10 Best Wowza Alternatives for Video Streaming in 2025

Wowza is a leading streaming engine and media server that provides solutions for live streaming and on-demand video streaming. While Wowza has been a popular choice for many, several excellent alternatives offer similar or better functionality at competitive prices. Are you looking for the best Wowza alternatives to improve your video streaming experience? The right streaming solution can transform how you connect with your audience and deliver your video content.

This comprehensive guide examines the top 10 Wowza alternatives to help you choose the best streaming solution for your needs.

What is Wowza?

Wowza is a powerful software platform for streaming video and audio content. Since 2007, Wowza has offered reliable streaming solutions for various industries, including media, entertainment, education, and healthcare.

The Wowza platform comes in two primary forms:

• Wowza Streaming Engine (a self-hosted media server software)
• Wowza Video (a cloud-based streaming solution).

Wowza is often used as a live streaming solution for organizations with advanced streaming needs.

These products support multiple streaming protocols, including HLS, DASH, RTMP, WebRTC, and SRT.

Wowza is known for its scalability, reliability, and robust set of features. It supports adaptive bitrate streaming, which ensures viewers receive the best possible quality based on their connection speed. The platform also offers extensive security options, including token authentication and encryption.

For large-scale users, Wowza offers an enterprise plan with premium support and additional features.

Features

• Adaptive bitrate streaming capabilities
• Support for multiple streaming protocols
• Scalable architecture for handling viewers
• Live streaming and on-demand video options
• Token authentication and encryption for security
• API access for creating custom applications
• Multi-bitrate streaming support
• Global content delivery through CDN partnerships

Pros

• Powerful and reliable streaming engine
• Excellent security features and options
• Comprehensive documentation and support
• Flexible customization options
• Support for various streaming protocols
• Scalable infrastructure for growing businesses

Cons

• Higher pricing compared to many alternatives
• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Limited streaming hours on lower-tier plans
• Additional costs for extra features
• Complex setup process
• Technical knowledge required for optimal use

10 Best Wowza Alternatives You Can Choose

1. Castr

Castr stands out as one of the best Wowza alternatives with its user-friendly interface and comprehensive streaming solutions. This live streaming platform offers both live streaming and video hosting services without the complexity that comes with Wowza.

What makes Castr especially appealing is its transparent pricing model based on bandwidth consumption. You can stream without limits on duration, and there are no annual commitments. The platform utilizes Akamai CDN for global content delivery, ensuring high-quality streams with minimal latency.

Castr is perfect for businesses and content creators who want a reliable streaming solution without technical headaches. Their 24/7 technical support ensures you get help whenever needed, making it ideal for critical live events and professional broadcasts.

Features

• Robust video hosting solution
• No yearly commitment with flexible monthly plans
• 24/7 dedicated technical support
• Multi-CDN approach (Akamai, Fastly, Cloudfront)
• Adaptive bitrate streaming
• Multiple ingest protocols (SRT, RTMP, HLS, MPEGTS, RTSP, WebRTC)
• Cloud playout for 24/7 TV programming
• Dynamic player and playlists functionality
• Password protection and geo-blocking
• Live stream recording and cloud storage

Pros

• Transparent bandwidth-based pricing
• No streaming duration limits
• User-friendly interface designed for broadcasters
• Excellent customer support
• High-quality global content delivery
• Flexible cancellation policy

Cons

• No built-in monetization options (requires third-party integration)
• Limited advanced analytics compared to some competitors
• Fewer enterprise-level features than Wowza

2. Dacast

Dacast offers a unified streaming solution that supports both live and on-demand video streaming. Dacast offers comprehensive streaming solutions, including a range of features and pricing tiers, making it a strong Wowza alternative that enables broadcasters to stream on their websites and other platforms.

This platform provides a white-label HTML5 video player that works across multiple devices. Dacast also offers robust monetization options and analytics tools to track viewer interactions. Their content delivery network ensures reliable global distribution.

Dacast is particularly suitable for businesses looking to monetize their content through pay-per-view, subscriptions, or advertising models. Their security features, including password protection and geo-restriction, help protect your valuable content.

