⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Tarification : Zencastr starts at $24/month vs Streamlabs Ultra at $27/month (both offer free plans)
- Idéal pour : Zencastr for podcast recordings and remote interviews, Streamlabs for live streaming and content creation
- Différence principale : Zencastr records voix locally at 16 bit 48k WAV per guest; Streamlabs is built around live stream production with overlays, tipping, and multistream
- Our pick: Zencastr for podcasters who need crystal clear audio without internet connection issues
Picking between Streamlabs and Zencastr depends on one thing.
Are you here to diffusion en direct, or to record a podcast?
Both tools touch podcasting, but they solve very different problems.
Zencastr is built for high quality audio with remote guests.
Streamlabs is built for live streaming with overlays and alerts.
This guide breaks down which tool fits your workflow.
Aperçu
This Streamlabs vs Zencastr comparison covers pricing, audio quality, video quality, and core features.
It also looks at who each app fits best in 2026.
Notre écrivain signed up for Streamlabs and spent time exploring the platform.
Observations on Zencastr come from official documentation and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which platform fits your needs.
Qu'est-ce que Zencastr ?
Zencastr is a podcast recording platform built for remote interviews.
It lets you record high quality audio with guests anywhere in the world.
Each guest’s voix locally records on their own device.
Zencastr records a lossless 16-bit 48k WAV audio track per guest.
Files upload to the cloud in real time as redundant backups.
Over 100,000 podcasters and content creators use Zencastr around the world.
Zencastr
Record studio quality podcast interviews from anywhere. Each guest’s audio file records on their computer for crystal clear audio.
Tarification de Zencastr
Here’s what Zencastr costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | $0 | Hobbyists who started podcasting |
| Grandir | 24 $/mois | Serious creators ready to monetize |
| Échelle | 40 $/mois | Professional podcast hosts and agencies |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : Yes — paid plans offer a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
Garantie de remboursement : The free plan lets you test core features before paying. Cancel anytime.
📌 Note: The free plan allows two guests and 8 hours of recording per month. Hosting is bundled into paid plans, which typically saves $12-$15 per month versus a separate host.
⚠️ Avertissement: The free plan has a limit on unlimited transcriptions and AI features. Check the plan details if your podcast production process leans on AI editing.
Key Benefits of Zencastr
Here’s what makes Zencastr worth considering:
- Enregistrement local : Zencastr records voice locally on each guest’s device. This keeps your sound clean and eliminates audio quality issues caused by a weak internet connection.
- Separate Audio Tracks: Each guest gets their own audio track. Easy editing follows because you can fix one voice without touching others.
- Édition assistée par l'IA : Built-in AI removes filler words and lets you edit the audio by editing a texte transcription.
- Enregistrement vidéo : Zencastr supports up to 4K video recording when you use a compatible webcam or camera.
- Integrated Hosting: Distribute to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other platforms from one dashboard.
- Ad Marketplace: Zencastr’s ad marketplace matches your show with advertisers so you can monetize without chasing deals.
- Application mobile : The iOS app captures local multi-track audio on iPhone and iPad with the same quality as desktop.
What Our Team Noticed
We have not had extensive hands-on time with Zencastr yet, so the points below come from official Zencastr documentation, G2 reviews, and user reports from podcasters who use the platform regularly.
G2 reviews highlight the clean, easy-to-use interface and praise Zencastr’s setup for newer users. Reviewers also note that the virtual green room helps test mics before the recording session starts.
Some reviewers mention occasional technical glitches and dropouts during calls, especially with weaker internet connections. A few wish Zencastr was available on more platforms beyond the web app.
Zencastr Pros & Cons
✅ Avantages
- Records lossless 16-bit 48k WAV audio per guest for studio quality output
- Local recording prevents drops from internet connection issues
- Separate audio tracks make easy editing in any DAW
- Built-in VoIP, chat box, and live editing during the recording session
❌ Inconvénients
- Not available on all platforms beyond the web app
- Some users report occasional technical glitches during calls
- Free plan caps recording time and AI feature access
Qu'est-ce que Streamlabs ?
