Encoding is the most crucial component of live streaming. Without it, you will be unable to stream live. Because encoder software encodes and transforms raw video data from cameras or microphones into a digital representation,. So, you can quickly broadcast your live content on digital networks such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and LinkedIn.
Software encoders are pieces of software that can be installed on your PC to enable live streaming. You may question why you constantly require a encoder software when live streaming. So, the answer to the question is no.
Once you’ve downloaded the encoder software, you won’t need them every time you go live. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 6 best software encoders, their key features, and their pricing. So, let’s get started with what a encoder software is.
Table of Contents
What is a software encoder?
A software encoder is an application that may be installed on your computer to turn raw data into digital output. encoder software are less expensive than hardware encoders and easier to set up.
There are several reputable and high-quality software encoders available that provide additional control and flexibility over your broadcast parameters, such as bitrate, frame rate, resolution, and audio quality.
Top 6 Best Software Encoders for Live Streaming
1.Enveu
Do you want to maximize your viewership or accelerate your live streaming process? Well, Enveu is the perfect option for you. A cloud based streaming solution enables you to customize everything that you need to go live.
Enveu offers you immersive event experiences across global audiences with unparalleled live-event video solutions.
Key Features
- Google Analytics
- Standard Events
- Custom Events
- Firebase
- NPAW Youbora
- Moengage
- Standard System Report
- Multiple Templates: Entertainment
Pricing
- Lite_ $ 549 /mo
- Professional_ Book a call
- Enterprise_ Book a Call
2. OBS Studio
Image created: OBS Studio
Since OBS Studio is free, open-source, it has become one of the best overall choices for a live streaming software encoder. Whether you’re a content creator or entrepreneur, you can go with it. The best thing about this encoder is, it enables you to customize almost every detail of your live stream. Additionally, it’s compatible with all major streaming platforms.
Key Features of OBS Studio
- Screen Capture
- Video Broadcasting
- Neat and Clean Interface
- Video Recording
- Freedom to Set Hotkeys
- Ability to Manage Quality
- Branding and Personalization Options
- Intuitive Audio Mixer
- Powerful Configuration Options
- High-Level View of your Production
- Unlimited Number of Scenes
Pricing
It’s free.
3. Vidblaster X
Image created: Vidblaster X
If you’re looking for the most powerful and versatile live video production software, nothing is as perfect as Vidblaster X. It lets you customize everything that you might need for live streaming.
Vidblaster X makes your streaming process as simple as possible. You can easily capture, edit, and broadcast your content with different effects. The best thing about this encoder is, it enables you to stream remotely.
Key Features
- Highly configurable multi-camera, multi-channel
- Combine video sources with optional labels and tallies, and output
- Modular based user interface.
- Personalise your live production
- Live streaming and recording in up to 4K/UHD
- High quality modular audio mixer
Pricing
- Home: $9 per year
- Studio: $99 per year
- Broadcast $999 per year
4. Wirecast
Image created: Wirecast
Wirecast is ideal for beginners and professionals looking for versatile video production software. Leveraging its unparalleled features, you can effortlessly create high-quality live streams or virtual events.
You’ll get limitless live camera inputs, live guest features, and a multi-track studio, as well as screen sharing and web feed sharing, video production automation tools, and other features to help you improve the quality of your video productions.
The best part about this software is that it is compatible with a variety of capture cards and devices.
Key Features
- 7 remote guests
- ISO recording
- PTZ camera control
- Sports production tools
- Multi-track audio recording
- 1-17 slot multi-viewer output
- Add additional media: audio, video, and graphics
- Supported GPU-accelerated encoding
- RTMP, SRT (caller mode), RTP multi + unicast
Pricing
- Wirecast Studio: Lifetime license for $599 or a subscription plan of $35 per month
- Wirecast Pro: Lifetime license for $799 or a subscription plan of $46 per month
5. Wowza
Image created: Wowza
Wowza is a full-featured video production platform built to meet all of your company’s demands by providing exceptional video experiences without restrictions. It is a unified solution for audience engagement, supported by Wowza’s proven performance.
It is a low-cost solution to transmit broadcast-quality video to any destination, and it comes packed with a range of Wowza software that encodes live streams.
Key Features
- View Documentation
- Extensible Elemental Design
- Highly Scalable and Reliable
- Best-In-Class Customer Support
- Robust APIs, SDKs and Documentation
- Low-latency streaming
- Video on Demand (VOD)
- Interactive Live Streaming
- Live Broadcast & OTT Streaming
Pricing
- One Month of Streaming _ $149 one-time purchase
- Pay As You Go- $25 per month
- Enterprise: Plans built for your needs
6. Streamlab
Image created: Streamlabs
Upgrade your stream and build your brand with the powerful and versatile video production software Streamlab OBS. An intuitive piece of software gives you everything you need to go live. Enabling you to create your own tool to expand your reach and go live in just a minute.
Well-equipped with multi-streaming, premium overlays and alerts, a clip editor, a YouTube video editor, and so much more, these will empower you to enhance your stream. You’ll get more control, automation, better analytics, and new ways to interact with viewers.
Key Features
- Add guests to your stream
- Viewer tips: an alert appears on stream
- 62 apps to enhance your stream
- Multistream stream to multiple platforms
- Personalize streams with pro-overlays
- Fast and backed up to the cloud
Pricing
A free live streaming software, comes with multi-streaming capabilities. You can live stream on various digital platforms, such as YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and more, at the same time. When it comes to the price of this software, it costs about $149 a year or $19 a month.
Conclusion
I hope you understood the live streaming encoder software and the best software that helped you achieve your goal. Selecting the live streaming encoding software depends on the feature you choose. Every piece of software has its own pros and cons. So, first identify the feature you need most along with the compatibility of the software, then choose the right software encoder.
