10 Best Twitch Streaming Softwares in 2020 – Download from here
By Sam JacksonPublished On Gaming and streaming have evolved in an unbelievable manner over the past few years. Platforms like Twitch have changed the game for gamers and streamers.
The problem is if you’re just starting off, streaming on your own can be a tough job. But don’t worry, we’re here to ease your troubles.
In the article below, we have listed the 10 best Twitch streaming software. Some of these software are ideal for beginners while some are more on the professional level. There is also a list of few things you need to consider before you choose the right software for you which we have listed below.
1. OBS Studio
Overview
OBS Studio is the perfect software for starting off your streaming career. It offers plenty of recording and lives streaming features that one can enjoy and get used to. Advanced features such as color correction, image masking, and color keying make this software a powerful option for streaming. Besides, it also features innovative mixers and transitions that are helpful for an audio rendering.
Supported by
Windows, macOS 10.12+ and Linux
Price
Free
Features
- High-performance real-time video/audio capturing and mixing
- Custom transitions
- Intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters
- VST plugin support
- Easy to use configuration options
- Streamlined settings panel
- Modular Dock UI
- Supports multiple streaming platforms
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Adjustable themes | No multistreaming |
| Free | Lacks technical support |
| Ideal for beginners | |
| Multiple options for imagery filters and audio mixers |
Link
2. NVIDIA Shadowplay
Overview
If you own an Nvidia graphics card, the NVIDIA shadowplay is the perfect twitch streaming software for you. One great thing about this streaming software is that it encodes features through the performance of GPU rather than slowing down your CPU performance.
That’s how NVIDIA shadowplay ensures optimum performance. It comes with all the basic features that are necessary for seamless streaming. However, other than gameplay, you cannot stream anything else which is the downside of this software.
Supported by
Windows
Price
Free
Features
- Minimal performance overhead
- Fast and Easy
- Game-ready driver updates
- NVIDIA-Ansel photo mode for professional-grade photographs
- Supports high-resolution streaming
- Freestyle game filters
- Auto-configuration of game settings based on PC’s, GPU, CPU, and display
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Gives optimal CPU performance | Lack of features |
| Ideal for game recording | |
| DVR-style replay mode |
Link
3. StreamLabs OBS
Overview
Streamlabs OBS combines a general-purpose streaming tool with OBS to create an ultimate, free, yet powerful streaming tool. Since it combines two different company’s products, the features offered by this software are unmatchable.
It is filled with features like face masks, overlays, audio filters, and video editor. There are additional features such as game alerts, chat boxes, donations, and subs tracking. Real-time troubleshooting and discord support features keep you in charge of the operation.
Supported by
Windows
Price
Free
Features
- Features unique themes with engaging widgets
- Game-aware Video Encoding
- Selective Recording
- In-Game overlay
- Media file caching
- Cloud backups with Cloudbot moderation tools
- Integrated and customizable alerts
- Integrated chat
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly | Does not support Mac or Linux |
| Plenty of options for customization | Only beta version available till date |
| Multiple features for twitch streaming | |
| Low CPU usage |
Link
4. LightStream
Overview
Here’s the inherent and powerful, browser-integrated Twitch streaming software, the LightStream Studio. It supports cloud integration by uploading media files to cloud storage. This cloud integration feature ensures that your CPU is not overused. It does so by using your internet network connection instead of CPU power.
For features, there are overlays to choose from, quest hosting, live chat support, and other streaming tools to choose from. Integrated alerts and easy-to-use interface makes it the best choice for beginners.
Supported by
Windows
Price
Free
Features
- Requires just your computer and an internet connection
- Extremely easy-to-use interface
- Customizable layouts for ideal streaming
- Remote-control through smartphone
- Easy “Invite Guests” option
- Excellent customer support
- Cloud storage ensures low CPU usage
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly and customizable | Requires ideal internet connection |
| Uploads to cloud | Does not support HD streaming |
| No download required | Only works with Google Chrome |
| Browser extension based | |
| Great support |
Link
5. FFSplit
Overview
The FFSplit is another great free, lightweight streaming tool for the Twitch platform. It assures smooth streaming and the optimal use of computer resources. It is currently available for Windows and offers great technical support. You can capture videos from multiple sources and combine them into a live video feed.
Going live is as easy as it can be with the FFSplit. For now, this software is a Freeware and aims to be an open source software in the future. Though it lacks extensive features, for beginners the FFSplit can be a good start.
Supported by
Windows
Price
Free
Features
- Free
- Optimal performance with less resource footprint
- Easy-to-use and Clean interface
- Multiple broadcasting to multiple services at a time
- Supports Windows OS
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great interface for beginner gamers | Lacks many features |
| Uses less computer resources | Only works with Windows OS |
| Excellent support | |
| Completely free |
Link
6. XSplit Gamecaster
Overview
XSplit Gamecaster is a well-known name to you if you’re a gamer streaming on Twitch. This software offers basic yet the most essential features you need. It has a clean and user-friendly interface for live streaming and recording.
There’s a VCam tool in case you want to blur the background and maintain privacy. It offers all kinds of advanced features but with a price. Also, you get the best technical support and frequent updates for the best streaming experience.
Supported by
Windows
Price
Free/Premium version($5/month)
Features
- Auto settings adjustment
- In-game stream control HUD
- Customizable themes
- Powerful and easy-to-use editor
- Cloud storage for optimal CPU performance
- 24/7 support
- Both free and premium version available
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced features | Limited features in free version |
| Available in both free and premium versions | |
| Large community | |
| Excellent support |
Link
7. Wirecast
Overview
Wirecast is another popular name for premium Twitch streaming software that covers a large scale of functionalities. There are different versions of the software priced accordingly based on the features they provide. Wirecast allows you to host other streamers as your guests, add animations, stream across multiple platforms.
