Free and open first

Best Live Streaming Encoders in 2026

Live streaming encoders transmit live video to internet destinations. This collection helps compare software and services running on web, iOS, Windows, Android, macOS, or API platforms.

69 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

FFmpeg

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

FFmpeg provides broad media conversion and streaming capabilities across desktop platforms, with hardware acceleration options.

7.5 Open source Visit site
2

DualStream Relay

Free plan iPhoneMacWindows

Relay combines multistreaming with a standby-screen option for connection drops. The free plan has watermarked replay clips; Premium adds watermark-free clips and the listed streaming features.

7.4 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo · 30-day trial Visit site
3

CameraFi Live
by CameraFi Live
Free plan AndroidiPhone

Choose CameraFi Live if you want a smartphone recording and streaming app with overlays, production tools, and several output destinations.

7.3 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
4

Cinamaker Director Studio

Free plan iPhoneMac

Director Studio combines live production, recording, editing compatibility, and streaming integrations in an Apple-device app.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $24.99/mo (annual) Visit site
5

Larix Broadcaster

Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac

Larix Broadcaster offers extensive protocol and encoding controls across mobile and macOS platforms.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo Visit site
6

mimoLive
by mimoLive
Free plan APIiPhoneMac+1

Choose mimoLive if you need a Mac-based production application with layered graphics, routing, recording, and multistreaming.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
7

OneStream Live

Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1

OneStream Live combines live and scheduled video workflows with browser, encoder, and mobile options.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $15/mo Visit site
8

evmux
by evmux
Free plan iPhoneWeb

evmux combines live production tools, recording, and multiple listed destinations in a browser-based studio.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
9

PRISM Live Studio
by PRISM Live Studio
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

PRISM Live Studio offers creator tools across desktop and mobile, with different feature sets on each.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo Visit site
10

Restream
by Restream
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

Restream combines multistreaming, a browser-based studio, shared chat, scheduled recorded broadcasts, and clip creation.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $19/mo Visit site
11

Be.Live

Free plan iPhoneWeb

Be.Live combines multistream distribution, broadcast customization, comment tools, and post-stream editing in a browser service.

7.1 Free plan · 14-day trial Visit site
12

FFsplit

Free plan Windows

FFsplit covers capture, compositing, streaming, local recording, and webcam output at no listed cost.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
13

LiveReacting

Free plan APIWeb

LiveReacting combines an interactive browser studio with cloud-based streaming and multiple destination options.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $16/mo (annual) Visit site
14

Meld Studio

Free plan MacWindows

Meld Studio provides streaming, recording, and audio tools in a desktop app. Check its operating-system requirements and Spark request limits before choosing a plan.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $20/mo Visit site
15

OBS Studio
by OBS Studio
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

OBS Studio offers scene-based recording and streaming, with audio tools and scripting options in a free, open-source package.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
16

OvenMediaEngine
by OvenMediaEngine
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted

OvenMediaEngine combines broad protocol support with self-hosted control and low stated latency.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $100/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
17

SplitCam Multistream
by SplitCam Multistream
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

SplitCam Multistream pairs encoder-based multistreaming with scene and audio tools on a free plan. Its studio is not browser-based, so choose it only if the supported apps fit your workflow.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
18

Lightstream
by Lightstream
Free plan Web

Lightstream offers browser-based production, console capture, and multistreaming, with a free tier and paid options. Review the plan limits and listed Premium billing details before signing up.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $9/mo (annual) Visit site
19

Livepush
by Livepush
Free plan Web

Livepush covers multistream distribution, custom RTMP destinations and recorded or looping video, with a no-card free plan.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $15/mo Visit site
20

Streamster

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1

Streamster offers free, monthly, and hourly billed options with different channel and bitrate limits. Compare each plan’s stated limits with your broadcast needs before choosing.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $0.48 Visit site
21

nanoStream Webcaster
by nanoStream Webcaster
Free plan Web

nanoStream Webcaster combines browser capture, stream controls, adjustable quality, and broadcast statistics. Check its plan allowances and the lack of live transcoding before choosing it.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $239/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
22

StreamYard On-Air

Free plan ExtensioniPhoneWeb

6.9 7-day trial Visit site
23

VDO.Ninja

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+2

VDO.Ninja offers a free route for bringing remote feeds into production software, with self-hosting and native mobile apps also available.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
24

Vimeo
by Vimeo
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3

Choose Vimeo for video creation, hosting, and team review, with paid tiers adding an ad-free player and advanced production tools. Advanced is suited to teams that need the listed live event features.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $12/user/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
25

Streamlabs Desktop
by Streamlabs Desktop
Free plan MacWindows

Streamlabs Desktop offers core broadcasting and recording tools at no cost, with integrations, multistreaming, and collaboration features.

6.8 Free plan · paid from $179/yr Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, trial periods, paid starting prices, and open-source licence terms before choosing. Review encoder type, output protocols, maximum resolution, simultaneous outputs, local recording, and remote guest sources.

Questions

Which platforms are supported by these encoders?

Supported platforms in the category are web, iOS, Windows, Android, macOS, and API; C21 Live Encoder also lists Linux. Check each tool's platform field before choosing.

Are free plans available?

4ALL Encoder, Be.Live, Cinamaker Director Studio, and DualStream Relay list free plans. Other listings may use trials or paid plans.

Which tools list free trials?

Listed trial lengths are 14 days for Aircast, 40 days for Astra, and 30 days each for Desktop Streamer and DualStream Relay. Check trial terms before signing up.

What streaming details should I compare?

Look at encoder type, output protocols, maximum resolution, and simultaneous outputs. These fields describe how a tool handles encoding and destinations.

Can I check recording or guest support?

Yes. Review the local recording and remote guest sources fields for those requirements.

Questions

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