9 programs for streaming games and more

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

You don't have to have a powerful computer, a tablet or smartphone is enough.

1. OBS Studio

• Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux.
• Price: is free.

The best tool for any broadcast, including gaming, which is well-deservedly popular with many streamers. OBS is rich in functionality and customization. At the same time, it is completely free and open source.

The application supports Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Mixer and many other platforms, allowing you to stream to several of them at once. On the air, you can combine images from various sources (webcams, open windows), overlaying text, pictures and other content.

2. Streamlabs OBS

• Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
• Price: is free.

A powerful streaming solution with a user-friendly interface based on OBS Studio. Despite the abundance of advanced features, the application is easy to learn and perfect for beginners.

Streamlabs OBS automatically optimizes quality settings based on computer performance and connection speed. The key features include the choice of layout of interface elements, quick switching of sources, overlays with statistics and useful information.

3. XSplit Gamecaster

• Compatibility: Windows.
• Price: free or $ 5 per month.

A specialized utility for conducting game broadcasts, the already considerable capabilities of which are expanded with the help of plugins. XSplit Gamecaster lets you stream to multiple platforms including Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer. There is support for multiple content sources, as well as multi-platform broadcasts.

The free version of the app displays a watermark and the quality is limited to 720p resolution. In addition, advanced features such as chroma key, video capture from consoles, broadcast branding and Twitch in-game chat are not available.

4. Nvidia Shadowplay

• Compatibility: Windows.
• Price: is free.

Nvidia's proprietary application for owners of GeForce graphics cards, designed for both screen capture and broadcasting. It features minimal resource consumption and ease of operation - to start a stream, you just need to press a couple of buttons.

Twitch, YouTube, Facebook are supported. With a powerful graphics card, you can stream content in 4K HDR (60fps) and even 8K HDR (30fps).

5. Twitch Studio

• Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
• Price: is free.

This exclusive streaming tool is provided by Twitch and is still in testing. The application is aimed primarily at beginners and lacks advanced options. Nevertheless, it has everything you need: simplified setup procedure, broadcast templates, overlays, as well as support for chat and multiple audio sources.

In addition, the program automatically selects the stream parameters depending on the equipment - for the best picture and sound quality.

6.vMix

• Compatibility: Windows.
• Price: free or from $ 60.

Professional broadcasting software, the possibilities of which are not limited to streaming games alone. vMix has a lot of settings and a rather difficult interface to master, but in its functions it surpasses all competitors by a head.

The application can handle several sources of content of different formats, has a built-in 3D accelerator, contains various effects for streams and allows you to create broadcasts of any complexity - up to gaming tournaments, concerts or sports events. There is support for multi-streaming, video calls, as well as titles, audio mixing and other useful functions.

7. Omlet Arcade

• Compatibility: iOS, Android.
• Price: free (there are in-app purchases).

A mobile application of the broadcast promotion platform of the same name, which allows you to stream PUBG Mobile, Fortnite, Minecraft, Brawl Stars and other games directly from your smartphone. In addition to its own, Omlet Arcade supports platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, Facebook.

Themed overlays, team broadcasts, in-game voice chat, and donations in Omlet tokens are available to users. Streams can be recorded, processed in the built-in editor and published on social networks.

8. Mobcrush

• Compatibility: iOS, Android.
• Price: is free.

Not a bad app from yet another streaming platform. It allows you to stream to Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Periscope and Twitter. Mobcrush is able to transmit a picture captured from the screen, adding an image from the camera, as well as display messages from the chat. It is enough to select a game from the list, and the application will automatically fill in all the necessary information about the broadcast and create a link to invite friends.

9. Twitch

• Compatibility: iOS, Android.
• Price: free (there are in-app purchases).

The Twitch mobile app allows you to not only watch, but also create your own game and IRL streams. Basic features: you can switch cameras and microphone, read chat messages, add markers and tags, and save the stream for posting on the channel. Twitch itself is used as a platform, others are not available for obvious reasons.

Twitch Twitch Interactive, Inc.