Comparing the Top 10 HLS Streaming Software for Live Broadcasting [2025 Update]

Broadcasting live streaming video requires various tools. There are several types of streaming software, including encoders, live switchers, simulcasting tools, and more.

Each of these tools plays an important role in enhancing the live streaming experience. In particular, HTTP live HLS streaming software is used with live streams delivered with HLS technology.

This post will look at several of the best HLS streaming software offerings. We will review some of the top software in the live streaming game, including Wirecast, Switchboard Live, and Restream. What each of the tools has in common is its compatibility with HLS format streaming to an HTML5 video player.

Before our comparison, we’ll discuss the basics of HLS streaming and compare ingest and delivery in the context of live streaming.

HLS Streaming: The Basics

HLS format, which stands for “HTTP Live Streaming”, is a video streaming protocol that Apple developed to deliver content to an HTML5 video player.

This protocol became essential in the industry-wide transition from Adobe’s Flash Player to more modern HTML5 video players. To put it into perspective, HLS format is to HTML5 as RTMP is to Flash.

As an adaptive bitrate streaming protocol, an HTTP live streaming server delivers the best available video quality to viewers anytime. It scales the video bitrate based on the internet speed of the viewer. This way, they won’t have to face long periods of buffering as the stream will continue playing even at a lower quality. HLS solutions make it possible for every viewer to get the best viewing experience. 

Over the past several years, HLS fomat has become the most widely used live streaming protocol. Mobile devices, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and many other devices, all support HLS format.

The biggest benefits of HLS format streaming are improved security and nearly universal compatibility. If you want to reach a big audience with your audio and visual content, you need to use an HLS solution.

Delivery vs. Ingest in Streaming

Before we get into our HTTP live streaming software comparison, we must clarify the roles of HLS and RTMP encoding in delivery and ingest, respectively.

In most cases, live streaming involves sending data from your capture device to an online video platform (OVP), with a few stops in between. OVPs either use their content delivery network (CDN) or partner with a CDN to deliver streams to your viewers. 

It is also possible to send the data via your live streaming server, but this requires more equipment and technical knowledge.

This process of sending the stream from an encoder to the online video platform is known as stream ingestion or simply “ingest.” Stream ingestion usually occurs using RTMP.

RTMP, or “Real-Time Messaging Protocol”, delivers content to the Flash video player. RTMP ingest should not be confused with RTMP delivery.

It is also possible to use HLS format for ingesting, but that’s not yet widely supported. HLS is used primarily for HLS delivery, whereas RTMP is for stream ingestion.

If you’d like to learn more about RTMP servers and how the two protocols work together, we recommend checking out our dedicated RTMP ingest guide.

What is HLS Streaming Software?

There are several types of software for HLS format streaming. Typically, these tools specialize in a specific function related to live streaming, but it’s also fairly common for one software to include support for multiple functionalities.

What makes them “HLS streaming software” vs. “streaming software” (which we discuss in other posts) is that they are expressly set up for streaming to an HTML5 video player via HLS delivery.

Some main HTTP live streaming tools include encoders, switchers, and simulcasting tools. Let’s break these categories down.

Encoding Software

Encoding software is probably the most critical HTTP live streaming software simply because most broadcasters need it. This software converts the RAW video files your camera captures into a ready-to-stream digital video file.

The benefit of software encoders rather than hardware encoders is that they are generally more cost-effective. Unlike hardware encoders, it’s possible to update software encoders as the software is improved. That means the lifespan of live stream encoding software lives beyond its hardware counterpart.

Simulcasting Software

Simulcasting, short for “simultaneous broadcasting”, is streaming to multiple destinations simultaneously. This functionality is also referred to as “multi-destination streaming.”

For example, if you want to broadcast a live stream on your website and a social network like Instagram simultaneously, that is simulcasting. You are simultaneously sharing the same content across various online platforms.

Simulcasting requires the support of dedicated HTTP live streaming software.

Many broadcasters use simulcasting software to stream the same content to their sites, apps, and popular social media platforms, all at once. With simulcast streaming, you can reach a larger audience.

