What software is best for live streaming?
- Generally software encoders in popular streaming and recording suites will have the same or similar options, so we’ll just look at OBS Studio to keep it simple. OBS Studio Most users who want to stream will be using an x264 encoder (which uses lossless compression) and within OBS Studio you can select that option and then modify it, changing presets to get a good overall balance for your needs.
- FreeEnc is an encoder based on the avcodec library and converting video files to the MPEG-2 format.
- Adobe Media Encoder NEW VERSION 14.5 Adobe Media Encoder CS6 software automates the process of creating multiple encoded versions of source files, Adobe Premiere Pro sequences, and Adobe After Effects compositions. An intuitive interface, background encoding, and convenient presets help you quickly output for virtually any screen.
What hardware do I need to stream?
Live streaming is one that enables you to engage with your spectators in real-time through a video feed, broadcast vlogs, gameplay, etc., and lets you host things like webinars and share your screen with your target audience. The YouTube livestreaming hardware requirements include a camera, USB microphones, lights, encoding software or hardware encoders, dual monitors, etc.
In the context of this article, by video streaming software we mean an application that is installed and runs on a computer. This software’s main function is to intake the audio/video content and convert it into streamable data. This process is called encoding (this is why streaming software are also known as “software encoders”). The Streambox Windows Software Encoder is designed to give users the ability to deliver high quality HD, SD, and 360 video from the field using Windows based computers. Encoding and streaming to Streambox Cloud Services, Streambox Enterprise Server, or direct point to point connectivity to.
An encoder is the best way to live stream a video online which can be software/hardware depending on the purpose and budget of your work. The purpose of encoding a video is to transform the video content into a digital copy to stream on various platforms.
Using an YouTube livestreaming software & hardware encoder allows you to:
• Share your screen to broadcast your gameplay or any content.
• Use external audio with video hardware.
• Manage a production advanced with devices like multiple cameras and microphones.
• Use external audio with video hardware.
• Manage a production advanced with devices like multiple cameras and microphones.
In this article, we will try to look at various YouTube streaming hardware and software encoders along with their key features as they have a major role in video live streaming from various devices like windows-10 free, android, iOS, etc.,
5 Best YouTube Live Streaming Software Encoders for Windows/Mac
Software encoders are computer programs that run on your personal computer to retrieve data from the capture cards, and send it over the internet. They are commonly preferred for their cost-effectiveness and it is exciting to know that some of the popular software encoders are free for users.
Tips: If you want to record or edit your livestreaming videos, you can try Filmora Video Editor. It's easy to use, and friendly for begginers to record the streaming videos with one simple clic. And Filmora also has multiple video editing features like trim, cut, split, add titles, transicions or effects. Have a try! It won't let you down!
Now, let us take a look of which ones are the best software encoders for YouTube livestreaming.
#1. Open Source Broadcaster
Video Encoder Software Download
![Video Encoder Software Video Encoder Software](https://www.filecroco.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/any-video-converter-5-1024x647.jpg)
OBS or Open Broadcaster Source is an easy recording and best live-streaming software tool that is used by all the beginners. Since it is an open-source software tool, it allows you to customize your needs. It is a freely available application for recording and streaming for Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. Studio Mode provides a preview of your video scenes before streaming them live.
Price: Free
Operating System: Linux, Windows, and Mac
Key Features:
- Advanced design for customized transitions.
- Necessary Filters, noise suppressors, audio mixers, and gain boosting facility added for creating classic videos.
- Easy access to light and dark themes.
#2. Xsplit Broadcaster
Xsplit Broadcaster is a simple and powerful live streaming software tool that can foster an impressive video content with its user-friendly interface. It comprises all the basic video creation tools featured with audio support. It is surprising to know that it offers a Full HD video recording ability.
Price: Free/Paid
Operating System: Windows
Key Features:
- It supports all kinds of capture cards.
- It possesses custom integrations as well as plugins.
- Easy video development along with other professional production tools.
- Access to options like chatting and notifications for interactively organizing your video uploads.
#3. Wirecast play
Wirecast play enables its users to enjoy professional live video recording facilities. Users are allowed to encode all their live streaming content over multiple platforms. It is the only all in one platform that enables you to capture content, production, and encoding of videos of your interest.
