7 Best FREE Live Streaming Software (2025)

Best Live Streaming Software

People leverage streaming software for a wide range of different reasons. Sometimes they do so for personal reasons. Other times, it is professional. Regardless, one of the most important things to understand is that not all streaming services are created equally.

I have carefully selected a list of top live streaming software for you. Considering factors like system requirements, bandwidth speed, and integrations, you will be able to pick the streaming platform that not only meets but surpasses your expectations.

Best FREE Live Streaming Software for Gaming, Twitch, and YouTube

Name Free Plan Multi-streaming Number of on-screen participants Supported platforms Link
Restream Yes Two Simultaneous Channels Six Microsoft Windows, MacOS. Learn More
StreamYard Yes Supported on Paid Tier Six Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux Learn More
OBS Studio Yes Not Supported Dictated by Streaming Platform Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux. Learn More
Wirecast Yes Two Unlimited Microsoft Windows, macOS. Learn More
OneStream Yes Yes Up to 10 Microsoft Windows, macOS. Learn More
Pro tip:

Many options that do not have free plans do have free trials available so that you can try out the program’s basic functionality. You can then determine if you want to upgrade to one of the paid plans based on your needs.

1) Restream

Best Broadcasting Software from Your Browser

During my analysis, Restream stood out as a robust solution for live streaming directly from your web browser or through a chosen software. Maximize audience engagement through multi-channel broadcasting! Reach viewers on their preferred platforms and amplify your reach with a single broadcast.

Restream

Features:

  • Guest Integration: Restream Studio allows you to add guests directly to the screen. It allowed me to effortlessly bring on new participants.
  • Storage Capacity: I found out that individual videos can be four hours long or 10GB in size. The library supports up to 50 videos.
  • Video Quality: It supports the H.264 (x264) Codec, FPS of 30 or 60, and a 15,000 Kbps to 500 Kbps video bitrate.
  • Channel Management: It supports streaming to guest channels.
  • Streaming Flexibility: Unlock Facebook pages, groups, and custom RTMP streaming.
  • Software Compatibility: Natively integrated into platforms like OBS Studio, SLOBS, Elgato, XSplit, and more.
  • On-Screen Participants: Supports up to six participants in the free basic tier.
  • Screen Recording: Yes, enabling easy capture and sharing of live content.
  • Supported Platforms: Microsoft Windows, MacOS.
  • Pricing Plan: Basic Tier: $0. Standard Tier: $16 per month. Professional Tier: $41 per month.
  • Free Trial/Refund: No Free Trial. Refunds are Allowed Within 7 Days of Purchase. Lifetime free Basic Plan.

Pros

  • Restream allows you to hold a successful live stream right from your Web browser.
  • I could stream on sites like YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 
  • It supports professional logos, overlays, and other branded materials.

Cons

  • Only six on-screen participants are allowed in the Free Basic Tier.
  • The recording is limited to 10 hours per stream.

Visit Restream >>


2) StreamYard

Best Streaming Software for Virtual Conferences

As I evaluated StreamYard, I found that it not only supports seamless live streaming but also enhances the broadcasting experience with features like slide sharing and HD audio. This tool is your launchpad for creating content that breaks free from the pack and captures attention.

StreamYard

Features:

  • Multistreaming Capabilities: The Free Tier doesn’t support multistreaming. The Basic Tier allows three destinations, and the Professional Tier allows eight.
  • Team Participation: I could access six on-screen participants in the Free Tier, enhancing our collaborative streaming.
  • Video Hosting: The tool provides two hours of video hosting monthly.
  • Platform Integrations: It offers integrations with platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, Facebook Live, and LinkedIn.
  • Production Automation: StreamYard features tools such as playlists and hotkeys for streamlined production.
  • Video and Audio Bitrate: It supports 4500 Kbps for 1080p, 3000 Kbps for 720p video, and 128 Kbps for audio.
  • Built-in Multistreaming: Includes built-in multistreaming with presets for YouTube, Facebook, RTMP, and more.
  • On-Screen Participants: Supports up to six participants in the free basic tier.
  • Screen Recording: Yes, enabling easy capture and sharing of live content.
  • Supported platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Pricing: Free Tier: $0. Basic Tier: $20 per month. Professional Tier: $39 per month.
  • Free Trial/Refund: No Free Trial. Offers a 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Lifetime free Basic Plan.

Pros

  • Unlimited streaming is unlocked with the Basic Tier.
  • I liked its native support for platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
  • Supports background music, multiple layout options, etc.

Cons

  • Local recordings are limited to just two hours per month.
  • The Free Tier only includes 20 hours of streaming per month.

