Head-to-head · RTMP Streaming Services
Castr vs ApexStream
Castr leads on 1 check, ApexStream on 1, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCastr · 7.4/10
- Lowest starting priceCastr · $16.67/mo
- Free planonly ApexStream
Castr scores higher on our rubric for rtmp streaming services: 7.4 against 6.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #14.
ApexStream offers free plan; Castr doesn't. Castr is cheaper to start at $16.67/mo against $25/mo.
Castr is the better fit for production-grade 4K multistreaming. ApexStream is the better fit for creator-led broadcasts with guests and AI.
- Castr fits best
Production-grade 4K multistreaming
- ApexStream fits best
Creator-led broadcasts with guests and AI
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Side by side
| Feature | Castr 7.4/10 Visit ↗ | ApexStream 6.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.4 | 6.1 |
| Ranking | #5 in RTMP Streaming Services | #14 in RTMP Streaming Services |
| Best for | Production-grade 4K multistreaming | Creator-led broadcasts with guests and AI |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $16.67/mo (best) | $25/mo |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Support | Live chat, Docs · 24/7 | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 30+ integrations | 8 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Castr 0/4 · ApexStream 0/4 | ||
| SRT ingest | Not published | Not published |
| Transcoding | Not published | Not published |
| Stream recording | Not published | Not published |
| API access | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Max destinations | 6 destinations | Not published |
| Output protocols | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Castr is a web and API video platform for production agencies, media operators, organizations, and event teams. It accepts RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, WHIP, and pull-based ingest, then distributes broadcasts to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch,… Read the review → |
ApexStream is a web-based live video production and distribution platform for creators, podcasters, production teams, organizations, and community broadcasters. Its Web Studio supports remote guest links, backstage preparation, scenes,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Castr — where it wins
- Supports RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, WHIP, and pull-based ingest
- Combines multistreaming, browser production, scheduling, and looping
- Adds recording, Live-to-VOD, paywalls, analytics, and 4K transcoding
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; the trial lasts 7 days
- Advanced controls require higher-priced plans
- Some annual plan prices are not shown
ApexStream — where it wins
- Browser studio includes guests, scenes, graphics, and production controls
- Multistreams to major platforms and custom RTMP destinations
- AI highlights, vertical reframing, and generated captions add repurposing tools
Where it doesn't
- Free plan is limited to 720p, two destinations, and a watermark
- Paid plans top out at 1080p streaming quality
- Higher destination capacity and storage options require pricier tiers
- Castr7.4/10 · From $16.67/mo (annual) · 7-day trial
A broad RTMP platform for teams that need 4K, multistreaming, and video monetization.
Visit CastrFull verdict → - ApexStream6.1/10 · Free plan · paid from $25/mo
A capable browser studio for creator-led broadcasts, with AI features and multistreaming.
Visit ApexStreamFull verdict →
More comparisons
All RTMP streaming services comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update