Streamlabs vs StreamYard
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Streamlabs is broadcasting software built on OBS that lets streamers go live to platforms like Twitch and YouTube with built-in scenes, alerts, chatbots, and overlays. The free desktop app covers essential live-streaming needs, while Streamlabs Ultra unlocks a broader suite of creator tools.
StreamYard is a browser-based studio that lets creators and businesses record content or stream live simultaneously to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and other destinations, without installing desktop software. It supports multiple on-screen participants, custom overlays and branded backgrounds, and has grown to over 12 million creators, with customer logos from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and LinkedIn on its site. Pricing starts with a free plan covering essential studio features with StreamYard branding and 2 hours/month of local recording, scaling to a Core plan at $44.99/month (or $35.99/month billed annually) with 1080p, no branding, and multistreaming to 3 destinations, and an Advanced plan at $88.99/month (or $68.99/month annually) adding 4K recording, 8-destination multistreaming, and webinars for up to 100 viewers. Custom Business plans are also available for organizations.
- Free tier is genuinely usable for single-platform streamers
- Large library of free overlays and alert themes
- Built-in multi-guest support without needing separate conferencing software
- Regularly updated with new creator tools bundled under Ultra
- No software installation needed, works entirely through the browser
- Free plan is genuinely usable for casual creators, not just a trial
- Multistreaming to multiple platforms simultaneously saves re-recording or re-streaming effort
- AI clip generation helps repurpose long recordings into short-form social content
- Ultra subscription is relatively pricey at $27/month for solo creators
- Can be resource-intensive on lower-end PCs compared to plain OBS
- Some premium overlays and apps are locked behind the paid tier
- Core and Advanced plans are priced noticeably higher than some browser-based competitors
- Free plan's 2-hour monthly recording limit and branding will push active creators to paid tiers quickly
- Business-tier custom pricing requires contacting sales rather than transparent self-serve rates
More alternatives & similar tools
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The ultimate recording and live streaming software for games, podcasts, and presentations.
Free live streaming and recording app for multistreaming to social platforms.
Alternatives to StreamYard
View all →Free OBS-based streaming software with built-in overlays, alerts, and a premium creator suite.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataStreamlabs offers a free, OBS‑based desktop app with extensive overlay libraries and built‑in guest streaming, while StreamYard provides a browser‑only, multi‑platform studio with easy multistreaming and AI clip generation.
Key differences
- •Deployment: Streamlabs is a desktop app; StreamYard runs entirely in the browser.
- •Guest collaboration: Streamlabs supports one guest on the free plan via Collab Cam; StreamYard allows up to 15 backstage participants and 10 on‑screen participants on paid plans.
- •Multistreaming: StreamYard natively streams to up to 8 destinations simultaneously; Streamlabs requires separate setup for each platform.
- •AI features: StreamYard auto‑creates short clips and offers transcripts on Advanced plan; Streamlabs has no AI clip or transcript tools.
- •Pricing limits: Streamlabs free tier is fully usable for single‑platform streaming; StreamYard free tier caps recordings at 2 hours per month and adds branding.
Pricing & value
Free tier of Streamlabs supports full single‑platform streaming; StreamYard free tier limits recordings to 2 hours/month.
Ease of use / learning curve
StreamYard runs in a browser with no installation, making setup simpler than installing Streamlabs desktop app.
Features & depth
Streamlabs includes OBS‑based scene management, 300+ free overlays, and Collab Cam guest support built‑in.
Integrations & ecosystem
StreamYard lists explicit integrations with YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, and custom RTMP; Streamlabs only mentions an app store without specific platforms.
Collaboration
StreamYard supports up to 15 backstage participants and 10 on‑screen guests on paid plans, far exceeding Streamlabs' single free guest.
Scalability
StreamYard can multistream to up to 8 destinations simultaneously and offers webinar mode for up to 100 viewers.
Support
StreamYard provides a help center and email support; Streamlabs provides no support details in the facts.
Choose Streamlabs if…
Solo creators or gamers who want a free, feature‑rich desktop streaming suite with OBS‑style control.
Choose StreamYard if…
Brands, podcasters, or teams needing browser‑based multistreaming, AI clips, and larger guest capacities.
Common questions
Can I stream to multiple platforms at once with Streamlabs?
Not specified; Streamlabs does not list native multistreaming in the provided facts.
What are the guest limits on the free plans?
Streamlabs free plan allows one guest via Collab Cam; StreamYard free plan does not specify guest limits but limits recording time.
Is there a recording time limit on StreamYard's free tier?
Yes, the free plan caps recordings at 2 hours per month.