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PC Gaming Streaming Reviews: Get the Best Experience with These Top Picks.
The world of PC gaming streaming has experienced a huge renaissance in recent years, with more people than ever deciding to get their gaming fix online. But with the wealth of different services and configurations available, it can be confusing to find the best PC gaming streaming reviews that match your individual needs.
To make your search easier, this article will provide comprehensive and comprehensive reviews of the top 5 PC gaming streaming services. We’ll evaluate their cost of use, feature set, supported consoles, and more to give you a full picture of what these services have to offer.
Let’s get started!
1. Twitch
Twitch is the grandfather of streaming services and it remains the most popular. It offers users livestreams of their favorite games, along with high-definition video, audio, and graphics.
The platform is free for basic use, but for a small monthly subscription fee players can unlock additional features. These include no ad interruptions, unlimited access to archived videos, and the ability to join exclusive Twitch communities.
When it comes to consoles, Twitch works with both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. However, gamers should note that the platform only supports streaming from PCs running Windows or Mac OSX, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
Pros:
Free basic version and low cost monthly subscription
Works with Xbox One and PS4
Clear audio and video quality
Cons:
Not compatible with Linux systems
No voice chat support
2. Steam
Steam is the leading distribution platform for PC games and one of the most popular streaming services for the format. It is free for basic use and offers access to a large library of games.
The Steam streaming feature allows gamers to broadcast their gameplay live to the world. It supports full 4K resolution and features proprietary network protocols designed to reduce latency and provide a smoother experience.
The service is also compatible with a wide range of Android and iOS devices, meaning that gamers can use their smartphones as a second screen while they play.
Pros:
Free basic version
Supports 4K resolution
Compatible with a range of devices
Cons:
Cannot broadcast to certain websites
No voice chat support
3. YouTube Gaming
YouTube has long been one of the most popular websites for gamers, and their YouTube Gaming service seeks to take this a step further. It is a completely separate service from YouTube, offering an endless library of livestreams, recordings, and game reviews from content creators.
The platform also features VOIP services and can even be set up to allow viewers to join your game as a spectator or co-player.
YouTube Gaming is free for basic use, but for a small fee players can subscribe to the premium service, which unlocks additional features such as unlimited recordings and the ability to live stream to multiple sites at once.
Pros:
Free basic version
VOIP support
Ability to live stream to multiple websites
Cons:
Cannot broadcast to certain websites
Delays in streaming
4. Mixer
Mixer is owned by tech giant Microsoft and utilizes a different approach to streaming than its competitors. It is heavily aimed at gamers, offering a large variety of unique features such as co-streaming and “interactive notifications.”
The service also offers better latency than most, as well as the ability to record and store unlimited video clips. It is also one of the few services that supports Xbox One and PlayStation 4 streaming.
Mixer is free to use but players can also subscribe to the premium service for a small fee. This unlocks lower latency and additional features such as more storage, increased stream resolution, and more.
Pros:
Supports Xbox One and PS4
Lower latency than most services
Unlimited recording and storage
Cons:
No voice chat support
Limited customization options
5. Discord
Discord is a popular VOIP and streaming service aimed primarily at gamers. It differs from other services in that it encourages gamers to join larger server communities, with the ability to instant message, upload files, and join voice channels.
The platform also offers text and video chat capabilities, making it useful for broadcasting live game sessions and live streaming to other platforms.
Discord is a great option for gamers who don’t need the most advanced features but still want access to a large community of other gamers. Plus, it is completely free to use.
Pros:
Free to use
Great for communities
Offers text and video chat
Cons:
No recording or storage
Limited customization options
Conclusion
With any of these five streaming services, you can get the best experience possible when it comes to streaming PC gaming. Whether you’re looking for a reliable platform with a large player base or something more tailored to a specific console, there is something out there for everyone.
Our top pick for best PC gaming streaming service is Mixer, which offers better latency than most, as well as the ability to stream to Xbox One and PS4. However, all five services offer a variety of features for gamers to choose from, so it’s worth weighing up your individual needs before making a decision.
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