Price:
Wirecast Play 6: Free/$9.99
Wirecast Play Studio 6: $279
Wirecast Play Pro 6: $549
Wirecast Play 6: Free/$9.99
Wirecast Play Studio 6: $279
Wirecast Play Pro 6: $549
Operating System: Windows, Mac OS
Key Features:
- Widely compatible with different online platforms.
- Compatible with different camera inputs and devices.
- Fine-tuning different compositional elements like audio delay, live switching, etc.,
- The simultaneous broadcasting of contents on multiple platforms is possible.
#4. vMix live stream
vMix is software that lets you create impressive and professional quality content on your device at a fraction of the cost. It is a downloadable product that involves production, streaming, and cost-effective mixing of the video content (as per the name of software).
Price: $350
Operating System: Windows
Key Features:
- Facilitates high quality animated graphics.
- Supports low latency audio and video content.
- Good quality real-time chroma key.
- Built-in audio mixer with compressor and noise gate effects.
#5. Livestream
Livestream is the best livestreaming software for YouTube and Facebook. It is easy to use interface and simple settings make it the best suitable for the beginners who have just started streaming. It also supports simple and high-quality game casting.
Price: $75 per month
Operating System: Windows, Mac OS
Key Features:
- Accurate compositing and live switching.
- Compatible with various camera inputs.
- Broadcast quality video output.
What Hardware Encoders Do I Need to Stream on YouTube?
Hardware encoders are powerful and reliable video developing tools used by professionally experienced streamers. A hardware encoder is a piece of physical equipment that is hooked up in the live streaming procedure. It has a lot of functionalities in an online video development process.
#1. Taradek VidiU Pro
The Taradek VidiU Pro is the ultimate live streaming device for schools, churches, production companies, and businesses trying to take their content to live online from anywhere without a computer. It is practically an alternative to VidiU Go and is the best YouTube livestreaming hardware for features like remote management etc.,
Price: $2690
Key Features:
- Configurable with Bluetooth.
- Supports multiple broadcasts on various destinations.
- Ultimate reliability and maximum bandwidth.
- Compatible with all platforms.
#2. Taradek VidiU Go
![Encoder Encoder](https://static.filehorse.com/screenshots/video-software/ashampoo-video-converter-screenshot-01.png)
Taradek VidiU Go provides a solution to one of the greatest challenges to giving a high-quality content stream through network bonding. It is a bonded device using Taradek's core technology, which enables you to divide your signal bandwidth between modems reducing the dropping of frames and of course increasing the content quality.
Price: $1400
Key Features:
- Dual video input.
- Save 50% of the required bandwidth.
- Streaming content is instant.
- Stream on cutting edge.
#3. Digicast DMB-8800A Premium
Digicast DMB-8800A Premium is one of the best YouTube live streaming hardware encoders used for remote education, health care operations, video conferences, news interview, public security, banking operations, transportation, and other industrial applications.
Price: $433
Key Features:
- It provides clear delicate videos at low bit rates.
- A built-in audio gain for independent volume adjustment.
- Multi-resolution and multi-protocol configurable
- Sharpening and filtering facility in video processing.
#4. Webcaster X1 for YouTube
Webcaster X1 for YouTube is a lightweight, portable hardware encoder device that enables you to live stream on YouTube using any device with an HDMI output or a camera or a mixer. It streams high-quality video with embedded audio.
Price: $299.95
Key Features:
- Very simple and easy to use.
- Versatile to live stream content from anywhere.
- Facilitates scheduled live streaming and stream now options.
#5. H.265
The H.265 is commonly called HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding). The move towards obtaining a better resolution has necessitated an improved level of compression efficiency in this version compared to its precursor versions of H.264 or AVC (Advanced Video Coding). AVC is also a video compression standard that is based on motion-compensated and block-oriented coding.
Price: $255
Key Features:
- Compressed bit rate.
- Better visual quality due to better resolution.
- Secured broadcast of high-quality videos.
- Most versatile and powerful video developer tool.
[Bonus Part] Software vs Hardware Encoders - Should I Use Software or Hardware Encoding?
Now that we are aware of various encoders, the common confusion that arises in our minds is, 'Which one is better: hardware or software encoder?' An encoder is an algorithm and the hardware is what that is needed to run it.
The main difference between the hardware and software encoders is that the significant characteristic that lets hardware encoders to perform comparatively effective -is that hardware encoding devices are solely designed for encoding. Software encoders operate with your computer, so encoding is not the prime function. You should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of both types of encoders if you want to arrive at a better decision. So, let's look at them a little deeper.