Switching Software

When it comes to live streaming at the professional level, a reliable switcher is a must. Switching software allows broadcasters to instantaneously switch between live feeds, on-demand videos, and other sources.

Using different sources throughout your stream can keep things exciting and engaging.

Comparing the 10 Best HLS Streaming Software in 2025

Now that you know how HLS format streaming works and what HLS streaming software is, let’s look at the best HTTP live streaming software.

With each option we highlight, we’ll share its key features, pricing, compatibility, pros, and cons.

1. Wirecast

Wirecast is an accessible, capable encoding software from the company Telestream. It’s available on Windows PCs and Macs. Wirecast includes regular updates and a wide range of features, from instant replay to integrated video conferencing. Wirecast is available in two versions: Studio and Pro, which includes additional functionality.

Basic Functionality:

Wirecast supports live video compositing via a “layers” architecture similar to many graphics programs. The encoder facilitates live switching, picture-in-picture composition, titles, audio delay, and many other fine-tuning compositional elements.

Wirecast’s streaming encoder software makes it easy to incorporate pre-recorded video content into your broadcast. It also supports the encoding of HD and SD sources for streams broadcast simultaneously to multiple servers and platforms.

The Wirecast Pro enhanced program adds several other specialized features, including:

• Replay
• Live scoreboards
• Virtual 3D
• Use of IP cameras and web streams
• 8-track audio output

These advanced features of Wirecast Pro make it a better choice than the basic Wirecast program for most live-streamed events. With all those features, Wirecast’s biggest downside may be the price. To start, you can download a free trial version of the basic software.

Key Features:

• Input sources from cameras, mics, webcams, IP cameras, capture cards, and desktops
• Ideal for sports: instant replay, scoreboards, clocks, and timers
• The free wireless camera app allows you to use any iOS device as a video source
• NDI support
• Graphics and titling tool
• Audio mixer and up to 8 audio tracks
• Built-in video conference tool
• Stream to more than one destination simultaneously
• Support for MIDI hardware controllers
• Stream and record simultaneously, with re-stream and live caption options
• Multiple bitrate streaming
• Integrates with Facebook Live and Twitter for sharing comments on-screen
• Includes instant replay, scoreboard, and timers for sports
• Free wireless camera app turns iOS devices into mobile live video sources
• Stream to multiple destinations simultaneously
• Integrated video chat via “Wirecast Rendezvous”
• Local program output

Pros:

• Easy-to-use, user-friendly platform
• Compatible with most popular operating systems
• Fully loaded with valuable features

Cons:

• High price point
• Many features are locked in the “Studio” version
• It consumes a lot of computer memory

Pricing:

The software comes in two versions:

1. Wirecast Studio for enhanced live production & streaming: $29,08/month
2. Wirecast Pro for advanced live show and streaming: $37,42/month which also comes with a free trial

Compatibility

Wirecast is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. The latest full release is Wirecast 16, version 16.4.0, which was released Dec 2, 2024. This version introduces new features and improvements, such as enhanced streaming capabilities, better video production tools, and support for newer hardware.

Stream With Dacast Using Wirecast

Wirecast works with many online video players, including Dacast. It’s also straightforward to set up. To demonstrate just how easy it is, here’s how to set up Wirecast to live HLS format stream on Dacast.

To live stream with Dacast, you’ll need the following encoder settings:

1. 1. Within your Dacast account, create a live stream.
   2. Click on the “Encoder Setup” button.
   3. Under the RTMP Encoders dropdown menu, select “Telestream Wirecast.”
   4. Next, open Wirecast.
   5. Open the output settings window by pressing the CONTROL key + Y on your PC keyboard or COMMAND + Y if you have a Mac.
   6. Click on “Select an Output Destination.” Choose “RTMP Server.”
   7. Now, it’s just a matter of copying and pasting the Stream URL and Stream Key from Dacast to the “Address” and “Stream” fields on Wirecast.
   8. Click “Set credentials,” where you’ll copy and paste your credentials from Dacast onto the appropriate fields.

   If you get stuck, check out our thorough guide on how to stream with Dacast using Wirecast.

