Best Streaming Software for Beginners: OBS, StreamLabs & More (2026)
A complete comparison of the best streaming software for beginners in 2026. We cover OBS Studio, StreamLabs Desktop, Twitch Studio, XSplit, and more — with setup guides, hardware requirements, and tips for choosing the right tool.
OBS Studio is the best streaming software for most beginners in 2026 because it is free, open-source, lightweight, and supports all major platforms including Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and Facebook Gaming. For beginners who want the easiest possible setup, Twitch Studio (Twitch-only) and StreamLabs Desktop (all platforms) offer guided wizards but use more system resources.
Choosing the right streaming software is one of the first decisions every new streamer faces. The software you pick determines your stream quality, how much CPU and RAM your broadcast consumes, and how easily you can add overlays, alerts, and scenes. This guide compares all eight major options side by side so you can start streaming with confidence.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- OBS Studio is the #1 recommended streaming software — free, lightweight, and universally supported
- StreamLabs Desktop is the easiest for beginners but uses 30–40% more CPU and RAM than OBS
- Twitch Studio is perfect for Twitch-only streamers who want zero-config setup
- All streaming software supports browser sources for donation alerts, overlays, and widgets
- Pair any software with Stream Alert for automatic CashApp & Venmo donation detection
8 Best Streaming Software Compared
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the best streaming software available in 2026. We've rated each option on price, platform support, ease of use, resource usage, and ideal use case.
| Software | Price | Platforms | Ease of Use | Resource Usage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Free | All | Medium | Low | Most streamers |
| StreamLabs Desktop | Free / $149/yr | All | Easy | High | Beginners |
| Twitch Studio | Free | Twitch only | Very Easy | Medium | Twitch beginners |
| XSplit | Free / $75/yr | All | Easy | Medium | Dual-PC setups |
| Prism Live | Free | All + mobile | Easy | Low | Mobile + desktop |
| Lightstream | $8–20/mo | All | Very Easy | None (cloud) | Low-end PCs |
| Restream Studio | Free–$49/mo | Multi-stream | Easy | None (browser) | Multi-platform |
| vMix | $60–1200 one-time | All | Hard | High | Professional |
Note on "Free" Tiers
StreamLabs Desktop and XSplit offer free versions with limited features. StreamLabs locks themes and multi-streaming behind its $149/yr Ultra plan, while XSplit watermarks recordings and limits resolution on its free tier. OBS Studio, Twitch Studio, and Prism Live are 100% free with no feature restrictions.
OBS Studio: Best Overall for Beginners
Price: 100% Free & Open-Source | Platforms: Twitch, YouTube, Kick, Facebook, and more
Best for: Streamers who want full control, low resource usage, and a massive plugin ecosystem
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is the gold standard of free streaming software. It powers millions of live streams every day, from small Twitch channels to major esports broadcasts. OBS is completely free with no paid tiers, no watermarks, and no feature restrictions.
The biggest advantage of OBS is its lightweight resource usage. Compared to StreamLabs Desktop, OBS uses roughly 30–40% less CPU and RAM, which means smoother gameplay while streaming — a critical factor for single-PC setups. It also supports every major streaming platform through a simple RTMP key, so you're never locked into one service.
Setting Up OBS Studio in 5 Steps
- Download and install OBS Studio
Visit obsproject.com and download the latest version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Run the installer and launch OBS.
- Run the Auto-Configuration Wizard
On first launch, OBS offers an auto-configuration wizard. Select "Optimize for streaming", choose your streaming platform (Twitch, YouTube, etc.), and let OBS test your internet speed. It will automatically set your bitrate, resolution, and encoder.
- Connect your streaming account
Go to Settings → Stream. Select your platform and either log in directly or paste your stream key. OBS will use this to broadcast your stream.
- Add your sources
In the Sources panel, click + to add sources: Game Capture for your game, Video Capture Device for your webcam, and Audio Input/Output for your microphone and desktop audio.
- Add a Browser Source for alerts
Click + → Browser, name it "Donation Alerts," and paste your alert overlay URL from Stream Alert, StreamLabs, or StreamElements. Set the width to 1920 and height to 1080.
OBS Plugin Ecosystem
One of OBS's biggest strengths is its plugin ecosystem. Thousands of community-built plugins extend OBS with features like:
- StreamFX — Advanced visual effects, shaders, and 3D transforms
- obs-websocket — Remote control OBS from your phone or a Stream Deck
- Advanced Scene Switcher — Automate scene transitions based on conditions
- Move Transition — Smooth source animations between scene switches
- Source Record — Record individual sources separately from your stream
Pros
- 100% free, no paywalled features
- Lowest CPU/RAM usage of any desktop app
- Massive plugin library
- Huge community for support and tutorials
- Works with every streaming platform
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than StreamLabs
- No built-in themes or overlays
- Manual setup required for alerts
- Interface can feel dated to new users
Hardware Requirements
- Minimum: Dual-core CPU, 4 GB RAM, DirectX 10.1 compatible GPU
- Recommended: Quad-core CPU (Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5), 8 GB RAM, dedicated GPU with hardware encoder (NVENC or AMF)
StreamLabs Desktop: Easiest Setup
Price: Free / $149/yr (Ultra) | Platforms: Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Kick, and more
Best for: Complete beginners who want a guided setup with built-in themes and widgets
StreamLabs Desktop (formerly known as SLOBS) is built on top of OBS's core engine but wraps it in a beginner-friendly interface with built-in overlays, alert widgets, a tip page, and an auto-optimization wizard. If you've never streamed before and want the easiest possible setup experience, StreamLabs Desktop gets you live in minutes.
