OpenBroadcaster
OpenBroadcaster: A capable self-hosted station platform with scheduling, streaming, graphics, and emergency alerts. Ranked #116 of 136 in Live Streaming Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source stations with emergency broadcasting.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source stations with emergency broadcasting
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source software with Linux and self-hosted deployment
- Automated playlists, scheduling, media management, and web administration
- CAP emergency alerts with text-to-speech support and on-air graphics
Where it doesn't
- Focused on station automation rather than broad live-production tooling
- Self-managed deployment places more responsibility on the station
- Hardware, installation, training, and support are separate offerings
Our verdict on OpenBroadcaster
OpenBroadcaster is an open-source broadcast automation platform for community broadcasters, radio and television stations, media organizations, and small-to-medium-sized businesses. Its web-based tools manage audio and video assets, playlists, scheduling, automated playout, live streaming, graphics, and emergency alerts. The platform is designed for self-managed deployments, with OBServer handling scheduling and media management while OBPlayer handles playback and streaming. Linux compatibility and AGPLv3 source availability make it a fit for organizations that want control over their station software and infrastructure.
The free open-source model is the clearest pricing advantage. The software covers media management, playlist creation, automated scheduling, web administration, Icecast streaming, YouTube Live channel streaming, remote broadcasting from a laptop, on-air graphics, overlays, image slideshows, and CAP emergency alerts with text-to-speech support. The vendor's store separately lists paid hardware, installation, training, and support products, so stations can keep the software cost structure distinct from deployment and operational services. This approach suits community and independent broadcasters with technical resources or a preference for self-managed systems.
OpenBroadcaster also connects station automation with several distribution and workflow options, including YouTube, Roku, Twitch, Facebook, Icecast, RTP/Livewire, and AWS Polly. Its documented API exposes media, playlist, and scheduling data for connected workflows. The strongest differentiator is the combination of automated station operations and emergency broadcasting rather than a broad live-production toolset. Choose it when scheduling, playout, streaming, graphics, and CAP alerts are central requirements. Organizations seeking a wider live-production environment or less responsibility for hosting and deployment should consider a different type of platform.
Your product? Our editors can test OpenBroadcaster in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
OpenBroadcaster pricing
OpenBroadcaster fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Multistreaming | Not verified |
| Pre-recorded streams | Not verified |
| 24/7 looping | Not verified |
| Browser-based studio | Not verified |
| Custom RTMP destinations | Not verified |
| Cloud recording | Not verified |
| Unified chat | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: YouTube, Roku, Twitch, Facebook, Icecast, RTP/Livewire … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | openbroadcaster.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
OpenBroadcaster integrations
OpenBroadcaster lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- YouTube
- Roku
- Twitch
- Icecast
- RTP/Livewire
- AWS Polly
Alternatives to OpenBroadcaster
- OBS StudioA highly customizable free desktop production tool for creators, educators, and broadcasters.9.4
- Streamlabs DesktopA capable desktop streamer with strong alerts, automation, and creator tools.9.2
- vMixA Windows production suite for multicamera switching, replay, graphics, guests, and multistreaming.9.1
See all OpenBroadcaster alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used OpenBroadcaster for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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