Streamlabs is computer software built for live streaming and content creation.
Streamlabs is built on the open-source OBS project, but it is not the same program.
Streamlabs Desktop lets you broadcast to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and other services from one app.
The Streamlabs Ultra subscription bundles every Streamlabs tool together.
Il comprend monteur vidéo Pro, Cross Clip Pro, Talk Studio Pro, and the Streamlabs Console.
Streamlabs is designed for newer users, with easy customization and built-in alerts.
Streamlabs
Live stream to multiple platforms with built-in overlays, alerts, and tipping. The Streamlabs Ultra plan adds Video Editor Pro and Cross Clip Pro.
Tarification de Streamlabs
Here’s what Streamlabs costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Streamlabs Starter | Gratuit, toujours | New streamers testing the free version |
| Streamlabs Ultra | 27 $/mois | Streamers who want all the tools in one subscription |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : Streamlabs offers a free version forever, so the paid version is opt-in only. No credit card required to start.
Garantie de remboursement : Streamlabs handles refund requests through customer support. Subscriptions cancel from the account settings.
📌 Note: The free version covers most streaming needs. The Ultra subscription unlocks premade overlays, the Video Editor, multistream, auto subtitles, and the full content creation suite.
⚠️ Avertissement: Streamlabs does not take a cut from tips, but standard processing fees still apply. Check the billing page before you start streaming for money.
Key Benefits of Streamlabs
Here’s what makes Streamlabs worth considering:
- Multistream Built-In: Broadcast to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Trovo, and custom RTMP from one program. No third-party service needed.
- 250+ Stream Overlays: Streamlabs makes customization easy with 250+ free themes and paid premade overlays for stream branding.
- Built-in Tipping & Alerts: Built-in payment features for donations and on-screen alert box themes. No coupon code needed to use them.
- Video Up to 4K: Streamlabs records and exports full video in up to 4K quality, the same ceiling as OBS Studio.
- Application mobile : The Streamlabs app on iOS and Android gives you the ability to stream from mobile appareils using your phone’s capture card or camera.
- Streamlabs Console: The Streamlabs Console centralizes chat, viewer engagement, alerts, analytics, and multiple sources in one window during a live stream.
- Auto Subtitles & Cross Clip Pro: Auto subtitles and the Cross Clip Pro editor turn streams into short-form clips for online media platforms.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Streamlabs and spent time testing the desktop streaming software. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
Streamlabs Pros & Cons
✅ Avantages
- User friendly interface that newer users pick up super easy
- Multistream to multiple platforms from a single app
- 250+ free themes plus premade overlays for easy customization
- Free version handles core streaming and recording without billed annually fees
❌ Inconvénients
- Resource intensive with higher CPU usage than OBS, can cause performance issues
- Lacks specialized plugin support and full control of OBS
- Streamlabs Prime tools sit behind the Ultra subscription paywall
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Streamlabs vs Zencastr? We’ll explore nine key features so you can decide which platform fits your needs.
| Fonctionnalité | Zencastr | Streamlabs |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Paid Price | 24 $/mois | 27 $/mois |
| Plan gratuit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Remote Podcast Recording | ✅ (16-bit 48k WAV) | ❌ Limité |
| Diffusion en direct | ❌ | ✅ Multiflux |
| Superpositions de flux | ❌ | ✅ 250+ themes |
| Vidéo 4K | ✅ | ✅ |
| Édition par IA | ✅ | ✅ (Video Editor) |
| Application mobile | ✅ iOS | ✅ iOS et Android |
| Idéal pour | Podcast interviews | Diffusion en direct |
1. Recording Quality
Zencastr : Zencastr records audio in lossless 16-bit 48k WAV format. That is the industry standard for studio quality podcast recordings. Each track captures one guest separately, so you start the editing process with crystal clear audio.
Streamlabs : Streamlabs records full video and audio for live streaming, with output up to 4K. It is built for stream broadcasting, not for recording high quality audio across multiple remote guests. For pure recording quality on voice, Zencastr wins.
