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Best Encoder for streaming

Turns the feed into a stream and sends it out. App on a phone, DIY board, or hardware.

Which encoder should you use for streaming?
StreamPartPicker tracks 34 encoder options for streaming, ordered by what each costs to run for a year: anything you buy once plus twelve months of subscription. Moblin (iOS) is the cheapest to run at Free, TVU One the most at $18,000. Options with no fixed price, free software and pay-per-GB data, sit first. Nothing here has a retailer rating to rank on, so cost and the specs below are the comparison, and none of it is lab-tested by us.
The H.265 Discount

H.265 (HEVC) reaches the same visible quality at roughly 70% of the H.264 bitrate, which is why a bonded IRL rig sending HEVC over SRT can hold a tier that the same connection cannot hold in H.264.

Why this rule

Ordered by first-year running cost, cheapest first. How we compare

Buy links are affiliate links: we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are tracked estimates, not live prices. Full disclosure

  1. 1

    Moblin (iOS)

    Free

    Free app encoder with SRTLA bonding straight to a relay. The cheapest real path on iPhone.

    Form
    Phone app
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    SRTLA
    Codec
    H.265
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  2. 2

    IRL Pro (Android)

    Freemium

    Android app encoder with bonding and relay support.

    Form
    Phone app
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    SRTLA
    Codec
    H.265
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  3. 3

    Larix Broadcaster

    Free / paid pro

    Cross-platform RTMP/SRT app with auto-reconnect. Simple and reliable.

    Form
    Phone app
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    SRT
    Codec
    H.265
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  4. 4

    Streamlabs Mobile

    Free, Ultra $19/mo

    The phone app most people go live with first: overlays, alerts and one button, pushing RTMP to Twitch, YouTube, Kick or a custom server.

    The catch: RTMP over a single cellular line with no SRT and no bonding, so a dead zone ends the stream instead of showing a BRB screen.

    Form
    Phone app
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    No (RTMP)
    Codec
    H.264
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  5. 5

    PRISM Live Studio (mobile)

    Free, Plus $9.99/mo

    Free mobile broadcaster with multi-destination RTMP, a readable chat overlay on the phone itself, and effects that do not eat the battery.

    The catch: One destination on the free tier and no SRT, so it belongs on a phone stream that stays near Wi-Fi or a strong cell.

    Form
    Phone app
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    No (RTMP)
    Codec
    H.264
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  6. 6

    CameraFi Live (Android)

    Free with ads

    Android app that streams the phone camera or a USB webcam and capture dongle plugged straight into the phone, RTMP to any server.

    The catch: Android only, ads on the free tier, and no SRT or bonding.

    Form
    Phone app
    HDMI in
    Via USB capture
    Bonding
    No (RTMP)
    Codec
    H.264
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  7. 7

    Twitch app (Go Live)

    Free

    Streaming from inside the Twitch app itself. Nothing to configure and chat is on the same screen, which is why so many IRL streams start here.

    The catch: The app picks the quality, tops out well below what Moblin or a relay build holds, and one lost signal ends the broadcast.

    Form
    Phone app (in-app)
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  8. 8

    Kick app (mobile streaming)

    Free

    Go live to Kick from the Kick app with the phone camera. Quick, and the platform allows a higher bitrate than Twitch standard.

    The catch: In-app only, so no custom server, no SRT and no relay; the extra bitrate headroom only helps while the cell signal is good.

    Form
    Phone app (in-app)
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  9. 9

    TikTok LIVE (in-app)

    Free

    Vertical live from the TikTok app. The platform reach is the whole point; the encoder is whatever the app decides.

    The catch: Needs 1,000 followers to unlock, portrait only, and no way to send from an external encoder without LIVE Studio on a PC.

    Form
    Phone app (in-app)
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  10. 10

    YouTube app (Go live)

    Free

    Mobile live from the YouTube app, landscape or portrait, with the replay saved to the channel automatically.

    The catch: Mobile live streaming needs 50 subscribers, the app controls quality, and there is no SRT or bonding.

