Three kinds of streaming software
The programs in this list do different jobs, and many streamers combine two of them:
- Desktop apps mix your camera, screen, microphone and overlays into scenes and send the result to a platform. OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, XSplit Broadcaster and Meld Studio work this way.
- Browser studios need no install. StreamYard calls itself a live streaming and recording studio in your browser, Lightstream offers a creative suite right in your browser, and YouTube lets you go live with a webcam in Chrome 60+ or Firefox 53+.
- Destinations and relays receive the stream. Restream forwards one stream to 30+ destinations, 2 at once on the Free plan, and PeerTube is open source video software you run on your own server, which accepts streams from OBS or other RTMP software.
If you only stream to one platform from one computer, a free desktop app is usually enough. If you want to reach several platforms at once, check the multistreaming row in the table below first, because that is where most free plans draw the line.
Free limits compared
The values below are from the official pages on the date in the list. An empty cell means the page states nothing about it for the free version.
| Program | Watermark or branding | Multistreaming | Other free limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Open source, GPL-2.0 | ||
| Meld Studio | No watermarks | Built in | No time limits, per its FAQ |
| Streamlabs Desktop | None on local recordings; watermark-free videos are an Ultra feature | Dual Output (one horizontal, one vertical) free; more with Ultra | Premium overlays with Ultra |
| XSplit Broadcaster | None up to 720p, a small logo above | Premium license | Windows only |
| Restream | Restream branding | 2 channels | Studio at 720p, recordings kept 15 days |
| StreamYard | StreamYard logo | Streaming limits (no figure given), 2 hours of local recordings a month | |
| Lightstream Studio | Lightstream logo | Up to 5 destinations | 10 hours per stream, 720p, 3 scenes |
Read "watermark" carefully on each page. Streamlabs says its desktop app does not add watermarks or time limits to local recordings, while its plan table lists "No watermark" as an Ultra feature for its online video tools. XSplit ties the logo to resolution, so a 720p stream stays clean.
Before you go live
Most stream problems are found in the first minute, in front of viewers. A short check beforehand avoids that:
- Test the microphone with our mic test: watch the level while you speak at stream volume and listen to the test recording.
- Check the camera with the webcam test, which shows the resolution and frame rate the browser gets. If either device does not show up, our guide on microphone or webcam not working in the browser walks through permissions and settings.
- Time your opening with the script timer, so the intro fits before the first scene change.
- On YouTube, enable live streaming a day ahead: YouTube says enabling it for the first time may take up to 24 hours, and streaming needs creators who are 16 or older.
Keep your stream key private. PeerTube's docs put it plainly: anyone with the key can stream a video in your live, and the same holds for every platform that gives you a key.
After the stream
Recordings are where free plans differ again. Restream's Free plan records up to 6 hours per stream and keeps them 15 days, StreamYard's free plan includes 2 hours of local recordings a month, and YouTube archives streams under 12 hours automatically. Download what you want to keep before the window closes.
- Video compressor: shrink a long recording before you upload or send it.
- Screen recorder: record a short clip of your screen in the browser without a streaming setup.
For recording without going live, see our list of free screen recorders. If you turn streams into an audio show, compare the free plans in free podcast hosting.
Frequently asked questions
Which free streaming software has no watermark?
Meld Studio's FAQ says it is free with no watermarks, time limits or hidden fees. XSplit Broadcaster adds no watermark up to 720p and a small logo above that. Streamlabs Desktop adds no watermark to local recordings. Restream, StreamYard and Lightstream show their own branding on free streams.
Can I multistream for free?
Restream's Free plan streams on 2 channels at once, Lightstream's free plan simulcasts to up to 5 destinations, and Meld Studio has multistreaming built in. Streamlabs Desktop allows one horizontal and one vertical output for free and more with Ultra. XSplit Broadcaster requires a Premium license for multistreaming.
Can I stream without installing anything?
Yes. StreamYard and Lightstream Studio run in the browser, and YouTube lets you go live with a webcam in Chrome 60+ or Firefox 53+. Both StreamYard and Lightstream show their logo on free streams.
Is OBS Studio really free?
OBS Studio describes itself as free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. Its code is published under the GNU General Public License v2 or any later version. It runs on Windows 10 and 11, macOS 13 or newer, and Linux.
Why can I not go live on YouTube right away?
YouTube says that enabling live streaming for the first time may take up to 24 hours. You also need no live streaming restrictions in the past 90 days and must be 16 or older. Plan the first stream a day ahead.