2. Remote Recording & Guest Workflow
Zencastr : Zencastr records voice locally on each participant’s computer. A guest joins through a link with no software to install. The platform uploads each audio file to the cloud in real time as redundant backups. A built in VoIP keeps the host and co host talking during the session.
Streamlabs : Streamlabs Ultra Podcast tools let you host remote guests, but the focus stays on live streaming first. Streamlabs is best when the goal is broadcasting to an audience in real time rather than recording high quality audio for later post production.
⚠️ Avertissement: Internet connection drops can hurt both platforms. Zencastr’s local recording reduces the damage, but always ask guests to close other apps that eat bandwidth distribute load.
3. Live Streaming & Multistreaming
Zencastr : Zencastr is built around recording, not broadcasting. Zencastr streams are not the main use case here. You can publish to popular streaming platform destinations like Spotify and Apple Podcasts after the recording wraps.
Streamlabs : Streamlabs lets you stream to multiple platforms at once. The Ultra plan unlocks multistream to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook from one program. This is where Streamlabs makes the most sense for content creators who want viewer engagement live.
4. Stream Overlays & Customization
Zencastr : Zencastr offers an embeddable player and integrated hosting page for your website. There are no stream overlays because the tool focuses on the podcast production process rather than live broadcast visuals.
Streamlabs : Streamlabs gives you over 250 free themes plus paid premade overlays. Add features like alert box themes, donation goals, and chat widgets in a few clicks. Customization options run deep, with many features for stream branding that newer users can configure without code.
5. AI Editing & Post-Production
Zencastr : Zencastr includes AI-powered editing tools. You edit podcasts by modifying a generated text transcript. Post production features level audio, remove filler words, cut background noise, and normalize volume so the recording process feels less manual.
Streamlabs : Streamlabs Ultra includes Video Editor Pro and the Cross Clip Pro editor. These video editing tools turn long streams into vertical clips for online media and short-form video editor workflows. The Podcast Editor module also exists for podcasters inside the Streamlabs lineup.
6. Mobile & Multi-Device Recording
Zencastr : Zencastr offers an iOS app for recording on iPhone and iPad. You get the same local multi-track quality as on desktop. There is no Android app yet, so Android guests join through the mobile browser.
Streamlabs : The Streamlabs app supports both iOS and Android. You can start streaming from mobile devices, manage alerts, and even use your phone as a capture card in some setups.
7. Hosting, Distribution & Monetization
Zencastr : Zencastr includes integrated hosting and lets you distribute episodes to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other platforms. Post roll instant publish features let you push a finished episode live in one click. The ad marketplace pairs your podcast host channel with advertisers.
Streamlabs : Streamlabs leans on built-in tipping and donation tools. You can monetize streams in real time without losing money to platform cuts. It does not host podcast files, so you would still need another service for podcast distribution.
8. Facilité d'utilisation et d'installation
Zencastr : Zencastr makes setup straightforward. You create a Zencastr account, send a link, and start the recording session. The virtual green room lets guests test mics in a recording room style preview before the live take begins.
Streamlabs : Streamlabs is incredibly easy to set up versus raw OBS Studio. The Streamlabs OBS install pulls in your accounts, alerts, and themes automatically. New users can use Streamlabs to go from install to first live stream in under an hour, which makes Streamlabs a powerful tool for newer users.
9. Support, Audience & Resources
Zencastr : Zencastr is used by over 100,000 podcasters and creators worldwide. Support runs through email, help docs, and a Zencastr review knowledge base. Pro plan users get faster response times on tickets.
Streamlabs : Streamlabs has a dedicated customer support team. Streamlabs reviews highlight responsive support and a large community. The Streamlabs website hosts tutorials, premade overlays, and add ons. For more detail, the Streamlabs review pages, the Streamlabs Ultra review notes, and YouTube channel cover most setup questions.
