You’ve got a killer podcast idea brewing.
But before you hit record, there’s one crucial decision: which streaming platform will be your trusty sidekick?
Restream and Streamlabs are the heavyweights in this corner, each boasting a knockout set of features.
But which one is the perfect match for your podcasting dreams?
Let’s break down Restream vs Streamlabs so you can make the call that’ll take your show to the top of the charts.
Restream vs Streamlabs: A Quick Look
We’ve spent countless hours testing both Restream and Streamlabs, pushing them to their limits to see how they perform in real-world podcasting scenarios.
This hands-on experience has given us unique insights into their strengths and weaknesses, and we’re excited to share our findings with you.
Restream: Stream Everywhere, Effortlessly.
Pricing: It has a free plan. Paid plan starts at $16/month
Key Features:
- Multistreaming
- Custom RTMP destinations
- Analytics
Streamlabs: Power Up Your Podcast with Interactive Tools
Pricing: It has a free plan. Paid plan starts at $19/month
Key Features:
- Overlays and Alerts
- Donations and Tipping
- Cloud Backup
What is Restream?
Have you ever wanted to go live on multiple platforms at once? That's where Restream shines. It's like a broadcasting superpower, letting you reach a wider audience without breaking a sweat.
Ready to streamline your live streams? Millions of people use Restream to reach 30+ platforms at once. Try it today and experience seamless multistreaming.
Key Benefits
- Multistreaming Made Easy: Connect to over 30 platforms simultaneously.
- No More Tech Headaches: This is a super simple setup, even for beginners.
- Real-Time Analytics: Track your viewership across all platforms.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Basic multistreaming to a limited number of platforms.
- Standard ($16/month): Unlimited multistreaming, custom branding, and more.
- Professional ($39/month): Advanced features like team management and analytics.
- Business ($199/month): All features with eight channels.
Pros
Cons
What is Streamlabs?
Think of Streamlabs as your podcast's control center. It's packed with features that make your show look professional and keep your audience engaged.
Ready to see if Streamlabs is right for you? Millions of streamers already use it. Check it out today and decide for yourself!
Key Benefits
- Eye-Catching Overlays & Alerts: Make your stream pop with custom graphics.
- Boost Your Income: Easy setup for donations and tips.
- Never Lose Your Work: Cloud backup keeps your content safe.
Pricing
- Lifetime Free Plan: Access to basic features and overlays.
- Streamlabs Ultra ($19/month): Unlock premium themes, apps, and more.
Pros
Cons
Restream vs Streamlabs: Feature Face-Off
Let's dive deeper and see how these two live-streaming software giants stack up against each other feature by feature.
Whether you're a professional or just starting your live-streaming journey, understanding these nuances will help you pick the right tool for your podcast.
Multiplatform Streaming
- Restream: This is where Restream truly shines. It allows you to live stream to multiple platforms simultaneously with ease. Connect your streaming account and stream key, and you're good to go.
- Streamlabs: While Streamlabs primarily focuses on single-platform streaming, it does offer multistreaming through its Melon app. However, it might not be as seamless as Restream's dedicated multistreaming capabilities.
Ease of Use
- Restream: With its intuitive interface, Restream makes it incredibly easy to start streaming, even if you're new to the game.
- Streamlabs: Streamlabs, particularly Streamlabs Desktop, can be a bit confusing for beginners due to its extensive features and customization options.
Integrations
- Restream: Restream seamlessly integrates with popular streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and more. It also supports custom RTMP destinations, giving you flexibility.
- Streamlabs: Streamlabs also integrates with major streaming platforms and offers a wide range of Streamlabs tools and widgets to enhance your live streams.
Mobile Streaming
- Restream: While Restream doesn't have a dedicated mobile app, you can still live stream from your mobile devices using third-party apps like Larix Broadcaster.
- Streamlabs: Streamlabs offers a mobile app that lets you go live from your phone, making it convenient for on-the-go podcasting.
Customization
- Restream: Restream provides basic customization options like adding your logo and overlays.
- Streamlabs: Streamlabs takes customization to the next level. With its vast library of themes, overlays, and alerts, you can create a unique and visually appealing live stream.
Monetization
- Restream: Restream doesn't have built-in monetization features.
- Streamlabs: Streamlabs makes it easy to accept donations and tips from your audience, helping you monetize your podcast.
Community and Support
- Restream: Restream has a growing community and offers decent customer support.
- Streamlabs: Being a widely used platform, Streamlabs has a large and active community. You can find plenty of tutorials & resources online. They also offer dedicated customer support.
Remember, the best live stream software for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If multistreaming to multiple platforms simultaneously is your priority, Restream is the clear winner.
However, if you're looking for a feature-rich platform with extensive customization options and monetization tools, Streamlabs might be a better fit.
No matter which platform you choose, make sure it integrates seamlessly with your preferred open broadcaster software (OBS Studio) to ensure a smooth and professional live streaming experience.
What should you look for when choosing a streaming platform?
- Your Budget: Both platforms have free plans, but consider if the paid features are worth the investment for your podcasting goals.
- Technical Skills: If you're tech-savvy, Streamlabs' customization options might be appealing. If you prefer simplicity, Restream is the way to go.
- Audience Interaction: If you want to engage with your audience actively through donations and alerts, Streamlabs has the edge.
- Future Growth: Think about how your podcast might evolve. Will you need advanced features down the line?
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best platform is the one that empowers you to create the podcast you envision. Happy streaming!
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
For podcasters seeking a hassle-free way to reach so many audience across multiple social media platforms, Restream takes the crown.
Its user-friendly interface and seamless multistreaming capabilities make it a winner, even for beginners.
However, if you're ready to dive into a world of customization and audience engagement, the Streamlabs platform, especially with Streamlabs OBS, offers unparalleled flexibility.
We've given you the inside scoop based on our hands-on experience.
Now, it's your turn to choose the platform that'll amplify your podcasting journey. Happy streaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Restream and Streamlabs together?
Absolutely! You can use Restream to send your stream to Streamlabs, allowing you to leverage Streamlabs' overlays, alerts, and other interactive features while still multistreaming to multiple platforms.
Is Streamlabs completely free?
Streamlabs offers a robust free plan with essential features. However, for advanced customization, themes, and apps, you'll need to subscribe to Streamlabs Prime, which costs $19/month.
Can I stream to my website with these platforms?
Yes, both Restream and Streamlabs support custom RTMP destinations, allowing you to stream directly to your website or any other platform that accepts RTMP streams.
Which platform is better for beginners?
Restream's intuitive interface and straightforward setup make it an excellent choice for beginners. Streamlabs, while powerful, can be a bit overwhelming for those new to live streaming.
Can I record my podcasts with these platforms?
While both platforms primarily focus on live streaming, they also offer recording capabilities. Restream allows you to record your streams locally or to the cloud, while Streamlabs provides built-in recording functionality within Streamlabs Desktop.
