Streaming has become not only a popular way to share stories and collaborate with others, but popular way to bring in income. Anyone can start a stream to any reason, so here are the top eight software for streaming beginners.

Top Eight Easy Streaming Software for Beginners

  1. OBS Studio– best streaming software for Twitch
  2. XSplit Broadcaster– best streaming software for customization
  3. Wirecast– best feature-heavy streaming software
  4. Lightstream– best browser streaming software
  5. OneStream– best streaming software for social media
  6. Streamyard– best Chrome streaming software
  7. vMix– best all-in-one streaming software
  8. Restream– best streaming software for audience engagement

1. OBS Studio – Best Streaming Software for Twitch

Pricing: Free to use

OBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software and OBS Studio is packed full of features. OBS Studio is open sourced and work on all types of computers, which is perfect for anyone who wants to start streaming. This software is a top choice for Twitch streamers because of how in-depth the program is and how regularly it is updated. The editing features are a bit lacking compared to other programs, but overall, OBS Studio is a solid option.

Key Features:

  • Available for Windows, Linux and Mac computers
  • Open-source program
  • Scene switchboard
  • Audio mixer
  • Multiple configuration options

Reasons to Use:

  • Great for people who want to stream live
  • One of top choices for Twitch streamers
  • Updates frequently

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Not overly intuitive
  • Learning curve
  • Lacks editing features compared to other software
  • Updates can interfere with working in the program

2. XSplit Broadcaster – Best Streaming Software for Customization

Pricing: Plans start at $15 per month; 12-month and Lifetime plans available

For streamers who want to create a custom stream experience, XSplit Broadcaster software might be the top option for you. This software includes multiple automaton features to make setting up, recording, and streaming easier. Broadcaster also offers built-in management features and the ability to stream on multiple platforms at once.

Key Features:

  • Plug-in compatibility
  • Highly customizable
  • Automation features
  • Layout guides
  • Noise suppression
  • Split Mode

Reasons to Buy:

  • Allows many ways to customize stream
  • Stream management built-in
  • Can stream to multiple platforms at the same time

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Free version has watermark
  • Free version is limited to 4 scenes
  • Neither are compatible with Mac or Linux

3. Wirecast – Best Feature-heavy Streaming Software

Pricing: 30-day free trial; plans start at $35 per month, or $599 lifetime license

If you want to start streaming with plenty of options, then Wirecast is a great option because of how many media assets it provides. Wirecast offers high-resolution recording with the ability to record multiple tracks at one time. This software does take up quite a bit of storage space, though.

Key Features:

  • Capture and stream in one place
  • Over 500,000 media assets to use
  • High resolution recording
  • Compatible with Windows and Mac

Reasons to Buy:

  • Professional program with lots of tools and features
  • Multiple integrations
  • Multiple track recording
  • Virtual sets

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Takes up 4GB of RAM and 2GB of disk space
  • Expensive

4. Lightstream – Best Browser Streaming Software

Pricing: 7-day free trial; plans start at $8 per month

Lightstream is a low-cost streaming software that is perfect for beginners because it is easy to use with an easy-to-understand interface. This software is another web-based option as well, so there’s no large files to install or download. Lightstream also has live chat support, which is a great advantage amongst competing software.

Key Features:

  • Cloud and web-based
  • Compatible with Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook
  • Drag and drop feature
  • 3rd party integrations
  • Live chat support

Reasons to Buy:

  • Great for hosting and collaborating with guests
  • Easy to set up
  • Live analytics
  • Intuitive user interface
  • New gamer plan that streams Xbox or PlayStation

Reasons to Avoid:

  • The free trial period is short

5. OneStream – Best Streaming Software for Social Media

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10 per month

Social media can be key in attracting a wider audience, and OneStream is best at integrating social media accounts for this reason. You can record and stream live or stream pre-recorded videos on a schedule. The Professional level paid plan offers many features that even beginner streamers would find useful, but the software can be somewhat difficult to learn.

Key Features:

  • Record and stream live or pre-recorded
  • Ability to combine OneStream with other software
  • Schedule streaming sessions
  • Allow team members to access account
  • Professional plans offer 50 social media accounts for sharing

Reasons to Buy:

  • Can combine with other streaming software
  • Can upload multiple file types
  • Free plan allows unlimited streaming
  • Great for those who want to share their streams with social media platforms

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Upload file size limitation of 5GB
  • Complex software that

6. Streamyard – Best Chrome Streaming Software

Pricing: Free to use; paid plans start at $20 per month

Web-based streaming software makes the process easier, and Streamyard is great for streamers who prefer using Chrome or Firefox. Each of your recordings will be saved or 15 days afterward, and can be either streamed live or at a later date. There is no hefty storage space requirement either. However, Streamyard does not include integrations or an analytics report.

Key Features:

  • Web-based platform
  • Works with Chrome and Firefox
  • Call-to-Action feature
  • Add logos and names to streams
  • Streams are saved for 15 days after recording

Reasons to Buy:

  • No download needed
  • Streams directly to social media platforms
  • Paid version removes software branding from streams
  • Can stream on any device
  • Stream live or record without going live

Reasons to Avoid:

  • No integrations available
  • No reporting feature for tracking analytics

7. vMix – Best All-in-One Streaming Software

Pricing: 60-day free trial available; one-time purchase starting at $60

vMix is definitely one of the pricier options on this list, but for a good reason. vMix offers an incredible balance of features for everyone, including multiple cameras, streams, and updates. Each plan received 12 months’ worth of free updates at the time of signing up, as well.

Key Features:

  • All-in-one software for recording and streaming
  • Capability to host multiple cameras
  • Host guests, presentations, and more
  • Multiple purchase options

Reasons to Buy:

  • Excellent resolutions
  • All plans can run three streams at once
  • Up to four overlay channels
  • Up to eight callers via vMix Call
  • Up to eight cameras for instant replay
  • Multiple outputs
  • Free updates for 12 months

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Requires more storage space than other software
  • Plans are more expensive than competitors
  • Updates cost an additional $60

8. Restream – Best Streaming Software for Audience Engagement

Pricing: Free version available; paid plans starting at $16 per month, billed once a year

Knowing what your streamers like and don’t like can be a great help in the beginning of your streaming career. Restream offers a great analytics section in their software, along with the ability to collaborate with guests. With Restream, you can stream to over 30 platforms in high resolution, as well as recording up to 10-hour sessions. However, even with paid plans, the Restream branding will not be removed from your recordings.

Key Features:

  • Helps track audience engagement
  • Stream metrics feature
  • Stream to over 30 platforms at once
  • Pre-record videos
  • Chat overlay with bot and layouts
  • High resolution video and audio

Reasons to Buy:

  • Able to host guest sessions
  • Compatible with Zoom
  • Can host six participants with multi-channel chat
  • Add custom logo
  • Up to 10 hour recording sessions

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Cannot remove Restream branding from streams
  • Free version is quite limited
  • No pay-per-month subscription option

References

  • https://www.thetechlounge.com/best-streaming-software/
  • https://blog.appsumo.com/best-streaming-software/
  • https://obsproject.com/
  • https://www.xsplit.com/broadcaster
  • https://www.telestream.net/wirecast/pricing.htm#buy
  • https://golightstream.com/studio/
  • https://www.vmix.com/purchase/
  • https://onestream.live/pricing.html
  • https://streamyard.com/recordings
  • https://restream.io/pricing