Skip to main content

Streaming your church services can feel overwhelming, especially without the right church streaming software tools.

Without a solid system in place:

  • You might wrestle with technical hiccups that interrupt your worship experience.
  • Your online audience might feel disconnected due to poor quality or unreliable streams.
  • Managing all the moving parts could leave you stretched too thin to focus on ministry.

These frustrations often happen because we try to make do with generic tech solutions or outdated systems that aren’t designed for the unique needs of churches.

That’s why I’ve compiled this list of church streaming software tools. Each tool has been deeply researched to help you choose one that’s reliable, user-friendly, and perfect for small to mid-size churches like yours. Let’s dive into the options and find the right fit for your ministry!

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

My team and I, all pastors and church leaders ourselves, have been reviewing church streaming software since we launched this site back in 2019. We know firsthand how hard it can be to choose the right tools—it’s a big decision that impacts both your ministry and your congregation.

That’s why we dive deep into research to make the process easier for you. Together, we’ve tested over 2,000 tools for ministry use and written more than 1,000 in-depth reviews to help pastors like you make confident decisions. Learn how we stay transparent and our software review methodology.

Live Streaming Software For Churches Summary

Tools Price
Wirecast From $29.08/month
ProPresenter You also have the option to rent the software for a one-time event for $99.
mimoLive upon request
Dacast demo upon request.
TruthCasting No details
vMix No details
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) No details
Churchstreaming.tv Paid plans are based on the number of hours you need per month, the resolution, and video storage capacity. The plans start with the basic plan at $79/month. The Advanced Plan is the most expensive at $139 a month.
Boxcast From $99/month and go all the way to $999/month
Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

Compare Software

How to Choose Church Streaming Software

As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:

  • Ease of Use for Volunteers: Most churches rely on volunteers to manage tech during services. Choose software that’s simple to set up and operate, even for people without much technical experience. Look for tools with intuitive controls, clear tutorials, and responsive customer support to minimize training time.
  • Stream Quality and Reliability: Few things are more frustrating for your congregation than buffering or poor audio. Select software that prioritizes high-quality video and audio streaming, even with limited internet speeds. Some tools even offer adaptive streaming that adjusts quality automatically based on bandwidth.
  • Integration with Existing Tools: Your software should work seamlessly with the tools you’re already using, like cameras, microphones, or presentation software. Check for compatibility with your current setup to avoid costly upgrades or frustrating workarounds. For example, if you use ProPresenter, confirm that your streaming software supports it.
  • Custom Features for Churches: Not all streaming tools are designed with churches in mind. Look for features like sermon overlays, scripture slides, or options to stream to multiple platforms like YouTube and Facebook at once. These extras can help you create a more engaging worship experience for online viewers.
  • Affordability for Tight Budgets: Many small to mid-size churches operate on limited budgets. Compare pricing plans carefully and prioritize software that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Some providers even offer special discounts or plans for churches.

By keeping these considerations front and center, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right church streaming software for your ministry’s needs.

Best Live Streaming Software For Churches

If the need for real-time church service broadcasting is growing, providers of church streaming software, streaming solutions, and technical support have not been left behind. Here are some of the live streaming service providers that make it possible for both large and small churches to live broadcast their sermons and services.

Best Church Streaming Software For Beginners

  • From $29.08/month

Describing the Wirecast video streaming service, the Director of Music Ministries at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, Don Doss, says, 'Yes, it’s true that the ‘BIG’ churches have all the cool equipment, but it’s also true that some smaller churches with smaller budgets can now produce quality video with the help of Telestream’s Wirecast software.'

Wirecast comes with a free 30-day trial limited to two Rendezvous guests and does not permit ISO recording (an isolated recording of one camera in a multi-camera production). The service has two paid plans for both Mac and Windows: Wirecast Studio ($599) and Wirecast Pro ($799).

Best For Both Pros And Beginners

  • 14-day free trial
  • You also have the option to rent the software for a one-time event for $99.

'Whether you’re a Photoshop expert or technology isn’t your friend, we’ve got you covered. Create beautiful graphics with our built-in editor.' This is how the developers of Propresenter market their software.

Among the several features, you’ll find on Propresenter is the ability to record your screen for further editing, switch video outputs, and capture and output audio. The service also presents live streaming tutorials on its website.

Propresenter has a free version, which is not designed to be used in front of an audience. The HoW (House of Worship) plan starts at $399 per year for a new account or $275 per year when renewing.

