Best Streaming Software: How to Live Stream Like a PRO

Streaming is the hot new thing these days. You have probably been watching your favourite streamers on Twitch, Facebook or YouTube! But did you know what kind of streaming software you need to do livestreaming?

If you are inspired to start video streaming yourself, then there are only a few things you need. A camera and microphone are necessary, as well as the best streaming software!

Streaming software acts as an intermediary between you and the live streaming platform. They simplify stream games and other videos and offer additional features that can be very useful. If you plan to livestream in any serious capacity, these live streaming apps is a must-have. To spare you the trouble of having to research everything, we have selected the best streaming software out there.

1. Nvidia Shadowplay – streaming software with screen recorder

Nvidia Shadowplay is simultaneously a streaming and screen recording software. It comes packaged with all Nvidia GeForce-based computers. So, if you have a graphics card from Nvidia, you can use Shadowplay streaming software easily.

One advantage of Shadowplay in terms of video streaming is that it encodes on the graphics card rather than the CPU. This improves the quality of the live stream as well as the speed of processing, so you won’t feel any lag whatsoever. This free streaming software can broadcast straight to Twitch, Facebook or YouTube and users can add up to 3 custom overlay images.

Outside of the features mentioned so far, Shadowplay’s options as of streaming software are quite limited. It does not have a lot of complicated features. But if you want to stream without spending too much time on setup, Shadowplay live stream app is the way to go.

OS: Windows 10, 8, 7
Licensing: Free
Our Rating: 9 / 10

Pros	Cons
Free streaming software The setup is extremely simple and straightforward Uses NVENC Encoder, which is the best encoder out there Offers filters and game streaming enhancement tools to make your videos look better	Exclusive to Nvidia GeForce graphics cards. Your hardware may not be compatible with it if you use a different brand such as AMD or Intel A very limited number of features compared to other streaming apps

2. OBS Studio – open source streaming software

OBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software. It is an open source streaming software with tons of features. Best of all, it is completely free.

OBS probably has more features than most other live streaming apps. Users can mix different audio streams (such as in-game audio, mic audio, and music) with video streams from multiple windows or the camera. In this free streaming software there are also some audio controls such as noise gating and suppression, gain and filtering. More features can be added for video streaming through plugins.

The number of features this streaming software offers and the complexity of the interface can be overwhelming at first. However, it is easy to learn. Dedicated streamers will enjoy the sheer number of features and customizability OBS Studio offers, all for free.

OS: Windows, MacOS, Linux
Licensing: Open source
Our Rating: 9 / 10

Pros	Cons
Completely free streaming software Highly modular UI Extensive scene functionality that lets users mix audio and video streams Available for all operating systems – Windows, MacOS and Linux	Complicated user interface is hard for beginners to use Open-source, so there are some minor issues and lack of polish at times

3. XSplit Broadcaster – streaming software for Windows

XSplit Broadcaster is a sophisticated live streaming software. It can be used for free but also has a premium version for as low as $5 a month.

The list of features in XSplit includes a projector mode for those with multiple displays, streaming to multiple platforms at the same time to reach the widest possible audience, and local network video streaming for professional use cases. This streaming software offers tools for editing the video and audio in-app before sending it live. You can do this by adding a delay to your live stream. XSplit also has separate tools for editing a webcam’s video input so you don’t need to install extra webcam software, which can be linked into Broadcaster.

The user interface of Xsplit streaming software is attractive and easy to navigate. The learning curve is fairly gentle, so you can get used to all the options at a good pace. Only a few features are locked behind the premium version.

OS: Windows 10, 8, 7
Licensing: Free; Monthly subscription starts at $15
Our Rating: 8 / 10

Pros	Cons
Streaming software with sleek and attractive user interface Wide range of options for broadcasting Extensive audio and video editing tools in-app Supports Nvidia’s NVENC encoder if you have a GeForce graphics card	The free version has a watermark Some features are locked behind a premium version Live streaming software that only works on Windows computers

4. Restream – online streaming software

Restream is a live stream app with one unique feature: it is fully browser-based. There is no need to download anything. All the functionality and features work right in your browser.

Restream streaming software claim to fame is that they support up to 30 different platforms. This includes not just the big three of YouTube, Twitch and Facebook, but also niche or regional ones like Trovo, NaverTV, Bili Bili etc. You can invite guests to your livestream easily and chat from the Restream app.

Finally, you can link a third-party software like OBS to Restream. This allows you to take advantage of Restream’s chatting, guesting and streaming software while using some other recording software or apps for encoding and editing.

Restream can be used for free, but this version comes with a lot of limitations. There are limits to the number of platforms, recording and branding. The premium versions of streaming software are quite expensive, starting at about $15.00 for the standard version and $40.00 to unlock all professional features for individual users.

OS: Web-based
Licensing: Free; Monthly subscription starts at $16
Our Rating: 8 / 10

Pros	Cons
Web-based live streaming software Supports a huge range of streaming platforms Links to third-party software and takes advantage of their functionalities	Limited encoding and editing features in the live streaming app The Free version is very restrictive. The premium versions are expensive

5. Twitch Studio – free streaming software by Twitch

Twitch is the biggest live streaming platform in the world. Twitch Studio is their native streaming software, designed and optimized for Twitch streamers.

Twitch Studio comes loaded with a lot of templates and layouts for new users to get started with. It is fully integrated with Twitch and includes Twitch Chats, Subscriber Alerts, and real-time metrics. The video streaming software offers an audio mixer built right into the app for those who want fine control over the audio.

If you primarily livestream on Twitch, using Twitch Studio is the best option. It does not have as much functionality as some other streaming software, but most users won’t need them.

OS: Windows 10, 8, 7
Licensing: Free
Our Rating: 8 / 10

Pros	Cons
Seamlessly integrates with your Twitch community Editing scenes and layouts are very easy There are some audio editing and video encoding tools built in The user interface is simple and easy to navigate	Exclusive streaming software to Twitch and does not support any other platform Somewhat limited feature-wise compared to other streaming apps

Streaming software can help you to share your video with whoever joins to watch you stream. You can get popular and become an influencer, you can show your gaming skills and stream games to become a star of gaming community or you can be a how-to guru. The choice is yours. Pick any of the reviewed streaming apps to share your content with the world.