6 Best iOS Live Streaming Apps (& How to Choose)

Ready to turn your iPhone or iPad into a mobile live streaming studio? 

With the right iOS live streaming app, you can broadcast professional live video to your audience across every online platform. But with so many options out there, how do you know which is best for you?

In this guide, you’ll discover 6 of the best iOS live streaming apps available today. You’ll also get expert tips on what to look for in a streaming app and how to choose the best one for you. Let’s dive in.

What is an iOS live streaming app?

iOS live streaming apps let you broadcast video and audio in real-time from your iPhone or iPad to online viewers. Many streaming apps go beyond basic streaming, offering features like multi-cam production, streaming to multiple platforms, and built-in monetization tools.

Is the iPhone good for live streaming?

Absolutely — iPhones and iPads are among the best devices for mobile live streaming, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creator. Here’s why they stand out:

• Top-tier cameras: iPhones and iPads feature advanced cameras that deliver crisp, vibrant HD video, making your streams look professional without expensive or bulky camera equipment.

• Portability: Their compact size means you can start streaming from anywhere, at home, on the go, or at events, without lugging around heavy equipment.

• Reliable performance: Apple devices provide smooth, uninterrupted broadcasts with fewer technical hiccups.

• Flexible setup: With a wide range of compatible accessories (like external mics, tripods, and lights) you can easily upgrade your setup for even higher quality.

• All-in-one solution: iPhones and iPads combine a camera, an encoder, and streaming platform access in a single device, making setups a breeze.

What features should you look for in an iOS live streaming app?

Choosing the right iOS live streaming app can make all the difference in your production quality and audience engagement. 

Here are some features that will help you create professional, dynamic, and interactive live streams:

1. Multi-camera switching: Link multiple iOS devices and cameras and seamlessly switch between angles to give your broadcast a polished and professional look. 

2. Multistreaming: Stream to multiple platforms (like Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitch, and even your website) at the same time, so you can reach your audience wherever they are.

3. Custom graphics and branding: Add overlays, lower thirds, logos, and titles to reinforce your brand and give your stream a unique, professional touch.

4. Remote guest support: Bring in live guests or co-hosts from anywhere in the world to make your streams more collaborative and engaging.

5. Screen sharing: Share your device’s screen in real time to display slides, demos, or other visual content during your broadcast.

6. Pre-recorded video integration: Blend pre-recorded videos, intros, and outros into your live stream for smooth transitions and a more polished experience.

7. Live audience engagement: Display live chat comments from platforms like Facebook and YouTube in your stream, making it easy to interact with your viewers.

8. Monetization tools: Collect donations, sell event tickets, or offer pay-to-view content and subscriptions — and earn revenue from your live streams without the hassle of third-party apps and integrations.

9. Cloud asset management: Store, organize, and access your graphics, videos, and other assets in the cloud, so you can easily use them across different productions.

10. Reliable performance: Count on stable, high-quality streams thanks to robust technology built specifically for iOS devices, so you can focus on your content instead of troubleshooting.

(FYI — Switcher provides all these features and more!)

How to choose the best iOS live streaming app for your needs

With so many live streaming apps available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you choose the mobile app that fits your goals and workflow:

• Define your streaming goals: Identify what you want to achieve — whether it’s professional multi-cam production, casual vlogging, or interactive events. This clarity will help you focus on apps with the right features for your needs.

• List must-have features: Make a checklist of essential features like multi-camera support, custom graphics, multistreaming, remote guests, or monetization tools. Prioritizing these ensures the app can deliver the experience you want.

• Check device compatibility: Confirm the app works smoothly with your iPhone or iPad model and iOS version. Compatibility ensures reliable performance and access to the latest features.

• Evaluate ease of use: Look for an intuitive interface and straightforward setup. An app that’s easy to use will let you focus on your content, not troubleshooting technical issues.

• Assess streaming quality: Review the app’s video and audio quality, including support for HD streaming and stable connections. High-quality streams keep your audience engaged and coming back.

• Explore integration options: Find out if the app connects with your preferred platforms (like Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch) directly or via a simple RTMP integration.

• Read user reviews and test: Check ratings and feedback from other creators, then try the app yourself. Real-world experience is the best way to see if it meets your expectations.

6 best iOS live streaming apps to consider

Ready to find the perfect app for your next mobile live stream? Below, you’ll discover the top iOS live streaming apps, each with its strengths, standout features, and pricing options.

1. Switcher 

Best for: Professional multi-cam production, made simple

Switcher is your all-in-one solution for creating polished, multi-camera mobile live streams right from your iPhone or iPad. Think professional-grade live streaming that’s accessible to everyone.

Switcher is popular with creators, churches, sports teams, and educational institutes who want to elevate their broadcasts with pro-level features.

Pros

• Multi-camera support: Connect up to nine iOS devices for dynamic, professional-looking streams.

• Custom branding: Add overlays, logos, and graphics to reinforce your brand.

