18.4
Restream is a video creation and livestreaming service for broadcasting to multiple social platforms and other destinations.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
Best Live Streaming Encoders in 2026
Live streaming encoders help prepare and send live video streams. This list lets you compare encoder type, output protocols, maximum resolution, simultaneous outputs, local recording and remote guest sources. Check Android app support first if you plan to stream from a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone or tablet. Then compare web, Windows, iPhone or iPad, Mac, Linux and API access, along with free plans, trials and paid…
28.4
Vimeo is a platform for making, managing, and sharing video, available on the web, Android, iOS, and through an API.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
38.0
StreamYard On-Air is a web-based service for hosting live and automated webinars.
Free planiOSWebExtension
- 4
BoxCast
BoxCast is a live production automation platform for organizations that stream video to web, social, and TV destinations.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.9From $8.25 a month - 5
mimoLive
mimoLive is a live video production application from mimoLive in Germering, Germany.
Free planiOSWebAPImacOS7.9From $70 a month - 6
OneStream Live
OneStream Live is a cloud service for creating, scheduling, and streaming prerecorded or real-time video to social platforms and the web.
Free planAndroidiOSWebExtension7.8From $15 a month - 7
Streamster
Streamster is a multistreaming service for sending broadcasts to as many as four destinations.
Free planAndroidiOSWebWindows7.7From $15 a month - 8
PRISM Live Studio
PRISM Live Studio is a broadcasting and media creation tool for live streams, video recording, and photos with effects, stickers, images, and music.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOSWindows7.6From $79.99 a year - 9
Larix Broadcaster
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS7.5From $119 a year - 107.4From $15 a month
- 11
Streamlabs Talk Studio
AndroidiOSWeb7.4From $90 a year - 12
Castr
Castr is paid live-streaming software with a browser-based studio, web playback, and Android and iOS support.
AndroidiOSWeb7.3From $199.99 a year - 13
evmux
evmux is a web-based studio for live streaming and recording podcasts and other live content.
Free planiOSWeb7.3From $25 a month - 14
Gyre
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.3From $488 a year - 15
Switcher Studio
Switcher Studio is a multicamera live streaming and video production platform for live streams, videos, and social content.
AndroidiOSWebmacOS7.3From $65 a month - 16
Streamlabs Mobile
Streamlabs Mobile is an app for broadcasting mobile games, camera streams, and IRL content from iOS and Android devices.
Free planAndroidiOS7.2From $15.75 a month - 17
Cinamaker Director Studio
Free planiOSmacOS7.1From $299.99 a year - 18
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is free, open-source software for recording video and live streaming on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.1Free plan - 19
StreamRove
StreamRove is a web and API multistreaming service for sending one RTMP or SRT feed to several destinations at once.
Free planWebAPI7.1From $14.50 a month - 20
Upstream
Upstream is cloud live-streaming software for browser-based broadcasts, multistreaming, and always-on channels built from uploaded videos.
Free planWebAPI7.1From $24 a month - 21
DualStream Relay
DualStream Relay sends a stream from a PC to DualStream servers, which distribute it to multiple destinations, including Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and custom RTMP endpoints.
Free planiOSmacOSWindows7.0From $99 a year - 22
FFmpeg
FFmpeg is free, open-source software for recording, converting, and streaming audio and video on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows7.0Free plan - 23
LiveReacting
LiveReacting is a web-based studio for cloud streaming, with tools for multistreaming, scheduling broadcasts, and looping or replaying streams.
Free planWebAPI7.0From $16 a month - 24
Meld Studio
Meld Studio is a desktop app for streaming and recording, with a free plan and paid plans starting at $20 a month.
Free planmacOSWindows7.0From $200 a year - 25
nanoStream Webcaster
Free planWeb7.0From $239 a month
Choosing well
Check Android and other platforms
If mobile streaming matters, verify that an Android app is available and what it covers. Platform listings can also include web, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux and API access.
Match the supported platforms to the device you use before comparing encoder features.
Compare free plans, trials and paid starts
A free plan can help you begin without a subscription. A free trial gives temporary access instead, so check its length and terms.
Compare the stated paid starting price where one is provided. Pricing on request means you will need a quote.
Match outputs and resolution
Check which output protocols an encoder supports and whether they fit your streaming destinations. Maximum resolution indicates the highest stated video size.
If you send a stream to several destinations, compare simultaneous output capacity.
Look for recording and guest sources
Local recording matters when you want a copy of the stream on your own device. Remote guest sources can let other contributors join a broadcast.
Confirm both capabilities in the comparison details before choosing an encoder.
Choose the encoder type
Encoder type describes how the tool handles your live stream. Compare this field with platform support, protocols and resolution to find a suitable fit.
Questions people ask
Is there an Android app for these encoders?
Android is listed as a platform in this category, but support varies by item. Check the individual listing before relying on a phone or tablet workflow.
Can I try a live streaming encoder for free?
Items in this category offer free plans or free trials. Check the listing for the specific plan type and trial duration.
What platforms can these tools run on?
Listed platforms include web, iOS, Windows, Android, macOS and API access. Linux is also listed for some tools.
How do I compare streaming output capacity?
Review output protocols, maximum resolution and simultaneous outputs. These fields show where a stream can go, its highest stated size and how many outputs can run together.
Do encoders support local recording or remote guests?
Local recording and remote guest sources are comparison fields for this category. Check the individual tool details for the capabilities you need.