Apple’s suite of Macs is the go-to for many serious video producers. The sleek, cutting-edge displays and flawless integration with powerful editing tools make Macs incredibly powerful instruments in video production. But video standards and trends are changing, with live streaming well on its way to dominating the market.
So, what do you need to start streaming and creating masterful, high-production-value video content on your Mac? First and foremost, you need a steady and fast internet connection. Then, you need to choose your streaming software for Mac.
Quick comparison of streaming software for Mac
Restream Studio is the simplest option if you want to stream from your Mac without installing anything: it runs in your browser and can send your stream to several platforms at once. If you prefer a desktop app with full control over scenes, OBS Studio and Meld Studio are free, Ecamm Live and mimoLive are Mac-only paid options, and Streamlabs Desktop sits in between.
| Software | Type | macOS requirement | Apple silicon | Multistreaming | Cost model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restream Studio | Browser-based studio | Any Mac with a supported desktop browser | Runs in the browser | Yes, in the cloud; number of channels depends on plan | Free plan, paid plans |
| OBS Studio | Desktop app | macOS 13 or later | Native build | With a plugin or by connecting to Restream | Free, open source |
| Streamlabs Desktop | Desktop app | macOS 12 or later | Not stated by Streamlabs | Free: 1 horizontal + 1 vertical destination; more with Ultra | Free, paid Ultra plan |
| Ecamm Live | Desktop app, Mac only | macOS 11.2 or later | Supported; some features need Apple silicon | Yes, to several platforms at once | Paid, 14-day free trial |
| Meld Studio | Desktop app | macOS 12 or later | Optimized for Apple silicon | Yes, to multiple RTMP/RTMPS destinations | Free |
| mimoLive | Desktop app, Mac only | macOS 13.5 or later (latest version) | Supported | Not verified | Paid, free evaluation license |
Swipe sideways to see the whole table.
System requirements were checked on each vendor's website on October 28, 2026. This article is published by Restream, and we've listed limitations for every tool, including our own.
Simple browser workflow vs. advanced desktop workflow
- Simple browser workflow: open Restream Studio in your browser, add your camera, microphone, guests and screen share, and go live. There's nothing to install or update, which makes it a good fit for talk shows, interviews, webinars and podcasts on a MacBook.
- Advanced desktop workflow: use a desktop app like OBS Studio, Meld Studio, Ecamm Live or mimoLive when you need complex scenes, many sources, capture cards or game capture. These apps use your Mac's CPU and GPU for encoding, so performance depends on your hardware. To stream to several platforms without extra load, send one stream from the app to Restream.
The 6 best streaming software for Mac
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room — not all software is compatible with macOS. There’s nothing worse than discovering some neat streaming software while surfing the web, only to realize there’s no macOS version. Fear not, we’ve listed the best Mac streaming software below.
1. Restream Studio
When it comes to professionalism and simplicity, nothing beats Restream Studio. The streaming software allows you to go live on multiple platforms at the same time in just two minutes. Once you choose your streaming destinations, you can start the live stream directly from your browser — no additional third-party apps needed. If you really value your time, try out Restream Studio. Let’s go through the features you may find most useful:
- Stream directly from a browser
- Choose from 30+ social channels to stream to at once
- Add guests to live streams via invitation links
- Enjoy a wide range of visual customization and branding tools
- Chat across platforms with ease and use built-in moderation tools
- Add copyright-free background music or your own tracks
- Stream in Full HD
- Upload and stream pre-recorded videos
- Get 24/7 full support
Restream Studio allows you to take full advantage of live streaming in a simple and straightforward way. With this streaming software, you can grab your Mac and easily create professional live interviews, Q&As, product releases or whatever live event you want.
Create stunning live videos
Restream Studio is the easiest way to create high-quality live videos on multiple platforms at once. It's user-friendly and offers an engaging viewer experience.
2. OBS Studio
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is probably the most famous open source tool for live streaming and screen recording — and it works on Mac. OBS Studio supports Windows and macOS, as well as Linux. It offers lots of cool features and options aimed at making your streams look professional.
The downside is that OBS Studio can be quite overwhelming and may require a lot of effort to set up. However, once you get comfortable with it, live streaming is a breeze.
Pros:
- Free and open source
- Native versions for Apple silicon and Intel Macs
- Large library of plugins and tutorials
- Works with almost any platform that accepts RTMP
- Integrates with Restream for multistreaming
Cons:
- Can be challenging to learn
- No built-in way to invite remote guests
- Streams to one platform at a time unless you add a plugin or connect it to Restream
3. Streamlabs
Streamlabs is based onOBS Studio — it was designed to be slightly more user-friendly and geared toward beginning streamers. Streamlabs has many of the same features as OBS, including the essential live streaming, desktop recording and basic editing. However, Streamlabs also helps you monetize streams, lets you go live on multiple platforms simultaneously and has a built-in live chat feature.
