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Head-to-head · Live Stream Scheduling Software

Lightcast vs Restream

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Lightcast #5 in Live Stream Scheduling Software 9.0/10 Pricing on request ✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Lightcast
Restream #8 in Live Stream Scheduling Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Restream

Lightcast leads on 0 checks, Restream on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreLightcast · 9.0/10
  • Free planonly Restream
  • Most featuresLightcast · 2 of 3

Lightcast scores higher on our rubric for live stream scheduling software: 9.0 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.

Lightcast is the better fit for OTT and connected-TV publishers. Restream is the better fit for general-purpose live teams.

  • Lightcast fits best

    OTT and connected-TV publishers

  • Restream fits best

    General-purpose live teams

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Lightcast 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Restream 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.7
Ranking #5 in Live Stream Scheduling Software #8 in Live Stream Scheduling Software
Best for OTT and connected-TV publishers General-purpose live teams
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request $19/mo
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Tickets, Docs Live chat, Email, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 30+ integrations 30+ integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Lightcast 2/3 · Restream 0/3
Playlist support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Simulcasting ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Recurring schedules Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Max destinations Not checked yet 3
Maximum resolution Not checked yet 4k
Video storage Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • 24/7 scheduling with VOD-to-live looping and cloud playout
  • Distributes to social, web, mobile, and connected-TV platforms
  • Combines recording, trimming, analytics, media management, and APIs
  • Free plan supports streaming to 2 channels at once
  • Browser Studio, scheduling, looping, chat, and analytics in one service
  • Supports OBS, Zoom, vMix, custom protocols, and major social platforms
Cons
  • Quote-based pricing makes direct budget comparison less immediate
  • Broad feature coverage may exceed the needs of simple stream schedulers
  • Custom apps and multi-platform distribution can require more planning
  • Free plan includes Restream branding
  • Channel limits increase only on higher-priced plans
  • Restream Studio is documented up to 1080p on Professional
Our verdict

Lightcast is a cloud-based OTT and live-streaming platform for broadcasters, churches, nonprofits, creators, educators, businesses, and government organizations. It brings media management, live-event scheduling, 24/7 VOD-to-live playout,…

Read the review →

Restream is a cloud live-streaming platform for creators, teams, media organizations, and enterprises. It combines multistreaming, browser-based production, scheduled prerecorded events, looping video streams, unified chat, analytics,…

Read the review →
  1. LightcastLive Stream Scheduling Software 9.0Pricing on request
  2. RestreamLive Stream Scheduling Software 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Lightcast — where it wins

    • 24/7 scheduling with VOD-to-live looping and cloud playout
    • Distributes to social, web, mobile, and connected-TV platforms
    • Combines recording, trimming, analytics, media management, and APIs

    Where it doesn't

    • Quote-based pricing makes direct budget comparison less immediate
    • Broad feature coverage may exceed the needs of simple stream schedulers
    • Custom apps and multi-platform distribution can require more planning

  • Restream — where it wins

    • Free plan supports streaming to 2 channels at once
    • Browser Studio, scheduling, looping, chat, and analytics in one service
    • Supports OBS, Zoom, vMix, custom protocols, and major social platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan includes Restream branding
    • Channel limits increase only on higher-priced plans
    • Restream Studio is documented up to 1080p on Professional
  • Lightcast9.0/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad OTT platform for 24/7 channels, live events, simulcasting, and branded apps.

    Visit LightcastFull verdict →
  • Restream8.7/10 · Free plan

    A flexible live-streaming platform for scheduling, production, multistreaming, and analytics.

    Visit RestreamFull verdict →

More comparisons

All live stream scheduling software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update