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Streamlabs vs Castr: Best Stream Choice in 2026?

door | Last updated Jun 3, 2026

Winnaar
Streamlabs-logo
4.3
  • Gratis abonnement beschikbaar
  • Multistream to Twitch, YT, FB
  • 250+ Free Overlay Themes
  • Built-in Tips & Alerts
  • iOS & Android App
  • Up to 4K Recording
  • Ultra from $27/month
Tweede plaats
Castr
3.3
  • Stream to 30+ Platforms
  • Akamai CDN Delivery
  • Cloud Recording up to 72 Hours
  • Built-in Paywall Monetization
  • IP Camera (RTSP) Streaming
  • Free 7-Day Starter Trial
  • Plans from $12.5/month

⚡ Kort oordeel:

  • Prijzen: Streamlabs has a free version, with Ultra at $27/mo. Castr pricing starts at $12.5/month and scales to $250/month.
  • Het meest geschikt voor: Streamlabs suits gamers and content creators. Castr fits bedrijf broadcast media and large-scale live video streaming.
  • Belangrijkste verschil: Streamlabs is desktop streamingsoftware you install. Castr is a cloud live streaming platform built on Akamai CDN.
  • Onze keuze: Streamlabs for most users, because it bundles overlays, alerts, and editing into one user friendly app.
Streamlabs vs Castr Comparison

Both tools promise to push your stream to multiple platforms at once.

But Streamlabs and Castr are built for very different creators.

Streamlabs is computer software you install to go live.

Castr is a cloud live streaming platform that runs in your browser.

One is made for gamers and solo content creators.

The other is made for broadcast media and bedrijf teams.

Overzicht

This Streamlabs vs Castr comparison covers pricing, features, and ease of use.

We also break down who each streaming software works best for.

Onze bronnen omvatten gepubliceerde specificaties, documentatie en gebruikersrecensies.

Our writers also spent hands-on time with each app.

Die bevindingen staan ​​in de onderstaande secties onder 'Wat ons team heeft opgemerkt'.

This Streamlabs review and Streamlabs Ultra review go into more detail than most.

By the end, you will know whether to gebruik Streamlabs or Castr.

Wat is Streamlabs?

Streamlabs is streaming software for gamers and content creators.

It is built on the open-source Streamlabs OBS engine.

The Streamlabs Desktop app lets you record and live stream for free.

You can broadcast to YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook from one place.

It adds stream overlays, alerts, and chat tools that raw OBS lacks.

Many creators say Streamlabs makes the setup incredibly easy.

It was once branded Streamlabs Prime, and the apps now span desktop and mobile.

Once you have started streaming, the dashboard keeps tips and chat together.

Hoe je Streamlabs Desktop in 2025 instelt

Streamlabs

⭐ 4.3/5 | 💰 Free version, Ultra from $27/mo

A powerful tool for streaming and recording. It bundles overlays, alerts, and editing into one user friendly desktop app.

Streamlabs-prijzen

Here is what Streamlabs costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.

PlanPrijsHet beste voor
Streamlabs StarterAltijd gratis.New streamers testing the free version
Streamlabs Ultra$27/maandCreators who want all the tools in one ultra subscription

Pricing verified June 2026.

Streamlabs-prijzen

Gratis proefperiode: The Starter plan is free forever. The Streamlabs Ultra subscription can be billed annually for a lower effective rate.

Geld-terug-garantie: Streamlabs handles refunds case by case through support. Cancel any time before renewal.

📌 Opmerking: The Streamlabs Ultra subscription unlocks Talk Studio Pro, Cross Clip Pro, and Video-editor Pro. It can also add features and add ons, plus extra overlay elements. The Cross Clip Pro editor turns long streams into short clips for other services.

⚠️ Waarschuwing: Streamlabs is resource intensive. High CPU usage can cause performance issues on older PCs.

