Live streaming is more popular in 2022 than ever before and whether you thinking of starting to stream or you’re already a streaming pro; it’s good to make sure you’re using the right streaming software for you.
we tested the most popular streaming software on criteria including; ease-of-use, key features, free & paid versions, pricing, and general performance.
Here is the list of the best streaming software in 2022:
OBS Studio
Best overall streaming software in 2022
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free open-source software compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. And can connect to many streaming platforms including Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, and Restream.
OBS can record and stream, however, it doesn’t offer selective recording, so all sources will be both recorded and streamed.
The user interface is clean and relatively easy to use, however, there is a learning curve that might be overwhelming for new users looking to set up the sources and scenes for streaming.
Price: Free
Download OBS Studio here: https://obsproject.com
Streamlabs Desktop
Best OBS Alternative
Streamlabs Desktop is a free streaming software that was developed using open-source code from OBS. It can only be used on Windows devices, but it connects to all the main streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Restream.
Streamlabs was designed to be more user-friendly than OBS, while still providing users with the power to stream their content.
Streamlabs has an integrated library that lets you download Overlays, Widgets, and Themes quickly and easily. This makes it easy for you to set up your stream and get started streaming.
There are two ways to use Streamlabs: free and paid. The paid option, called Streamlabs Prime, offers premium themes and overlays to make your stream look nicer, the ability to stream to multiple platforms at the same time, more automation features, sponsorship opportunities, better analytics, and more.
Streamlabs also has a feature called selective recording feature built into the software to allow users to stream and record different sources and scenes at the same time.
Price: Free
Download Streamlabs Desktop here: https://streamlabs.com
Lightstream Studio
Best streaming software for IOS & Android
Lightstream is a browser-based streaming software solution that is powered by the cloud and doesn’t require any high spec computer hardware.
Lightstream is a great option for people who want to stream from their mobile devices or stream console gameplay without a capture card. It can also be used by people who don’t have a very powerful computer to run streaming software efficiently.
all you need is a good internet connection, and you can start live streaming.
Price: $8/month
The basic creator plan on Lightstream is $8 per month, however, there are additional plans available that cost up to $50 per month.
Download Lightstream Studio here: https://golightstream.com
vMix
Best streaming software for large production teams.
vMix is a powerful software that is used by professional streamers for live-streaming and video production. Some of the world’s largest gaming tournaments have been produced using this software.
The software works with Windows and lets you stream to popular platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.
vMix also offers a lot of features that let users customize their stream. This includes being able to switch between live shots, use a green screen, and show multiple pictures on one screen.
Price: $60 lifetime license (Basic HD version).
vMix offer different versions of their software which ranges from $60 for a lifetime license for the the Basic HD version, and up to $1200 for a lifetime license for the Pro version.
They also offer a subscription version that costs $50 per month and offers the same amount of features as the Pro version.
Download xMix here: https://www.vmix.com
XSplit Broadcaster
A good alternative for OBS
XSplit Broadcaster is a live-streaming software that many professional streamers use. The free version has some limited functions and a watermark on the broadcast. The premium version has more features and no watermark.
features included in the software includes:
- Multistreaming
- Unlimited Scenes
- Remove Watermark
- VIP Support
Price: $15 per month
Download XSplit Broadcaster here: https://www.xsplit.com
Gamecaster
Gamecaster is a live-streaming software that focuses specifically on gaming. The software is free to use and compatible with the Windows Operating System. Gamecaster can connect to Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, and Restream.
Premium Features:
- Remove Gamecaster Watermark
- 3x Gold earnings on daily quests
- Priority placement in Discovery
- Free access to all Gamecaster Overlays
- Private Discord channel access
Price: $5.95 per month.
Download Gamecaster here: https://gamecaster.com
Nvidia ShadowPlay
Nvidia ShadowPlay is software that is meant for gamers. It comes pre-installed on many Nvidia GeForce graphics cards. With it, you can record and share high-quality gameplay videos, screenshots, and live streams. You can use it to broadcast to Facebook Live, Twitch, or YouTube Live.
Although it does not have all of the features available in more specialized streaming software, it is more commonly used by gamers who want to share their best moments on social media. It does support cameras and custom graphics to make your live stream more personal.
ShadowPlay’s DVR-style Instant Replay mode lets you save the last 30 seconds of gameplay to your hard drive or share to YouTube or Facebook. You can also manually record gameplay videos for as long as you want. ShadowPlay is hardware accelerated, so it can run in the background while you do other things.
Price: Free.
Download Nvidia Shadowplay here: https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/geforce/geforce-experience/shadowplay/
OWN3D Pro
This is a bonus as OWN3D Pro is not technically a streaming software, instead, it’s a plugin that expands on the open-source OBS Studio. OWN3D Pro lets you change the look of your stream easily. It has more than 575 high-quality overlays and alerts. You can also add music to your stream without worrying about copyright violations.
OWN3D offers both free and paid versions of its streaming software. The free version includes five overlays, panels and alerts, stream labels, and a countdown widget. The paid version has all the features, and you can choose to subscribe for one month, three months, or a year.
OWN3D Pro is designed for live streaming on Twitch. It has features that will work with any streaming platform you use, but it is optimized for Twitch and uses Twitch terminology.
OWN3D Pro also lets you customize the overlays added to suit your style and brand.
Price: $15 per month.
Download OWNOD Pro here: https://www.own3d.pro/
What is Live Streaming Software?
Live streaming software allows you to broadcast your live event feeds to your audience. You can also engage with your audience, letting them comment, react, and chat directly on your live stream.
You can share your live stream on many different platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and social media accounts.
Most live streaming software consists of a hardware encoder. This device helps to convert RAW video input into a digital format that can be used on multiple devices.
You can also use streaming software to broadcast simultaneously on multiple platforms like Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, Restream, etc.
Streaming software also enables you to edit, customize, and modify live streams to your preferences.
What Features Should You Look For in Live Streaming Software?
Most modern live streaming tools are very advanced. They have user-friendly interfaces that meet the different needs of people who use them.
Some of the features on different options might be things you don’t need. But there are some basic things you need to think about before you choose an option.
Here are a few things you need to look for when choosing a streaming software:
- Live Chat: The live chat feature is a great way to connect with your audience and answer their questions. This way, you can see how they react to the live stream in real-time.
- Preview Editor: The Preview Editor will help you look at your video clips quickly. You can also make last-minute edits or create a new clip before making it live.
- Themes & Overlays: You can create a more personalized and immersive live streaming experience by using customizable themes. For instance, adding a welcome screen and interval filler can make your live stream look more like it’s been personalized for you.
- Multiview Feature – The multiview feature helps you watch all the cameras at the same time. You can switch between cameras quickly by clicking a few times.
- Real-Time Analytics: You need to track the number of viewers, new subscribers, and engagement from your live stream in order to make it more user-friendly. You can look at stats in real-time to see where most of the viewers are from and what kind of people are watching.
- Social Media Integration: Social media integration will help you live stream on multiple platforms like YouTube and Twitch simultaneously.
Conclusion
The live streaming software is a great way to connect with your audience and answer their questions. It also enables you to edit, customize, and modify live streams to your preferences. You should look for live streaming software that has a preview editor, the multiview feature, real-time analytics, and social media integration.
All of the software options have the basic features and work well, so it’s more about specific features that you require and personal preference.
There are many different software programs you can use to live stream. Two good options are OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS. They are both free, but they come with most of the features you need to live stream. They also have extensive integration capabilities.
On the other hand, if you need to live stream efficiently on a small budget, XSplit Broadcaster or Gamecaster is a good solution.