Visit StreamYard >>


3) OBS Studio

Best Live Stream Software for Video, Audio Capturing, and Mixing

During the period of my assessment, I found that OBS Studio is the ideal solution for anyone looking to get into live streaming or improve their current setup. Its comprehensive control options ensure that every aspect of the broadcast can be fine-tuned to perfection.

OBS Studio

Features:

  • Content Creation and Management: Using OBS Studio, I could record, edit, and stream content from my computer.
  • Participant Management: The number of on-screen participants is dictated by the streaming platform, not by the software.
  • Customization Options: It allowed me to access various configuration options through the settings panel.
  • Video Hosting: All videos are hosted locally, ensuring content remains within your control.
  • Platform Integration: It allowed me to stream directly to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook platforms.
  • Streaming Quality: Supports 400 Kbps video bitrate for full HD 1080p live streaming at 30 FPS.
  • Screen Recording Capability: Yes, enabling easy capture of live content.
  • Supported Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • Pricing/Free Trial/Refund: OBS Studio is a free, open-source solution.

Pros

  • Open-source and completely free.
  • Easily record videos for viewing back or rebroadcasting at a later date.
  • I liked its powerful and easy-to-use configuration options.

Cons

  • Multi-streaming is not possible without the use of additional software.
  • Beginners may have a hard time with the more advanced options.

Link: https://obsproject.com/


4) Wirecast

Best Live Streaming Software for Professional Productions

As per my review, Wirecast stands out as a professional-grade live-streaming tool that excels in sports broadcasting due to its instant replay feature. The software ensures that every aspect of the production is broadcast-quality, from audio to visual inputs.

Wirecast

Features:

  • Source Capture: I could capture a variety of IP sources or anything on my computer screen. It allowed me to record everything seamlessly.
  • Collaboration Options: Wirecast Studio supports two remote guests via Wirecast Rendezvous and seven remote guests.
  • Bitrate Specifications: It supports 500 Kbps to 2 Mbps for 480p, 1.5 Mbps to 4 Mbps for 720p video, and 128 Kbps for stereo audio.
  • Advanced Features: Offers a built-in chroma key, animated graphics, layer-based compositing, and more.
  • Multi-Streaming Capabilities: Built-in presets for YouTube, Facebook, RTMP, and others.
  • Video Hosting: Not natively supported.
  • Platform Integrations: Supports YouTube, Facebook Live, and more.
  • Participant Capacity: Unlimited on-screen participants.
  • Screen Recording: Yes, it enables recording of your screen.
  • Supported Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS.
  • Pricing: Lifetime License of Wirecast Studio at $599 per month.
  • Free Trial/Refund: Free basic plan. All paid plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Unlimited live camera inputs (iOS, NDI, HDMI, SDI, IP).
  • Flexible, layer-based compositing.
  • Offers me custom graphics, tiles, built-in transitions, and other broadcast-quality features.

Cons

  • I found it to be slightly pricey.
  • You will need to restart the session if your computer freezes during a stream.
  • Heavily dependent on the quality of the user’s Internet connection during streams.

Visit Wirecast >>


5) OneStream

Best All-in-One Streaming Software

I discovered OneStream’s powerful multi-casting feature, which allows users to extend their reach significantly. Its capability to integrate with third-party tools and the added functionality of an embedded player for website streaming is particularly useful.

OneStream

Features:

  • Multi-Streaming Capabilities: OneStream lets me use YouTube and other platforms for live streaming. I was mighty impressed with how it allowed me to embed live streams on my website.
  • Visual and Audio Enhancements: OneStream offers background visual effects, music, and media sharing, enhancing live streams.
  • Video Hosting: Video hosting is available for an additional monthly charge.
  • Team Collaboration: Up to four team members can join sessions with the Free Tier.
  • Streaming Quality: It supports a 3000 Kbps to 6000 Kbps video bitrate for 720p HD and a 128 Kbps audio bitrate.
  • Cloud Integrations: Integrates with cloud storage options like Google Drive and Dropbox.
  • Guest Participation: Support for up to 10 on-screen participants with a paid plan.
  • Screen Recording: Screen recording is available.
  • Supported Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS.
  • Pricing Plan: The plan starts at $10 per month.
  • Free Trial/Refund: A free trial is available. However, no refunds are given after the billing period has started. It has a Lifetime Free Basic Plan.

Pros

  • Pre-recorded streaming allows you to schedule videos up to two months in advance.
  • Multiple branding and personalization options for streams.
  • There is no video file size limit when importing video directly from a cloud-based storage service.

