Best Streaming Software For Low-End PC | Ultimate Guide

Incase you are looking for the best streaming software that works well on a low-end PC, let us bring you the best software for free. You can use  Live streaming software that helps you broadcast live video and audio online using cameras, microphones, or screens. They let you mix different media, add graphics, and stream to platforms like YouTube and Facebook.

Because there are many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right software for different features, ease of use, and performance needs. Users often struggle to find the software that fits their needs, especially with complex features and varying performance on low-end PCs.

Let’s discuss the top streaming software options by checking their main features, pros, and cons. This will help you choose the best software whether you’re new to streaming or already have some experience.

What does live streaming software do?

Live streaming software lets you broadcast live video and audio online. It captures content from cameras, microphones, or screens and streams it. Good software has features to mix different sources, add graphics and text, and stream to sites like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. It’s used for personal vlogs, gaming, church services, webinars, and sports events.

How can you choose the live-streaming software that suits you perfectly?

When choosing live streaming software, it’s important to keep these simple points in mind:

Content Purpose: Think about what you’ll stream, like education, gaming, webinars, or events. Different platforms work better for different types.

Audience Size: If you have a big audience, you’ll need more bandwidth and better quality. Make sure the software can handle this.

Features and Interaction: Look for basic features like mixing sources and overlays, but also consider tools for chat, polls, and Q&A to engage viewers.

Easy to Use and Support Devices: Choose software that is easy to use, especially for smaller audiences. Make sure it works with your devices and streaming services.

Speed and Quality: High-quality streams for large audiences need more bandwidth. Ensure the software supports the resolution you want.

Price: Stay within your budget. Free options are good for basic streaming, but advanced features might require payment.

Adjustment: Decide if you want simple edits or a theme that matches your brand.

Assistance: Good customer support is important, especially for beginners or those with growing audiences.

Data Analysis: If you have experience, look for software that provides viewer insights and engagement data.

Profits: If you want to make money, find software with built-in monetization options.

Growth capacity: If you expect to grow your audience, choose software that can handle larger crowds without losing quality.

By considering these points, you can choose the right live-streaming software for what you suit perfectly. Your stream’s quality also depends on the right bitrate settings. If you’re unsure, check out our guide on what is a good bitrate for Twitch to balance quality and performance, especially if you’re using a low-end PC.

Best Streaming Software For PC

After using and experimenting with some of the best live-streaming software, we have identified their pros and cons. Our considerations were on the  things like speed and quality, how easy they are to use, their features, their cost, and who they are best for.

OBS Studio:

OBS Studio is a free streaming app that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It has many tools to help you stream live or record videos for later.

You can create different scenes and add things like microphones, webcams, images, and videos to them. It allows easy monitoring and switching between scenes, and you can set up automatic transitions for a smooth experience.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Free and open-source, good for commercial use.	Might be hard for beginners to use.
Easy settings for adjusting streams or recordings.	Updates can sometimes create issues with antivirus software.
Create unlimited scenes with custom transitions.	Unstable internet can cause video problems.
Captures and mixes video and audio in real-time.	No direct support, but you can get help from the community.
You can add plugins for extra features	You often have to adjust settings manually to get the best quality.

The Best Reason To Choose OBS Studio:

• It is free live-streaming software.
• It supports popular live-streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube.

Streamlabs Desktop:

Streamlabs Desktop is a great choice for easy streaming, especially on low-end PCs. It’s made to be user-friendly.

With its simple layout and basic tools, it’s perfect for beginners who want to start streaming without any trouble.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easy for beginners to use.	Some features require a paid subscription.
Comes with built-in alerts and widgets.	Uses more computer resources than basic OBS.
Works well on low-end PCs.	Limited support for plugins.

The Best Reason To Choose Streamlabs Desktop:

• Free version available.
• Connects directly with streaming platforms.
• Premium features can be accessed with Streamlabs Ultra for $19/month.

Wirecast:

Wirecast Studio is excellent for live streaming. It lets you use unlimited inputs and destinations and supports video conferencing. Made by Telestream, you can stream to any RTMP site and record your streams locally.

It works with different capture cards, devices, and cameras. It has features like live switching, picture-in-picture, titles, and audio delay.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Stream to YouTube and Facebook at the same time.	New users might find it confusing.
You can connect as many cameras as you like.	More expensive than other options.
Mix videos and graphics like a mini-TV studio.	Needs a strong computer for best performance.
Support in over 12 languages.
Mix videos and graphics like a mini-TV studio.

