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Head-to-head · Multistreaming Software

Streamlabs Multistream vs Lightstream

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Streamlabs Multistream #2 in Multistreaming Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Streamlabs
Lightstream #7 in Multistreaming Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Lightstream

Streamlabs Multistream leads on 0 checks, Lightstream on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreStreamlabs Multistream · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth

Streamlabs Multistream scores higher on our rubric for multistreaming software: 9.2 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.

Streamlabs Multistream is the better fit for cloud forwarding with vertical output. Lightstream is the better fit for console streamers wanting a simple browser studio.

  • Streamlabs Multistream fits best

    Cloud forwarding with vertical output

  • Lightstream fits best

    Console streamers wanting a simple browser studio

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Side by side

Feature Streamlabs Multistream 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Lightstream 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.4
Ranking #2 in Multistreaming Software #7 in Multistreaming Software
Best for Cloud forwarding with vertical output Console streamers wanting a simple browser studio
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $9/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web
Support Email, Community, Docs · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Community, Docs
Integrations 9 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business
Features Streamlabs Multistream 0/2 · Lightstream 0/2
Custom RTMP Not checked yet Not checked yet
Stream recording Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Simultaneous destinations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported destinations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Guest support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Maximum video quality Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • One input stream can reach nine named platforms or custom RTMP.
  • Dual Output supports simultaneous horizontal and vertical streams.
  • Works across web, desktop, mobile, OBS, and Streamlabs workflows.
  • Free cloud capture for Xbox and PlayStation with 720p streaming
  • Simulcasts to up to five destinations from reusable scenes
  • Remote guests, overlays, alerts, and looping video playback
Cons
  • Free Dual Output covers only one horizontal and one vertical destination.
  • Broader multistreaming and custom RTMP require the paid Ultra plan.
  • Multistreaming adds a cloud service between the source and destinations.
  • Free plan is limited to 720p streaming
  • Web and browser-extension deployment limits production environments
  • Destination options center on three listed networks and custom RTMP
Our verdict

Streamlabs Multistream is a cloud-based live-stream distribution feature for creators who want to send one broadcast to multiple destinations. It forwards the stream through Streamlabs servers rather than requiring separate uploads from…

Read the review →

Lightstream Studio is a cloud-powered, browser-based production tool for creators, console streamers, and digital event hosts. It combines scenes, reusable templates, overlays, alerts, remote guests, video playback, and cloud capture for…

Read the review →
  1. Streamlabs MultistreamMultistreaming Software 9.2Free plan
  2. LightstreamMultistreaming Software 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Streamlabs Multistream — where it wins

    • One input stream can reach nine named platforms or custom RTMP.
    • Dual Output supports simultaneous horizontal and vertical streams.
    • Works across web, desktop, mobile, OBS, and Streamlabs workflows.

    Where it doesn't

    • Free Dual Output covers only one horizontal and one vertical destination.
    • Broader multistreaming and custom RTMP require the paid Ultra plan.
    • Multistreaming adds a cloud service between the source and destinations.

  • Lightstream — where it wins

    • Free cloud capture for Xbox and PlayStation with 720p streaming
    • Simulcasts to up to five destinations from reusable scenes
    • Remote guests, overlays, alerts, and looping video playback

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to 720p streaming
    • Web and browser-extension deployment limits production environments
    • Destination options center on three listed networks and custom RTMP
  • Streamlabs Multistream9.2/10 · Free plan

    A flexible cloud-forwarding option for creators targeting major platforms and custom RTMP.

    Visit StreamlabsFull verdict →
  • Lightstream8.4/10 · Free plan

    A focused browser studio for console multistreaming, with free cloud capture and reusable scenes.

    Visit LightstreamFull verdict →

More comparisons

All multistreaming software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update