You're ready to start streaming, but which software should you download? Both Streamlabs and StreamElements are solid choices, but they work completely differently.
The simple version: Streamlabs is like getting everything ready-to-go in one box. StreamElements gives you more control but takes longer to learn.
Let's figure out which one fits what you want to do.
The Basics: What Are These Things?
Streamlabs: The All-in-One Option
Streamlabs is a desktop app that combines streaming software, overlays, alerts, and chat tools into one package. It's built on top of OBS but wraps everything in a beginner-friendly interface.
Think of it like: Getting a pre-built gaming PC - everything works together out of the box, but you have less control over individual parts.
- Cost: Free version + $19/month for premium features
- Best for: Beginners who want to start streaming quickly
- Users: About 500,000 streamers
StreamElements: The Customization King
StreamElements is a cloud-based platform that works with OBS Studio (which you download separately). Your overlays and alerts live online and connect to OBS through browser sources.
Think of it like: Building your own gaming PC - takes more work to set up, but you get exactly what you want.
- Cost: Completely free (yes, really)
- Best for: People who want full control and don't mind a learning curve
- Users: Smaller but very loyal user base
Platform Support: Where Can You Stream?
Streamlabs: Multi-Platform Winner
✅ Kick: Full native support (huge advantage in 2025)
✅ Twitch: Full support
✅ YouTube Live: Full support
✅ Facebook Gaming: Full support
✅ Multi-streaming: Can stream to multiple platforms at once
Why this matters: Kick is the new streaming platform offering a 95/5 revenue split (you keep 95%). Streamlabs is the only major software with full Kick integration right now.
StreamElements: Traditional Platforms Only
✅ Twitch: Full support
✅ YouTube Live: Full support
✅ Facebook Gaming: Full support
❌ Kick: Basic chat only (no overlays or alerts)
❌ Multi-streaming: Not supported
Bottom line: If you want to try Kick or stream to multiple platforms, Streamlabs wins easily.
Getting Started: Setup and Ease of Use
Streamlabs: Ready in Minutes
Setup time: 15-30 minutes for a professional-looking stream
What you get instantly:
- Built-in overlay editor with drag-and-drop
- Pre-made alert animations and sounds
- Donation setup that actually works
- Chat moderation tools
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
The catch: Premium overlays and advanced features cost $19/month. The free stuff looks... fine, but not amazing.
StreamElements: Takes Some Work
Setup time: 2-4 hours if you're new to OBS
What you need to do:
- Download OBS Studio separately
- Create overlays on StreamElements website
- Copy URLs and add them as browser sources in OBS
- Configure each element individually
The payoff: Once set up, you have way more control and all features are free. The overlays look more professional and run smoother.
Performance: Will It Slow Down Your Computer?
Streamlabs: Heavy but Convenient
CPU usage: High (15-25% even when idle)
RAM usage: Can get pretty chunky
Common issues: Frame drops on older computers, occasional crashes
Who this affects: If you have a gaming PC from the last 3-4 years, you'll probably be fine. Older or budget computers might struggle.
StreamElements: Light and Smooth
CPU usage: Very low (3-5%)
RAM usage: Minimal
Why it's lighter: Everything runs in the cloud, not on your computer
Real talk: This is StreamElements' biggest advantage. If your computer isn't super powerful, this could be the deciding factor.
Donations and Revenue
Streamlabs: Simple Setup
- Payment methods: PayPal, credit cards, crypto, international options
- Setup time: Under 10 minutes
- Fees: No extra fees (just whatever PayPal charges)
- Features: Tip goals, custom alerts, spam protection
StreamElements: Advanced Protection
- Payment system: SE.Pay (US/UK/EU only) or PayPal
- Special feature: Protects against fake donations and chargebacks
- Setup time: 15-20 minutes
- Fees: No extra fees
Which is better? If you're in the US/UK/EU and worried about trolls doing fake donations, StreamElements' protection is nice. Otherwise, both work fine.
Overlays and Alerts: Making Your Stream Look Good
Streamlabs: Plug and Play
Free templates: Basic but decent
Premium templates: Actually pretty good ($19/month)
Customization: Limited - mostly changing colors and text
Setup: Click, customize, done
StreamElements: Designer's Dream
Templates: All free, and they're genuinely good
Customization: Unlimited if you know CSS/HTML
Learning curve: Steeper, but worth it
Setup: More involved but more rewarding
Visual quality winner: StreamElements, especially if you're willing to learn
Chat and Community Tools
Both platforms have solid chatbots and moderation tools. StreamElements' chatbot is a bit more advanced, but unless you're running a huge channel, you probably won't notice the difference.
Key features both have:
- Spam protection
- Custom commands
- Loyalty points for viewers
- Basic games and activities
Which Should You Pick?
Choose Streamlabs if:
- You want to start streaming this weekend
- You're interested in Kick or multi-platform streaming
- You prefer convenience over customization
- You have a decent gaming computer
- You don't mind paying $19/month for premium features
Choose StreamElements if:
- You want everything free
- You have an older/budget computer
- You like customizing and tweaking things
- You're only streaming to Twitch/YouTube for now
- You're willing to spend time learning
The Bottom Line
For most beginners: Start with Streamlabs. It's easier, supports more platforms, and gets you streaming faster. You can always switch later.
For budget-conscious or tech-savvy streamers: Go with StreamElements. Better performance, unlimited customization, and completely free.
For Kick streamers: Streamlabs is your only real option right now.
Testing tip: Both are free to try. Download both, test them for a weekend, and see which one clicks with you.