Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Wirecast VS Lightstream

Compare Wirecast VS Lightstream and see what are their differences

Wirecast logo Wirecast

Users in need of tools to edit their livestream broadcasts will find everything they need in Wirecast.

Lightstream logo Lightstream

Powerful, cloud-based live streaming studio.
  • Wirecast Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-22
  • Lightstream Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-05

Wirecast features and specs

  • Comprehensive Features
    Wirecast offers a broad range of features including multiple camera inputs, live switching, transitions, and graphic overlays which are ideal for professional streaming.
  • High-Quality Streaming
    It supports high-resolution streaming up to 4K, ensuring high-quality broadcasts for viewers.
  • Ease of Use
    Wirecast has an intuitive interface that is relatively easy to navigate, reducing the learning curve for new users.
  • Multi-Platform Support
    Allows for streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and custom RTMP servers.
  • Integrated Tools
    Comes with built-in tools like social media comment integration, instant replay, and NDI support that enhance the streaming experience.

Possible disadvantages of Wirecast

  • High Cost
    Wirecast is relatively expensive compared to other streaming software, which may not be feasible for hobbyists or small businesses.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software can be quite resource-heavy, requiring a powerful computer to run smoothly, which could be a limitation for some users.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic operations are straightforward, mastering its more advanced features can take significant time and practice.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Users have reported occasional crashes and bugs, which can be problematic during live streaming events.
  • Limited Free Options
    Although a trial version is available, it is limited in functionality, and transitioning to the full version requires a financial commitment.

Lightstream features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Lightstream offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned streamers.
  • No Downloads Required
    As a web-based application, Lightstream does not require any software downloads, allowing users to stream directly from their browser.
  • Cloud-based Overlays
    Users can create and manipulate overlays directly in the cloud, eliminating the need for powerful local hardware to manage complex streaming scenes.
  • Real-time Collaboration
    Lightstream enables real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously on the same projects or streams without delays.
  • Integration with Popular Platforms
    The service integrates seamlessly with popular streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, facilitating a smoother workflow for streamers.

Possible disadvantages of Lightstream

  • Limited Customization
    While the platform offers a variety of features, some users may find customization options limited compared to more robust software like OBS Studio.
  • Subscription Cost
    Lightstream requires a subscription for access to all features, which could be a drawback for users looking for a free solution.
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
    Being a cloud-based service, Lightstream's performance is highly dependent on the user's internet connection, which could be problematic in areas with unstable connectivity.
  • Advanced Features Restrictions
    Some advanced features are restricted to premium tiers, which might deter users who need these functions but are unable to subscribe at higher pricing levels.
  • Limited Offline Capabilities
    As a web-based service, Lightstream does not support offline use, which can be restrictive for users who may want to prepare streams without an active internet connection.

Analysis of Wirecast

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Wirecast by Telestream is generally considered a good option for live streaming and video production.

Why this product is good

  • Wirecast is praised for its wide range of features, including multi-camera switching, real-time editing, and professional transitions. It supports various input sources and streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously. The software is also recognized for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.

Recommended for

  • Content creators who require professional-grade streaming capabilities
  • Event organizers who need a reliable solution for broadcasting events live
  • Educational institutions looking for tools to facilitate remote learning and webinars
  • Businesses aiming to enhance their video conferencing and corporate communications
  • Non-profit organizations that want to reach a wider audience with live fundraising or awareness events

Wirecast videos

OBS vs Wirecast: Best Live Streaming Software?

More videos:

  • Review - Wirecast Overview
  • Review - vMix vs WireCast - Live Streaming Software Review

Lightstream videos

LightStream Personal Loans Review

More videos:

  • Review - Scott Tries Lightstream - and a Short Comparrison of Mac Streaming Apps
  • Review - LightStream Auto Loans Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Wirecast and Lightstream)
Live Streaming
53 53%
47% 47
Screen Recording
57 57%
43% 43
Video Streaming
0 0%
100% 100
Screenshot Annotation
69 69%
31% 31

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Wirecast and Lightstream

Wirecast Reviews

Best Streaming Software for 2021 (Twitch & Youtube)
Wirecast offers two paid versions of live streaming software: Wirecast Studio and Wirecast Pro. Wirecast clearly targets more professional streamers than those who use free software. Indeed, Wirecast's tagline is "Stream like a pro."
The Complete List of Video Marketing Tools (Updated for 2022)
Wirecast offers multi-platform streaming, that is if you’re willing to pay for the full version. The free version allows you to stream only to YouTube. The pro version includes replay, support for multiple capture devices, and a bunch of other technical features.

Lightstream Reviews

Top 15 Free Alternatives to OBS | Online Free Screen Recorder for PC
Lightstream is a free cloud-based application with a number of useful features, such as providing scenes and superimposed layers, which are very similar to those of OBS. In addition, because it is a cloud-based application, it consumes less CPU and does not affect game performance like OBS. You can use it instead of OBS in this regard.
Top 10 OBS Alternatives
Lightstream is a free cloud-based program that you can use instead of OBS. It has numerus useful features including integration with other popular tools like Streamlabs. It also allows for the use of scenes and overlays, similar to the ones you would find on OBS. But it is considerably easier to use, with a very navigable user interface.
Best Streaming Software for 2021 (Twitch & Youtube)
You can use LightStream Studio to stream to Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, and custom RTMP. It provides cloud-powered broadcasting accessed through a web browser. You can also capture Xbox and PlayStation gameplay for streaming to Twitch without a capture card.
14 Best OBS Studio Alternatives for Mac & Windows (2021)
It is similar to Lightstream as it is also designed for the low-end PC. If you need decent software for steaming with fewer features but with speed, then it will be best for you.
Source: techdator.net

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Lightstream seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 18 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Wirecast mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Wirecast yet. Tracking of Wirecast recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Lightstream mentions (18)

  • having crashing issues
    There's something called Golightstream: https://golightstream.com/ which is basically a cloud streaming service for your console and browser. It's sort of expensive ($20 / month for 720p 30fps annually) but it would remove the need for OBS and potentially save you more resources. There's a 7 day free trial. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can I Stream Directly Off Of My Ps5 To Apps Like Twitch & TikTok?
    If you want to be able to stream to other locations and add things to your stream, LightStream might be the best option. Source: over 2 years ago
  • can I get obs on xbox without a pc\laptop
    Not really, but there are services like Lightstreamthat give you similar functionality over the internet. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Self-hosted broadcast software
    Does anyone know of a self-hosted alternative to https://melonapp.com/ / https://golightstream.com/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Can you have a browser source when streaming using Xbox’s twitch app
    I would recommend using something like lightstream for overlays using Xbox: https://golightstream.com/. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Wirecast and Lightstream, you can also consider the following products

OBS Studio - Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming for Mac, Windows and Linux.

XSplit - Live stream and record your content with ease & share it to streaming services like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Mixer, etc. Start your broadcast today.

Flash Media Live Encoder - Browse for the technical support periods for products.

ShadowPlay - ShadowPlay

vMix - The vMix Software Video Mixer and Switcher is the complete live video production software solution.

Camtasia - Camtasia 2018 makes it easy to record your screen and create polished, professional-looking videos.