The Pro version comes with high-resolution ISO recording, scoreboards, 3D virtual sets, instant replays, NDI output and such. The technical support provided is priced too. All in all, the software is one of the great tools but requires a powerful computer and a hefty sum of money.
Supported by
Windows, Mac
Price
30-day free trial
Wirecast One: $249
Wirecast Studio: $449
Wirecast Pro: $699
Features
- Supports a wide range of devices for capturing videos
- Access to over 500,000 unique media assets
- Supports multiple platforms for streaming
- Built-in web browser
- Streaming and recording simultaneously
- Multi-channel audio ingest
- Social media integration
- Beautiful graphics and animation
- Peer-to-peer conferencing
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Several features | Expensive |
| Free trial available for testing | Requires a lot of resources |
| Great for video production | |
| Encoding capabilities |
Link
8. StreamPro
Overview
Not a lot of people know about the StreamPro software. But, it surely shouldn’t be missed. The StreamPro is equipped with all the basic features you need to start your streaming. With a clean looking user-friendly interface, it is extremely easy to use and customizable too. All you need to do is simply, drag and drop.
You can add polls, labels, charts, graphics, and other animations to make your streaming more engaging. There are two different versions of StreamPro available. StreamPro Plus is more advanced than the StreamPro Basic and costs a bit more.
Supported by
Windows
Price
StreamPro Plus: $14/month
StreamPro Basic: $49/month
Features
- Custom themes, colors, and branding
- Interactive and clean user interface
- Embedded discord
- Elite community
- Advanced SEO
- Subscribe button
- Website analytics
- Minimal use of computer resources
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use | Only available for windows |
| Lightweight on resources | |
| Customizable | |
| Reasonable pricing |
Link
9. vMix
Overview
For premium streaming software, the vMix stands out from all its competitors. Many top streamers enjoy using the vMix software that is filled with features like virtual sets, animated overlays, guest-hosting, and live video effects. One major factor that makes this software convenient for all is its extended set of packages that are available for different prices.
Thus helps the user choose and pay for exactly what they need. In case you need support, it provides you with reliable technical support. If you are doubtful about the product, it offers a free 60-day trial.
Supported by
Windows
Price
vMix Basic: Free (60-day trial)
vMix BasicHD: $60 USD
vMix SD: $150 USD
vMix HD: $350 USD
vMix 4K: $700 USD
vMix PRO: $1200 USD
Features
- Organize all your audio and video inputs in one place
- Simultaneous streaming, recording, and output
- 13 transition effects
- Efficient use of resources
- Animated graphics
- HD virtual sets with high-quality real-time chroma key
- Adds up to 8 guests
- Instant replay
- Built-in audio mixer
- Live video effects
- Full NDI capabilities
- 4 overlay channels
- Touch screen web interface
- Professional color-correction and monitoring tools
- SRT in and out support
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide range of features | Might be difficult to use for some |
| 4k encoding | Only for Windows |
| Long trial period up to 60 days | |
| Multiple packages to choose from |
Link
10. VidBlasterX
Overview
Lastly, we have the VidBlasterX which is an RTMP-compatible video streaming software. Meaning, it is compatible with a lot of streaming platforms and can be used with streaming platforms other than twitch. You can choose the subscription that fits your needs best from its wide range of options.
Features like video routing, local disk recording, external monitor output are some major highlights of this software. The interface is attractive and fairly easy to use giving you an ultra-modern feel.
Supported by
Windows
Price
VidBlasterX Home: $9/ year
VidBlasterX Studio: $99/ year
VidBlasterX Broadcast: $999/ year
Features
- Powerful and versatile video production
- Multi-camera, multi-channel replay
- Multiple views
- Modular user interface
- Built-in video effects
- Live streaming and recording at 4K/UHD
- High-quality modular audio mixer
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use | High CPU usage |
| Modern encoding | |
| Reliable technical support | |
| Multiple subscriptions options |
Link
Things to Consider While Looking for Twitch Streaming Softwares
There are many options for twitch streaming software on the web. But, there’s a reason only few have made it to our list of best twitch streaming softwares. There are certain things that the above-listed software excel at and those are the things you need to consider too.
Support
While using the software you will come across problems multiple times. Problems that require technical support. So, be aware of whether the software provides good enough technical support. Some provide basic support services at free while the advance support services are charged.
Features
Each software comes with its own set of features and functionalities. Each of these features eases or enhances your experience of video streaming. There are some set of common features generally found in all software. Besides that, there are some unique features provided by each software which makes it different from others. Check out all the features or at least know about it before you choose your ideal software.
Complexity
Video production is a bit intimidating for general people. Even beginners find it complex at the beginning. So, unless you have been involved in video editing for some time and understand its complexity, choose yourself software that is easy to use, interactive and user-friendly.
Efficiency
Streaming is a heavyweight job for a normal computer. It takes a lot of resources of CPU for a streaming software to run smoothly if it’s not efficient. These days there are options for cloud-based streaming platforms that can be run on a browser. If you have a less powerful computer, it is wise to choose such online streaming software. Check for the system requirements properly before getting yourself a streaming software.
Budget
If you’re new to streaming, we recommend you to look for free software. Once you have mastered the skills of video production for streaming, you can opt for premium options that come at a price. While choosing from these options, compare the features and prices thoroughly. Make sure you don’t pay extra for unwanted features.
Final words,
Hopefully, this article was helpful for finding the right streaming software for you. Any of the above-listed software is good enough to get you up and started. Find the right one and enjoy streaming.