2. vMix

vMix is a professional-grade switching and streaming application. It’s constantly updated with new features and is widely used across the industry. It’s available on Windows PCs. The prices range from free to $1200 for a “Pro” version.

The latest version of the Windows-specific software is 28.0.0.38 and includes an upgrade to a free 60-day trial of vMix PRO for download. While vMix 24 is for Windows only, the software can be installed on a Mac via Boot Camp if the machine has a Windows partition.

Basic Functionality:

vMix offers an array of video streaming tool plans. They offer a wide range of features at different price points, so there are options for broadcasters of every level of expertise. vMix offers robust encoding services.

Key Features:

• Support for a wide range of inputs including webcams, cameras, capture cards, DVDs, sound cards, playlists, photos, PPT presentations, and more
• NDI support
• Chroma key and virtual sets
• Built-in titling tool that supports animation via XAML
• Live streaming platform integrations (including with the Dacast streaming platform)
• vMix Social allows you to pull and display content from popular social media platforms
• Instant replay, slow motion, and scoreboards
• Training videos available
• vMix “reference systems” ease the difficulty of building a custom live production system

Pros: 

• Many powerful features
• Reliable customer support
• Professional platform
• Added speed for specialized codecs

Cons:

• A high price point for most inclusive plans
• It only works with Windows
• A bit tricky to use

Pricing:

vMix is available for Windows computers only, and it comes in five different editions. Each purchase never expires, and all editions include free updates for a year. The versions are:

1. Basic HD: $60, which supports four inputs (up to 3 camera/NDI) and video up to Full HD 1920×1080 resolution
2. HD: $350, which supports 1,000 inputs, adds vMix call functionality, four overlay channels, and supports full HD video in 1920×1080 resolution
3. 4K: $700, which supports 1,000 inputs, 4K resolution video (4096 x 2160), PTZ control, two recorders, instant replay, 4 SRT outputs, and much more
4. Pro: $1200, which also supports 1,000 inputs, includes all 4K features and 2 records, plus up to 8 callers, up to 4 cameras for instant replay, and 4 SRT outputs

The following is a subscription license that includes, and is charged every month:

• MAX: $50/month, which also supports 1,000 inputs, 1,000 NDI inputs, and includes all 4K resolution video (4096 x 2160), PTZ control, 2 recorders, instant replay, 4 SRT outputs

vMix also offers a 60-day free trial and has all the features of vMix Pro, including the ability to use resolutions greater than HD such as 4K, mainly to ensure vMix supports your computer hardware and work with it before purchasing. It is a great perk, as most encoding software offers only up to a 30-day free trial.

Compatibility:

vMix is only available for Windows PCs. Learn more about compatibility settings here.

Using vMix to Live Stream With Dacast: 

Adding vMix to your live streaming setup is simple. The steps to integrate vMix vary from platform to platform, but here are the steps to use vMix with Dacast specifically.

1. Within your Dacast account, create a live stream.
2. Then click on the “Encoder Setup” button.
3. Under the RTMP Encoders dropdown menu, select vMix.
4. Now, within your vMix encoder settings, click on the dropdown menu for “Destination,” and find “Custom RTMP Server”
5. Next, it’ll ask you for a “URL” and “Stream Name or Key.” At this point, it’s just a matter of copying and pasting the URL and Stream Name information from Dacast into your vMix encoder.
6. Next, on vMix, click “advanced.” Here it will ask for a username and password. Again, you will simply copy and paste that information from your Dacast account.
7. After this, click “OK.”

If you need more help, check out our guide on live streaming with Dacast using vMix.

3. VidBlasterX

VidBlasterX is a live video encoding software and mixer. It’s a competent, expandable, and customizable product.

This company offers three packages: VidblasterX Home, VidBlasterX Studio, and VidBlasterX Broadcast. The main difference between each version is the number of modules each supports. Each successive module also adds additional advanced features for professional broadcasters.

VidBlasterX Home is an essential product. It supports up to seven modules. VidBlasterX Studio has several features for studio production of videos (hence the name) and allows for more versatile videos. The Studio version supports HD and television-quality full-screen output and community support.