• Multistreaming: Broadcast to multiple platforms simultaneously, including Facebook, YouTube, and your website.

• Monetization tools: Sell tickets, accept donations, and offer subscriptions directly through your stream.

Cons

• Subscription required: There’s no free plan after the two-week trial period.

Pricing

Switcher’s Studio plan is $65/month (or just $37/month for the annual plan) for up to 9 cameras, customizable graphics and branding, intuitive live editing, donation integrations, and more. 

Upgrade to Switcher’s Suite plan starting at $79/month to unlock unlimited streaming, more storage, and advanced multi-cam capabilities.

2. Prism Live Studio

Best for: Free streaming with creative effects

Prism Live Studio lets you stream live with creative overlays, filters, and effects. It’s popular for social streaming, vlogging, and casual creators who want to add flair to their broadcasts.

Pros

• Creative tools: Access a wide range of filters, effects, and overlays to enhance your stream.

• Multiplatform streaming: Stream to up to many platforms at once with a subscription.

• Free core features: Basic streaming and effects are available at no cost.

Cons

• Premium features gated: Multistreaming, watermark removal, and unlimited overlays require a paid subscription.

• Limited advanced production: Lacks the pro-level multi-cam and customization options found in Switcher.

Pricing

Core features are free. The Prism Plus subscription ($9.99/month or $79.99/year) unlocks premium features like multistreaming, watermark removal, and advanced overlays.

3. Wirecast Go

Best for: Simple mobile streaming to YouTube

Wirecast Go offers basic production tools and is designed for quick, mobile live streaming from your iPhone, especially to YouTube.

Pros

• Easy to use: Simple interface for fast setup and streaming.

• Graphics support: Add images, logos, and graphics from your photo library.

• Affordable premium features: One-time fee for advanced features.

Cons

• Limited to YouTube (free): RTMP streaming and advanced features require a paid upgrade.

• No multi-cam: Lacks multi-camera support and advanced production tools.

Pricing

Free to download with basic features. A one-time $5.99 in-app purchase unlocks RTMP streaming and unlimited shot switching.

4. Airmix

Best for: Advanced live production with Teradek integration

Airmix is an iOS live streaming app favored by professionals who need advanced production control, especially when paired with Teradek hardware for large events and productions.

Pros

• Pro-level features: Multi-cam support, custom graphics, and transitions for polished streams.

• High-quality streaming: Stream live events in 1080p at up to 10Mbps.

• Teradek integration: Seamless workflow with Teradek encoders and cloud services.

Cons

• Subscription required: No free plan for the full version, and costs add up for advanced features.

• Steeper learning curve: More complex than basic streaming apps.

Pricing

Airmix is subscription-based at $29.99/month, with a 30-day free trial. Airmix Solo offers a free version with limited features.

5. Streamlabs Mobile

Best for: Gamers and streamers seeking overlays and alerts

Streamlabs Mobile brings the popular Streamlabs experience to iOS, offering overlays, alerts, and chat integration for live streaming to Twitch, YouTube, and more. It’s a favorite for gamers and creators who want to engage their audience with interactive elements.

Pros

• Rich overlays and alerts: Add professional-looking widgets, alerts, and themes to your stream.

• Multistreaming: Stream to multiple platforms with a premium subscription.

• Cloudbot integration: Engage viewers via chat.

Cons

• Watermark on the free plan: Removing the Streamlabs watermark requires a paid subscription.

• Some features are premium-only: Multistreaming and advanced themes are locked behind a paywall.

Pricing

The app is free to use for basic streaming. Streamlabs Ultra costs $27/month and offers premium overlays, watermark removal, and more.

6. Larix Broadcaster

Best for: Custom RTMP/SRT streaming and protocol flexibility

Larix Broadcaster is a robust mobile app for streaming to any RTMP, SRT, or other protocol-based destination. It’s popular with technical users and broadcasters who need flexibility, advanced encoding, and protocol support for custom workflows.

Pros

• Protocol versatility: Supports RTMP, SRT, RIST, Zixi, and more.

• HEVC encoding: Stream in high efficiency for better quality at lower bitrates.

• Free core features: Most streaming functions are available at no cost.

Cons

• Premium features gated: Removing watermarks and time limits, and enabling NDI require a paid subscription.

• No built-in multi-cam or overlays: Focuses on transport, not production.

Pricing

Core features are free. Larix Premium ($9.99/month or $119/year) removes watermarks, and time limits, and unlocks advanced features. NDI output is an additional $19.99/month.

What is the best live streaming app for iOS?

Whether you need multi-cam production, custom branding, or seamless multistreaming, the right iOS live streaming app can transform your broadcasts.

While every app on this list brings something unique, Switcher stands out for its pro-level features, intuitive design, and all-in-one workflow.

If you’re ready to create polished, engaging live streams from your iPhone or iPad, give Switcher a try. Sign up for your free trial today.