Features

• Built-in paywall for content monetization
• Unlimited channels for simultaneous streams
• 24/7 customer support
• Comprehensive security features
• VOD platform with monetization options
• Video showcase for live streams
• White-label HTML5 player
• API access for customization

Pros

• Both live streaming and VOD included in all plans
• Unlimited viewers and channels
• Multiple monetization options
• Support for streaming to mobile and smart TV apps
• SDK for player integration
• Plans for every budget

Cons

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Higher pricing than some alternatives
• Some users report occasional reliability issues

3. JW Player

JW Player started as a simple video player but has evolved into a comprehensive streaming solution. Today, it offers both live and on-demand video streaming capabilities. JW Player also allows users to broadcast pre-recorded videos as live streams, enabling flexible content scheduling.

This platform is known for its excellent video player technology, which provides smooth playback across multiple devices. JW Player offers detailed analytics and integrates well with advertising networks for monetization.

The platform is particularly suitable for publishers and businesses focused on video content monetization through advertising. Its ease of use makes it accessible for organizations without extensive technical resources.

Features

• Adaptive streaming up to 1080p full-HD
• Native integration with the JW Player
• Simulcast live streams to Facebook and other platforms
• Real-time analytics
• Multi-bitrate and adaptive bitrate streaming
• Global content delivery
• Video API access on all plans
• Secure streaming

Pros

• Powerful and customizable video player
• User-friendly platform
• Reliable advertising tools
• Good integration capabilities
• Excellent playback experience

Cons

• 6-hour limits on live streams in some plans
• Basic security tools compared to alternatives
• Only ad-based monetization in lower tiers
• No China video delivery
• Limited customer support in lower-tier plans

4. IBM Video Streaming

IBM Video Streaming (formerly Ustream) is a robust Wowza alternative that offers enterprise-grade streaming solutions. This platform provides both live and on-demand video streaming options with a focus on reliability. IBM Video Streaming allows users to record live streams and convert them into VOD content for later viewing.

The service was initially designed to help deployed military personnel connect with their families. Now, it’s a full-service live streaming company offering a comprehensive set of features for OTT streaming.

IBM Video Streaming is ideal for larger organizations that need reliable and secure streaming for corporate communications, events, and marketing activities.

Features

• Ad-free broadcasting
• Multi-CDN for reliable delivery
• Automatic stream recording
• All-device video player
• Enterprise video streaming
• Video distribution workflows
• Video monetization options
• Hong Kong video hosting

Pros

• Highly reliable platform
• Suitable for large enterprises
• Responsive customer support
• Wide range of professional features
• Global content delivery

Cons

• Higher pricing than many alternatives
• Streaming above 720p requires a paid upgrade
• Limited closed captioning support
• Complex interface for beginners

5. Brightcove

Brightcove is a powerful streaming platform specifically designed for the enterprise audience. After acquiring Ooyala in 2019, Brightcove now offers comprehensive cloud video hosting services.

The platform provides detailed analytics and video marketing tools that help businesses capture leads and understand their audience. Brightcove specializes in delivering high-quality video experiences for marketing, corporate communications, and media companies.

It’s an excellent choice for large organizations with significant video content needs and a corresponding budget.

Features

• Live streaming and VOD hosting
• Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming
• Global content delivery
• Technical support options
• Video API access
• Advanced security features
• Multiple monetization options
• OTT solutions

Pros

• Comprehensive professional features
• Custom video galleries
• Powerful analytics suite
• High-quality playback
• Enterprise-grade reliability

Cons

• High price point
• Many features limited to high-tier plans
• No live streaming with packages under $499/month
• No China video delivery
• Steep learning curve

6. Kaltura

Kaltura offers an open source streaming service that stands out with its customizability. Kaltura is also one of the most popular Wowza open source alternatives, providing flexibility and customization for organizations seeking an alternative to proprietary platforms. This platform is popular among educational institutions but works well for any organization with advanced streaming needs.

The open source nature of Kaltura allows for extensive customization through plugins and integrations. This makes it particularly useful for unique streaming requirements that off-the-shelf solutions can’t fulfill.

Kaltura is ideal for organizations with technical resources who need a highly tailored streaming solution.

Features

• Multi-bitrate and adaptive bitrate streaming
• Open source software architecture
• Multi-CDN approach
• Global content delivery
• Technical support options
• Video API for complete customization
• Secure streaming with authentication
• Multiple monetization options

Pros

• Highly customizable platform
• Extensive feature set
• Suitable for complex streaming setups
• Multiple monetization options
• Good for educational institutions

Cons

• Limited customer support options
• Complex platform for beginners
• Requires technical knowledge
• No China video delivery
• Can be resource-intensive to maintain

7. Ant Media Server

Ant Media Server is a scalable, ultra-low latency streaming solution that supports WebRTC. This Wowza alternative provides sub-second latency streaming, making it ideal for interactive applications.

