Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

There is no single monthly cost: it depends on your server’s measured power draw, your electricity tariff, and whether your internet plan can handle the streams without data charges. As a baseline, two continuous 1080p30 H.264 streams at YouTube’s recommended 5 Mbps each use about 10 Mbps of video upload and 3.24 decimal TB of payload in a 30-day month. Two 720p30 streams at 3 Mbps each use about 6 Mbps and 1.944 decimal TB. Add electricity using your actual wattage and local rate; count new hardware separately as a one-time purchase.

What determines the monthly cost?

Separate the ongoing bill from the cost of buying equipment. Your monthly estimate has three main parts:

  • Electricity: the home server’s average wall power while running both streams, multiplied by your local price per kWh.
  • Internet: any cost caused by upload limits, data caps, or overage charges. Many plans do not charge per terabyte, so check your ISP’s terms rather than assuming a data fee.
  • Hardware: zero additional purchase cost if a suitable server is already available; otherwise, a new computer is a separate upfront expense. If useful, divide that purchase by the number of months you expect to use it to see an approximate monthly equivalent, but keep it distinct from your actual recurring bill.

The stream settings determine the upload and data estimates. Electricity depends on the machine and workload. There is no established universal server wattage, internet price, or total monthly cost for this setup.

How much upload bandwidth and data do two streams use?

YouTube’s encoder guidance recommends H.264 video at 5 Mbps for 1080p30 and 3 Mbps for 720p30. These are recommended video bitrates, not guaranteed minimum internet speeds. The calculations below multiply the two feeds’ combined bitrate by a 30-day month and exclude protocol overhead.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
GMKtec G3S Mini PC Intel N95 Processor (Up to 3.4GHz) 8GB RAM 256GB M.2 SSD
  • 12th Intel Alder Lake N95 Processor – The GMKtec G3 S Mini PC is powered by the 12th Gen Intel N95 processor with 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB cache and a burst frequency up to 3.4GHz. Compared with N100/N5105/N5100/N5095, the N95 delivers up to 36% overall performance improvement. Perfect for routine tasks, office work, and home entertainment, this compact mini desktop is more convenient than traditional bulky PCs.
  • 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD Storage – Pre-installed with 8GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2242 SSD, the G3 S mini desktop offers quicker startup, smoother multitasking, and faster file transfers. Enjoy seamless performance whether you’re working on multiple applications, browsing, or streaming content.
  • Rich Interfaces & Connectivity – The G3 S mini computer comes equipped with USB 3.2 (up to 10Gbps), dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), and a 3.5mm audio jack. With support for WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 1000MbE), it connects easily with monitors, projectors, printers, office equipment, and other peripherals, making it versatile for both home and business use.
  • Dual 4K Display Support – Featuring upgraded Intel UHD Graphics (up to 1000MHz), the G3 S supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding for a smooth viewing experience. With dual HDMI outputs, you can connect two 4K@60Hz displays simultaneously, enabling efficient multitasking for work and entertainment.
  • GMKtec WARRANTY - GMKtec offers a 1-year limited GMKtec's warranty for each mini PC, starting from the date of the purchase. All defects due to design and workmanship are covered. With a professional after sales team always ready to attend to your needs, you can simply relax and enjoy your mini PC.
Setting for each stream Combined video bitrate Approximate payload per 30-day month
1080p30 at 5 Mbps 10 Mbps 3.24 decimal TB
720p30 at 3 Mbps 6 Mbps 1.944 decimal TB

These are arithmetic estimates based on YouTube’s recommended rates, not data totals published by YouTube. Actual traffic can differ because of audio, protocol overhead, reconnects, and bitrate behavior. Providers may also define a terabyte differently.

Choose resolution for the content and connection

Two 1080p30 streams use more upload capacity and data than two 720p30 streams. Choose the lower setting only if it is adequate for the video; do not reduce quality solely to fit a connection without checking how the result looks. YouTube automatically transcodes a live stream into multiple viewer formats, so the home encoder sends its chosen feed rather than separately generating every rendition for viewers. See YouTube’s encoder settings and bitrate guidance.

Allow upload headroom

The combined video rates are not a safe target for the internet connection’s entire upload capacity. Leave room for bitrate variation, audio, protocol overhead, and other household activity. Test the connection and monitor YouTube’s stream health; a line that barely matches the calculated video total may still be unreliable. YouTube recommends testing the upload bitrate and stream health in its encoder guidance.

