We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It never changes a score or a ranking. How we make money
It's a split decision.
Choose StreamYard for browser-based multistreaming, remote guests and a simpler setup. Its Essential plan is $14.99 per month billed annually, or $18.99 monthly. Choose vMix for Windows-based production with camera inputs, replay and advanced switching. Basic HD costs $60 one time; MAX is $50 per month. These are different tools, not direct substitutes: StreamYard favors access and ease, while vMix offers more production controls and requires Windows.
01Side by side
| StreamYard | vMix | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $14.99/month annually; $18.99 monthly | $60 one-time Basic HD; MAX $50/month |
| Free plan | Yes; 2 recording hours monthly, 1 seat | No; 60-day free trial |
| Best for | Browser-based multistreaming and remote interviews | Windows live production and switching |
| Core strength | Easy multistreaming, branding and guest access | Multi-source production, replay and ISO recording |
| Learning curve | Higher ease-of-use review score: 8.8 | Lower ease-of-use review score: 6 |
| Integrations/data | Social destinations; local device recordings | Camera, NDI, SRT and video-call inputs |
| Team/seat costs | Free plan has 1 seat; Business pricing is custom | Seat limits and team pricing not published |
| Support | Review support score: 4.5 | Review support score: 7 |
StreamYard Choose StreamYard if
- Choose StreamYard if you want browser-based streaming.
- Choose StreamYard if remote guests need no downloads.
- Choose StreamYard if you need social multistreaming.
vMix Choose vMix if
- Choose vMix if you produce on Windows.
- Choose vMix if you need multi-camera replay.
- Choose vMix if you want a lifetime license option.
02Pricing compared
StreamYard has a free plan, but it adds a logo to streams and limits local recordings to 2 hours per month. Essential costs $18.99 monthly or $14.99 per month with annual billing; it includes multistreaming to two destinations and Full HD. Core is $44.99 monthly or $35.99 annually, while Advanced is $88.99 monthly or $68.99 annually. StreamYard lists a 7-day trial.
vMix costs more upfront: Basic HD is $60 one time, HD is $350, 4K is $700 and Pro is $1,200. MAX is the subscription option at $50 per month. The one-time licenses include 12 months of free updates; MAX includes updates while subscribed. vMix lists a 60-day trial and no free plan. The cheaper choice depends on billing preference: StreamYard spreads costs over time, while vMix has lifetime-license options.
03Features and depth
These tools solve different production problems. StreamYard runs in a browser and focuses on multistreaming, remote guests and branded output. Its product information lists streaming to platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and Twitch. Guests can join from a browser or phone, and local recording saves separate audio and video files per device. StreamYard also supports on-screen comments and offers On-Air webinars; the Advanced plan lists webinars for up to 100 viewers.
vMix is Windows software built for more involved live production. It accepts cameras, capture cards, IP cameras and audio devices, with NDI, SRT and video-call inputs. It can stream to multiple destinations, and vMix Call supports up to eight remote guests on Pro and MAX. The 4K and Pro editions include ISO recording, while instant replay supports up to eight camera sources on Pro and MAX. The practical trade-off is breadth of production controls versus a browser-first workflow—not a simple feature-for-feature match.
04Ease of use and learning curve
StreamYard is the more accessible starting point if you want to go live without installing Windows production software. Its browser workflow lets guests join without downloading an app, and branding tools cover logos, colors and overlays. The free plan is a way to try basic streaming, though its recording cap and StreamYard logo may make it unsuitable for regular branded shows.
vMix requires a Windows PC and offers a deeper production setup, including camera inputs, overlays, replay and call features. That control comes with more to configure and a steeper learning curve for people who only need straightforward social streaming. Its 60-day trial gives more time to assess the software than StreamYard’s 7-day trial, but neither replaces checking that your computer and production needs fit.
Questions people ask
What is vMix?
vMix is live video production and streaming software for Windows PCs. It lets users mix, switch, record and stream productions using inputs such as cameras, IP cameras, NDI, SRT and video calls. It also supports multi-destination streaming and, on higher editions, instant replay and ISO recording.
How much is StreamYard per month?
StreamYard has a free plan. Essential is $18.99 per month, or $14.99 per month with annual billing. Core costs $44.99 monthly or $35.99 annually, and Advanced costs $88.99 monthly or $68.99 annually. Business pricing is custom, according to the published pricing information.
Is anything better than OBS?
That depends on what you need, and the available product information does not compare either tool directly with OBS. StreamYard prioritizes browser-based multistreaming and guest access; vMix offers Windows-based production controls. Compare those needs, pricing and system requirements with OBS before switching.
Which version of vMix is free?
The published vMix pricing information lists no free plan or free edition. It lists a 60-day trial, then paid options: Basic HD at $60 one time, HD at $350, 4K at $700, Pro at $1,200, or MAX at $50 per month.