The platform supports various streaming protocols, including RTMP, RTSP, WebRTC, and adaptive bitrate streaming. Ant Media Server also offers clustering capabilities for scalability.

This solution is particularly useful for applications requiring real-time interaction, such as gaming, auctions, and interactive broadcasts.

Features

• Ultra-low latency streaming (0.5 seconds)
• Adaptive bitrate WebRTC support
• Cluster mechanism for scalability
• Support for RTMP, RTSP, and WebRTC protocols
• Recording capabilities
• API access for customization
• Live streaming to social media

Pros

• Exceptionally low latency performance
• Scalable architecture
• Support for modern streaming protocols
• Both cloud and on-premises options
• Active development community

Cons

• Less comprehensive than some alternatives
• Limited documentation compared to Wowza
• Requires technical knowledge to implement
• Fewer integrations than larger platforms

8. Red5 Pro

Red5 Pro is a server software designed for ultra-low latency streaming at scale. With sub-250ms latency capabilities, it’s one of the fastest streaming solutions available. This platform is protocol-agnostic, supporting WebRTC, RTMP, RTSP, HLS, and more. Red5 Pro offers flexible deployment options, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid setups. It’s particularly well-suited for applications requiring real-time interaction, such as sports betting, live auctions, and interactive gaming.

Features

• Real-time streaming with sub-250ms latency
• Flexible deployment options
• Protocol-agnostic approach
• Scalable cluster architecture
• API access for customization
• Support for IP cameras
• Cross-platform compatibility
• WebRTC, RTMP, RTSP, HLS support

Pros

• Industry-leading low latency
• Highly scalable architecture
• Flexible deployment options
• Good for interactive applications
• Strong technical capabilities

Cons

• Higher technical complexity
• Requires development resources
• Limited customer support in lower tiers
• Less user-friendly than some alternatives

9. MistServer

MistServer is a lightweight, open source media server that offers multi-standard streaming capabilities. This Wowza alternative focuses on efficiency and performance while maintaining flexibility. The platform supports various streaming protocols and adaptive streaming, making it suitable for diverse streaming needs. MistServer can run on relatively modest hardware while still delivering solid performance.

It’s an excellent choice for organizations looking for an open source solution with lower resource requirements than many alternatives.

Features

• Lightweight and efficient media server
• Support for multiple streaming protocols
• Adaptive streaming capabilities
• Open source core with premium options
• Low resource requirements
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Customizable through API

Pros

• Resource-efficient operation
• Open source foundation
• Flexible deployment options
• Good protocol support
• Lower cost than many alternatives

Cons

• Less comprehensive than Wowza
• Limited customer support
• Smaller community than major platforms
• Requires technical knowledge
• Fewer integrations than commercial options

10. StreamShark

StreamShark is a Wowza alternative created by MetaCDN that excels in reliable global content delivery. This platform offers innovative features like 360-degree live streaming and peer-to-peer video delivery.

StreamShark generates real-time insights about stream performance and supports native integrations with platforms like Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube. It also allows you to easily embed your streams on your website, enhancing viewer engagement and improving the user experience. StreamShark consolidates chat feeds from different streaming destinations into a single interface.

This solution is ideal for broadcasters who need reliable global delivery and innovative streaming features.

Features

• Global content delivery network
• 360-degree video streaming
• Peer-to-peer streaming technology
• Mobile compatibility
• Detailed viewer reports
• White-label video player
• Video monetization through advertising
• Multi-platform streaming

Pros

• Innovative streaming features
• Localized media ingestion
• Video encoding support
• Generous storage options
• Reliable global delivery

Cons

• Higher pricing than some alternatives
• Limited video analytics
• No China video delivery
• Less comprehensive than major platforms

Conclusion

Choosing the right Wowza alternative depends on your specific streaming needs, technical resources, and budget. Each platform we’ve covered offers unique strengths and limitations.

For users seeking a balance of user-friendliness, powerful features, and cost-effectiveness, Castr stands out as an excellent choice. With unlimited streaming hours, transparent pricing, and 24/7 support, Castr provides everything most broadcasters need without the complexity of Wowza.

We recommend trying Castr’s free trial to experience its capabilities firsthand. Their bandwidth-based pricing model ensures you only pay for what you use, and the absence of annual commitments gives you the flexibility to adapt as your needs change.

Remember that the best platform is the one that aligns with your specific goals and requirements. Consider factors like latency needs, audience size, technical resources, and budget constraints when making your decision.