VidBlasterX Broadcast incorporates all the features of VidBlaster Studio, adds more module capacity, and is recommended for professional broadcast studios. With Broadcast, you get direct email support from the developer.

The Broadcast edition also supports UDP streaming, multiple streaming sources, and recorder modules in a single profile, and includes priority support.

The latest release, VidBlasterX v6.1, introduces support for NDI 6.1 and reinstates more efficient alpha channel support in both the NDI Input and NDI Output modules.

Basic Functionality:

VidBlasterX is an encoding software organized into a series of modules, which can be added, removed, and rearranged on multiple screens as needed.

Key Features:

• Modular user interface
• Includes macro and scripting functionality to automate or hot-key actions
• Supports overlays and lower thirds
• Chroma key support
• Live streaming and recording up to 4K resolution
• Compatible with social media platforms and most OVPs (including Dacast)
• Audio mixer
• Multiview support

Pros:

• Has plans for a wide range of budgets
• Feature-rich
• Easily customizable

Cons:

• Not compatible with macOS
• Not well-suited for inexperienced live streamers
• Slightly complex

Pricing:

VidBlasterX is available in three versions. Each of the following options is priced with an annual subscription model:

1. Studio: $99/year; supports 25 modules.
2. Broadcast: $999/year; supports 100 modules. This version also supports multiple recorder & streamer modules in a single profile.
3. Broadcast 4K UHD: $4,995/year; Broadcast 4K edition also supports UHD & 4K video output resolutions. The (free) trial edition is equal to the Broadcast 4K edition with a watermark added to all output channels

The difference between the versions is the number of simultaneously active modules you can have.

The Home editions support up to seven modules, enough for basic live streaming. The Studio edition supports up to 25 modules, and the Broadcast edition supports 50. These higher limits allow professional users with multiple monitors to set up and oversee complex workflows.

The Broadcast edition also supports UDP streaming, multiple streaming sources, and recorder modules in a single profile and includes priority support.

Compatibility:

VidBlasterX is available for Windows PCs only.

Using VidBlasterX to Stream on Dacast:

Integrating VidBlasterX into your live broadcasts is relatively easy. The steps to get started vary between different online video platforms, but here’s what the process would look like with Dacast specifically.

1. Within your Dacast account, create a live stream.
2. Then click on the “Encoder Setup” button.
3. Under the RTMP Encoders dropdown menu, select “Vid Blaster.”
4. Now, within VidBlaster, click on “File.”
5. Next, click on “Load Profile.”
6. Then choose the default profile.
7. Right-click on the Streamer 1 module to find “settings.”
8. Here, it’ll ask you for a “URL/ IP:Port,” “Stream,” “Username,” and “Password.” At this point, it’s just a matter of copying and pasting the URL and Stream Name information from Dacast into VidBlasterX

If you get stuck, check out our detailed guide on how to stream on Dacast using VidBlasterX.

4. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source option that’s excellent for beginning live streamers. It’s expandable with various plugins and has a robust community for support and questions. It is supported on Mac, Windows, and Linux PCs.

Formerly known as Open Broadcaster Studio, it is an open-source platform with encoding capabilities. This software encoder and comparison are based on the latest OBS Studio Version 31.0.2. This professional video streaming and broadcasting software is available for macOS 10.13 or newer, and Windows 10 and later systems. For the Linux version, FFmpeg is required.

Basic Functionality:

OBS Studio offers many great features for new broadcasters just getting the hang of live streaming. The software has a set of OBS-specific settings and system requirements to ensure the most optimal live broadcasting experience.

