Restream Alternatives (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Restream lets you broadcast one live video to several platforms at once, so a single show can appear on YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and more. It's a popular choice, but it isn't the only way to do it. Some people want a simpler studio, others want software that runs on their own computer, and some just want a different layout. If that's you, here are some Restream alternatives to look at.

Below are ten alternatives to Restream in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Several are smaller, more focused tools and a few are household names. I've taken each description from the tool's own website or help pages, so check the current details before you commit. If you're planning a live event rather than a casual stream, my guide to creating a webinar people turn up to is a useful next read.

Restream alternatives at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a permanent free option, usually with limits on features or destinations. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. Streaming tools change their plans often, so check before you start.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Be.Live	Browser live studio	Branded interviews and shows with guests	Yes
Castr	Multistream platform	Sending one stream to many destinations	Trial only
Ecamm Live	Mac streaming app	Polished Mac-based live production	Trial only
Livepush	Multistream platform	Scheduling and multistreaming from one dashboard	Yes
OBS Studio	Open-source software	Full control over scenes and sources	Yes
OneStream Live	Cloud multistream app	Live and pre-recorded video to many platforms	Yes
PRISM Live Studio	Streaming software	Desktop and phone streaming in one family	Yes
Streamlabs	Streaming software	Overlays and alerts for streamers	Yes
StreamYard	Browser live studio	Simple live shows with remote guests	Yes
Switchboard Live	Stream management	Managing many destinations at once	Trial only

Ten multistreaming and live studio tools

Be.Live

Best for: Hosts who want a browser studio for interviews and shows with on-screen guests, comments and simple branding.

Castr

Best for: Businesses that want a cloud service to send one live stream to several platforms and their own website.

Ecamm Live

Best for: Mac users who want scenes, guests and multistreaming from one app on their own computer.

Livepush

Best for: Creators who want to manage titles, schedules and several destinations from a single web dashboard.

OBS Studio

Best for: Anyone happy to set things up themselves who wants free, flexible recording and streaming software.

OneStream Live

Best for: Teams that want to schedule pre-recorded video as a live broadcast across many platforms at once.

PRISM Live Studio

Best for: Streamers who like a free app on both desktop and mobile with plenty of on-screen effects.

Streamlabs

Best for: Gamers and creators who want a familiar desktop app with overlays, alerts and community tools.

StreamYard

Best for: Beginners and teams who want to go live from a browser with guests, banners and no software to install.

Switchboard Live

Best for: Organisations that need to manage streams to lots of destinations from a central dashboard.

What to look for in a multistreaming tool

All of these tools help you go live, but they approach it differently. These are the questions worth asking before you settle on one.

• Destinations. Which platforms can it send your stream to, and can you add a custom RTMP address for anything else?
• Where it runs. In your browser, as an app on your computer, or in the cloud so your own machine does less work.
• Guests. Can you bring on remote guests easily, and how many can appear on screen?
• Chat. Can you read comments from every platform in one place?
• Recording. Will it save a copy of your show for editing afterwards?
• Branding. Can you add your logo, banners and colours, and is there a watermark on the free option?
• Scheduling. Can you plan a stream in advance or broadcast a pre-recorded video as if it were live?

Browser studios, desktop software and cloud services

Most live streaming tools fall into one of three types, and knowing which you need saves a lot of time.

• Browser studios need nothing installed. They suit interviews, panels and webinars where you want to look tidy and get going fast.
• Desktop software gives you the most control over scenes and sources, but needs a decent computer and a bit of learning.
• Cloud multistream services take your single stream and send it on to the other platforms, which keeps the load off your own connection.
• Stream managers are built for organisations that run lots of broadcasts and need to keep an eye on them all.

A simple setup for your first multistream

Going live in more than one place is easier when you've prepared. Work through this list before your first broadcast.

• Check each platform's rules about streaming to more than one place at a time.
• Test your internet connection and use a wired connection if you can.
• Do a short private test stream to confirm sound and picture on every destination.
• Decide in advance who will answer comments on each platform.
• Write your title and description once, then adjust them for each destination.
• Keep a note of your stream keys somewhere safe and never share them.

Some platforms limit or have rules about simulcasting, so read each platform's partner terms for your own situation. If you're also thinking about how to fill the room, my webinar promotion swipe file has ideas you can reuse.

Why a smaller streaming tool can be worth a look

Smaller tools often do one thing very well, such as simple browser shows or scheduling, and they tend to move faster than the big names. The trade-off is that they can be younger, so check the date of their last update, look at their help pages and find out how they handle your stream keys and account details.

It also pays to think about your audience. If you mostly run meetings and presentations, my round-up of video conferencing software might suit you better than a streaming studio.

Do you make live streaming or multistreaming software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

A short checklist before you pick a streaming tool

Choose two tools that fit how you want to broadcast, then run the same short test stream through each. Check how simple it feels to add guests, read comments and save a recording. Keep the one that feels simplest on the day you go live.

Frequently asked questions

What is multistreaming?

It means broadcasting the same live video to more than one platform at once, for example YouTube and Facebook, so you reach each audience without going live several times.

Do I need a powerful computer to multistream?

Not always. Cloud services send your stream on for you, so your computer only sends one video. Desktop software that does the work locally needs more processing power.

Can I stream to any platform I like?

Each tool supports a different list of destinations, and platforms have their own rules about simulcasting. Check both the tool and the platform's terms.

Can I bring guests onto my live stream?

Many studios let remote guests join from a link in their browser. Check how many guests appear on screen and whether they need to install anything.

What is a stream key and should I share it?

It's a private code that lets a tool send video to your channel. Never share it publicly, because anyone with it could broadcast to your account.

Do I need to save a recording?

It's a good idea. A recording lets you edit clips afterwards or share the replay, and it acts as a backup if something goes wrong.