Best Live Streaming Software For Mac

  • 14-day free trial.
  • upon request

mimoLive provides professional live streaming tools for live streaming to Apple products, including Mac, iPad, and iPhone. The software promises 'an all-in-one live switcher, video encoder, editor, and streaming software for Mac. It enables you to switch multiple cameras, insert presentations, add graphics, overlay lower-thirds, social media comments, transparency with green screens.'

mimoLive's 14-day free trial allows you to test drive the product. If you like it at the end of 14 days, you can get the Studio License at the cost of $699 per year or $69.99 per month.

Best Live Streaming Solution For Churches On A Budget

  • demo upon request.

Visit Dacast.com, and you will realize that this live stream software promises every feature and functionality a live streaming church service needs. The service has 24/7 support, high-quality live streaming with top-tier CDNs, an all-device HTML5 player, VODs and live video integration, and customization that allows users to monetize their videos.

Another valuable Dacast feature is that it allows you to set up multiple bitrate streams using Wirecast video or vMix broadcasting software. These multiple bitrate streams ensure that your live streams can be watched on different devices and internet connections with varying bandwidths.

Dacast has a free 30-day trial. Paid plans start at $39 a month.

Best For Ad-Free Streaming

To show how easy the developers of TruthCasting believe their software is, they say, 'If you can count to three, then you can live stream.” The software can be used whether you're streaming from a webcam or a professional video camera.

You can also use any encoder to send your video to the streaming platform. As long as audiences have an internet connection, they can view videos broadcast through TruthCasting on any device, wherever they are.

TruthCasting offers a 15-day free trial. Churches with less than 2,000 members pay $39.95 a month to broadcast. YouTube and Facebook Live add-ons are available at $10 per month.

Best For Building A Custom Live Production System

  • 60-day free trial

vMix is a software video switcher and mixer that also functions as a live streaming software that works on Windows. Some of the software's features include 'LIVE mixing, switching, recording and LIVE streaming of SD, full HD and 4K video sources including cameras, video files, DVDs, images, [and] Powerpoint.'

The vMix software is customizable, based on the user's production needs. All these features can be enjoyed on a free 60-day trial. Paid plans start with the Basic HD, which costs $60, and go all the way to the Pro plan that costs $1200. The software's developers say that 'Each purchase does not expire and includes Free Version Updates for one year from the date of purchase.”

Best Free Live Stream Software

If your church is still new and wants to use free live stream software, the best place to find this is at Open Broadcast Software (OBS). Even though OBS is free, it compares well to other church streaming software out there. For example, it doesn't restrict the number of scenes you can seamlessly switch between using custom transitions.

The OBS project is sponsored by several tech giants, including Facebook and YouTube.

Best For Broadcasting A Church Service To Various Sources

  • 30-day free trial
  • Paid plans are based on the number of hours you need per month, the resolution, and video storage capacity. The plans start with the basic plan at $79/month. The Advanced Plan is the most expensive at $139 a month.

'Video streaming simple enough for a church plant, powerful enough for worldwide ministry.' This is how Churchstreaming.tv advertises its service. The software makes it possible for a church service to be broadcast to various sources like YouTube, Facebook, or Apple TV.

Churchstreaming.tv also frees bandwidth with real-time transcoding. The streaming solution allows for plugins that make it possible to customize viewer layout by embedding navigation links.

Churchstreaming.tv has a free 30-day trial. Paid plans are based on the number of hours you need per month, the resolution, and video storage capacity. The plans start with the basic plan at $79/month. The Advanced Plan is the most expensive at $139 a month.

Live Streaming Software For All Worship House Sizes

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $99/month and go all the way to $999/month

If there is one video streaming service I see in every list of the best church streaming software, it’s Boxcast. Boxcast's promise: 'Whether your congregation has 1,000 members or 100, our features and plans have been crafted to meet the needs of both first-time broadcasters and seasoned streamers.'

You can live stream on the Boxcast free trial for 14 days before deciding whether the live streaming software is for you. If you decide that it is, pricing plans start at $99/month and go all the way to $999/month.

Selection Criteria for Church Streaming Software

Church streaming software comes with a wide range of features, designed to help churches broadcast their services seamlessly and reach their congregations online. Common features for church streaming software typically include live streaming, multi-platform integration, video recording, chat and engagement tools, overlays, scheduling, analytics, customization options, adaptive streaming, and reliable security.

To be considered for inclusion on my list of the best church streaming software, the solution had to support the ability to fulfill common use cases:

  • Stream live services to a single platform like YouTube or Facebook.
  • Enable multi-platform streaming for broader reach.
  • Record services for on-demand viewing.
  • Include basic video editing tools for simple adjustments.
  • Support worship-focused features like scripture overlays or announcements.

