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Live Streaming is a fast-growing medium for creators. The ability to live broadcast content directly to your audience is unbeatable and helps you build a strong community feeling with your viewers. That said, live streaming isn’t always the most straightforward process. An essential part of streaming any type of content is your streaming software, but how do you know which one is right for you?
In this guide, we take you through 8 of the best live streaming software available for different use cases so that you can make an informed decision before you get started.
TL;DR
- Streaming software converts video or audio input into a digital format for live streaming.
- When choosing a streaming software, make sure to think about budget, number of inputs, the ability to include remote guests, and to locally record your stream (amongst other things)
- You’ll need a camera, mic, streaming software and platform, and good lighting to get started with live streaming.
- Some of the best streaming software available are Riverside.fm, OBS Studio, and X-Split Broadcaster
What is streaming software?
Also known as ‘encoding software,’ streaming software is key to streaming high-quality video or audio over the internet to major live streaming platforms, social media platforms, and other applications.
What does live streaming software do?
Streaming software is called a ‘software encoding program’ that converts video or audio input into a digital format that can be played across various devices and platforms.
In addition, most live streaming software allows you to maximize audio and video quality, switch between multiple audio/video inputs, live mix during your broadcast, and customize your stream for a personal touch.
You’ll also see references to hardware encoders that carry the same function, but we don’t look at them in this article.
What is a live streaming platform?
A live streaming platform is the final destination for the content converted by your streaming software. Live streaming platforms are essentially video hosting platform that allows you to broadcast your content. Some platforms let you stream across different channels simultaneously to maximize your reach and exposure.
Popular examples include Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live, and LinkedIn.
What is the best stream software?
Understandably, all creators looking to tap into the world of live streaming will want to use the best software available. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Depending on your specific budgetary, functionality, and content creation needs, your criteria for streaming software will be different.
Factors to consider when choosing the best streaming software
Before selecting a streaming software, here are a few of the factors that you should take into account:
Budget and available pricing plans
Before you can consider additional functionality, you need to have a good idea of how much (if anything) you can pay for your streaming software. Although the free plan might be plenty, often, if you opt for a premium plan, you’ll gain access to exclusive features and extended functionality.
Multiple Inputs
The flexibility and freedom to include more than one video source are critical for live video streaming. For example, if you’re a gamer, you may want both your screen and yourself to be visible. Your software encoder should enable you to seamlessly switch between your video inputs during your broadcast.
Live Mixing Abilities
If you want the creative freedom to include other media (audio or visual) in your stream, take a look at what kind of live mixing is possible with the streaming software you have in mind. In addition, if your live stream is branded, keep an eye out for software that provides for customization with logos, transitions, and more.
Local Recording of Your Stream
You may think live streaming is all about the live element. However, the ability to locally record your broadcast in full HD means you can reuse your content and allow your viewers to replay the stream!
Ability to Include Guests
Depending on the type of content you’re live streaming, you may want the ability to include remote guests in your live stream.
Supported Platforms
Although most streaming software will support and be compatible with the major streaming platforms, it is good practice to verify this. You should also look for streaming software that allows you to broadcast to several platforms at once (i.e., a multistreaming platform). This is essential for maximizing your reach and streaming your content to a diverse audience.
Supported Operating Systems
You’ll need to check that your ideal streaming software is compatible with your computer’s operating system.
What Equipment Do I Need to Live Stream?
Although every streamers’ setup looks a little different, here are the essential pieces of equipment you’ll need to start live streaming:
Video Camera or Webcam
If you’re just starting, chances are your computer’s built-in webcam will do the trick. However, if you’re a stickler for quality, you can invest in an external camera or webcam. Whatever you choose, ensure your camera has an HDMI port to ensure it’s compatible with your capture card (more on this later).
The options available to you will come down to your budget, but you’ll be able to find something to suit your needs.
Microphone
A good-quality microphone is an absolute must for live streaming. Although you can usually get away with mediocre video quality, you should not compromise on your audio - this is what maintains audience engagement. Luckily, there is a wide variety of mics available for every budget. Why not find the best microphone for your setup using our guide?
Capture Card
If you’re new to live streaming, you may not be aware that you’ll need a capture card. This device transfers your video from your camera to your live streaming setup and is necessary if you’re using a software encoder (which, we presume you are).
