XSplit review: what it is, pricing and who it's for
Live streaming and recording software with a free version and a low-cost Premium license.
In short: Live streaming and recording software with a free version and a low-cost Premium license. Starting price: Free; Premium $59.99/year. Best for: Streamers and creators who broadcast live.
What is XSplit?
XSplit Broadcaster is software for live streaming and recording. You build scenes from sources like game capture, webcams, text and media, then stream them to services such as Twitch or YouTube.
The free version streams at up to 720p without a watermark and allows four scenes. Premium removes the watermark at higher resolutions, unlocks unlimited scenes and adds features like multistreaming and commercial use.
Key features
- Scene-based layouts with games, cameras, text, media and web sources.
- AI background removal and voice clarity.
- AI live captions.
- Chroma key and scene transitions.
- Simultaneous streaming to multiple services on Premium.
- Virtual camera output.
- Plugins to extend sources and features.
Plans and pricing
| Plan | Price / limit | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 720p without watermark, 4 scenes, personal use |
| Monthly | $14.99/month | Premium, shortest commitment |
| Yearly | $59.99/year | Premium, lowest recurring price |
| Lifetime | $199.99 once | Premium, no subscription |
Prices are in US dollars as shown on 14 Nov 2026; the free version is for personal use only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free version without watermark up to 720p.
- Lifetime license option.
- Built-in AI tools for captions and background removal.
- Yearly plan is low cost.
Cons
- Free version adds a watermark above 720p and 30 fps.
- Free version is personal use only.
- Multistreaming needs Premium.
- Free alternatives like OBS exist for many of the same tasks.
Who it's for
XSplit suits streamers who want an easier, guided setup than open-source tools. Users who are comfortable configuring free software may not need to pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is XSplit?
XSplit Broadcaster is software for live streaming and recording. You build scenes from sources like game capture, webcams, text and media, then stream them to services such as Twitch or YouTube.
How much does XSplit cost?
XSplit starts at Free; Premium $59.99/year. Prices are in US dollars as shown on 14 Nov 2026; the free version is for personal use only.
Who is XSplit best for?
XSplit suits streamers who want an easier, guided setup than open-source tools. Users who are comfortable configuring free software may not need to pay.
What are the downsides of XSplit?
Main drawbacks: Free version adds a watermark above 720p and 30 fps. Free version is personal use only. Multistreaming needs Premium. Free alternatives like OBS exist for many of the same tasks.
What are some alternatives to XSplit?
Other video & live streaming options we cover include Movavi, ScreenPal, tl;dv, bunny.net and Wave.video.
Head-to-head comparisons
Other video & live streaming options
Movavi
Video & Live StreamingBeginner-friendly desktop video editor for Windows and Mac, with built-in effects and one-click tools.
ScreenPal
Video & Live StreamingScreen recorder and video editor with a free plan and low-cost paid tiers for creators, teachers and teams.
tl;dv
Video & Live StreamingMeeting recorder and note taker for Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, with a free plan.
bunny.net
Video & Live StreamingPay-as-you-go CDN, video streaming and storage with low per-GB prices and a US$1 monthly minimum.
Wave.video
Video & Live StreamingOnline video editor, live streaming studio and video hosting in one tool.
tl;dv
Video & Live StreamingMeeting recorder and notetaker that transcribes and summarizes calls automatically.
Livestream (Vimeo)
Video & Live StreamingVimeo's live streaming platform for events, webinars and broadcasts, with an ad-free player.
VideoScribe (Sparkol)
Video & Live StreamingWhiteboard animation software for making hand-drawn style explainer videos without design skills.
Vyond
Video & Live StreamingBrowser-based animated video maker for business training, marketing and internal communication.
VEGAS Pro
Video & Live StreamingWindows video editor with a fast timeline, AI tools and Boris FX effects, sold by subscription or license.
FlexClip
Video & Live StreamingBrowser-based video maker with templates, stock media and built-in editing tools.
Kapwing
Video & Live StreamingOnline video editor for subtitles, resizing, clips and dubbing, with a shared team workspace.
Filmora
Video & Live StreamingDesktop video editor from Wondershare with templates, effects and credit-based smart tools.
Demio
Video & Live StreamingBrowser-based webinar platform for live, series and automated events with engagement tools.
StreamYard
Video & Live StreamingBrowser-based live streaming studio for multistreaming, guest interviews, recordings and webinars.
Compare all video & live streaming side by side →
This summary is based on XSplit's official website, pricing page and public documentation as of November 14, 2026. Prices and features change, so confirm the details on the official site. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.