Rank #2
Sale
BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5300U 4C/ 8T, Business Home Office PC
  • 【AMD Ryzen 3 5300U CPU: Outperforms N150 & 3500U】 BOSGAME E5 mini PC is powered by the TSMC 7nm FinFET architecture AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 3.8GHz boost, 6MB total cache). Compared to low-end Intel N150 or 3500U chips which only have 4 single threads and throttle under load, the 5300U delivers over 30% faster multi-core speed. Run 30+ browser tabs, large Excel sheets, and Zoom meetings simultaneously without system lag.
  • 【8GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB NVMe SSD Storage】 Installed with high-speed 8GB DDR4 dual-channel memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, eliminating slow boot times and application loading delays. To accommodate growing data requirements, the upgradeable hardware design features dual SODIMM slots that allow you to expand memory up to 64GB RAM, ensuring smooth operation during heavy multitasking.
  • 【High-Capacity Dual M.2 SSD Storage Expansion】 Never worry about running out of space for your business files. In addition to the pre-installed 256GB system drive, the motherboard houses an extra empty internal M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slot. This allows you to easily add a second solid-state drive for up to an additional 2TB of storage capacity (upgrades not included) without needing to remove or reinstall the original operating system.
  • 【Radeon 6-Core Graphics & Triple 4K Displays】 Integrated with official AMD Radeon Graphics (6 Graphics Cores, 1500 MHz frequency) for casual gaming, photo editing, and crisp 4K media decoding. Featuring 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 1x DisplayPort, and 1x Full-Function Type-C port, the E5 outputs true 4K@60Hz resolution to three monitors at once. This multi-screen setup eliminates constant window-switching for traders, programmers, and office workers.
  • 【Dual 2.5GbE LAN Ports for Advanced Networking】 Experience fast wired network transmission speeds up to 2500Mbps without lagging or buffering. The integration of dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports (powered by Realtek RTL8125 controller) makes this compact computer an exceptional hardware choice for tech enthusiasts. Easily configure it into software routers, hardware firewalls (pfSense, OpnSense), home NAS servers, or local homelabs.

How to estimate electricity cost

Measure the server at the wall while it is doing the intended two-stream workload, if you can. The two encoders may increase CPU or GPU use and power draw, but the increase varies with the computer, codec, resolution, frame rate, and whether encoding uses software or hardware assistance. Do not assume idle power is the same as streaming power.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Monthly electricity cost = average watts ÷ 1,000 × 24 × 30 × electricity price per kWh.

For a continuous 30-day month, each average watt corresponds to 0.72 kWh. For example, 10 W corresponds to 7.2 kWh; at an assumed tariff of $0.20/kWh, that would cost $1.44 for the month. The tariff in that example is an assumption, not a typical rate or a measured server result. At 50 W, usage is 36 kWh per month; at 100 W, it is 72 kWh. Multiply your measured monthly kWh by your own tariff.

Rank #3
Beelink SER5 MAX Mini Pc,AMD Ryzen 7 7735U (8C/16T,up to 4.75GHz),Mini Computer with 24GB LPDDR5 RAM/500GB M.2 2280 SSD,Micro Pc Support 4K FPS,WiFi6/BT5.4/2.5G LAN/Home/Office
  • 【MAX 7735U High Performance 】Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7735U (8-Core, 16-Thread, boost up to 4.75GHz), this Beelink SER5 MAX mini PC delivers robust performance for daily office tasks, including spreadsheet editing, PPT creation, email management, coding and web browsing. It effortlessly handles photo and video editing via PS, PR and Lightroom, and runs popular esports titles such as LoL, CSGO and DOTA 2 at excellent settings.
  • 【High‑Speed Memory & Storage】 Equipped with 24GB high-speed LPDDR5 RAM and a blazing-fast 500GB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD, this BEELINK 7735U MINI PC supports seamless heavy multitasking. It features expandable storage up to 8TB, letting you store massive project archives and local files without worry.
  • 【4K Triple Display & Radeon 680M Graphics】 Built-in AMD Radeon 680M Graphics (12-Core, 2200MHz) brings outstanding graphic performance for design work and buttery-smooth 4K HDR video playback. This BEELINK SER5 MINI PC supports triple 4K monitors via HDMI, DP and USB-C port, allowing you to run trading dashboards, spreadsheets and design drafts side-by-side to boost your productivity.
  • 【Cooling & Full Connectivity】 This BEELINK SER5 7735U MINI PC adopts an upgraded dual‑cooling system with heatsink and cooling fan that boosts heat dissipation by 19% while keeping noise below 32dB for quiet operation. Equipped with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 and 2.5G RJ45 Ethernet port, it delivers stable, lag‑free connections ideal for office work, home media and home‑server use.
  • 【Lifetime Technical Support】Ryzen 7 mini pc Package Included:1* Beelink Ser5 7735U Mini PC,1* HDMI Cables( 100cm),1* Power adapter,1* User manual,1* Mounting bracket.If you want to set up automatic startup,please contact us.All of our mini pc obtained FCC,CE ROSH Certifications.We Offer 1 Year Free Warranty,and 7 Days/24 Hours Serving,and lifetime technical issue assistance without worrying about quality,just email to our customer service team.