Key Benefits of Streamlabs

Here is what makes Streamlabs worth considering:

  • One free app: The free version handles streaming and recording on one screen. You can start streaming without a paid version.
  • Easy customization: Pick from 250+ premade overlays and themes. The customization options need no code.
  • Multistream built in: Push one live stream to YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook at the same time.
  • Creator tools: Talk Studio handles remote guests, replacing older tools like Skype. Cross Clip Pro and Video Editor Pro cover video editing tools.
  • Built-in tipping: Collect tips through the Streamlabs console with only standard processing fees.
  • Mobile and desktop: The Streamlabs app works on iOS and Android, plus Windows and macOS.
De belangrijkste voordelen van Streamlabs

Wat ons team opmerkte

Ons schrijver signed up for Streamlabs and used it for everyday streams. Here is what stood out from that hands-on time:

Controleer je analyses.

Streamlabs Pros & Cons

✅ Voordelen
  • Free version covers streaming and recording with no time limit
  • User friendly interface that is great for newer users
  • 250+ premade overlays and easy customization options
  • Multistream and built-in tips in one place
❌ Nadelen
  • Resource intensive, with high CPU usage on weak machines
  • No native Linux support, unlike plain OBS
  • Fewer specialized plugins than the open-source OBS program

Wat is Castr?

Castr is a cloud live streaming platform for business broadcast.

It connects to an encoder like OBS and sends your signal out.

Castr live streaming pushes one feed to over 30 streaming platforms.

It runs on the Akamai CDN for stable video streaming.

You can host live and pre recorded videos with one account.

It also streams RTSP IP cameras straight into the dashboard.

Castr suits online media, entertainment broadcasts, and livestreaming for business.

It can run many livestreams from one account at the same time.

Demonstratie van het Castr live streamingplatform

Castr

⭐ 3.3/5 | 💰 From $12.5/month

A live streaming platform built for business. It hosts video, runs a paywall, and delivers streams through the Akamai CDN.

Castr-prijzen

Castr pricing has five tiers. Here is the full breakdown.

PlanPrijsHet beste voor
Starter$12,50/maandSolo creators starting live streams
Standaard$33,50/maandKlein bedrijf with steady audience
Professioneel$62,50 per maandMedia production with more bandwidth
Premie$104,50/maandHigh-volume live video streaming
Ultra$250/maandLarge broadcast media teams

Pricing verified June 2026.

Castr-prijzen

Gratis proefperiode: Castr offers a free 7-day trial on the Starter plan, with limited bandwidth and video storage.

Geld-terug-garantie: You can upgrade or downgrade any plan at any time with no contract.

📌 Opmerking: Higher plans add more concurrent streams, multistream destinations, and TB upfront bandwidth. A custom plan is available on request.

⚠️ Waarschuwing: The paywall standard tier and full analytics only unlock on higher plans. Check limits before you upgrade.

Key Benefits of Castr

Here is what makes Castr worth considering:

  • Multistream reach: Send live streams to Facebook pages, YouTube, and custom RTMP sites at once.
  • Akamai backbone: Akamai CDN delivery cuts buffering and keeps quality stable for viewers.
  • Built-in monetization: Charge your audience with the paywall standard option and in-stream advertising.
  • Flexible ingest: Use RTMP, RTSP, HLS, or an HLS url, plus a failover backup to lower risk.
  • Cloud and OTT: Cloud recording, video hosting, and a white-label OTT platform for Roku and Apple TV.
  • Responsieve ondersteuning: A live chat team answers requests fast, which users call amazing.
Castr Belangrijkste voordelen

Wat ons team opmerkte

Our writer set up Castr with OBS as the encoder and ran a few test live streams. Here is what stood out:

Castr gebruiken

Castr Pros & Cons

✅ Voordelen
  • Stable, low-latency delivery through the Akamai CDN
  • Built-in paywall and advertising to monetize a stream
  • Streams from IP cameras and custom RTMP destinations
  • Responsive live chat support team
❌ Nadelen
  • Needs a separate encoder, so it is not beginner friendly
  • Cloud recording storage caps at 3 days
  • Top features and bandwidth sit behind costlier plans

Functievergelijking

Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Streamlabs vs Castr? We will explore nine key features so you can match each tool to your needs.

