Live Streaming Software Comparison: Which One Should You Actually Use?

Live streaming software ranges from completely free (OBS Studio) to thousands of dollars (vMix Pro). The right choice depends on your technical comfort level, budget, and whether you need multistreaming, guest support, or advanced production features.

Here's the breakdown of what actually matters when picking live streaming software—no fluff, just the details you need.

Quick Comparison Table

OBS Studio: The Free Powerhouse

OBS Studio is free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It's the most popular option for Twitch streamers and anyone who doesn't mind a learning curve.

What OBS Does Well

• Completely free with no watermarks, no limitations, and no hidden costs
• High performance real-time video/audio capturing and mixing
• Create unlimited scenes with multiple sources including webcams, images, text, browser windows, and capture cards
• Intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters like noise gate, noise suppression, and gain
• Powerful API with plugins and scripts for customization
• Studio Mode lets you preview scenes before pushing them live

Where OBS Falls Short

• Steep learning curve—the interface can overwhelm beginners
• No built-in video editing tools (you need separate software for post-production)
• Native multistreaming isn't supported; you need third-party plugins
• No dedicated customer support—community forums only
• Audio syncing and configuration can be complex

If you're streaming gameplay to Twitch or YouTube and don't mind spending time learning the software, OBS is hard to beat. But if you want something plug-and-play, keep reading.

Related: Check out our roundup of free screen recording software and best screen recording software for more options.

StreamYard: Browser-Based Simplicity

StreamYard runs entirely in your browser—no downloads required. It's designed for podcasters, interviewers, and anyone who wants professional-looking streams without the technical headaches.

StreamYard Pricing

StreamYard recently restructured their pricing into three main tiers:

• Free: Essential features with StreamYard branding, limited customization
• Core: $44.99/month (or about $35/month billed annually)—removes branding, adds custom graphics, 3 multistreaming destinations
• Advanced: $88.99/month ($68.99/month annually)—4K local recordings, 1080p screen sharing, 8 multistreaming destinations
• Teams: $298.99/month ($238.99/month annually)—10 seats, designed for larger operations

StreamYard also has custom Business plans for enterprise needs.

What Makes StreamYard Stand Out

• Works directly from your web browser—uses server resources, not your computer's
• Up to 10 guests can join your stream
• Stream to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, and other platforms
• Easy customization with logos, overlays, and backgrounds
• Display viewer comments on screen with one click
• 7-day money-back guarantee on paid plans

StreamYard Drawbacks

• Pricing increased significantly in late 2024
• Some users find the cost steep for individual creators
• Less control compared to desktop software like OBS
• Limited advanced production features

For more pricing details, read our StreamYard pricing breakdown. Looking for alternatives? We've also covered StreamYard alternatives.

Try StreamYard free →

Restream: Built for Multistreaming

If your primary goal is streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously, Restream is purpose-built for that. It connects to 30+ platforms and handles the distribution so you don't burn through your bandwidth.

Restream Pricing

• Free: Stream to 2 channels with Restream watermark
• Standard: $16/month (annual)—3 channels, no watermark, custom graphics
• Professional: $39/month (annual)—5 channels, 1080p, split recordings, team access
• Business: $199/month (annual)—8 channels, SRT ingest, priority support

Restream Pros

• Browser-based studio requires no downloads
• Multi-chat consolidates messages from all platforms in one place
• Schedule streams ahead of time
• Works with OBS, vMix, XSplit, and other encoders
• Analytics across all connected platforms

Restream Cons

• Costs add up fast if you need many channels—streaming to 15+ channels can run $1000+/year
• No 4K streaming in Studio
• 60-minute upload limit even on Professional plan
• No built-in monetization features

Restream is excellent if you're serious about cross-platform reach, but the free plan is quite limited. For casual streamers, StreamYard may offer better value.

Streamlabs: OBS Made Friendlier

Streamlabs is built on OBS Studio's foundation but adds a more user-friendly interface. It's particularly popular with Twitch streamers—reportedly used by 70% of the platform.