    Form
    Phone app (in-app)
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  11. 11

    Instagram Live (in-app)

    Free

    Portrait live to followers from the Instagram app. Good for an audience that already lives there, not for a long IRL walk.

    The catch: Four-hour cap, portrait only, and the only external-encoder route is Live Producer on a desktop.

    Form
    Phone app (in-app)
    HDMI in
    No
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Learn more Use in Phone builds
  12. 12

    UNISHEEN 1080p60 HDMI SRT Encoder

    $100

    The cheapest standalone HDMI encoder that speaks SRT as well as RTMP. Plug a camera in, point it at a relay, and the phone is no longer the encoder.

    Form
    Pocket box, USB-C powered
    HDMI in
    1
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264 / H.265
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  13. 13

    Orange Pi 5 + belaBOX

    DIY hardware + free firmware$150

    Dedicated HDMI-in encoder running the free, open-source belaBOX firmware with SRTLA bonding. The DIY backpack heart.

    The catch: You assemble it: board, fan/heatsink case, and a microSD flashed with belaBOX via Etcher.

    Form
    DIY SBC
    HDMI in
    Yes
    Bonding
    SRTLA
    Codec
    H.265
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  14. 14

    URayCoder 1080p HEVC Encoder

    $169

    The 1080p sibling of the 4K URayCoder. Same web interface, same protocols, less to spend when the Twitch ceiling is the target anyway.

    Form
    Metal box, 12V
    HDMI in
    1
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264 / H.265
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  15. 15

    ZowieBox HDMI Encoder

    $171

    A pocket HDMI encoder that pushes RTMP or SRT from a camera without a phone or laptop in the chain. The budget field encoder.

    Form
    Pocket box, USB-C powered
    HDMI in
    1
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264 / H.265
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  16. 16

    URayCoder 4K HDMI HEVC Encoder

    $199

    A 4K-capable H.265 box with RTMP, SRT and RTSP out. Runs off a 12V barrel, so it wants a bank with a 12V output in the bag.

    Form
    Metal box, 12V
    HDMI in
    1
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264 / H.265, 4K
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  17. 17

    Raspberry Pi 5 (DIY SRT sender)

    $200

    The general-purpose board for a DIY encoder running ffmpeg or OBS headless. belaBOX does not support it, so bonding is not on the table; a single-line SRT sender is.

    Form
    DIY SBC
    HDMI in
    Via USB capture
    Bonding
    SRT (no SRTLA)
    Codec
    H.264 (software)
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  18. 18

    FEELWORLD LIVEPRO L1 V1 Video Switcher

    $246

    The most-reviewed budget four-input switcher, with USB out for OBS.

    Form
    Desk switcher, USB out
    HDMI in
    4
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    USB out (PC encodes)
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  19. 19

    OSEE GoStream Deck

    $295

    Four HDMI inputs, built-in RTMP streaming, and a price under the ATEM Mini Pro. The value pick for a two-camera desk stream.

    Form
    Desk switcher, streams direct
    HDMI in
    4
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  20. 20

    Blackmagic ATEM Mini

    $349

    Four HDMI cameras in, one USB webcam out. OBS still does the encoding, but switching happens on physical buttons.

    Form
    Desk switcher, USB out
    HDMI in
    4
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    USB webcam out (PC encodes)
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  21. 21

    Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro

    $353

    Four-input HDMI switcher that streams straight to Twitch or YouTube over Ethernet, no PC needed. Desk encoder with real buttons.

    Form
    Desk switcher, 12V
    HDMI in
    4
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  22. 22

    OSEE GoStream Duet

    $395

    A four-input switcher that streams to two destinations on its own and records to USB. The ATEM Mini alternative with SDI.

    Form
    Desk switcher, streams direct
    HDMI in
    2 HDMI + 2 SDI
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  23. 23

    Kiloview E3 Dual-Channel Encoder

    $499

    A two-input encoder (HDMI and 3G-SDI) with H.265 and SRT, from the KiloLink people. Five ratings so far.