Cons

  • Slightly more challenging to use than many of the other options on this list.
  • Necessary add-ons will increase the price over the basic monthly or yearly subscription fees.
  • 720p video resolution is lower than other entries on this list.

Link: https://onestream.live/


6) Lightstream

Best Software for Automated Streaming

As per my analysis, Lightstream provides an effective solution for those looking to stream content seamlessly across different devices. Its automated layouts and design elements make it easy to create a professional-looking stream.

Lightstream

Features:

  • Mobile Streaming: Lightstream supports streaming from any iOS or Android device with a camera and an Internet connection. It allowed me to stream effortlessly on the go.
  • Community Engagement: Offers data-driven tools to engage and grow your streaming community.
  • Console Streaming: Cloud-based console capture for streaming Xbox & PlayStation gameplay directly to Twitch.
  • Video Hosting: Cloud storage for video hosting is included in all Lightstream plans.
  • Streaming Quality: Supports a video bitrate of 3000 Kbps for 720p HD video at 30 FPS and an audio bitrate of 128 Kbps.
  • Platform Integrations: Integrates with major platforms like Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube and supports various gaming consoles.
  • Participant Capacity: Allows up to 10 on-screen participants during live streams.
  • Screen Recording: Yes, screen recording is supported.
  • Support Platforms: Microsoft Windows and macOS.
  • Pricing Plan: The plan starts at $7 per month. Creator Tier – $20 per month.
  • Free Trial/Refund: Both tiers offer a one-week free trial. No refunds are available for a subscription.

Pros

  • Stream directly from gaming consoles like Microsoft’s Xbox or Sony’s PlayStation.
  • Unlimited streaming hours are available.
  • Full layout and design control.

Cons

  • It offers multi-streaming but only with the Lightstream Studio 2 software.

Link: https://golightstream.com/


7) XSplit

Best Streaming Apps for Gaming

I tested XSplit and was particularly impressed with its support for NVIDIA and AMD optimizations, which allowed me to stream with minimal performance impact. The intuitive audio mixer, which expertly combines multiple audio tracks, and the ability to adjust settings via mobile phone significantly enhance the streaming experience for gamers.

XSplit

Features:

  • Scene Customization: It allows customizable setups and supports multiple sets. I could use hotkeys for rapid-level adjustments. 
  • Platform Integrations: While using the live broadcast program, I noticed that it smoothly integrates with Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube for enhanced connectivity.
  • Multi-Streaming Capability: Multi-streaming is supported but requires additional software for functionality.
  • Interaction Tracking: It allows me to keep an eye on chat and event interactions easily.
  • Streaming Quality: Supports 4500 to 5000 Kbps for 720p at 60 FPS, with an audio bitrate of 128 Kbps.
  • Participant Limit: Supports only one on-screen participant at a time.
  • Screen Recording: Yes, screen recording is available.
  • Supported Platforms: Microsoft Windows.
  • Pricing: $200 for Broadcaster Premium
  • Free Trial: Yes

Pros

  • Offers a library of royalty-free and DMCA-safe music for your live stream.
  • Gives users the ability to control a live stream directly from a mobile phone.
  • Support for tipping so viewers can donate to the stream while it is in progress.

Cons

  • Built entirely for gaming, so non-gamers would want to look for a different solution.
  • Support for simultaneously broadcasting streams to multiple locations is only available with third-party software.

Link: https://www.xsplit.com/broadcaster

What is Streaming Software?

A streaming tool allows you to take a video and audio source–be it from a computer, a webcam, or an external camera—and broadcast it live over the Internet. As a viewer, I could see the video at the exact moment it was recorded. Streaming software provides a fine attempt to bring people together, thus ensuring better engagement and connectivity. 

Worldwide streaming viewing time distribution by device

Worldwide distribution of time spent streaming

Image Source: Statista

How to Choose a Free Streaming Software?

Consider these aspects when selecting free streaming software.

  • Decision Making: Choosing the best broadcasting software is ultimately something you can only do after considering your use case.
  • Platform Features: Some platforms allow multiple video inputs to support more than one camera at a time, but depending on how you plan on using the platform, you may not need that.
  • Advanced Capabilities: Others support screen sharing, HTML, ultra-low latency, and more. Please don’t start with a platform. I hope it meets your unique needs.
  • Strategic Approach: Instead, list what you need a streaming service to do and find the one that checks as many boxes as possible.

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Verdict

In my professional opinion, Restream’s ability to integrate with numerous platforms simultaneously is impressive. StreamYard facilitates engaging broadcasts with its easy navigation. OBS Studio is the go-to for users demanding complete control over their streaming setup.