Good Lighting
Although it can be easy to overlook lighting, it pays to know its value. Good lighting is key to a professional-grade live stream. It instantly maximizes your stream’s production quality and helps keep your viewers engaged.
Streaming Software / Software Encoder
As we’ve seen, the software encoder is the software that converts your content for it to be streamed. As we’ll see below, several options are available that cater to different budgets and needs.
Stable Internet Connection
As far as possible, try and ensure that you’ve got a robust, stable, and reliable internet connection. This will ensure your stream is consistent and as high quality as possible.
Streaming platform
Once you’ve got everything in place, you’ll need to identify the final destination for your stream. This choice will depend on your target audience, content genre, and ultimate aims for your stream.
8 Best Streaming Software in 2024
Here we've gathered the best live streaming software available for a variety of use cases:
Riverside
Riverside gives you the best of both worlds. Easily live stream on Riverside or to other major streaming platforms and get an HD local recording of your broadcast. Simply sit down to record and start live streaming without the need for an encoder.
Price: Free plan, Paid plans start from $15/month.
Supported Operating Systems: N/A, Riverside is web browser-based.
Multiple inputs: Yes, share your screen and your camera simultaneously.
Local recording: Yes, and if you include guests, their video and audio will be locally recorded on a separate track.
Guests: Yes, have up to 7 remote guests.
Supported live stream platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Twitch via direct integration; any other platform via custom RTMP.
Other features:
- Audience live call-in and live chat
- Live mixing with Riverside’s virtual soundboard for streaming
- Easily edit your recording with Riverside's text-based Editor
Find out more on how to record live streams seamlessly with Riverside, or sign up to see for yourself.
OBS studio - ‘Open Broadcaster Software’
Price: Free & open-source software.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Mac, Linux.
Multiple inputs: Yes.
Local recording: Yes.
Guests: Yes, but you have to use a call software like Zoom or Skype.
Supported live stream platforms: All major platforms (with multistreaming).
Other features:
- Real-time video/audio mixing. Include images, text, capture cards, and more.
- Unlimited number of scenes and custom transitions
- Intuitive audio mixer with in-built noise suppression and gain.
- Huge ability to customize OBS
- Modular ‘Dock’ UI means that you can rearrange your setup to your liking.
- Chroma key compatible
Streamlabs OBS/Desktop
Streamlabs OBS is a cloud-based streaming software that takes inspiration from OBS and was created as a more user-friendly version.
Price: Free & Open source, Prime Membership - $19/month.
Supported Operating Systems: Mac OS.
Multiple inputs: Yes.
Local recording: Yes.
Guests: Only if using a video or voice call software such as Skype or Discord.
Supported live stream platforms: Twitch, Youtube, and Facebook, multistream is available with Prime membership.
Other 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
Twitch Studio
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Designed specifically for Twitch users and still in the Beta phase.
Price: Free for Twitch users.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows and Mac.
Multiple inputs: Multiple audio sources.
Recording: Yes, local recording.
Guests: Twitch’s Squad Stream allows up to 4 creators to go live and stream together.
Supported live stream platforms: Twitch
Other 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
Wirecast
Price: $599 for Wirecast Studio Plan, $799 for Wirecast Pro Plan.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows and Mac.
Multiple inputs: Unlimited Inputs.
Recording: Yes, stream and record. ISO recording means you can record each input into an individual recording.
Guests: Yes with Wirecast Rendevous Conferencing, 2 with Studio Plan, 7 with Pro Plan.
Supported live stream platforms: Unlimited destinations with multistreaming.
Other features:
- Include pre-recorded content in your live stream or use media from their stock library.
- With the Pro Plan: Replay, Scoreboards, and clocks & timers.
- Download the free wireless camera app so you can use any iOS device as a video source.
- Facebook Live and Twitter integration for displaying comments on your live stream and for live polls and viewer counts.
- Flexible UI.
- Chroma Key compatible.
- High-quality encoding for maximum quality.
Lightstream Studio
Price:
Gamer (console streams with overlays and alerts)
$7/month - max 720p, 30FPS resolution, or $14month - max 1080p, 30FPS resolution.
Creator (Advanced Live Video Production)
$20/month - max 720p, 30FPS resolution, $40/month - max 1080p, 30FPS resolution.
Supported Operating Systems: Web-browser-based.
Multiple inputs: Unlimited Inputs.
Recording: Yes, stream and record. ISO recording means you can record each input into an individual recording.
