# Lightstream vs Owncast

| Attribute | Lightstream | Owncast |
|---|---|---|
| **Vioscale score** | 25.5 (25% (low)) | 21.7 (7% (low)) |
| deployment.options | `{"cloud":true}` | `{"cloud":true,"self_hosted":true}` |
| description.long | Lightstream is a streaming toolkit that enables creators to add professional overlays, graphics, transitions, and effects to their live streams across platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer. It's designed to simplify stream production without requiring advanced technical knowledge. | 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. |
| features.capabilities | `{"pricing_model":"flat_monthly_subscription","architecture_model":"browser_cloud_studio","custom_lower_thirds_graphics_and_brand_overlays":true}` | `{"pricing_model":"free_open_source","gpl_or_permissive_oss_license":true}` |
| integrations.count | 5 | 2 |
| integrations.list | `[{"name":"Rainmaker","native":false},{"name":"StreamElements","native":false},{"name":"Twitch","native":true},{"name":"YouTube","native":true},{"name":"Mixer","native":true}]` | `[{"name":"Mastodon","native":true,"category":"social","direction":"bidirectional"},{"name":"ActivityPub","native":true,"category":"social","direction":"bidirectional"}]` |
| market.availability | `{"hqCountry":"US","primaryMarkets":[],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` | - |
| platform.support | `{"web":true}` | `{"cli":true,"web":true}` |
| pricing | `{"type":"subscription","sourceUrl":"https://golightstream.com/lightstream-studio-pricing-updates/","retrievedAt":"2026-09-01T14:41:00.343Z"}` | `{"type":"open_source","summary":"Free and open source with no subscriptions or viewer limits.","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://owncast.online","retrievedAt":"2026-09-01T14:45:48.812Z"}` |
| pricing.free_tier | yes | yes |
| pricing.model | commercial | open_source |
| pricing.price_level | unknown | free |
| pricing.transparent | no | - |
| security.disclosure_policy | - | yes |
| security.trust_center | - | https://owncast.online/security |

## Capabilities (Live Streaming)

| Capability | Lightstream | Owncast |
|---|:--:|:--:|
| **Capabilities** |  |  |
| Architecture model | Browser cloud studio | - |
| Simulcast multi destination rtmp output hub | - | - |
| Remote guest browser invites for interviews webrtc | - | - |
| Custom lower thirds graphics and brand overlays | ✓ | - |
| ISO track recording for isolated guest audio video | - | - |
| Hardware encoding acceleration nvenc quicksync | - | - |
| Srt secure reliable transport protocol support | - | - |
| Multi network unified aggregated chat feed | - | - |
| Chroma key green screen and virtual backgrounds | - | - |
| Ndi network device interface feed ingestion | - | - |
| SOC2 type ii | - | - |
| Gpl or permissive oss license | - | ✓ |
| Pricing model | Flat monthly subscription | Free open source |

*Source: Vioscale. Generated 2026-09-01T17:33:28.420Z. "-" = undocumented, not absent.*