Using a hardware encoder
PROS
• Great performance and reliability.
• High encoding speed and lower latency.
• Great performance and reliability.
• High encoding speed and lower latency.
CONS
• Expensive
• Difficult for timely upgrading
• Expensive
• Difficult for timely upgrading
Using a software encoder
PROS
• Cheap and Flexible
• Customizability
• Cheap and Flexible
• Customizability
CONS
• Lower performance
• Higher latency.
• Lower performance
• Higher latency.
Depending on the budget of your stream and the purpose of your work, your choices may be different. For example, hardware encoders run upwards to around $1000 making them costly while encoding software is mostly less than $100 and even for free sometimes. Hence, hardware encoders are considered to suit best for professional and experienced broadcasters, while software encoders perform well for beginners. So, choose wisely!
Final Words
The encoder you use plays an important role in the quality of your live stream video that is to be delivered to your target audience. There are several choices and configurations to look into when choosing one of them to go for your live stream. While hardware encoders tend to produce better quality video live streams, software encoders are easier to handle and cost-effective.
Now, that we have come across different encoder tools, we have an idea of going on a YouTube live stream in the best way possible. If you think we have missed out on any other encoders from your list of recommendations, don't forget to leave it as a comment below. We are always pleased to accept such comments to upgrade our content. Thank you!
Related Articles & Tips
The List of Top Video Converters 2020
In this part, I will show you the best video converter software 2020
1. Free HD Video Converter Factory (The Best Video Converter)
The best free video converter can convert videos to 300+ formats and devices fast. 100% free, safe and clean.
Click the link to download: https://www.videoconverterfactory.com/download/hd-video-converter.exe
Why they love Free HD Video Converter Factory
1. The best video converter for PC. Completely free, clean and no third-party software and toolbar;
2. It renders a blue clear interface, easy to handle;
3. Output video & audio to numerous digital formats including many rare formats; Keep regular upgrades (e.g. it adds output profile support for the latest Huawei Mate 30, Galaxy S10/S10+, Fold and iPhone 11/11 Pro, etc.);
4. Hardware acceleration support. Faster converting speed than other video converters, tested on Windows 10/7;
5. Improve video quality from SD to HD;
6. Download 1080P/4K/8K videos, playlists and channels from YouTube and other 300+ video sites;
7. Customize your favorite video with editing function: split/join/rotate video, extract audio from video;
8. Special smart-fit settings for video and audio enhancement;
9. 3-simple-step converting process and no watermark on the converted videos;
10. Convert video to 300+ formats and devices (phone, tablet, TV, console, PC, Projector) with optimal parameters;
11. Save favorite settings or custom profiles for future use.
2. It renders a blue clear interface, easy to handle;
3. Output video & audio to numerous digital formats including many rare formats; Keep regular upgrades (e.g. it adds output profile support for the latest Huawei Mate 30, Galaxy S10/S10+, Fold and iPhone 11/11 Pro, etc.);
4. Hardware acceleration support. Faster converting speed than other video converters, tested on Windows 10/7;
5. Improve video quality from SD to HD;
6. Download 1080P/4K/8K videos, playlists and channels from YouTube and other 300+ video sites;
7. Customize your favorite video with editing function: split/join/rotate video, extract audio from video;
8. Special smart-fit settings for video and audio enhancement;
9. 3-simple-step converting process and no watermark on the converted videos;
10. Convert video to 300+ formats and devices (phone, tablet, TV, console, PC, Projector) with optimal parameters;
11. Save favorite settings or custom profiles for future use.
Reason(s) some other people disapprove of the software
The software only supports the English language.
To learn more on this best free converter, you can read the step-by-step tutorial at the end of this review or visit the official site: https://www.videoconverterfactory.com/free-hd-video-converter/
Update: The latest version v18.9 has been released on Jun 2, 2020.
Update: The latest version v18.9 has been released on Jun 2, 2020.
Hot Search: Free Video Converter l Top 5 Free Online Video Converter l Free MP4 Video Converter
2. Any Video Converter
As one of the best free video converters, Any Video Converter can help you convert and download videos easily.