Core Church Streaming Software Functionality – 25% of Total Weighting Score

This evaluates how well the tool covers the essential needs of church streaming. It must handle the basics like consistent video quality, easy scheduling, and integration with standard church tech setups.

Additional Standout Features – 25% of Total Weighting Score

I look for unique capabilities that go beyond basic streaming. These might include:

  • Overlays for scripture or sermon points.
  • Adaptive streaming for varied internet speeds.
  • Comprehensive analytics to track audience engagement.
    Tools offering advanced multi-platform management or branded landing pages would stand out here.

Usability – 10% of Total Weighting Score

When evaluating usability, I check for:

  • Intuitive dashboards that require minimal training.
  • Simple workflows for volunteers managing the stream.
  • Customizable layouts for managing multiple streams at once.

Onboarding – 10% of Total Weighting Score

Onboarding is essential to getting started quickly. Key things I check for:

  • Clear training resources like videos and step-by-step guides.
  • Interactive product tours or chatbots that help with setup.
  • Pre-designed templates for faster implementation.

Customer Support – 10% of Total Weighting Score

I look for responsive and effective support by checking for:

  • 24/7 availability to solve issues during services.
  • Multiple support channels like chat, email, or phone.
  • Active user communities or forums to find quick answers.

Value for Money – 10% of Total Weighting Score

Affordability matters for many churches. I compare:

  • Pricing plans to ensure features match the cost.
  • Discounts for small churches or non-profits.
  • Free trials or freemium options to test functionality before committing.

Customer Reviews – 10% of Total Weighting Score

I dig into reviews to understand how well the software serves real users. Key points I evaluate:

  • Consistency in praise or complaints about features.
  • Feedback on long-term reliability and updates.
  • Overall user satisfaction ratings.

Each of these criteria helps ensure the church streaming software I recommend is not only functional but also tailored to the unique needs of pastors, volunteers, and church tech teams.

In 2024, church streaming software has advanced to better serve congregations and streamline operations for church leaders. Key trends include:

  • Enhanced Multi-Platform Streaming: Tools now allow simultaneous broadcasting to platforms like YouTube and Facebook, expanding reach without extra effort.
  • Integrated Donation Features: Some software includes in-stream giving options, simplifying tithing for online attendees and supporting church finances.
  • Custom Branding Capabilities: The ability to add church logos and personalized elements helps maintain a consistent identity across digital services.
  • Improved User Interfaces: Developers focus on intuitive designs, making it easier for volunteers to manage streams with minimal training.
  • Advanced Analytics: Access to detailed viewer statistics enables churches to understand and engage their online audience more effectively.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Support for mobile streaming ensures that services are accessible to members on various devices, enhancing flexibility.
  • Security Enhancements: Stronger security measures protect streams from unauthorized access, ensuring a safe viewing experience for congregants.

These developments address the growing need for accessible, engaging, and secure online worship experiences, allowing church leaders to focus more on ministry and less on technical challenges.

What is Church Streaming Software?

Church streaming software is a tool that lets churches broadcast their services live online so people can worship from anywhere. It’s like setting up a digital window into your sanctuary, making it easy for members who are sick, traveling, or far away to stay connected. It usually includes features like live video, recording for later viewing, and tools to stream on platforms like YouTube or Facebook. With the right setup, it takes the stress out of going online and helps churches focus on ministry.

Features of Church Streaming Software

Using church streaming software can free you up to focus on ministry by simplifying operations. With the right tools, you’ll spend less time fixing technical problems, more time connecting with people, and be able to reach your congregation effectively online. To help you do that, here are the most important features to look for.

  • Simple Setup: Choose software that’s easy to install and get running quickly so you can spend more time ministering and less time troubleshooting.
  • User-Friendly Dashboard: A clear and straightforward dashboard makes managing streams less stressful for you and your volunteers.
  • Multi-Platform Streaming: Software that lets you stream to YouTube, Facebook, or your website at the same time helps you reach more people without extra work.
  • Reliable Streaming Quality: High-quality, stable streaming ensures your congregation can worship without interruptions, which reflects well on your ministry.
  • Automated Scheduling: Look for tools that allow you to schedule streams in advance, so you don’t have to manage it live every time.
  • Integration with Existing Tools: Software that works with your cameras, microphones, and presentation tools saves you time and money.
  • Tech Support: Having access to quick support means you can solve problems fast and get back to focusing on people.
  • Custom Branding: The ability to add your church’s logo or customize the stream helps reinforce your ministry’s identity while reaching others.
  • Analytics and Insights: Software that tracks viewership stats shows you how well you’re connecting with your audience, helping you fine-tune your ministry approach.
  • Affordable Pricing Plans: Finding a tool within your budget lets you reserve resources for other ministry priorities without compromising on quality.