Advanced features of this streaming encoder software include:

• Real-time video/audio capturing and mixing
• Unlimited number of scenes and custom transitions
• Intuitive audio mixer
• Modular “Dock” UI

Key Features:

• HLS Live streaming and recording functionality
• Audio and video mixing, filters, and transitions
• Support for hotkeys
• Chroma key/green screen support
• Scenes allow you to prepare overlays in advance for rapid switching
• Support for a wide range of video, audio, and image sources, as well as screenshots
• Expandable via plugins to add NDI functionality, remote control via WebSockets, advanced scene switching, and more
• One notable negative is that OBS Studio does not offer multi-bitrate streaming
• Detailed wiki and highly active user forum for support/help. Many YouTube tutorials are available as well
• Real-time video/audio capturing and mixing
• Unlimited number of scenes and custom transitions
• Intuitive audio mixer
• Modular “Dock” UI

Pros: 

• Free to use
• Works with most OVPs
• Works with Windows 8.1,10, and 11; macOS 10.13+; Ubuntu 18.04 and newer for Linux. However, FFmpeg is required.
• It is open-source for ongoing development and crowdsourced improvements
• Great for beginners

Cons:

• Lack of detailed guidance and support
• Fundamental compatibility with macOS
• Very taxing on the CPU and memory

Pricing:

OBS Studio is free to use for everyone and has a working integration with Dacast. Dacast has developed a customized version of this video encoder software. See for yourself in this tutorial video.

OBS Studio is best used as an encoding software and a professional online video platform. Check out our how-to live stream with the OBS Studio video tutorial for more information.

Compatibility

When it comes to support for various operating systems, these are the latest compatibility and system requirement information for OBS Studio:

• Windows: Supports Windows 10 and later.
• macOS: Compatible with macOS Big Sur (11) and later.
• Linux: Available for various distributions, including Ubuntu 20.04 and later.

The minimum hardware requirements include:

• Processor: At least a dual-core Intel or AMD CPU. For streaming and recording, Intel i5 2500K or AMD Ryzen 1300X is the minimum.
• Graphics: A dedicated GPU like NVIDIA GTX 900 series or AMD RX 400 series is recommended for hardware-accelerated encoding.
• Memory: A minimum of 4GB RAM is required, but 8GB or more is strongly recommended for smoother performance​

The information above is based on the latest OBS 31.0.2 version, released on March 7th, 2025.

5. XSplit Broadcaster

If you’re searching for the best encoder for live streaming, XSplit Broadcaster can be your choice. It is an all-in-one tool for content creation, streaming presentations, recording, and broadcasting live events. It’s a great platform that offers 4K streaming quality and high-quality live streaming encoding. This places it as a top contender for the best video encoder for streaming.

It offers unique features like chroma key, scene transitions, thumbnail scene preview, and up to 240 FPS.

XSplit Broadcaster is a popular streaming platform because it offers limitless customization options. To customize your live streams, all you have to do is drag, drop, and resize any media content of your choice. This includes GIFs, images, videos, and web pages.

Another great feature this platform offers is its native plugins and custom RTMP. With this, users can easily stream to top broadcast platforms while simultaneously recording multiple outputs.

That’s not all. You can also add various broadcast effects and animations to make your live streams more interesting. Its media liveshow function makes it easy to loop multiple images or videos for your BRB screen, which will help to keep your viewers engaged.

Key Features:

• Built-in audio mixer and DSP effects
• In-game HUD
• Supports streaming and recording to multiple outputs
• Noise suppression
• Gamepad visualizer and whiteboard
• NVIDIA encoding to enhance streaming performance
• Allows professional scene switching and scene previews
• Allows users to record multiple scenes at the same time to streamline post-production

Pros:

• Supports a wide range of integrations
• User-friendly interface
• Green screen

Cons:

• Limited features in the lower tiers

Pricing:

XSplit Broadcaster offers pricing plans in 2 tiers:

• VCam Premium: $8/month
• Broadcaster Premium: $15/month

Compatibility:

The XSplit site does not specify operating system compatibility, but they have some system requirements that you can review on their website.

There currently is no integration between XSplit and Dacast.

XSplit is a unique HLS provider. It offers an integrated chat function and allows remote guests to join via Skype. If you are looking for these unique features, XSplit may be the right HLS provider.

6. FFmpeg

FFmpeg is an open-source encoding software. This software includes a library of tools for recording, converting, and streaming audio and video.

Additionally, FFmpeg is mainly a command-line application. This requires quite a bit of technical know-how, so it is best suited for advanced broadcasters. However, there are some GUI interfaces available.

FFmpeg works on most operating systems under various environments, machines, and configurations.

