Best free streaming software

XSplit is a live streaming and video-mixing application developed and maintained by SplitmediaLabs. It comes in two flavors—the free limited version called XSplit Gamecaster and the premium version called XSplit Broadcaster. In terms of pricing, XSplit Broadcaster is on the low end. VMix is powerhouse live streaming encoder software.

The Basic version is free to use. If you are just getting into live streaming and you have no idea how to use advanced features like chroma key, then vMix will probably be biting off more than you can chew. Our recommendation in that case would be to start small. Wirecast is live video streaming production software by Telestream.

It is a software video switcher and mixer that allows you to dynamically mix media from various sources like audio files, video files, cameras, microphones, and so on. Just like vMix, Wirecast is professional streaming software with hundreds of menus and options which could be confusing for a beginner. There are dozens of plugins that are developed by the community and allow you to add all sorts of additional functionality.

What is streaming video software? Live Streaming Setup And Equipment Before you start streaming your video content and before you even download that streaming software, you will need the best live streaming equipment. Our top option for the best streaming software comes from XSplit which has two different streaming programs available.

Broadcaster lets you adjust and set everything from the resolution and overlays to custom scenes for your audience. You can pull up technical stats like dropped streams or set keys for security. On the flipside, Gamecaster is perfect when you want something simple and need to get your stream up on Twitch or YouTube. It automates almost everything, so you can spend more time focusing on the game and your audience and less time tinkering with transitions.

Well, the company has shaken things up this year with Streamlabs OBS, another program built to make streaming easy for beginners. One of the big draws of Streamlabs OBS is the power. The interface is simplified as well although you still have access to all the features that made the original OBS popular. This game recording software has everything you need to take your game to Twitch including a mask feature that lets your audience dress you up through donations.

SLOBS certainly falls into that category, which makes it an app we highly recommend checking out. Wirecast is a program plenty of folks have heard of, but not many have tried. Compared to our other picks, Wirecast is a professional program. Telestream has two different versions of Wirecast available as well although both share a common set of features. The software gives you full control over your presentations with things like 3D animated titles, video conferencing and unlimited support for inputs.

Like layers? Well, you can use up to with this program it can connect to any service under the sun. Widgets, playlists, and GPU accelerated coding are all standard features for the Studio and Pro versions of Wirecast, but there are some key differences. As per its name, Lightstream is a comprehensible streaming solution that works directly from your browser, and it allows you to go live in a matter of minutes. To allow you complete creative control, Lightstream features a drag-and-drop editor, and its 3rd party integrations allow for motion graphics, on-stream alerts, screen sharing, and display social media stuff, to increase interaction and engagement.

Since everything is cloud-based and produced from your web browser, there are no downloads required, and your show will stay live even if your connection is not the best in the world. That means you can edit, add transitions or even add guests to your live shows with a few clicks of a mouse. What sets this one apart from the rest is the sheer amount of options along with a quirky pricing system.

The base package is free and allows you to load four inputs with one overlay channel and a max resolution of x There are some other missing features, but it gives you a good idea of what the program can do. Need to browse while you work? Again, your mileage will vary depending on the package you choose, and there are plenty of options to consider. Unless you need 4K encoding or external outputs, the HD tier provides plenty of bang for your buck with inputs, four overlay channel, vMix Call and a resolution of 1, x 1, It may be pricey, but vMix is definitely a contender for the best streaming software depending on your needs.

Unlike most of the free streaming software in this roundup, Xsplit Gamecaster is a free, cut-down version of a premium application. As such, it looks sleeker and benefits from premium support online, but several features are locked behind a paywall. Gamecaster is a game-specific version of Xsplit Broadcaster, with a more streamlined interface.

It supports streaming to Twitch, Mixer, YouTube and Facebook, and is incredibly easy to use — just start your game and hit a keyboard shortcut to bring up the overlay and begin streaming. The biggest drawback is that streams at p or higher will carry an Xsplit watermark — not ideal if you want your stream to look professional.

You'll also have to open your wallet if you want chromakeying green screen , in-game Twitch chat, console support via a capture card and custom logos. Commercial use also requires a license. Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. If you have a story about an updated app or one that's about to launch, drop him a line.

North America. The right free streaming software will give your videos a professional edge with, custom logos, well mixed audio, high resolution — everything that sets the pros apart from the amateurs. OBS Studio. Reasons to avoid - Steep learning curve. Streamlabs OBS. Specifications Operating system: Windows. Reasons to avoid - No studio mode. Nvidia Shadowplay. Reasons to avoid - Better for recording than streaming - No picture-in-picture. Xsplit Gamecaster.