To start livestreaming, use the route that matches what you want to show: a webcam or mobile device for a simple camera stream, or streaming software or a hardware encoder when you need more control. Begin with equipment you already have, then add a microphone, camera, or production controls only when they solve a real need.
How do I start streaming?
YouTube documents three ways to go live: with a webcam, a mobile device, or an encoder. An encoder can be software running on a computer or a separate hardware device. Choose based on your format and how much production control you need, rather than treating one route as mandatory.
Webcam or mobile device
These routes suit a straightforward camera-based broadcast. You do not need a separate webcam if your chosen device already provides the camera view you need. YouTube’s overview of livestreaming options is at YouTube Help: Get started with live streaming.
Software encoder on a computer
Streaming software is useful when you want to combine sources such as a webcam and gameplay. Streamlabs’ setup documentation walks through connecting an account, adding a webcam, and capturing gameplay; its desktop software overview describes streaming to services including Twitch, YouTube Live, and TikTok. See Streamlabs Desktop setup and Streamlabs Desktop overview. OBS is another software route; its official help and knowledge base are available at OBS Project knowledge base.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Hardware encoder
A hardware encoder is a separate device that handles encoding for the stream. It is an option, not a universal requirement; the sources here do not establish a model recommendation or a general case where buying one is necessary. YouTube describes encoder-based streaming in its encoder help.
What equipment do I need to stream?
There is no universal minimum shopping list. Start with the device, computer, connection, and audio you already have, then consider whether an optional item addresses a specific limitation in your broadcast.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Item | When it helps | Is it required? |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | When you need dedicated audio capture for your voice or other sound. | No universal requirement is established; choose based on your audio needs. |
| Webcam | When you want to show yourself alongside gameplay or other content. | No. A camera view is optional, and some devices already include a camera. |
| Hardware encoder | When a separate encoding device fits your production workflow. | No; software encoders are also an option. |
| Programmable controller | When shortcuts for production actions would make your workflow easier. | No. YouTube describes the Elgato Stream Deck as a programmable USB controller with plugins and shortcuts. |
Streamlabs’ equipment guidance covers categories such as webcams and microphones. Neither that guidance nor the other sources cited here establish a tested model-by-model ranking, so consider your content format, audio and camera requirements, computer capacity, and connection before buying. YouTube’s encoder guidance describes Stream Deck as an optional production control, not a streaming prerequisite.
Which streaming software should I use?
Pick software that supports the sources you need and runs acceptably on your computer. Streamlabs Desktop provides a guided route for connecting an account, adding a webcam, and capturing gameplay. OBS Project provides its own official setup information and knowledge base. The cited documentation does not establish that one is best for every streamer, so try the workflow that matches your content and production needs.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Streamlabs says its Ultra subscription is required for simultaneous multistreaming to Twitch, YouTube, and Kick in its Twitch guide, updated September 22, 2026. Treat that as a vendor feature statement, not an independent comparison or a verified price; check the current plan details and platform terms before relying on it. See Streamlabs’ Twitch streaming guide.
What settings should I use to stream on Twitch?
Set output to what your computer and connection can sustain. Raising resolution or other output demands beyond available hardware can cause performance problems. Streamlabs’ guidance is a useful starting point, not a guarantee for every computer, network, or platform.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Start with a manageable resolution
Streamlabs recommends 1280×720 as a balance for beginners and notes that 1080p can use significantly more resources. If you see performance trouble, lower output demands before adding more equipment or assuming the connection is the only cause.
Choose an encoder that fits your hardware
Streamlabs distinguishes x264, which uses the CPU, from NVENC, which uses a dedicated GPU encoder. The better fit depends on the hardware and what else the computer is doing; there is no single encoder choice that applies to all PCs.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBest Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Check connection capacity without treating a reference as a guarantee
Streamlabs’ system-requirements page, updated April 8, 2026, gives 3.6 Mbps or better as a reference for 720p at 30 fps for most platforms. That is vendor guidance, not a guarantee that a particular connection will deliver a stable stream. Streamlabs also notes that resource needs depend on content, other running programs, and hardware. Consult its system requirements and equipment guidance and adjust to your own setup.
Check the computer before installing
Streamlabs’ quick-start guide lists example minimum and recommended computer specifications for its own software. Those are vendor requirements for Streamlabs, not universal requirements for livestreaming or OBS. The guide is dated May 20, 2026; verify current compatibility against the software you plan to use at Streamlabs Desktop quick start. OBS’s published system-requirements page dates to August 25, 2021, so regard it as older compatibility guidance and verify against current OBS documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can I troubleshoot a stream that performs poorly?
- The stream stutters or the computer struggles: Your output settings may exceed what the computer can handle. Streamlabs warns that settings set too high can cause performance problems. Reduce the output demand and close unnecessary programs, then see whether the issue improves.
- CPU load is high while encoding: x264 uses the CPU. If your computer has a suitable GPU encoder, NVENC is an alternative described by Streamlabs; the result still depends on your system and workload.
- You are unsure whether the connection is sufficient: Use the 3.6 Mbps or better reference only as a starting point for 720p at 30 fps on most platforms. It does not establish the performance of your particular connection. Lower output demands if the stream is unstable.
- The software will not run well on your computer: Compare your system with the requirements for the specific software and check the vendor’s current guidance. Streamlabs’ specifications apply to Streamlabs, not every encoder.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps uploaded videos live around the clock, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting from a camera. Each slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
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.
Recommended Free Tools