    Form
    Standalone box, HDMI + SDI
    HDMI in
    1 + 1 SDI
    Bonding
    No (KiloLink separate)
    Codec
    H.264 / H.265, SRT, RTMP, NDI HX
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  24. 24

    FEELWORLD L4 Touchscreen Video Switcher

    $540

    A four-input switcher with a 10.1-inch touchscreen for multiview, and a USB output OBS sees as a camera.

    Form
    Desk switcher, 10.1 in touchscreen
    HDMI in
    4
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    USB out (PC encodes)
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  25. 25

    Hollyland VenusLiv

    $549

    A fixed-lens 4K camera that streams RTMP on its own over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. One box, one cable, live.

    Form
    Camera with built-in encoder
    HDMI in
    No (own sensor)
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  26. 26

    Blackmagic Web Presenter HD

    $569

    A broadcast-grade H.264 streamer with SDI and HDMI in and a front panel that shows the stream status. Overbuilt in the best way.

    Form
    Rack box, 12V
    HDMI in
    1 HDMI + 1 SDI
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  27. 27

    Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro ISO

    $576

    The ATEM Mini Pro plus isolated recording of every input to a USB drive, so a multi-camera stream can be re-edited afterwards.

    Form
    Desk switcher, 12V, ISO recording
    HDMI in
    4
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  28. 28

    Magewell Ultra Encode HDMI Plus

    $655

    A standalone HDMI encoder with loop-through that speaks SRT, RTMP, NDI HX and more, with H.265, in a box that runs from USB-C power.

    Form
    Standalone box, HDMI loop-through
    HDMI in
    1
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264 / H.265, SRT, RTMP, NDI HX
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  29. 29

    Roland V-1HD+

    $659

    Roland's four-input HDMI switcher with an audio mixer built in and a USB output OBS sees as a webcam. Faders, not menus.

    Form
    Desk switcher, USB out
    HDMI in
    4
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    USB webcam out (PC encodes)
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  30. 30

    YoloLiv YoloBox Pro

    $998

    Touchscreen switcher, encoder and monitor in one battery-powered slab. Multi-cam IRL without a laptop.

    Form
    Touchscreen slab, built-in battery
    HDMI in
    3
    Bonding
    No (USB 4G dongle)
    Codec
    H.264 / H.265
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  31. 31

    Blackmagic ATEM Mini Extreme

    $1,249

    Eight HDMI inputs, two USB outputs, SuperSource picture-in-picture and a built-in streaming encoder. The desk switcher for a talk show, not a solo stream.

    Form
    Desk switcher, 8 inputs
    HDMI in
    8
    Bonding
    No
    Codec
    H.264
    Buy on Amazon Use in Desk + IRL builds
  32. 32

    YoloLiv YoloBox Ultra

    $1,498

    The 4K, vertical-capable YoloBox with ISO recording and NDI. The premium all-in-one for a serious multi-cam IRL rig.

    Form
    Touchscreen slab, built-in battery
    HDMI in
    3 + NDI
    Bonding
    No (USB 4G dongle)
    Codec
    H.264 / H.265, 4K
    Buy on Amazon Use in IRL Backpack builds
  33. 33

    LiveU Solo

    Hardware + LRT plan$995 + $50/mo
    $1,595 first year

    Broadcast-grade encoder with LRT cellular bonding built in. Plug in and it works.

    The catch: Premium price plus a data plan.

    Form
    Hardware
    HDMI in
    Yes
    Bonding
    LRT (built in)
    Codec
    H.264/5
    Learn more Use in IRL Backpack builds
  34. 34

    TVU One

    Broadcast hardware$18,000

    Broadcast transmitter bonding up to 12 connections with sub-second latency. The top end.

    The catch: Broadcast pricing, $15k to $30k+ for a full backpack kit. For pros and orgs.

    Form
    Hardware
    HDMI in
    Yes
    Bonding
    ISX (built in)
    Codec
    H.264/5
    Learn more Use in IRL Backpack builds

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Plan a full build in the configurator

Prices and plan terms are what the provider published when we last checked, not a live feed, and services change them. Nothing here is tested in a lab by us. How picks are chosen: editorial policy.