Moser

Top Pro

Simultaneous broadcast

Flash Media Live Encoder allows streaming to multiple services at the same time. See More

Top Con

No game source capture

An external program is required to capture game source. See More

StreamNow

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Streamlabs OBS

Add Video or Image

Top Con

Resource issues

Due to the way that Streamlabs is coded, resources aren't freed up on the fly. And because of its OBS base, you have the resources usually taken by OBS, but then more resources clogged up by Streamlabs. For example, if OBS is using about 30% of your CPU/RAM, it's quite likely Streamlabs is using another 30-40%. See More

CapableYumKaax's Experience

It's a fantastic program but has two major downsides that you don't have with OBS Vanilla or Stream Elements (OBS.Live plugin over vanilla OBS) See More

Specs

OS:Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10

Video Codecs:H264, HEVC

Video Formats:MP4

Audio Codecs:AAC

Top Con

Walled garden

Streamlabs is an entirely separate system to OBS, but using all the core (open source) OBS files. This means that Streamlabs doesn't overlay OBS - it replaces it, meaning plug-ins, functionality, theme access and many advanced features aren't as easy to find or integrate as OBS alone. See More

Oddbrother's Experience

Very interesting! I like how there are more varied features for the broadcaster to stand out and represent their character with a theme and face mask. It's also nice to have a more streamlined video encoder for gaming. See More

YouTube

Add Video or Image

Top Pro

How-to videos

Specs

Paid Plan Audio Quality:256kbs AAC

Free Plan Audio Quality:128kbs AAC/156kbs Opus

ManyCam

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BEBO

Add Video or Image

Top Pro

Free forever

No fees or subscriptions. See More

Top Con

Only for Twitch

Specs

Top Pro

Uses half as much CPU as OBS

Encoding is done in the cloud. See More

Top Con

Causes high CPU usage

Top Pro

Baller themes

Without hiring your own designer. See More

Top Pro

All In One

Streaming, chat, donations, all in one place. See More

Top Pro

Custom Lootboxes

Viewers love it. See More

Top Pro

Paid Partner Program

Top Pro

24/7 Developer support

Top Pro

Clean design

Easy to use and looks great. See More

Top Pro

Scenes that stick with you

All settings are saved in the cloud. See More

Top Pro

More stuff for your viewers to do, less work for you

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