Restream free vs paid: when the free plan is enough
By Jean Luc Poitier, SEO and growth marketing strategist · Restream Reviews · Updated October 5, 2026
Disclosure: this site reviews Restream and earns a commission if you sign up for it through our links. Restream is one option below, and we say where it isn't the right fix.
If you stream to two platforms and don't mind a small Restream logo, the Free plan is enough; reviewers call it generous. Upgrade to Standard ($19) for a third platform and no branding, to Professional ($49) for 1080p from the browser studio, and to Business ($239) only if you need a player on your own website or a team.
Try Restream freeRestream Free vs Standard vs Professional
| Compared on | Free ($0) | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Channels at once | 2 | 3 (Standard), 5 (Professional), 8 (Business) |
| Restream branding | Yes | Removed from Standard up |
| Studio video quality | HD 720p | Full HD 1080p from Professional |
| Cloud recording length | Up to 6 hours per stream | Longer on paid plans; 4K recording on Professional |
| Guest channels | No | From Standard |
| Dual format (horizontal and vertical) | No | From Professional |
| Website player, team seats | No | Business: 1,000 viewers, 2 seats |
| Price | $0, no end date | $19 / $49 / $239 a month; 20% off annually |
Figures checked against each company's published pages and review-platform listings as of 2026-10-05. “Not published” means the company does not publish that figure.
From restream.io/pricing, checked October 5, 2026.
Who stays on the free plan
Free-plan reviewers are usually solo creators going live on YouTube and Twitch, or YouTube and Facebook. Two channels and the combined chat cover them.
“I'm using the free version so only 2 but that's enough for me for now.”V's Gameplays, Trustpilot, January 2023
The limits people hit
The branding is the most common reason to upgrade, especially for churches and businesses. Recording limits come up too:
“Doesn't Save Streams Over 6 Hours On Free Plan: I had a stream go over 6 hours while trialing Restream and needed to download it.”Emiliano G., G2, November 2023
Which paid plan to pick
- Standard, $19: three platforms, no logo. Most solo creators stop here.
- Professional, $49: five platforms, 1080p from Studio, 4K recording, horizontal and vertical at once.
- Business, $239: eight platforms, a player for your website, 2 seats, co-producers. Built for churches, media teams, and companies.
Full prices and add-ons are on our Restream pricing page. Before paying, read how cancelling and refunds work.
Restream free vs paid FAQ
Is Restream really free?+
Yes. The Free plan costs $0 with no end date and streams to 2 channels at once. Your streams carry Restream branding, and Studio streams in HD 720p.
What's the cheapest way to remove Restream branding?+
The Standard plan at $19 a month, or about $15 a month on annual billing. It also adds a third channel and guest channels.
Which Restream plan do I need for 1080p?+
Professional, at $49 a month, streams in Full HD 1080p from Restream Studio and records in 4K. If you stream from OBS or another encoder, Restream says it keeps your original resolution on any plan, though some platforms cap it.
Can I try a paid plan risk-free?+
Restream offers a 7-day money-back guarantee on your first purchase if you cancel within 7 days. Renewals and upgrades aren't covered, so start monthly.