Basic Functionality:

FFmpeg provides a variety of tools for coding and decoding.

Key Features:

• RTMP ingest
• H.264, H.265, and other modern codecs
• It supports streaming in any resolution
• Record streams locally
• Primarily an encoder
• No mixing features
• FFserver for live streaming

Pros:

• Open-source
• Highly customizable
• Loaded with many valuable tools
• Multiple encoding configurations
• Suitable for business use
• Compatible with most popular operating systems

Cons:

• Minimal educational materials and tutorials
• No support for HLS testing
• It can be difficult for new broadcasters

Pricing:

FFmpeg is free to use.

Compatibility:

FFmpeg is compatible with macOS, Linux, Windows, BSD, Solaris, and other popular operating systems. The latest version of FFmpeg is 7.1.1 “Péter” which was released on 03 March 2025.

If you want a customizable HLS provider that works with all major operating systems, try out FFmpeg. It is great for broadcasts with more technical skills. 

Live Stream Using FFmpeg and Dacast:

Once FFmpeg is set up, the steps for live streaming with Dacast are as follows:

1. Within your Dacast account, create a live stream.
2. Then click on the “Encoder Setup” button.
3. Under the RTMP Encoders dropdown menu, select “RTMP encoder”
4. Next, run the following command in a text editor or directly on the command line interface:

$ ffmpeg -re -f lavfi -i testsrc -c:v libx264 -b:v 1600k -preset ultrafast -b 900k -c:a libfdk_aac -b:a 128k -s 1920×1080 -x264opts keyint=50 -g 25 -pix_fmt yuv420p -f flv “rtmp://[STREAM URL] flashver=FMLE/3.020(compatible;20FMSc/1.0) live=true pubUser=[LOGIN]Passwd=[PASSWORD]playpath=[STREAM NAME]

Of course, replace the bolded words “STREAM URL”, “LOGIN”, “PASSWORD”, and “STREAM NAME” with the correct information. All 4 of these pieces of information can be easily found and copy + pasted from Dacast in the “encoder setup” step.

The exact steps for setting up FFmpeg live streaming differ between operating systems. For a thorough guide, check out our post on FFmpeg live streaming with Dacast.

7. Streamlabs OBS

Streamlabs OBS, also known as “SLOBS,” is another powerful software for live streaming. It has similar functionality to OBS Studio, but it uses a graphical user interface rather than a command-line interface, making it easier to use. The latest version of StreamLabs OBS is v1.15.1 and is available for download here.

Basic Functionality:

Streamlabs offers quite a few features for editing and multicasting live streams. It is the chosen broadcasting software for many professional streamers. One of the unique aspects of this software is its web-based live streaming studio called Streamlabs Talk Studio (formerly MelonApp). The app allows you to broadcast to Facebook, YouTube Live, LinkedIn, or Twitch with one click and without leaving your browser.

Key Features:

• Multistreaming to many popular platforms
• Highlighter free video editing tools
• Layout editor with drag and drop
• Selective recording of streamed content
• Replay buffer to replay clips for your viewers
• Dynamic in-game overlay for single monitors
• Streamlabs Deck with a live stream remote control app
• Secure streaming

Pros:

• Easy for beginners
• Tools for designing stream layout
• Selective recording
• Gaming overlays
• Tools for tipping and donations

Cons:

• No scoreboards
• Limitations on graphic overlays
• Some features are clunky

Pricing:

Streamlabs have effectively 2 plans:

• Starter plan: Streamlabs app is free to download
• Streamlabs Ultra plan: for $27/month to get 10 GB of storage (free Starter plan offers 1 GB), 1000+ themes, and 3+ destinations for stream distribution, without a watermark.

Streamlabs is a great tool for businesses or individuals focused on streaming live content to social platforms. They offer personalized stream overlays and integrate with a range of apps that can provide you access to improved analytics, viewer interaction tools, and more automation tools.

Compatibility:

The Streamlabs website doesn’t indicate any limitations on operating system compatibility. However, the platform is suitable for streaming to Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, and more.

Streamlabs offers a free HLS streaming server with a payable subscription with more advanced features. If you want to start with free HLS software with the option of getting more access over time, Streamlabs is an excellent option.