Why they love Any Video Converter
1. Multi-language;
2. Import audio CD disc and multi-video;
3. Convert video between any formats freely;
4. Output video to a wide range of devices;
5. Able to download 1080P and 4K online videos;
6. Burn video to DVD or AVCHD DVD;
7. Full-featured media player;
8. Rip and extract audio from CDs and videos;
9. Make video editing easy;
10. Create HTML5 video with embedding Code;
11. Make the animated GIF from video.
2. Import audio CD disc and multi-video;
3. Convert video between any formats freely;
4. Output video to a wide range of devices;
5. Able to download 1080P and 4K online videos;
6. Burn video to DVD or AVCHD DVD;
7. Full-featured media player;
8. Rip and extract audio from CDs and videos;
9. Make video editing easy;
10. Create HTML5 video with embedding Code;
11. Make the animated GIF from video.
Reason(s) some other people disapprove of the software
The output format & device options are too complicated and technical for average users.
Update: The latest version 7.0.0 has been released on May 20, 2020.
Official site: http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/
Official site: http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/
Related Source: HTML5 Format Converter l Video Quality Converter l HD Video Converter
3. Prism Video Converter
Refer to the top video converter, Prism Video Converter is a free video converter that is able to convert videos in a straightforward way.
Why they love Prism Video Converter
1. Easy-to-handle interface and operation;
2. Can handle many types of file types;
3. Support batch mode for conversion;
4. Enable users to adjust video settings such as compression and encoder rates, resolution, frame rate, etc.
5. Resize videos, enables to set the width and height;
6. Add watermark, text overlay, or rotate videos to the correct orientation;
7. Apart from video conversion, it can convert DVDs simply.
2. Can handle many types of file types;
3. Support batch mode for conversion;
4. Enable users to adjust video settings such as compression and encoder rates, resolution, frame rate, etc.
5. Resize videos, enables to set the width and height;
6. Add watermark, text overlay, or rotate videos to the correct orientation;
7. Apart from video conversion, it can convert DVDs simply.
Reason(s) some other people disapprove of the software
1. The user interface is a bit dull to look at;
2. It may take much time to convert videos to some formats. Steam games for macbook pro.
3. It doesn’t have some editing features and audio extractor most common video converters have.
2. It may take much time to convert videos to some formats. Steam games for macbook pro.
3. It doesn’t have some editing features and audio extractor most common video converters have.
Update: The latest version 6.13 has been released on February 21, 2020
Official site: https://www.nchsoftware.com/prism/index.html
Official site: https://www.nchsoftware.com/prism/index.html
4. Freemake Video Converter
In terms of best video converters, Freemake Video Converter is on the list and it is remarkable video converter software.
Why they love Freemake Video Converter
1. Multi-language;
2. Compatible with Windows OS;
3. Converts videos from websites and computer to a great many file formats;
4. Output your video to portable devices;
5. Provides some extra features like a simple editing process;
6. Easy to use;
7. Rip unprotected DVDs.
2. Compatible with Windows OS;
3. Converts videos from websites and computer to a great many file formats;
4. Output your video to portable devices;
5. Provides some extra features like a simple editing process;
6. Easy to use;
7. Rip unprotected DVDs.
Reason(s) some other people disapprove of the software
Provides third-party software during installation and there are watermarks on the output videos.
Update: The latest version update to 4.1.10. was released two years ago.
Official site: http://www.freemake.com/free_video_converter/
Official site: http://www.freemake.com/free_video_converter/
5. HandBrake
For people who work on multiple platforms, HandBrake would be a great choice and serve as the best video converter software.
Why they love HandBrake
1. Free and open source;
2. Convert video from nearly any format;
3. Multi-Platform (Windows, Mac and Linux);
4. Rip uncommercial DVDs or BluRay sources;
5. Built-in device presets;
6. Support for subtitles (VobSub, Closed Captions CEA-608, SSA, SRT).
2. Convert video from nearly any format;
3. Multi-Platform (Windows, Mac and Linux);
4. Rip uncommercial DVDs or BluRay sources;
5. Built-in device presets;
6. Support for subtitles (VobSub, Closed Captions CEA-608, SSA, SRT).
Reason(s) some other people disapprove of the software
1. Limited output formats and devices (can only output as MP4 and MKV now);
2. Not stress the focal points, new users may take a while to get used to;
3. Soundtracks out of sync / not in sync with the picture sometimes;
4. Background 7 years. Program crash.
2. Not stress the focal points, new users may take a while to get used to;
3. Soundtracks out of sync / not in sync with the picture sometimes;
4. Background 7 years. Program crash.
Learn more about HandBrake video/DVD transcoding, you can check this HandBrake tutorial.
