vMix software costs $60 for Basic HD, $350 for HD, $700 for 4K, or $1,200 for Pro as one-time lifetime license purchases; vMix Max is listed at $50 per month. Those prices cover the software, not the Windows computer, internet service, power, storage, or backup setup needed to keep a stream running. Check vMix’s official purchase page before buying because prices and editions can change.
vMix prices for a 24/7 stream
| Option | Listed software price | Billing |
|---|---|---|
| Basic HD | $60 | One-time lifetime license |
| HD | $350 | One-time lifetime license |
| 4K | $700 | One-time lifetime license |
| Pro | $1,200 | One-time lifetime license |
| vMix Max | $50 per month | Monthly subscription |
These are the prices on vMix’s purchase listing accessed in 2026. They are not an estimate of the full cost to operate an always-on YouTube channel.
What the license covers—and what changes over time
Lifetime editions
A lifetime license includes 12 months of free version updates. After those 12 months, vMix says you can continue using the activated version indefinitely or buy an update upgrade for another 12 months of updates. The license itself does not make a computer or stream continuously available. See vMix’s licensing FAQ, last updated June 29, 2021.
vMix Max
vMix describes Max as a monthly subscription equivalent to Pro in features. The subscription price is recurring; the lifetime edition prices are one-time license costs. The licensing FAQ explains the distinction.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which vMix edition should you budget for?
Choose based on the production you plan to run, not simply because the stream is intended to be live 24/7. The editions differ in maximum resolution and production capabilities such as inputs, overlays, replay, callers, and outputs. A basic single-source HD loop may not need the same tools as a multi-camera 4K production. Review the official edition comparison and vMix’s edition guide; the guide recommends trying the 60-day trial to check your requirements.
The sources reviewed do not state that any edition is certified to maintain uninterrupted 24/7 uptime. A license buys the software edition, not an uptime guarantee.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Costs beyond the vMix license
Windows computer and resilience
vMix runs on Windows. Your computer requirement depends on the workload: resolution, number of inputs, encoding load, and whether you need redundancy. vMix publishes reference system build guides, but no generic computer specification is enough to establish that a particular setup will suit every continuous stream. Test the intended workload with the trial before committing to hardware. See vMix’s edition guidance.
Upload bandwidth
YouTube recommends leaving 20% upload headroom beyond the stream bitrate, and accounting for primary and backup streams where applicable. Its H.264 guidance lists 5 Mbps minimum and 14 Mbps recommended for 1080p30; for 1080p60, it lists 6 Mbps minimum and 17 Mbps recommended. These are encoder and network planning figures, not internet-service prices or guarantees against interruptions. Requirements vary with resolution, frame rate, and codec. Consult YouTube’s encoder settings and streaming tips, then test and monitor the actual connection.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Recording and archive storage
If you need to preserve the program, include local recording storage and a backup plan in your budget. YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived, while a stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. Do not rely on the YouTube archive alone for a continuous stream when retention matters; record locally or plan scheduled segments. See YouTube’s live-stream archive guidance.
How to estimate your actual 24/7 budget
- Select the edition: compare needed resolution, inputs, overlays, outputs, replay, and caller capacity against the official vMix edition comparison.
- Price the computer separately: match a Windows system to the encoding workload and desired redundancy; use vMix’s reference builds as a starting point, not a universal guarantee.
- Check upload capacity: use YouTube’s bitrate guidance for your codec and output, leave its recommended 20% headroom, and account for a backup stream if you will run one.
- Plan continuity and retention: decide how you will recover from computer, internet, or power failures and where local recordings will be stored.
- Add recurring operating costs: include your own internet service, electricity, storage, and any backup arrangements. The available sources do not establish a reliable all-in monthly cost for an individual stream.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is an alternative if your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream without leaving a PC running. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud loops the uploaded video, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams what you uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot regardless of quality; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a live camera, and it streams to YouTube. Learn more at StreamNeo or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