The setup wizard walks you through every step: connecting your streaming account, choosing a theme, positioning your webcam, and testing your audio. StreamLabs also includes a built-in tip page (streamlabs.com/yourname/tip) so viewers can donate through PayPal without any additional tools.
Key Features
- Built-in overlay themes: Hundreds of free and premium themes you can apply with one click — no design skills needed
- Auto-optimization: Automatically tests your system and sets the best encoding, resolution, and bitrate settings
- Integrated tip page: Accept PayPal donations directly through your StreamLabs profile page
- Alert Box widget: Donation alerts, follower alerts, and sub alerts are built in — no separate browser source needed
- Selective recording: Record your stream while applying different settings than your live broadcast
Pros
- Easiest setup of any streaming software
- Built-in themes, widgets, and tip page
- Guided wizard handles configuration
- Merch store integration
Cons
- Uses 30–40% more CPU/RAM than OBS
- Slower to receive updates than OBS
- Some themes and features locked behind $149/yr Ultra plan
- Only supports PayPal for donations (no CashApp or Venmo)
CashApp & Venmo Support
StreamLabs Desktop's built-in tip page only supports PayPal. To accept CashApp and Venmo donations with on-screen alerts, pair StreamLabs with Stream Alert. Stream Alert detects CashApp and Venmo payments automatically and sends alerts directly to your StreamLabs overlay.
Twitch Studio: Best for Twitch-Only Streamers
Price: 100% Free | Platforms: Twitch only
Best for: Brand-new streamers who only plan to stream on Twitch and want zero-configuration setup
Twitch Studio is Twitch's official streaming software, designed specifically for first-time streamers. It automatically detects your webcam, microphone, and display — then configures everything for you. There is literally no easier way to start streaming on Twitch.
The software includes built-in alerts for followers, subscribers, and raids. It also comes with starter overlay layouts that look professional out of the box. For streamers who only plan to broadcast on Twitch, this is the lowest-friction option available.
Key Features
- Automatic hardware detection: Identifies your webcam, mic, and display without manual configuration
- Built-in alerts: Follower, subscriber, and raid alerts are pre-configured
- Starter layouts: Professional overlay templates included at no cost
- Activity feed: Built-in chat and activity feed so you don't need a second monitor
- Browser source support: Add third-party overlays and alerts via browser sources
Pros
- Zero-config setup — works out of the box
- 100% free, no premium tier
- Built-in alerts and overlays
- Backed by Twitch (consistent updates)
Cons
- Twitch only — cannot stream to YouTube, Kick, or Facebook
- Fewer advanced features and plugins than OBS
- Limited customization compared to OBS and StreamLabs
- Smaller community and fewer tutorials available
Other Streaming Software Worth Considering
XSplit Broadcaster
Price: Free / $75/yr Premium | Best for: Dual-PC streaming setups
XSplit has been around since 2012 and remains a solid choice for streamers who want a polished, professional interface. Its biggest strength is dual-PC streaming support through XSplit VCam and NDI integration. The free version is usable but adds a watermark to recordings and limits resolution. XSplit uses moderate system resources — less than StreamLabs but more than OBS.
Prism Live Studio
Price: Free | Best for: Streamers who want mobile + desktop streaming
Prism Live is a free streaming app developed by the team behind NAVER (South Korea's largest search engine). Its standout feature is cross-platform support for both desktop and mobile devices, making it ideal for IRL streamers and content creators who switch between setups. It also has surprisingly low resource usage and supports all major platforms including Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.
Lightstream
Price: $8–20/mo | Best for: Streamers with low-end PCs
Lightstream is a cloud-based streaming solution that handles all the encoding on remote servers instead of your PC. This means you can stream at high quality even from a laptop that would struggle to run OBS. The trade-off is a monthly subscription and slightly less flexibility for advanced configurations. It supports Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and custom RTMP destinations through a browser-based studio.
Restream Studio
Price: Free–$49/mo | Best for: Multi-platform simultaneous streaming
Restream Studio is a browser-based streaming tool designed for multi-platform broadcasting. It lets you stream to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and 30+ other platforms at the same time from a single broadcast. The free plan supports two destinations, while paid plans unlock unlimited platforms and custom graphics. Because it runs entirely in your browser, there's no software to install.
vMix
Price: $60–$1,200 one-time | Best for: Professional live production
vMix is a professional-grade live production suite used by broadcasters, event producers, and esports tournaments. It supports multiple camera inputs, instant replay, virtual sets, and 4K streaming. The steep learning curve and high price tag make it overkill for most beginner streamers, but if you're planning professional-level broadcasts, it's the industry standard.