Update: The latest version 1.3.2 has been released on May 3, 2020.
Official site: https://handbrake.fr/
Official site: https://handbrake.fr/
Editor's Note: Koyote Free Video Converter has been removed from the list because its official site has shut down now and new update of the software hasn't been released quite a long time.
One more: FormatFactory
Speaking of the best video converter free, FormatFactory cannot be ignored as it can help you convert different kinds of media files at one go.
Why they love FormatFactory
1. A free multimedia file conversion tool that can convert video/audio/image/DVD/CD;
2. Batch file conversion is capable;
3. Multi-language;
4. Repair damaged video files.
2. Batch file conversion is capable;
3. Multi-language;
4. Repair damaged video files.
Reason(s) some other people disapprove of the software
Potentially unwanted programs during the installation (you need to deselect them manually)
Update: The latest version 5.2.0 has been released on May 26, 2020.
Official site: http://pcfreetime.com/index.php?language=en
Official site: http://pcfreetime.com/index.php?language=en
This is the detailed review of the best free video converter 2020. I believe you have got the best video converter for PC now. And read the following guide to get more information on the recommend Free HD Video Converter Factory.
Related Source: Best MP4 Converter l Best AVI Converter l Best MPEG Video Converter
How to Free Convert Video/Audio with Recommended Free HD Video Converter Factory?
You can directly get this video converterfree download here. The user interface of the best free video converter software is easy to understand and intuitive to use, so that you can use the software once it has been installed on your PC.
No.1 Video Converter for Windows
Best free video converter for windows, which let you manage any video/audio conversion easily for 100% free! HD video conversion and compression tasks are supported. More features>
Step 1: Select 'Converter' on the home screen. Click “Add Files” or simply drag and drop the wanted videos to the program.
Step 2: Select a video output format or directly choose the gadget profile(like MP4, AVI, MKV) it provides. The converter supports standard formats and HD formats.
Tip: Directly choose profile means that if you don’t have much knowledge on video parameters, you can just select a device, as the program has already set optimized parameters in advance. But indeed, it allows custom settings. For instance, you are able to change resolution such as 1080P to 720P and vice versa. In addition, if the original volume is too loud or too soft, fine-tunes the video volume is supported.
Step 3 (Optional): If you have editing requirements, it also meets your needs (Add subtitle, Rename video, Trim/Clip video, Cut, Crop, Merge videos…)
Step 4: Click “Run” to start converting with the best video converter for Windows PC, tablet, TV as well as portable devices.
More Option of a Fast & Advanced Top Video Converter for PC (Windows 10 Supported)
Recommended WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro:
Free Encoder Software
For those who require more flexible features on 4K/UHD video conversion, lossless audio formats and much faster conversion and downloading speed, you’d better try WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro - the professional, cheapest and fastest video converter in 2020. You’ll be surprised by its built-in leading video reducer. Say, you can compress 4K Ultra HD video with 50X faster speed and high quality but smaller output video size. Over and above, it has other characteristics that will impress you!
Install the advanced version here: https://www.videoconverterfactory.com/download/hd-video-converter-pro.exe
Install the advanced version here: https://www.videoconverterfactory.com/download/hd-video-converter-pro.exe
Related Resource
High-ranked and Recommended Software:
Free HD Video Converter Factory - Convert HD video to numerous video formats and devices - Fast conversion speed with 0-Quality-Loss. << Free Download >>
Want more powerful features? See here!
HD Video Converter Factory Pro is equipped with advanced High-Definition (HD) video conversion technology and fully supports hardware acceleration. It can help users convert videos from Standard-Definition (SD) to High-Definition (HD) like HD MP4, HD MKV, HD AVI, HD MTS, HD TRP, even 4k standard and also enables users to cut down the video size (convert HD videos to SD videos).
Video Encoder Software Free
This HD conversion software supports the newest encoder H265(HEVC), VP9 and 500+ video formats. It can convert nearly all popular videos to virtually any video formats including SD video to HD video, for example, converting Multi-track HD video M2TS, MKV, AVCHD, HDTV BDAV and MPEG-TS and more to a wide range of popular video and audio formats.