SRS

Name: SRS
Brand: SRS

High‑efficiency open‑source real‑time video server

softwareServer ManagementMedia ServerReal-time StreamingRTMP

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Our Verdict

Best for

Developers needing a free, customizable real‑time streaming server

Skip if

Teams requiring turnkey hosting or dedicated commercial support

What is SRS?

SRS (Simple Realtime Server) is a high-efficiency open-source media server for live video. It ingests and delivers streams over RTMP, WebRTC, HLS, HTTP-FLV, HTTP-TS, SRT, MPEG-DASH and GB28181, with codec support for H.264, H.265, AV1, VP9, AAC, Opus and G.711. The server is highly configurable, clusters well for large audiences, and integrates with existing workflows through its broad protocol support.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentSelf-hosted

open source✅ Yes

github stars29,073

api available✅ Yes

support optionsGitHub Issues, Community Forum

primary languageC++

Key Features of SRS

Supports RTMP ingestion for legacy streaming workflows and enables instant transcoding to WebRTC for low‑delay delivery.

Provides native WebRTC publishing and playback, allowing browsers to stream without plugins.

Generates HLS and MPEG‑DASH outputs on‑the‑fly for adaptive bitrate streaming to mobile and desktop clients.

Includes SRT support for secure, high‑performance transport over unreliable networks.

Offers GB28181 compliance for integration with Chinese surveillance and video‑conferencing systems.

Allows HTTP‑FLV streaming for lightweight playback on embedded devices and browsers.

Features built‑in load‑balancing and clustering to handle thousands of concurrent viewers.

Provides an HTTP API, HTTP callbacks and a Prometheus exporter for automation and monitoring.

Use Cases for SRS

Live Event Broadcasting

Stream concerts, webinars, or sports events with sub‑second latency to global audiences.

Interactive WebRTC Applications

Enable real‑time video chat or collaborative tools directly in browsers.

Surveillance and Security Systems

Integrate GB28181 cameras and SRT feeds into a unified monitoring platform.

Adaptive Streaming for OTT Platforms

Deliver HLS and MPEG‑DASH streams that automatically adjust quality based on bandwidth.

Pros & Cons of SRS

Pros

Free and open‑source
Supports a wide range of streaming protocols
Low latency suitable for interactive use cases
Active community support via GitHub and forums

Cons

Requires manual self‑hosting and configuration
Documentation can be fragmented for beginners
Limited official commercial support options

Frequently Asked Questions

What operating systems does SRS run on?

SRS runs on Linux and macOS across a wide range of CPU architectures — x86_64, ARMv7, AArch64/M1, RISC-V, LoongArch and MIPS — and an official Docker image is the recommended way to deploy it.

Is there a cost to use SRS?

No, SRS is released under an open‑source license and is free to use.

How can I get help if I encounter issues?

Support is provided through GitHub Issues and the community forum where developers and media professionals share solutions.

Can SRS be integrated with existing CDN services?

Yes, SRS can output HLS, MPEG‑DASH, and HTTP‑FLV streams that can be pulled by external CDNs for wider distribution.

Pricing Overview

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Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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SRS