FunctieStreamlabsCastr
StartprijsFree / $27 mo$12,50/maand
Gratis plan❌ (7-daagse proefperiode)
Multiple Platforms✅ (30+)
Desktop Encoder Built In
Streamoverlays
Paywall / MonetizationTips only✅ Paywall
Akamai CDN
Videobewerkingstools
Het beste voorCreatorsBusiness broadcast

1. Multistreaming to Multiple Platforms

Streamlabs: Multistream sends your live stream to YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook from one app. The free version handles the popular streaming platform list well. Setup uses automatic account linking, so newer users can broadcast in minutes.

Hoe je gratis meerdere platforms tegelijk kunt streamen op Streamlabs (Twitch, YouTube, TikTok)

Castr: Castr broadcasts to over 30 streaming platforms and custom RTMP sites at the same time. It pulls the stream key and url from each platform. This scale fits business audiences more than solo streaming.

Hoe je met Castr.io kunt multistreamen naar YouTube, Facebook, Twitter en meer.

2. Streaming Software and Encoder

Streamlabs: Streamlabs Desktop is the encoder itself. You capture your screen, a capture card, or a camera inside the program. The Streamlabs OBS base gives full control over scenes without extra software.

Hoe je Streamlabs Desktop in 2025 instelt

Castr: Castr is not an encoder. You need encoder software like OBS to feed it a signal. You set Castr as a custom RTMP link, then it handles delivery and hosting from the cloud.

⚠️ Waarschuwing: Castr needs a stable connection and a separate encoder. Streamlabs bundles both, which is simpler for beginners.

3. Recording and Video Storage

Streamlabs: Streamlabs records locally to your device in up to 4K quality. There is no cloud cap because files save to your own disk. This suits creators who edit footage after the stream.

Castr Video Hosting Afbeelding

Castr: Castr stores recordings in the cloud for up to 72 hours, with a 3-day storage window. It also hosts pre recorded videos and serves an HLS url for video on demand to OTT apparaten.

4. Stream Overlays and Customization

Streamlabs: Streamlabs ships 250+ premade overlays and alert box themes. The easy customization options let you brand a stream fast. This is a top reason creators pick it over plain OBS, which ships none.

Streamlabs streamoverlays

Castr: Castr focuses on delivery, not on-screen design. Overlays come from your encoder, not from Castr. It does add custom video galleries to showcase your brand or business.

Castr White Label OTT-platform

5. Monetization and Paywall

Streamlabs: Streamlabs collects tips through its built-in payment feature. It does not take a cut, so only standard processing fees apply. There is no paywall for gated video, though.

How to monetize live and on demand videos with Castr's in-stream ads

Castr: Castr adds a true paywall standard feature. You charge viewers for access and run in-stream advertising. This makes it stronger for paid events and gated content.

6. Cloud Delivery and Akamai CDN

Streamlabs: Streamlabs sends your feed straight to each platform from your PC. Stream quality depends on your own internet speeds and hardware. There is no extra delivery layer in between.

Castr Cloud Live Video Transcoding Server

Castr: Castr is built on top of Akamai CDN. It uses adaptive bitrate and a failover ingest to keep streams stable. Using multiple sources at once can lower latency and reduce buffering.

7. Video Editing Tools and Repurposing

Streamlabs: The ultra subscription bundles a video editor, Cross Clip Pro, and auto subtitles. Cross Clip Pro editor turns a long live stream into short clips. Podcast repurposing helps you post across other services.

Hergebruik van Streamlabs-podcasts

Castr: Castr has no built-in video editor. Its transcoder and cloud playout handle delivery, not editing. You would edit elsewhere, then host the finished video on Castr.