8. Restream

Restream is a streaming platform specializing in multistreaming but offering other streaming products. It’s designed to support both beginner streamers and advanced users, offering a variety of tools for managing live streams, such as chat management, scheduling, and in-depth analytics.

Basic Functionality:

Restream Studio is their offering that supports in-browser live streaming. Sports fans like its live sports streaming options, but it is also quite popular among the gaming, tech, government, media, and music industries. Other than the ability to broadcast video in real-time, it’s also designed to increase brand exposure and sales.

Key Features:

• In-browser streaming
• Multistreaming capabilities 
• Features for boosting engagement
• Peer-to-peer streaming support
• Tools for audience interaction
• Brand customization
• Scheduled events

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Tools for collaboration
• On-brand streaming
• Tools for audience engagement 

Cons:

• Not a dedicated streaming platform
• In-browser streaming is secondary to live-stream hosting

Pricing:

Restream has several pricing plans for both individuals and businesses. These include the following plans:

• Free: $0/month (for individuals) with 2-channel multistreaming
• Standard: $16/month (for individuals) with 3-channel multistreaming
• Professional: $39/month (for individuals) with 5-channel multistreaming
• Business: $199/month (for businesses) with 8-channel multistreaming
• Enterprise: Custom pricing and solutions for media and corporate teams

These prices reflect monthly rates when paid monthly, but discounts are available when you pay a full year in advance.

Compatibility:

Restream works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and gaming consoles.

Try Restream if you need an HLS solution that will work with gaming consoles and other operating systems.

9. SplitCam

SplitCam is a video streaming software with many functionalities. Its primary purpose is webcam splitting, allowing you to stream to an audience while doing peer-to-peer streaming.

Some use cases would be live training sessions, webinars, and other virtual streaming events involving viewers’ interaction.

Basic Functionality:

It is important to note that SplitCam is not an encoder but a tool for simulcasting, mixing, and splitting. SplitCam is compatible with many major peer-to-peer services and streaming solutions, which is a plus.

Another great aspect of SplitCam is that it offers a community forum for users to share ideas, ask questions, and troubleshoot issues. This community support is excellent for broadcasters who are still learning the ropes.

Key Features:

• Free to use
• Split webcam streaming
• Simulcasting support
• Audio and video mixing
• Wide range of tools and features
• HD streaming

Pros:

• Split streaming from a single webcam
• Wide range of functionality
• Very accessible
• Supports HD streaming

Cons:

• No encoding tools
• No mobile streaming support

Pricing:

SplitCam is free to download and use. 

Compatibility:

SplitCam is compatible with Windows and macOS.

SplitCam is a free HLS live streaming tool that is all about allowing you to share multiple webcams or screen content at the same time.

10. Switchboard Live

Switchboard Live is an HLS streaming platform dedicated to simulcasting multiple destinations. In addition to simulcasting, Switchboard Live also has tools for video player embedding.

This software is very basic and focuses on simulcasting functionality, but it doesn’t offer many additional features. Switchboard Live is an excellent option for broadcasters investing in simulcasting support.

While Switchboard enables you to live stream to numerous destinations like Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon Live, it also offers RTMP custom to help you add any destination of your choice. The ability to add unlimited destinations and enable them to auto-start is a great addition to its features. However, it’s not possible to add subtitles to your streams. 

Key Features:

• Specialized simulcasting tool
• Video embedding features
• Easy to use
• New StreamShare tool

Pros:

• Preferred simulcasting tool by many major brands
• Quick and easy to set up
• Unlimited destination streaming
• Compatible with major platforms

Cons:

• Very basic tool
• No HLS encoding support

Pricing:

Switchboard Live has three different pricing plans with endless streaming destinations. These plans include:

• SMB: Custom pricing
• Public Sector: Custom pricing
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Discounts are available for users who pay quarterly or annually.

All the above plans offer a free trial, no credit card required, allowing you to try out the different plans and find the one that is right for you.

Compatibility:

Switchboard Live supports simulcasting to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Twitch, YouTube, and more.

