Best Twitch Streamer (Variety) in 2025

OBS Studio is the undisputed champion of free, open-source streaming software. Its versatility is unmatched, offering advanced scene management, customizability, and a vast library of plugins that allow for advanced features and integrations. The software's ability to simultaneously stream to multiple platforms makes it invaluable for streamers who broadcast across multiple channels. While its interface can be complex for beginners and setup can be challenging, the ability to create and manage scenes and sources in layers is crucial for variety content. The vibrant community support ensures assistance for any issue that may arise. OBS Studio is suitable for both experienced and aspiring streamers who seek a powerful tool to refine their streams.

XSplit Broadcaster is a premium streaming software used by many professionals in the industry, primarily due to its powerful features, and robust integrations. It offers advanced scene management and is optimized for multi-camera setups and complex stream layouts. It includes integrated integrations for alerts, events, and chat. For variety streamers who frequently change between multiple game streams, and other streaming types like IRL or creative activities, the robust feature set and efficiency of managing those sources make it a solid choice. However, its pricing is a key consideration for streamers on a budget as a subscription is required for many of its premium features. Also, given that performance may depend on the quality of the CPU and GPU, users may want to consider other options if they do not have high-end systems.

For streamers seeking to engage with their audience in a simple and easy setting, Elgato's Stream Deck is an excellent choice. The Stream Deck provides a custom interface and a wide variety of integrations with different streaming services. This offers a quick and effective way to toggle between different scenes, launch streams, and manage the various elements for an organized, structured stream. It streamlines workflow, giving the streamer more time to focus on connecting with the community. While requiring extra investment, the customization and ease of use are extremely helpful.

The Sony Alpha series, particularly the a6000 series, has become a popular option for streamers looking to enhance their video quality significantly beyond webcams. The Alpha series offers high-quality images, interchangeable lenses, and great low-light performance. For the variety streamer, whose streams may often involve showcasing creative content, the increased quality and range of looks the cameras can offer are extremely beneficial. While more costly than a webcam, the enhanced picture allows for some creative options which can help with audience engagement. The cameras' ability to capture images and videos in a variety of environments makes them ideal for many different types of streams. Ensure to budget for a capture card to interface with your streaming setup.

Designed for professional audio recordings, the Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone, often found in studios and is a favorite for Twitch streamers. It is known for its ability to provide extremely clear audio, reduce background noise, and its resilience. This makes it a great choice for streamers with noisy environments. Its robust build and durable construction make it ideal for streamers who anticipate using their equipment for many years. However, its popularity means there are often long waiting times to get it, as demand has outstripped supply at different times.