Guests: Up to 7 remote guests with Creator Plan.
Supported live stream platforms: All major platforms as well as custom RTMP.
Other features:
- Branded overlays.
- Flexible UI for improved usability.
- Alerts and interactive widgets for optimized audience experience.
vMix
Price: Lifetime License: BasicHD - $60, Pro - $1200, Subscription License: $50/month.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows.
Multiple inputs: Yes, it supports a variety of inputs, up to 4 inputs with Basic HD and up to 1000 inputs with Pro plan.
Recording: Yes, but not local.
Guests: Supported if you purchase Vmix Call.
Supported live stream platforms: Livestream to up to 3 streaming platforms at once.
Other features:
- Instant replay, slow motion, and scoreboards.
- Display content from social media.
- Chroma key compatible.
- Up to 4k resolution.
X-Split Broadcaster
Price: $60/year.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows.
Multiple inputs: Yes, compatible with a variety of sources.
Recording: Yes, local recording with multitrack audio.
Guests: Only if you use a video/audio call software like Discord.
Supported live stream platforms: Multistream to major platforms simultaneously.
Other features:
- Stream and record in 4k with no lag.
- Social media chat integration with Facebook, Twitch, and Youtube.
- Branded transitions and elements.
- Live illustrations.
- Customizable interface for improved user experience.
- Scene presets.
- Automated noise suppression.
Best Streaming Software Overall
The best streaming software for you depends on your needs and what features are most important for you. To help you out, we've listed some of the best live streaming software based on their use cases.
Best for streaming and recording
If you're looking to record your stream, you'll want to make sure you're using software that can capture high-resolution video. In this case, it's best to find software that records locally so your internet connection won't impact your recording quality. For this we suggest Riverside. You'll be able to multistream to various platforms, and invite audience members for live call-ins, all without sacrificing recording quality. With Riverside, you can record in up to 4K resolution with separate tracks for audio and video files for each participant in your livestream. If recording is your priority this is a sound option.
Best for Livestreamers on a Budget & Beginners
For those on a budget, there's no need to worry! You can still stream with quality software. Although OBS has a bit of a learning curve, it's a great option for those on a budget as it offers a lot of features completely free. For beginners who might find OBS a little overwhelming, Streamlabs is the way to go or you can also try Twitch Studio.
Best for Professional Events
If you're hosting a live streaming event, you'll want a platform that can host a large audience, but also provide interactive tools to engage with them. Your best options here are either Wirecast or Riverside.
Best for E-Sports, Gamers & Console Gameplay
For the gamers, you'll want live streaming software that includes high-quality screen recording, as well as webcam and audio recording. Some livestream gamers also enjoy special effects and customization templates. From our list you can try Lightsream Studio, vMix, or X-Split Broadcaster for E-sports or gaming streaming.
Best live editing software
Just because you're streaming live doesn't mean you can't edit as you go. You may want to mix content live or just add special effects. Some options for live video editing software include Riverside, vMix, and X-Split Broadcaster although most of the options above have some live video editing features.
Streaming software FAQs
Is there better software than OBS?
As we’ve seen, OBS isn’t the only streaming software out there. Many different options may cater better to what you’re looking for.
What streaming software should I use in 2024?
The answer to this all depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a professional and effective solution, why not try Riverside.fm? If you’re on a budget and looking for streaming software that is easy to use, give OBS or Streamlabs OBS a try.
What's an alternative to OBS?
All of our recommendations above are reliable alternatives to OBS, offering some of the same features and some additional functionality.
Is it better to stream from twitch or OBS?
OBS is a software encoder, while Twitch is a live streaming platform, so there’s no accurate comparison here. If you stream to Twitch using OBS, then you’ll most probably have an excellent quality live stream.
What can I use instead of Streamlabs OBS?
Streamlabs OBS is an excellent option for beginners and live streamers new to streaming. Once you’re ready to move on, you could try Riverside.fm or VMix, for example.
Which is better, OBS or XSplit Broadcaster?
It depends on what you’re looking for. OBS offers a great budget option and might be appealing because it’s open-source and customizable. On the other hand, XSplit offers extensive professional functionality because it’s a premium product.
Do most streamers use OBS?
OBS is one of the most popular streaming software out there, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only one. Streamers commonly use all of the software we’ve listed above.
Should I use OBS to record?
OBS has excellent screen recording capability and will most likely do the trick.
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