Amazon Interactive Video Service vs Streamster

Amazon Interactive Video Service is a paid managed service for delivering live video through low-latency or real-time streams. AWS lists real-time latency below 300 milliseconds and low-latency delivery at 3–5 seconds. Real-time streaming accepts RTMPS and WHIP input with WebRTC output; low-latency streaming accepts RTMPS and SRT input with HLS output. Chat and timed-metadata APIs support features such as polls, graphics, and synchronized elements. A stage allows multiple hosts to exchange audio and video, then broadcast to an IVS channel. Standard and advanced channels can transcode video into multiple resolutions and bitrates. Streams can be recorded to customer-owned Amazon S3 for archiving and on-demand playback, with MediaConvert support. AWS says channels can serve millions of concurrent viewers. SDKs cover web, iOS, and Android. Listed input plans start at $0.20 a month, and a Free Tier is available for new AWS customers.

Streamster provides live streaming and cloud multistreaming, sending one stream to selected platforms through its cloud servers. The web app lists more than 50 compatible streaming platforms and accepts custom RTMP destinations; it can also restream video from OBS, Wirecast, Streamlabs or other streaming software. The Windows app adds video recording, multiple video sources, screen capture, image overlays, filters and remote control. iOS and Android apps support live multistreaming, camera and orientation selection, adjustable resolution, bitrate and FPS, and remote control of desktop streams. Server-side transcoding can set different video settings for destinations and is included in some paid plans. The Windows app also offers a built-in VPN with paid plans. Streamster is available on the web, Windows, iOS and Android, but it does not provide a browser-based studio, and its Windows app is not available for macOS. The free plan provides two streaming channels, a 4,000 kbps maximum bitrate and a recommended maximum resolution of 720p. Paid monthly plans and per-hour pay-per-use options are listed, with rates varying by tier.