With features like these, church streaming software can help you manage the technical side of ministry while giving you more time and energy to focus on people. Look for tools that fit your church’s needs, and you’ll be on your way to more meaningful ministry.

Benefits of Church Streaming Software

Church streaming software helps churches connect with their congregation, save time on tech, and expand their ministry’s reach. It’s a tool that makes online worship easier and more effective. Here are the top benefits it offers:

  • Broader Audience Reach: Streaming makes it simple to share services with members who can’t attend in person, as well as attract new viewers online.
  • Improved Engagement: Tools like live chat and interactive features help online attendees feel part of the service, creating a sense of community.
  • Simplified Operations: With user-friendly dashboards and automation options, managing streams takes less time and reduces stress for volunteers and staff.
  • Cost Efficiency: A good streaming solution is often more affordable than costly AV upgrades, making it a budget-friendly way to modernize your ministry.
  • Increased Giving Opportunities: Integrated donation tools make it easier for online viewers to contribute, helping sustain your church financially.

Church streaming software is more than just a tech tool; it’s a way to serve your congregation better and grow your ministry without overloading your team. With the right system, you can focus on what matters most—caring for your people.

Costs & Pricing for Church Streaming Software

Church streaming software usually offers several plans to fit different needs and budgets, ranging from free options to premium solutions. These plans are designed to help churches of all sizes find the right features without overpaying for tools they don’t need. Below is a breakdown of the common plans available:

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon FeaturesBest For...
Free Plan$0/monthBasic live streaming, single-platform streaming, limited supportSmall churches just starting out with streaming
Basic Plan$20-$50/monthMulti-platform streaming, recording, basic overlays, analyticsChurches needing more flexibility for online services
Standard Plan$50-$100/monthCustom branding, multi-camera support, scheduling, detailed analyticsMid-size churches expanding online reach
Premium Plan$100-$300/monthAdvanced features like adaptive streaming, integrations, priority supportLarger churches with dedicated streaming teams
Enterprise PlanCustom PricingFull customization, unlimited viewers, advanced securityMega-churches or organizations with complex needs

Each plan is tailored to different levels of need, so it’s important to choose one that matches your church’s size and goals. Start small if you’re new to streaming, but consider advanced plans if your congregation relies heavily on online services.

Church Streaming Software Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I ensure our streaming setup aligns with our worship style?

Church streaming software is flexible and can fit a variety of worship styles. Look for tools that offer customizable layouts, scripture overlays, and multi-camera support. These features allow you to match the flow and tone of your in-person services, creating a seamless experience for your congregation online.

2. Is it possible to stream to multiple locations within our church simultaneously?

Yes, many tools allow you to stream to different screens or rooms within your church, often referred to as simulcasting. This feature is especially useful for overflow spaces, multi-campus churches, or specialized groups like children’s ministries.

3. What kind of internet speed do we need for smooth streaming?

A stable internet connection with at least 5 Mbps upload speed is usually sufficient for basic HD streaming. If you plan to stream in 4K or use multi-platform features, you might need closer to 10-20 Mbps. Always test your connection during the time of day you plan to stream to ensure consistency.

4. Can church streaming software help us manage our video library?

Many tools offer video management features like automatic saving, categorization, and the ability to create on-demand content. This makes it easier to organize and share past sermons, Bible studies, or special events with your congregation.

5. Are there options to include closed captions or translations for non-English speakers?

Yes, some software includes automatic captioning or translation tools to make services accessible to a wider audience. This is helpful for churches with multilingual congregations or those reaching out to diverse communities.

These questions cover practical concerns that pastors might have when starting or upgrading their streaming capabilities, helping you make informed decisions about the best software for your church’s needs.

Subscribe to The Lead Pastor Newsletter

Want more reviews like this one, plus practical insight from experienced pastors? Join our newsletter! It’s packed with tools, tips, and wisdom to help you grow your ministry and lead with confidence. Don’t miss out!

Subscribe today. We’d love to have you!

Joshua Gordon
By Joshua Gordon

Joshua Gordon is a lay-pastor, author, and editor of TheLeadPastor.com. Over the last two decades, Josh has worked closely with pastors and other christian leaders, helping them to sharpen and elevate their messages. Today, Joshua pastors at New Life Fellowship, a thriving church he helped plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.