Pros:
- Easy setup
- User-friendly interface
- Free customization options
- “Test before live” button
Cons:
- No sound commands
- Higher CPU load
4. Ecamm Live
Ecamm Live is among the best on the market for specialized streaming software for macOS. It’s tailored for Apple products and offers Mac users dozens of amazing features for live streaming. Ecamm Live allows you to make the most of Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Kick and Twitch video streaming.
Pros:
- Specialized for macOS
- Streams to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and more at the same time
- Up to 10 remote guests, who join from a web browser
- Lots of useful features, from overlays to animations
Cons:
- Mac only, and paid after the 14-day free trial
- Some features, such as Dual Mode, require an Apple silicon Mac
5. Meld Studio
Meld Studio is free broadcast software for Windows and macOS. It requires macOS 12 or later and is optimized for Apple silicon Macs. It has a scene-based layout similar to other desktop encoders and can stream to multiple RTMP and RTMPS destinations at the same time.
Pros:
- Free to download and use
- Optimized for Apple silicon
- Built-in streaming to multiple destinations
Cons:
- Smaller community and fewer tutorials than OBS
- Every extra destination uses more of your upload bandwidth
6. mimoLive
mimoLive is professional live video production software made for the Mac. The latest version requires macOS 13.5 or later and supports both Intel and Apple silicon Macs. It's aimed at broadcasters and businesses that need advanced graphics, multiple cameras and remote production.
Pros:
- Built specifically for macOS
- Professional production features for multi-camera shows
- Free evaluation license to try it
Cons:
- Paid software
- More than most beginners need
How to live stream pre-recorded videos on Mac
While most Mac video creators understand that live video is a valuable content stream that continues to grow, many struggle to balance the high standards of production with the practicalities of live streaming.
Although production quality is definitely important, it’s not the key to a viewer’s heart. Top marketers, including Neil Patel, suggest that audiences are incredibly forgiving when it comes to live streaming. Therefore, it might be a better idea to focus your energy and direct your resources toward other factors, like making your content more engaging or working on your appearance and confidence.
Nonetheless, you don’t really need to compromise the production value of your videos to stream live if you don’t want to. With Restream’s Upload and Stream, you can schedule polished, edited content to publish just like a regular live stream.
Upload and Stream combines Restream’s powerful multistreaming technology with intuitive and useful planning options:
- Schedule your polished videos to stream live at any time
- Create and schedule live events to easily promote them on social media
- Choose from 30+ social channels to stream to at once
- Simplify your process — no broadcasting software or pricey data plans required
- Ensure the highest-quality streams with complete editing before you go live
- Save time and energy for engaging with your viewers in real time
FAQs
Can you live stream on a Mac?
Yes, you can definitely live stream on your Mac! These days, there are several great software options that will let you produce a beautiful, professional live stream.
Does OBS work on Mac?
Yes, OBS works on Mac, Windows and Linux. The current version of OBS Studio requires macOS 13 or later and has separate downloads for Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
Are there any streaming apps for Mac?
Once upon a time, streaming software for Mac was pretty limited. But today you can take your pick of several options, including OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, Ecamm Live and, of course, Restream Studio.
What are OBS alternatives for Mac?
OBS is a powerful tool, and it’s free to use. But it comes with a steep learning curve. Streamlabs is another free tool that gives OBS a run for its money while being much easier to learn. Restream Studio is another option to consider — it’s incredibly simple, packed with awesome features and doesn’t require you to download a thing.
How much does Mac streaming software cost?
Streaming software doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are free options out there, like OBS Studio or Streamlabs. Restream also offers a free option, as well as a range of paid plans, depending on what features you need.
What is the best free streaming software for Mac?
Restream Studio, OBS Studio and Meld Studio are all free to start with. Restream Studio runs in your browser and is the easiest to set up. OBS Studio and Meld Studio are free desktop apps that give you more control but take longer to learn.
Does streaming software work on Apple silicon (M-series) Macs?
Yes. OBS Studio has a native Apple silicon version, Meld Studio is optimized for Apple silicon, and Ecamm Live and mimoLive support both Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Restream Studio runs in your browser, so it works on any Mac with a supported browser.
How do I stream on Twitch from a Mac?
You can use Restream Studio in your browser or a desktop app like OBS Studio. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to live stream on Twitch on a Mac.
Final thoughts
Nowadays, live streaming on macOS doesn’t really differ from doing it on Windows. You have a load of streaming apps to choose from and you can broadcast to the same platforms you would on Windows. Choosing your Mac streaming software isn’t so hard, either, once you figure out your needs.
While OBS and Streamlabs are very much alike, Restream Studio is a different kind of beast. It allows you to simultaneously go live on as many platforms as you like. And unlike OBS and Streamlabs, you don’t need to download and install Restream Studio — you can live stream directly from your browser. Learn more in our full guide on Restream Studio.