How to Choose the Right Streaming Software
With eight options to consider, the decision can feel overwhelming. Use this decision guide based on your specific situation:
Quick Decision Guide
Want free + lightweight? — Choose OBS Studio
Want the easiest setup? — Choose StreamLabs Desktop or Twitch Studio
Have a low-end PC? — Choose Lightstream (cloud-based, zero local encoding)
Want to multi-stream? — Choose Restream Studio
Need professional production? — Choose vMix
Stream on desktop + mobile? — Choose Prism Live Studio
Hardware Requirements: Minimum vs. Recommended
| Component | Minimum (720p30) | Recommended (1080p60) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core (Intel i3 / AMD Ryzen 3) | 6-core (Intel i5-12400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600) |
| RAM | 4 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | Integrated graphics | NVIDIA GTX 1660+ or AMD RX 5600+ (hardware encoder) |
| Internet Upload | 5 Mbps | 10–20 Mbps |
| Storage | 500 MB (software only) | SSD with 50+ GB free (for local recordings) |
Tip: Use Hardware Encoding
If your GPU supports NVENC (NVIDIA) or AMF (AMD), always use hardware encoding instead of x264 CPU encoding. Hardware encoding offloads the work to your GPU, freeing up your CPU for gaming. In OBS, go to Settings → Output → Encoder and select your GPU encoder.
Setting Up Donation Alerts in Your Streaming Software
Regardless of which streaming software you choose, donation alerts work the same way: you add a Browser Source with a URL from your alert service, and the alerts appear on your stream whenever someone donates.
Every software listed in this guide — OBS, StreamLabs Desktop, Twitch Studio, XSplit, Prism Live, and even browser-based tools like Restream — supports browser sources. Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Sign up for an alert service (Stream Alert for CashApp/Venmo, StreamElements for PayPal)
- Copy your overlay or widget URL from the alert service dashboard
- Add a Browser Source in your streaming software and paste the URL
- Set dimensions to 1920×1080 and position the source above your game capture
- Test your alert using the test button in your alert service dashboard
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, check our dedicated guide: OBS Donation Alerts: Complete Setup Guide.
CashApp & Venmo Alert Support
Most alert services (StreamLabs, StreamElements) only support PayPal donations. Stream Alert is the only tool that automatically detects CashApp and Venmo payments and triggers on-screen alerts — no donation links or manual entry required. It works with all streaming software that supports browser sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OBS or StreamLabs better for beginners?
It depends on your priorities. StreamLabs Desktop is easier to set up because it includes a guided wizard, built-in themes, and integrated widgets. However, it uses significantly more CPU and RAM than OBS Studio, which can hurt game performance on a single-PC setup. For most beginners, we recommend starting with OBS Studio — the learning curve is only slightly steeper, and you'll get better performance and more flexibility long-term. If you truly want the simplest setup possible and have a powerful PC, StreamLabs is the way to go.
Can I stream on Twitch and YouTube at the same time?
Yes, this is called multi-streaming (or simulcasting). You can use Restream Studio to broadcast to multiple platforms simultaneously from a single stream. Note that Twitch Affiliates and Partners are prohibited from simulcasting under Twitch's terms of service — if you have Affiliate status, you can only multi-stream to non-Twitch platforms after a 24-hour exclusivity window. Non-affiliates can simulcast freely.
What are the minimum PC requirements for streaming?
At a bare minimum, you need a dual-core CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and 5 Mbps upload speed to stream at 720p30. For a smooth 1080p60 stream while gaming, we recommend a 6-core CPU (Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5), 16 GB of RAM, a dedicated GPU with hardware encoding (NVENC/AMF), and 10–20 Mbps upload. If your PC is below minimum specs, consider Lightstream (cloud-based encoding) or a dual-PC setup.
Do I need a capture card to stream?
No, most streamers do not need a capture card. If you're streaming PC games, your streaming software captures the game directly from your GPU using Game Capture or Display Capture. A capture card is only needed if you're streaming from a console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) to your PC, or if you're using a dual-PC setup where one PC games and the other encodes the stream. Popular capture cards include the Elgato HD60 X and AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra.
How do I add donation alerts to my streaming software?
All major streaming software supports donation alerts through Browser Sources. Sign up for an alert service like Stream Alert (for CashApp and Venmo) or StreamElements (for PayPal), copy the overlay URL from the dashboard, then add a Browser Source in your streaming software and paste the URL. The alert will appear on your stream whenever a viewer donates. For a detailed walkthrough, see our OBS Donation Alerts guide.
Add Donation Alerts to Any Streaming Software
Add donation alerts to any streaming software in 5 minutes — Stream Alert works with OBS, StreamLabs, Twitch Studio, and all major broadcasting tools. It's the only service that automatically detects CashApp and Venmo donations, so your viewers can tip you the way they already send money.
No credit card required