Build your own cost estimate

  1. Pick the stream settings. For each feed, note its resolution, frame rate, and encoder bitrate. Add both bitrates for the combined video upload estimate.
  2. Estimate monthly data. For a 30-day month, multiply combined Mbps by 324 to get approximate decimal GB of payload. For example, 10 Mbps × 324 = 3,240 GB, or 3.24 decimal TB. This shortcut excludes overhead.
  3. Check the internet plan. Compare both the estimated traffic and the steady upload headroom with your ISP’s upload performance, data cap, and overage terms. Confirm whether upload traffic counts toward any limit.
  4. Measure power under load. Record the average wall watts while both encoders and streams are running, then multiply by 0.72 for estimated kWh in a 30-day continuous month.
  5. Apply your electricity tariff. Multiply those kWh by the rate on your bill.
  6. Itemize hardware separately. If existing equipment is suitable, the additional purchase cost may be zero. If buying a machine, record that one-time amount separately from electricity and internet. YouTube says expensive equipment is not required to get started; whether a particular server can handle two encoders depends on the actual workload. See YouTube’s live-streaming tips.
  7. Include recording if you need replays. Local archives need storage, and recording may add some load. Decide how much footage to retain and include any storage purchase in the separate hardware cost.

Configure two YouTube streams reliably

Two streams are within YouTube’s stated limits of up to 10 active streams per channel and three active streams per stream key, assuming the channel meets eligibility requirements. For each stream, use the settings appropriate to its resolution and frame rate.

Encoder settings to check

  • Protocol: YouTube lists RTMP and RTMPS; it recommends RTMPS, the secure version of RTMP. Google describes RTMPS ingestion in its RTMPS guide.
  • Rate control: use constant bitrate (CBR), as specified in YouTube’s encoder settings.
  • Keyframes: set a 2-second interval; do not exceed 4 seconds.
  • Bitrate: YouTube recommends 5 Mbps for H.264 1080p30 and 3 Mbps for H.264 720p30. Other resolutions or frame rates have their own settings in YouTube’s guidance.
  • Stream key: enter the correct key for the intended live stream in the encoder, keep it private, and verify that each feed is connected to the intended YouTube stream.

Check channel eligibility and rights

YouTube says a channel needs to be verified and must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the preceding 90 days. The platform’s live-streaming setup guidance describes eligibility and stream limits.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Having a video file does not establish the right to broadcast it continuously. YouTube requires the necessary rights for live content, including music rights where applicable. Third-party content can interrupt or terminate a stream; even a creator who believes a track is licensed may encounter Content ID issues if the rights holder has not allowlisted the channel. Confirm rights for both video and audio before streaming. Review YouTube’s livestream terms and conditions and its applicable copyright guidance.