What Streamlabs Offers

• Free with optional paid upgrades
• Built-in alerts, overlays, and chat integration
• More intuitive interface than OBS Studio
• Automatic optimization settings for beginners
• 1000+ overlay templates included

Streamlabs Limitations

• Heavier on system resources than vanilla OBS
• Some premium features require subscription
• Still has a learning curve (just less steep than OBS)
• Limited official support—relies on community

If OBS seems too technical but you want similar power, Streamlabs is a solid middle ground. The free version is genuinely usable for most streamers.

vMix: Professional Broadcasting Power

vMix is Windows-only desktop software aimed at serious broadcasters, churches, sports productions, and live events. It's what you graduate to when OBS or StreamYard can't handle your production needs.

vMix Pricing (One-Time Purchase)

• Basic HD: $60—HD streaming, basic features
• HD: $350—more inputs and features
• 4K: $700—4K support
• Pro: $1,200—8 callers on vMix Call, 4 instant replay cameras

There's also a monthly Max subscription at $50/month for full features.

vMix Strengths

• Handles multi-camera productions up to 4K
• Instant replay, virtual sets, and advanced effects
• NDI and SRT support for professional workflows
• PTZ camera control built-in
• One-time license (no recurring fees on most tiers)

vMix Weaknesses

• Windows only—no Mac or Linux support
• Significant learning curve
• Higher upfront cost than subscription services
• Overkill for simple streaming needs

vMix offers exceptional value for professional broadcasters. The $350 HD version does things that would require $5,000+ hardware solutions. But it's definitely not for beginners.

Wirecast: The Established Enterprise Option

Wirecast by Telestream has been around since 2007 and remains popular for educational institutions, corporate events, and town halls. It works on both Mac and Windows.

Wirecast Pricing

• Wirecast Studio: $495 (one-time)
• Wirecast Pro: $995 (one-time)
• Premium Support: $99/year additional

Wirecast Advantages

• Mac support (unlike vMix)
• User-friendly interface compared to vMix
• Multi-camera switching with unlimited sources
• Built-in chroma key/green screen
• Free trial available

Wirecast Disadvantages

• Fewer features than vMix at similar price points
• Can struggle on lower-end hardware
• Less customization than competitors
• Some users report support issues

Wirecast is a solid choice if you're on Mac and need more than OBS offers. For Windows users, vMix typically delivers better value.

How to Choose: Decision Framework

Choose OBS Studio If:

• You have zero budget (or want to test streaming first)
• You're streaming gameplay to Twitch or YouTube
• You're willing to spend time learning the software
• You want maximum customization via plugins

Choose StreamYard If:

• You're a podcaster or interviewer bringing on guests
• You want professional results with minimal setup
• You don't want to download or install anything
• You value simplicity over advanced features

Try StreamYard free →

Choose Restream If:

• Multistreaming to 3+ platforms is your priority
• You want consolidated chat from all platforms
• You're already using OBS but need multi-destination support
• Analytics across platforms matters to your strategy

Choose vMix If:

• You're running multi-camera productions
• You need instant replay or virtual sets
• You want professional features without monthly fees
• You're on Windows and ready for a learning curve

Choose Wirecast If:

• You need professional streaming on Mac
• You want a more polished interface than OBS
• You're in education, corporate, or events
• Budget allows for $500+ investment

Browser-Based vs. Desktop Software

This is actually the first decision to make. Browser-based options like StreamYard and Restream use the company's servers for processing—your computer just sends the video. Desktop software like OBS, vMix, and Wirecast does all the encoding locally.

Browser-Based Pros:

• No downloads or installation
• Works on any computer with Chrome
• Less strain on your hardware
• Easier for guests to join

Desktop Software Pros:

• More control over every setting
• Better performance for complex productions
• Usually more features at same price
• No reliance on third-party servers

For interviews, podcasts, and simple business streams, browser-based tools are typically the smarter choice. For gaming, events, or productions where you need maximum control, go desktop.

The Bottom Line

Most people overthink this decision. Here's the simple version:

• Beginner, zero budget: Start with OBS Studio (free)
• Beginner, willing to pay: StreamYard ($45/month)
• Serious multistreamer: Restream ($16-39/month)
• Professional/enterprise: vMix ($60-1,200 one-time) or Wirecast ($495-995)

You can always upgrade later. The best streaming software is the one you'll actually use—don't let analysis paralysis stop you from going live.

For related tools, check out our guides on best video editing software, free video editing software, and Descript pricing for post-production needs.