Live streaming\u2019s popularity has steadily risen, especially after the covid-19 pandemic. On the other hand, viewers\u2019 expectations regarding high-quality content and an excellent viewing experience have also been linear as more and more viewing choices have become readily available.<\/span><\/p>\n One primary factor that can make or break your audience\u2019s experience is <\/span>the <\/span>quality of your live stream. Lagging video and shaky audio becomes a distraction from the message you\u2019re trying to share. That is why you need a live streaming encode<\/span>r software that can improve your stream\u2019s quality.<\/span><\/p>\n Encoding software allows creators to focus on producing engaging content for their audience by handling the technical aspects of encoding and transmission.<\/p>\n Encoding your video content<\/u><\/span><\/a>, which is converting RAW video files into digital ones, is one of the best things you can do to maintain professional quality. That requires a dedicated <\/span> live streaming encoder<\/u><\/span><\/a>, which can come from hardware and software.<\/span><\/p>\n Be it live streaming or video on demand, streaming encoders play a crucial role in the end experience you deliver to your audience. In this post, we\u2019ll talk about what exactly a streaming encoder is, what purpose it serves, and some processes related to encoding.<\/span><\/p>\n To wrap up, we\u2019ll compare the best video <\/span>live streaming encoders<\/u><\/span><\/a> on the market so that you can choose the best encoding software for your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n TL;DR:<\/strong> A live streaming encoder converts a raw camera feed into a digital stream that can be delivered online (typically via RTMP\/RTMPS or SRT ingest). Hardware encoders are best for reliability and remote\/field production, while software encoders are best for flexibility and lower cost. Good starter pick: OBS Studio (free). Best for advanced live production: vMix or Wirecast. Best for bonded\/mobile streaming: LiveU Solo or Teradek.<\/p>\n A<\/span> live video streaming encoder<\/u><\/span><\/a> is a tool that converts video content into a different format. The purpose of encoding a video is to create a digital copy of your<\/span> own video source that can be transmitted over the internet. Digital video content can be <\/span> embedded<\/u><\/span><\/a> or <\/span> streamed live<\/u><\/span><\/a> right on your website. Encoders can manage multiple types of sources, including audio sources, window captures, and browser windows, and allow users to add new sources as needed for their live production.<\/span><\/p>\n Live streaming is very time-sensitive, requiring an encoder capable of processing the video feed in real-time. You need a video encoder for streaming.<\/span><\/p>\n Broadcasters have the option to choose between a <\/span>hardware or software encoder<\/u><\/span><\/a>. Which way you go will largely depend on the purpose of your stream and what sort of budget you are working <\/span> with. <\/span><\/p>\n Most<\/span> professional broadcasters will go with a video hardware encoder, but since HD live streaming encoders come with a high price point, most beginner to mid-experienced broadcasters go with live streaming encoder software.<\/span><\/p>\n While <\/span>hardware and software encoders<\/u><\/span><\/a> are slightly different; they function similarly. Both kinds of HD live streaming encoders take RAW video files and convert them into digital files, allowing you to stream video content online.<\/span><\/p>\n The main difference that sets hardware and software encoders apart\u2014and the characteristic that allows video hardware encoders to perform more effectively\u2014is that hardware encoding devices have the sole purpose of encoding. Software encoders work with your computer\u2019s operating system, so encoding isn\u2019t the primary function. Software encoders are doing additional work beyond encoding your videos.<\/span><\/p>\n Highly advanced streaming setups often require the support of a video hardware encoder. Still, due to the high price point, most beginner to mid-experienced broadcasters will go with live streaming encoder software. In addition to the affordability, a software encoder may be a better fit for basic to mid-level streaming setups since they are often easier to use. Software encoders also typically offer a wide range of configuration options and customizable layout features, allowing users to tailor the interface and workflow to their specific needs.<\/span><\/p>\n Of course, the difference in performance capabilities is reflected in the price tag. Hardware HD live streaming encoders run upwards of $600 to $1000. Encoder software is often less than $100 and can be found by some providers for free. The price for HD video live streaming encoders varies based on the professional level of the encoder.<\/span><\/p>\n The bottom line is that video hardware encoders are best suited for experienced, professional broadcasters, and software hardware encoders tend to work well for beginner broadcasters. It is natural to use both hardware encoders and software encoders as you grow as a broadcaster.<\/span><\/p>\n Although there is a distinction between the two, the terms \u201ccodec\u201d and \u201cencoder\u201d are often used interchangeably. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n There is a bit of overlap between <\/span>encoders and codecs<\/u><\/span><\/a>. While encoders serve the sole purpose of encoding, <\/span> codecs are designed to encode and decode.