Castr Transcoder Afbeelding

8. Ease of Use and Interface

Streamlabs: Streamlabs has a user friendly dashboard that newer users grasp fast. Account linking and premade themes mean you can create a stream in one sitting. It is widely seen as beginner friendly.

Aanpasbare videosjabloon van Streamlabs

Castr: Castr has a clean dashboard, but the encoder step adds a learning curve. Once set up, users report it works without glitches during live events. Reviews call the service reliable with minimal downtime.

Castr IP-camerastreaming

9. Analytics and Viewer Engagement

Streamlabs: Streamlabs adds chat integration and alerts that boost viewer engagement. Its analytics track viewers and tips in the same console. This keeps a creator’s community in one window.

Streamlabs-waarschuwingsvensterthema's

Castr: Castr gives video analytics with a 30-day retention window for real-time gegevens. You can schedule a livestream and embed the player on your own website. The focus is broadcast metrics, not chat.

Hoe converteer je live video naar VOD met Castr?

10. Prijsbepaling en kosten

Laten we de prijsplannen eens naast elkaar vergelijken.

PlanStreamlabsCastr
Gratis / ProefversieFree version7-daagse proefperiode
Invoer$12,50/maand
Midden$33.5–$62.5/month
PremieUltra $27/month$104,50/maand
Bovenkant$250/maand

Streamlabs: The free version covers most solo creators. The ultra subscription at $27/month, billed annually, adds the full toolset. For a single creator, this is the cheaper route.

Castr: Castr pricing starts higher and climbs with bandwidth. The $12.5/month Starter is fine to explore, but business plans cost more. You pay for scale, delivery, and the paywall.

Verschillende scenario's

Als u het nodig heeft...KiezenWaarom
A free toolStreamlabsTruly free version
Overlays and alertsStreamlabs250+ premade overlays
A paywall for eventsCastrBuilt-in paywall standard
Rock-stable deliveryCastrAkamai CDN backbone
Beginnersvriendelijke installatieStreamlabsNo separate encoder

💰 Jouw budget

Streamlabs is free to start and $27/mo for Ultra. Castr pricing begins at $12.5/month but rises fast with bandwidth.

🔌 Jouw technologie-stack

Streamlabs is one app with the encoder built in. Castr needs a separate encoder and a stable connection to broadcast.

📝 Jouw contentstijl

Streamlabs fits gaming, IRL, and content creation. Castr fits webinars, paid events, and live video streaming for business.

🎓 Jouw ervaringsniveau

Streamlabs is beginner friendly with premade themes. Castr rewards users who know how to manage an encoder.

🆓 Gratis proefversies en demo's

Streamlabs has a free version with no time limit. Castr gives a free 7-day trial on the Starter plan.

🛟 Ondersteuningsopties

Both offer a real support team. Castr’s live chat is praised as responsive, while Streamlabs covers in-app help and docs.

🔒 Your Data Privacy and Beveiliging

Both tools treat security as a priority. For example, Castr serves streams over a secure delivery layer while Streamlabs links your accounts safely.

Overstaphandleiding

Gebruik je al een van deze tools? Dit kun je verwachten als je overstapt.

🔄 Switching from Streamlabs to Castr?

✅ Wat je eraan hebt:

  • A real paywall to charge your audience
  • Akamai CDN delivery with adaptive bitrate
  • IP camera streaming and an HLS url for OTT

❌ Wat je verliest:

  • The free version and built-in encoder
  • Premade stream overlays and alerts
  • The Cross Clip Pro editor and video editor

📋 Zo schakel je over:

  1. Keep OBS or Streamlabs Desktop as your encoder
  2. Create a Castr account and pick a plan
  3. Add Castr’s RTMP url to your encoder and go live
🔄 Switching from Castr to Streamlabs?