Rank #4
GMKtec Mini PC Computer, G10 Ryzen 5 3500U (Beats N150/4300U/3200U), 16GB RAM 512GB SSD 2.5GbE NIC LAN Desktop Office Home Business HTPC, Triple 4K Display, WiFi, BT, USB-C, DP, Type-C PD, HDMI 2.1
  • MINI PC COMPUTER OFFICE LIGHT GAMING - GMKtec Nucbox G10 Series is equipped with the Ryzen 5 3500U, a 64-bit quad-core mid-range performance x86 mobile microprocessor. This processor is based on AMD's Zen+ microarchitecture and is fabricated on a 12 nm process. The 3500U operates at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz with a TDP of 15 W and a Boost frequency of 3.7 GHz. This APU supports up to 32 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2400 memory and incorporates Radeon Vega 8 Graphics operating at up to 1.2 GHz. 20% Multi-core Performance increase over previous Ryzen 3 models such as 4300U. 35% performance increase over the Intel N-series N95/N97/N150.
  • RYZEN 5 3500U vs RYZEN 3 4300U COMPARISON - Why Choose Ryzen 5 3500U: Better multi-threaded performance: More threads, better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. Better graphics: With Vega 8, it's superior for casual gaming, video playback, and GPU-intensive tasks. Overall higher performance: Higher boost clock and better ability to handle a variety of workloads, from light gaming to productivity tasks. So, if you're looking for a more balanced processor with stronger multitasking capabilities and better GPU performance, the Ryzen 5 3500U would be the clear choice.
  • 16GB DUAL CHANNEL DDR4 + 512GB SSD - Installed with DDR4 16GB SO-DIMM RAM Dual Channel (2x8GB) and a 512GB SSD, the Nucbox G10 mini pc supports memory expansion to 64GB RAM. Featured with Dual M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 slots, supports dual storage slot expansion to 16TB SSD (2*8TB). (Upgrades not included) This model supports a configurable TDP-down of 12 W and TDP-up of 35 W.
  • UNLEASH RAW PERFORMANCE MODE 25W - Dominate demanding tasks with the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor. When switched to Performance Mode in the BIOS (press "Esc" key repeatedly during boot, save then exit), this mini PC delivers superior multi-core processing power, significantly outperforming Intel N-series chips in CPU-intensive applications, multitasking, and creative workloads.
  • MINI DESKTOP COMPUTER WITH TRIPLE DISPLAY SCREEN - Nucbox G10 integrates AMD Radeon Vega 8 1200 MHz GPU to deliver powerful graphics processing power to easily handle video editing, and playback, or casual gaming. And it can connect to 3 display screens simultaneously via HDMI 2.1 TMDS/ DPv1.4/ TYPE-C.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Plan around YouTube’s archive limit

YouTube can automatically archive a live stream shorter than 12 hours. If a stream exceeds 12 hours, it may not be captured at all. YouTube recommends keeping a local archive as a backup; DVR rewind may also be limited or unavailable for very long streams. See YouTube’s archive guidance.

A single continuous 24/7 stream therefore does not guarantee a complete replay. If dependable archives matter, use local recording or plan stream restarts before the 12-hour threshold, and allow for storage capacity and any added system load. Test the restart and recording workflow before relying on it.

Troubleshooting common cost and stream problems

  • Stream drops or buffers: compare the measured steady upload capacity with both feeds’ combined rates plus headroom. Check other household uploads and YouTube stream health; reduce bitrate or resolution if the line cannot sustain the chosen settings.
  • Monthly data is much higher than expected: confirm whether the ISP counts uploads, whether it measures decimal or binary units, and whether audio, reconnects, or other household traffic are included. The estimates above cover video payload only.
  • Electricity estimate seems too low: remeasure at the wall with both feeds running rather than using the server’s idle draw or a component’s rated power. Check whether encoding is driving sustained CPU or GPU load.
  • One feed fails while the other works: verify each encoder’s destination and stream key, then check YouTube’s stream status and the host’s capacity under both workloads.
  • Replay is missing or incomplete: check whether the stream exceeded 12 hours and whether local recording was enabled. Use planned restarts and local backup when a complete archive is important.
  • Stream is interrupted over content: review rights for every video and audio element and resolve any Content ID or licensing issue before restarting.

Or let it run in the cloud

If maintaining an always-on home server is the part you want to avoid, StreamNeo runs prerecorded videos as a 24/7 YouTube stream from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Streams run as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot with no re-encode or quality tiers; StreamNeo also automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, automatic recovery, and StreamNeo team support. The same product is included on every plan; only the billing length changes. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded video sent to YouTube, not camera streaming. See StreamNeo or start the free first day.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.