10. Tarification et coût
Comparons les plans tarifaires côte à côte.
| Plan | Zencastr | Streamlabs |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | $0 (2 guests, 8 hrs/mo) | Free, always (Starter) |
| Niveau intermédiaire | Grow: $24/month | — |
| Niveau supérieur | Scale: $40/month | Streamlabs Ultra: $27/month |
Zencastr : Zencastr’s paid plans start at $24/month for Grow and $40/month for Scale. Hosting is bundled in, which can save the $12-$15 per month you would spend on a separate podcast host service.
Streamlabs : Streamlabs offers one paid version, Streamlabs Ultra, at $27/month. The free plan covers core streaming and recording for users who do not need premade overlays or the full content creation suite. A la carte options exist for individual tools, but the Ultra subscription gives the most value.
Différents scénarios
| Si vous avez besoin | Choisir | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal clear podcast audio | Zencastr | 16-bit 48k WAV local recording |
| Live streaming to Twitch/YouTube | Streamlabs | Multistream + overlays built in |
| Entretiens à distance | Zencastr | Records voice locally per guest |
| Donations and tipping | Streamlabs | Built-in payment for stream tips |
| Hosting included | Zencastr | Bundled distribution and ad marketplace |
| Free plan with most features | Streamlabs | Free Starter plan is generous |
💰 Votre budget
Both apps offer a free plan, so you can start without entering a credit card. The paid version of Streamlabs runs $27/month for Ultra, while Zencastr’s professional plan starts at $24/month.
🔌 Votre pile technologique
Zencastr integrates with Google Drive, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for podcast distribution. Streamlabs connects to Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and other services for live streaming.
📝 Votre flux de travail
If you need easy editing on separate tracks after a recorded session, Zencastr is the right fit. If you need many features in one tool for stream production, Streamlabs covers the recording and stream side together.
🎓 Votre niveau d'expérience
Both platforms work for users who just started podcasting or started streaming. Zencastr is super easy for first-time podcast hosts, and Streamlabs makes live streaming approachable for newer users.
🆓 Essais et démos gratuits
Test both apps before paying. Zencastr offers a free trial on paid plans with no credit card required, and Streamlabs has a free version forever to evaluate the program.
🛟 Options d'assistance
Streamlabs has a dedicated customer support team plus a large community for help. Zencastr support runs through email and help docs, with priority for paid users.
Guide de changement
Already use one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Zencastr to Streamlabs?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Multistream live broadcasting to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook from one app
- 250+ premade overlays plus easy customization for stream branding
- Built-in tipping and donation tools to monetize a live audience
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Lossless 16-bit 48k WAV local storage recording per guest
- Integrated podcast hosting and ad marketplace monetization
- Built-in AI editing tied to transcripts and unlimited transcriptions
📋 Comment changer :
- Export your podcast audio files from your Zencastr account dashboard
- Create a Streamlabs account and link your Twitch or YouTube channel
- Install Streamlabs Desktop and import your overlays and alerts
🔄 Switching from Streamlabs to Zencastr?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Studio-grade 16-bit 48k WAV recording for podcast interviews
- Built-in podcast distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
- AI editing that lets you cut audio by editing a text transcript
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Multistream live broadcasting to multiple streaming platforms at once
- Stream overlays, alerts, and viewer-facing widgets for live shows
- Built-in tipping and donation tools tied to live stream viewers
📋 Comment changer :
- Export your Streamlabs recordings and clips from the Streamlabs Console
- Sign up for a Zencastr account and pick the Free or Grow plan
- Send a recording link to your guest and start your first podcast episode
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual podcasters and content creators picking one tool. We did not test enterprise team accounts, custom SSO, or large-scale ad operations on either platform. Our review is based on the May 2026 versions of both apps, and features may have shifted since then. If you run a multi-host network or a large agency, your priorities may differ from what we have covered here.