The Best Reason To Choose Wirecast:

• A free trial is available.
• Premium features are for $599/month.

vMix:

vMix is a Windows program for live video production. It lets you stream, switch between video sources, and mix audio in up to 4K resolution. It also has features for video conferencing and connecting with social media.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Works with multiple cameras for high-quality live streaming.	New users might find it hard to learn all the features.
Can record live streams to watch or edit later.	Technical terms may confuse those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Provides strong tools for streaming.	Only available for PC, so Mac users can’t use it.
Easy to use with good input management.
Has cool video effects to improve your streams.

The Best Reason To Choose vMix:

• It offers a free 60-day trial.
• The Pro plan costs $1200 and supports 1,000 inputs with all 4K features.

X-Split Broadcaster:

XSplit Broadcaster is a flexible tool for streaming and recording. The platform is perfect for gamers and content creators. It has strong features for live video streaming and recording, along with many customization options.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easily switch between solo and group stream setups.	Managing team licenses can be hard.
Stream to Facebook and YouTube at once.	Setting up audio can be tricky and may need help.
Custom settings and scripts are available.	New users might find the features overwhelming and need tutorials.
Pro mode makes scene changes easy.	Streaming to multiple platforms needs a paid plan.
Stream on different platforms while recording at the same time.
Good support and lifetime updates.

The Best Reason To Choose XSplit Broadcaster:

• It has 8 pricing options, from $5.95 to $199.
• You can use the free trial to see how it works

Lightstream Studio:

Lightstream Studio lets you create live streams directly from your browser. It’s in the cloud, so you don’t need any special hardware or software. Just go to their website to start streaming easily.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Fully customize your stream layout without preset designs.	Stream quality depends on your internet connection, which can cause issues if it’s weak.
Control your stream from your mobile device.	Good for basic streaming but may not have advanced features.
Add alerts, motion graphics, and social media updates to engage viewers.	The number of participants can change by project, which may limit some choices.
To start streaming, just need a computer and an internet connection.
Has features for console gamers and remote video feeds.

The Best Reason To Choose Lightstream Studio:

• There’s a free option available. 
• Premium options start at $8 per month for gamers and go up to $25 per month for creators.

OneStream:

If you want an easy-to-use streaming tool for your PC that works well with social media, try OneStream. It’s great for streaming and scheduling content on different platforms. It has many features, but it also has some limits.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Has a large user community for support and tips.	Limited video storage space.
Easy to use, even for busy people.	Supports fewer video formats than some other options.
Offers good audio and video quality.	Some promised features are missing or cost extra.
Lets you record and save streams for later.
Supports both live and recorded video streaming.

The Best Reason To Choose One Stream:

• It is free but has limited features.
• The premium option starts at $15 per month and goes up to $79 per month.

D3DGear:

The gamers who stream gameplay and don’t want to be on camera, give D3DGear a try as it is a good choice. It’s a lightweight program that works well on older Windows versions. The easy interface makes it great for beginners and helps you stream without slowing down your system.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Streams directly to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.	Mainly for gaming.
Works with internal and external audio sources.	Not as popular as other streaming software.
Records up to 1440p at 120 frames per second.	Some users think the interface looks old.
Lets you add webcam overlays.

The Best Reason To Choose D3DGear:

• The 15-day free trial is available.
• Its full version costs $29.85.

To connect any streaming software with Twitch, you’ll need your unique stream key. Here’s a step-by-step guide on where to find your Twitch stream key so you can start streaming without issues.

FAQs

What are some tips for streaming on a simple PC?

A:1 You can stream smoothly on a low-end PC by using software made for less powerful machines, like StreamYard. Reducing your stream’s resolution and frame rate can also help performance.

Can you use a low-end PC for streaming?

A:2 Many streamers believe you need a high-end PC for good streaming quality, but that’s not true. A less powerful computer can still offer a great streaming experience.

Is OBS the best choice for live streams?

A:3 Yes, OBS is a great choice for live streaming because it’s easy to use, free, and open-source. Many businesses like it for its inexpensive offers and subscription fees.

Conclusion

Choosing the right streaming software for a low-end PC is all about understanding your specific needs and budget. Options like OBS Studio and Streamlabs Desktop cater to different skill levels, while Wirecast and vMix offer advanced features at a higher cost.

XSplit Broadcaster provides flexibility in pricing, and Lightstream Studio allows for easy browser-based streaming. OneStream is great for social media integration, and D3DGear is ideal for gamers seeking a lightweight tool. By considering these factors, you can find the best software to enhance your streaming experience.