✅ Wat je eraan hebt:

  • A free version with the encoder built in
  • 250+ overlays and easy customization
  • Built-in tips and video editing tools

❌ Wat je verliest:

  • The cloud paywall and in-stream advertising
  • Akamai CDN delivery and failover ingest
  • IP camera and white-label OTT hosting

📋 Zo schakel je over:

  1. Download the Streamlabs app for desktop
  2. Link your YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook account
  3. Pick an overlay theme and start streaming

Wat onze recensie niet behandelde

This comparison focused on solo creators and kleine onderneming teams. We did not test large enterprise broadcast setups or peer-to-peer redundancy at scale. Our notes are based on the June 2026 versions, so features may change. If you run paid events with thousands of remote guests, your priorities may differ from what we covered here.

Eindconclusie

CategorieWinnaar
💰 PrijzenStreamlabs
🚀 Creator FeaturesStreamlabs
⚡ Delivery / StabilityCastr
🎯 MonetizationCastr
👶 GebruiksgemakStreamlabs
🔌 Multistream ReachCastr
🏆 Algemene winnaarStreamlabs

🏆 WINNER: STREAMLABS

Streamlabs wins 4 out of 6 categories.

Het meest geschikt voor: Gamers, solo content creators, and newer users who want one free app.

Streamlabs and Castr solve two different problems. Streamlabs is an all-in-one app for content creation, overlays, and tips. Castr is a cloud platform for business broadcast and gated, paid video.

Castr is excellent for paywalled events and stable, large-scale delivery. If your audience pays to watch, its paywall and Akamai CDN make sense.

For most creators who just want to start streaming today, Streamlabs is the better choice. It is cheaper, friendlier, and packed with many features in one tool.

More of Streamlabs Compared

Here is how Streamlabs stacks up against other streaming platforms:

Streamlabs vs Restream

Streamlabs wint op: Built-in encoder, free desktop app, 250+ overlay themes

Restream wint op: Browser-based studio, scheduling tools, more native destinations

Streamlabs vs StreamYard

Streamlabs wint op: Full control over scenes, capture card support, local 4K recording

StreamYard wint op: Inviting remote guests by link, no install, simpler interview layout

Streamlabs versus Riverside

Streamlabs wint op: Live gaming overlays, on-screen alerts, built-in tipping

Riverside wint dankzij: Local-recorded podcast quality, separate guest tracks, studio-grade audio

More of Castr Compared

Here is how Castr stacks up against other live streaming platforms:

Castr vs Restream

Castr wint op: Akamai CDN backbone, paywall standard monetization, IP camera ingest

Restream wint op: Built-in browser studio, easier guest invites, simpler chat tools

Castr versus StreamYard

Castr wint op: White-label OTT platform, HLS url for VOD, failover ingest for reliability

StreamYard wint op: No encoder needed, faster setup, friendlier for casual hosts

Castr vs Ecamm

Castr wint op: Cloud delivery to 30+ platforms, video hosting, in-stream advertising

Ecamm wint op: Mac-native production, deeper on-screen design, local recording control

Veelgestelde vragen

Is Streamlabs een goed merk?

Yes. Streamlabs is a strong, user friendly tool for streaming and recording. It bundles overlays, alerts, and editing into one app, which is why many creators rate it highly.

Is het beter om OBS of Streamlabs te gebruiken?

OBS gives more plugins and lower CPU usage. Streamlabs is easier for beginners thanks to premade overlays and account linking. Pick OBS for control, Streamlabs for speed.

Wat kost Castr?

Castr pricing starts at $12.5/month for the Starter plan. It scales up through Standard, Professional, and Premium, reaching $250/month on the Ultra plan for large teams.

Naar welke platforms kan Castr streamen?

Castr broadcasts to over 30 destinations at once. These include YouTube, Facebook pages, Twitch, and any custom RTMP site, all delivered through the Akamai CDN.

Is Streamlabs echt gratis?

Yes. The Streamlabs Starter plan is free forever and covers streaming and recording. The Ultra subscription at $27/mo only adds premium creator tools you may not need.

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