Verdict final
| Catégorie | Gagnant |
|---|---|
| 💰 Tarification | Zencastr |
| 🎙️ Audio Quality | Zencastr |
| 📹 Live Streaming | Streamlabs |
| 🎨 Stream Overlays | Streamlabs |
| 🤖 AI Editing | Zencastr |
| 📱 Application mobile | Streamlabs |
| 🎯 Podcast Recordings | Zencastr |
| 🏆 Overall Winner (Podcasters) | Zencastr |
🏆 WINNER: ZENCASTR
Zencastr wins 5 out of 7 categories for podcasters.
Idéal pour : podcast interviews, remote interviews, and recording high quality audio with co host setups
Streamlabs and Zencastr serve two different jobs. Streamlabs is best for live streaming, alerts, and stream overlays. Zencastr is best for recording high quality audio with remote guests.
Streamlabs is a powerful tool for content creators who care about live audience engagement. The Streamlabs Ultra subscription bundles all the tools you need for the live side of things.
However, if your goal is podcasting with crystal clear audio and easy editing on separate tracks, Zencastr is the better choice. Pick the tool that matches the work, not the brand.
More of Zencastr Compared
Here’s how Zencastr stacks up against other podcast recording competitors:
Zencastr l'emporte sur : Lower entry price at $24/month, integrated ad marketplace, free plan with longer monthly recording cap
Riverside victoires sur : Sharper video quality up to 4K per track, more advanced studio production features, broader live streaming options
Zencastr l'emporte sur : Pure podcast focus, lossless WAV per guest, real-time cloud backups during recording
Podcastle l'emporte sur : Broader AI features for solo creators, cheaper personal plan, faster onboarding for solo episodes
Zencastr l'emporte sur : Studio-grade audio capture, integrated hosting for episode distribution, AI-powered transcript editing
Restream victoires sur : Multistream to many destinations, live audience interaction tools, broader live streaming integrations
Zencastr vs StreamYard
Zencastr l'emporte sur : Local recording for crystal clear audio, separate audio tracks per guest, podcast-first hosting and distribution
StreamYard l'emporte sur : Easier live broadcasting to social platforms, simpler webinar setup, lower entry cost for casual live shows
More of Streamlabs Compared
Here’s how Streamlabs stacks up against other streaming software competitors:
Streamlabs vs OBS Studio
Streamlabs l'emporte sur : Easier setup for newer users, built-in tipping and alerts, premade overlays out of the box
OBS Studio wins on: Lower CPU usage, full control via plugins, free and open source with no Ultra paywall
Streamlabs l'emporte sur : Desktop streaming software with capture card support, 250+ themes, deeper recording features
Restream gagne sur : Browser-based multistream that runs anywhere, easier guest invites, no install needed to go live
Streamlabs l'emporte sur : Full desktop control, advanced scene setups, deeper customization options for branded streams
StreamYard l'emporte sur : Browser-based and lighter on the computer, easier remote guests workflow, faster setup for podcast-style shows
Streamlabs l'emporte sur : Windows-first compatibility, free version for new streamers, lower long-term cost than Mac-only suites
Ecamm victoires sur : Mac-native polish, deeper interview workflows, cleaner presenter mode for talk shows
Foire aux questions
Is Zencastr still free to use?
Yes. Zencastr has a free plan that lets you record up to two guests for 8 hours per month, with no credit card required to sign up.
Streamlabs est-il vraiment gratuit ?
Yes. Streamlabs Starter is the free version of the software. Streamlabs Ultra is the paid version at $27/month for users who want all the tools in one subscription.
Which is better for podcasters, Streamlabs or Zencastr?
Zencastr is better for podcasters. It records voice locally in 16-bit 48k WAV per guest and ships with hosting plus l'IA editing. Streamlabs is built more for live streaming.
Zencastr peut-il enregistrer des vidéos ?
Yes. Zencastr supports recording video up to 4K if you have a compatible webcam or camera. It captures audio and video together for full video episodes.
Streamlabs est-il meilleur qu'OBS ?
For newer users, yes. Streamlabs is easier to set up and includes alerts, themes, and a tipping system. OBS is lighter on resources and gives full control if you can handle a steeper learning curve.
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