Streamlabs Desktop review

Streamlabs Desktop wraps a streaming encoder in the extras most new streamers otherwise assemble by hand. The free plan already includes a customizable tip page with no-cut tipping, more than 12 widgets such as alerts and a chat box, the Cloudbot for chat moderation, 5 active automations and dual output to one vertical and one horizontal platform. Ultra, which Streamlabs lists from $15.75 per month, adds multistreaming to multiple platforms or custom RTMP, full access to thousands of themes and reactive overlays, every app in the App Store, Collab Cam with up to 11 guests or cameras, 10GB of cloud storage, and premium versions of Talk Studio, Cross Clip, Podcast Editor and Video Editor. The app runs on Windows 10 or later and macOS 12 or later, and Streamlabs also offers mobile and Xbox streaming. The free plan is narrower than OBS in raw control, but it is faster to get a polished stream on air.

Who it is for

Gaming and IRL streamers who want overlays, alerts, tipping and multistreaming in one app.

Price

Free plan; Ultra from $15.75 per month.

Starting at $15.75/mo
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 6, 2026.

Key features

• 12+ stream widgets including alerts and a chat box
• Dual output for one vertical and one horizontal platform on the free plan
• Cloudbot to engage and moderate chat
• Collab Cam with up to 11 guests or cameras on Ultra
• Ultra covers Desktop, Mobile, Console, Talk Studio, Cross Clip, Podcast Editor and Video Editor

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free plan includes tipping, widgets and dual output
• Strength: Ultra multistreams to multiple platforms or custom RTMP
• Strength: One subscription unlocks the whole Streamlabs suite
• Weakness: Free plan has limited themes and apps
• Weakness: Free plan allows 1 guest or camera on Collab Cam
• Weakness: Sidekick AI limits are capped at 1,000 interactions per month on Ultra

Key facts

• Ultra: Starting at $15.75 per month
• Requirements: Windows 10+ or macOS 12+
• Automations: 5 free, 10 on Ultra, 30 on Ultra Plus
• Cloud storage: 1GB free, 10GB Ultra, 30GB Ultra Plus

Where it ranks

Streamlabs Desktop is No. 2 in our Best Streaming Software verdict.