Agora Interactive Live Streaming vs Owncast
Agora Interactive Live Streaming
agora.ioOwncast
owncast.onlineSide by side
| Figure | Agora Interactive Live Streaming | Owncast |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0.99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 19 | 1 |
| Spec score · Live TV streaming services | 8.9 (#12) | 8.3 (#48) |
| Spec score · Live Streaming Software | 8.8 (#14) | 8.2 (#49) |
| Spec score · Live streaming software | 8.8 (#14) | 8.2 (#47) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | Agora says it may collect IP addresses and operational information needed to provide its services, while other end-user data is managed by customers in their own applications. | The site says Owncast requires no accounts, does no tracking or data harvesting, and can let streamers and viewers remain anonymous. |
| Product | Agora’s video API embeds real-time video calling and ultra-low-latency live streaming into web, mobile, and native apps. | Owncast is open-source software for running a live stream on your own server using standard streaming protocols. |
| Support | Agora describes round-the-clock support for customers in over 100 countries; paid support plans have monthly prices but annual agreements charged annually. | The contact page directs general usage and support questions to its community chat and bugs to its issue tracker. |
Plans
Agora Interactive Live Streaming
- FreeFree
- Audio only$0.99 a month
- Video HD$3.99 a month
- Video Full HD$8.99 a month
- Video 2K$15.99 a month
- Video 2K+$35.99 a month
- Starter prepaid bundle$45.99 a month
- Pro prepaid bundle$133.99 a month
- Business prepaid bundle$339.99 a month
- FreeFree
In their own words
Agora Interactive Live Streaming
Agora Interactive Live Streaming is a video API for embedding real-time calls and low-latency live streams in web, mobile, and native apps. Hosts can invite audience members on camera, while participants use chat, reactions, and virtual gifts. Collaboration tools include screen sharing, interactive whiteboards, multi-user layouts, and real-time messaging. Agora describes video up to 4K/60fps and audio up to 192 kbps; its network covers more than 200 countries, and streams can be shared across up to four channels. Recording options include cloud, on-premise, and webpage recording for audio, video, and web pages. Developers can use a customizable SDK, a no-code App Builder, or low-code UI Kit libraries. SDKs are listed for Android, iOS, React Native, Flutter, web, ReactJS, Electron, Windows, macOS, Unity, and Unreal Engine. The free plan includes 10,000 participant minutes. Usage-based plans include Audio only at $0.99 a month and Video HD at $3.99 a month. Named use cases include social live streaming, events, education, retail, and telehealth.