<\/u><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Codec is short for \u201c<\/span>coder-decoder<\/u><\/span><\/a>,\u201d and it encodes a video for storage and decodes for broadcast. Often, the term \u201cencoder\u201d is used to describe hardware or software codec.<\/span><\/p>\n Transcoding and encoding are often misused interchangeably. Rather than converting the format of a video, <\/span>video transcoding<\/u><\/span><\/a> converts a video to a smaller size, making your videos ready for online transmission.<\/span><\/p>\n The purpose of transcoding a video is so that your viewers can watch the video in the best size with their <\/span>internet speed<\/u><\/span><\/a>. For example, somebody with a slower internet connection would watch your video in lower resolution to minimize buffering. That ensures that each viewer gets the best viewing experience.<\/span><\/p>\n There is an overlap in transcoding and encoding tools. Some live streaming encoders have transcoding and encoding capabilities only, and some transcoders have encoding capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n Cloud transcoding<\/u><\/span><\/a> is typically considered a simple alternative to a hardware encoder. While a <\/span>hardware encoder <\/span>converts and stores multiple versions of one video, <\/span>cloud video transcoders<\/u><\/span><\/a> convert and broadcast each version as it\u2019s created.<\/span><\/p>\n Encoding, transcoding, and decoding are all important in the video live streaming process. However, they\u2019re all applicable at different stages in a video\u2019s journey and mean completely different things. <\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s try to understand how they\u2019re all different.<\/span><\/p>\n As mentioned earlier, encoding is the process of converting a raw video file into a digital format and compressing it. This is done so it can be transmitted digitally from your video capture device to the viewers\u2019 devices. <\/span><\/p>\n The hardware or software that does this is called an encoder, which plays a crucial role in helping you live stream your video content. <\/span><\/p>\n In a nutshell, encoders convert analog signals into digital ones. <\/span><\/p>\n Unlike encoding, transcoding only deals with digital signals. Transcoding is the process where a particular digital video stream is first decoded and then alterations are made to it. The decoded stream is encoded again before it\u2019s delivered to the viewer. <\/span><\/p>\n For instance, a 1080p live stream could be decoded and then re-encoded to become a 480p stream for the viewers. This way, they can watch the same stream at a lower video quality. <\/span><\/p>\n The stream, however, remains a digital one throughout the process. <\/span><\/p>\n In simple terms, transcoding involves decoding and encoding one after the other, but both the input and output are digital.<\/span><\/p>\n The decoding process does exactly the opposite of what encoding does. In decoding, the incoming stream is a digital one that\u2019s then converted back into its raw analog format so the viewers can view the video stream. <\/span><\/p>\n This decoding process happens on the viewers\u2019 devices and enables them to watch your live stream.<\/span><\/p>\n There are several live streaming encoders available today. Each is equipped with unique features and functionality at different price points.<\/span><\/p>\n To determine which is the right video streaming encoder, you have to consider your unique goals and needs. Top encoding software offers a wide array of configuration options, the ability to create scenes with multiple sources, customizable transitions between scenes, and features to duplicate existing sources or scenes for efficient setup. As you compare video encoders for live streaming, you\u2019ll want to ask yourself:<\/span><\/p>\n Keeping those questions in mind, let\u2019s explore the top video encoders for major streaming platforms. In this article, we\u2019ve reviewed the top live streaming hardware and software encoders on the market today so you can choose the best streaming video encoder software for your needs. The list also includes both free and paid encoders<\/span>, so<\/span> you can choose one based on your <\/span>encoder budget.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\nTable of Contents<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
What is a Live Streaming Encoder?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"encoder](\"https:\/\/prod-images.dacast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/encoder-for-live-streaming.png\")
<\/p>\nHardware vs. Software Encoders<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Encoding vs. Codecs<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Encoding vs. Transcoding vs. Decoding<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Encoding<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Transcoding<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Decoding<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The 15 Best Live Streaming Encoders: A Comparison<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Wirecast<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"wirecast](\"https:\/\/prod-images.dacast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/wirecast-streaming-software.png\")
<\/p>\n