Owncast vs StreamYard
On the evidence we track, StreamYard leads this comparison with a composite score of 66/100. Scores are only directly comparable because these tools share a category; the full breakdown and every source is below.
Capabilities
Feature-by-feature on the axes that matter for live streaming. “-” means undocumented, not absent.
What each one is
The product in its own terms, so the numbers below have context.
Owncast
An open source streaming server that runs on your infrastructure using standard protocols, featuring built-in chat, moderation, custom branding, and no subscription fees or viewer limits.
StreamYard
LeaderA cloud-based video studio that allows users to produce, broadcast, and record video content with support for remote participant joining, customizable branding and graphics, and simultaneous distribution to multiple streaming platforms.
Pricing
List pricing as published by each vendor, with the date we read it. Always verify at the source before you buy.
StreamYard
LeaderFrom $35/month. Free tier available.
- FreeFree
- Essential studio resources
- 6 on-screen participants
- 1 seat
- Individual use only
- StreamYard branding on broadcasts
- Core$35/month
- Full HD 1080p output
- Live recording to platform
- Unlimited local recordings
- Custom RTMP destinations
- Guest destinations
- +9 more
- Advanced$68/month
- All Core features
- 15 backstage participants
- 4-hour pre-recorded broadcast capability
- On-air webinars for up to 100 viewers
- Custom source inputs
- +1 more
Platform & deployment
Where each product runs and how it can be hosted. A dash means undocumented, not unsupported.
Integrations
What each product connects to. Counts come from the vendor's own integration directory where one exists.
Owncast
- Mastodon
- ActivityPub
- Webhooks
StreamYard
Leader- YouTube
Owncast or StreamYard: which one depends on you
A composite score cannot know your constraints. Describe them and both get re-weighted against what you actually need, with the evidence behind every position.
Free to run, no account needed to start. How the evaluation works
Comparison generated from independently-sourced facts. Every value links to its source and retrieval date. See the method.