Stream to Dacast Using Switchboard Live

Getting started with Switchboard Live for live broadcasting is simple. That’s especially true for Dacast users because Dacast has an easy-to-navigate integration with Switchboard Live. The steps to stream to Dacast using Switchboard Live are:

1. Click “+ Create Encoder Workflow” on your Switchboard dashboard.
2. Choose your encoder (for simplicity, we’ll stick to OBS as we go through the next steps).
3. Next, you’ll see the Stream Server/URL and the Stream Key/Name, which you’ll need to copy and paste in a minute.
4. In OBS, go to the “Stream” tab under “Settings.”
5.  For “Service,” choose “Custom.”
6. Next, copy and paste the Stream Server/URL from Switchboard into the “Server” field in OBS
7. Next, copy and paste the Stream Key from Switchboard into the “Stream Key” field in OBS
8. Click “Apply” and “OK.”
9. Choose your preferred source on OBS, and click “Start Streaming.”
10. When your stream appears on your Switchboard dashboard, click “Finish.”
11. On Switchboard, click on the “+” under “Destinations (New).” Then click on “New Destination.”
12. Click on “RTMP”
13. Before you can configure your destination, you’ll need to get some information from Dacast.
14. Within your Dacast account, create a live stream.
15. Then click on the “Encoder Setup” button. Here you’ll see the information that Switchboard is asking to configure the destination.
16. Go back to Switchboard Live. Copy and paste the relevant information from Dacast.
17. Enable the “Use Authentication” switch. Once you are ready, click “Next.”
18. If you’re using Switchboard Live, we’ll assume you want to add multiple destinations, so next, click “Add another destination.” The process is similar for other destinations.
19. When adding all destinations, click “Finish.”

For a more thorough guide, check out post on Switchboard Live to live stream with Dacast.

FAQ

1. What does HLS mean in streaming?

HLS is short for HTTP live streaming. It’s a protocol that enables you to deliver video and audio in real-time to a vast audience via the internet with minimal delay. This protocol delivers the live stream to a HTML5 video player and offers adaptive bitrate streaming. It enables viewers to get a smooth live streaming experience 

2. Does Netflix use HLS?

No, Netflix uses DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) for streaming its content on the platform. It does offer adaptive bitrate streaming features but doesn’t use HLS.

3. What is the difference between MP4 and HLS streaming?

The prime difference between MP4 and HLS streaming is that of the bandwidth they consume. As HLS loads each segment of the stream at a time, it consumes lesser bandwidth and enables better streaming. However, MP4 loads the entire video file and won’t play until it reaches your point, which makes it heavier in terms of bandwidth. As a result, MP4 videos start slower than HLS streams.

4. What is Mpegts vs HLS streaming?

MPEG TS (MPEG Transport Stream) is yet another video streaming protocol. It enables you to offer higher quality video and audio streaming to your viewers. However, this comes at the cost of bandwidth and storage space. The files take longer to buffer and download as well. HLS is much faster and consumes less bandwidth. However, the video and audio quality isn’t as good as that provided by MPEG TS.

5. Is HLS streaming safe?

Yes, HLS streaming is a secure streaming protocol that uses multiple bitrate encoding. It ensures that each segment of the video stream is protected. HLS uses the HTTPS protocol to secure the video stream, which makes it a much safer alternative in this regard to other existing protocols. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right HLS streaming software for your live video stream event may seem overwhelming. There is more than one “best” software since every streamer has slightly different needs.

However, by comparing each plan’s features and pros and cons, you’ll be able to determine which software best fits your individual streaming needs.

Before deciding, ensure you are working with an RTMP-compatible online video platform. One great option is Dacast.

With very competitive live streaming pricing, Dacast is a feature-rich platform. We offer a free trial to test all of our great features risk-free for 14 days.

To get started, you must create a Dacast account today. No credit card is required.

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For ongoing live streaming tips and exclusive offers, we invite you to join our LinkedIn group. Additionally, we love to hear from our readers! Have you experienced other issues and challenges related to the HLS software we reviewed here? If so, please let us know in the comment section below. We will get back to you.

Thanks for reading, and happy streaming!