XSplit - Detailed Review
Video Tools
XSplit - Product Overview
XSplit Broadcaster Overview
XSplit Broadcaster is a versatile live streaming and video-mixing application that serves a wide range of users, from hobbyists to professional streamers and businesses.Primary Function
XSplit Broadcaster is primarily used for capturing gameplay, streaming presentations, and hosting live events. It allows users to record or live stream various types of media, leveraging features akin to live TV production.Target Audience
The target audience for XSplit includes a diverse group of users. The majority are male, with 65.24% of the user base being male and 34.76% female. The largest age group is 25-34 year olds. The audience is particularly interested in video games, consoles, and accessories, as well as social media networks and technology-related topics.Key Features
XSplit offers several key features that make it a popular choice among streamers and content creators:Scene Editor
Allows users to create and manage different scenes and transitions for a visually appealing stream.Audio Mixer
Enables mixing audio from multiple devices and previewing it before publishing.Custom Media Upload
Users can upload and integrate custom media into their streams.Noise Suppression
Helps in improving audio quality by reducing background noise.Live Streaming and Multistreaming
Supports streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously, including major streaming sites like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.Hotkey Control
Allows users to control various aspects of the stream using hotkeys.Media Looper
Enables looping of media files for continuous playback.Virtual Green Screen
Allows streamers to remove or replace their background without a physical green screen.Integration with Skype Video Calls
Users can stream Skype video calls directly through XSplit.Local Network Streaming
Enables secure internal viewing by streaming to the local network instead of public platforms. These features make XSplit a comprehensive tool for creating engaging and professional-looking live streams and recordings. XSplit - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of XSplit
The user interface of XSplit, particularly in its video tools, is renowned for its ease of use and intuitive design. Here are some key aspects that highlight the user experience:
Ease of Use
XSplit is praised for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for beginners. The software features a setup wizard that simplifies the process of determining stream settings, ensuring that users can get started quickly and effortlessly.
- The installation process is straightforward, and the software integrates seamlessly with various platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.
Interface and Layout
The Layout Wizard in XSplit allows users to build multiple professional scenes easily, whether for podcasts, professional production events, or other content types. This feature enables users to create and manage scenes with ease, including adding sources like gameplay, webcam video, graphics overlays, and widgets.
- Users can copy and paste sources between scenes, which saves time and effort. The interface also supports extensions like per-scene audio management, which helps in managing audio levels for system sound and microphone on each scene.
Video and Audio Management
XSplit offers high-quality video recordings with efficient audio volume management. The software allows for smooth scene transitions and provides features like background blurring and complete background removal without the need for a green screen, thanks to XSplit VCam.
- The audio management is intuitive, with features like the per-scene audio extension, which helps in setting audio levels for each scene.
Performance and Resource Usage
The software is optimized to run efficiently, consuming less CPU and GPU power while providing high-quality streams. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, from casual streamers to those managing large-scale events.
Customer Support
XSplit offers strong customer support, including a dedicated support portal, live chat, and social media support. Users can easily contact the support team through various channels, ensuring any issues are quickly resolved.
Additional Features
XSplit includes a range of additional features that enhance the user experience, such as the ability to add whiteboard sources, text scripts, and 360-degree projections. The software also allows for direct upload of recordings to social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
Overall, XSplit’s user interface is designed to be easy to use, with a focus on simplicity and efficiency. It provides a seamless experience for content creators, streamers, and anyone looking to produce high-quality video content.
XSplit - Key Features and Functionality
XSplit: A Comprehensive Suite of Video Tools
XSplit incorporates several key features and AI-driven functionalities that make it a versatile and user-friendly platform for content creators. Here are some of the main features and how they work:
AI-Powered Background Manipulation
XSplit’s VCam software is a standout feature that leverages AI to remove, blur, or replace backgrounds without the need for a green screen or complex lighting setups. This real-time effect operates locally on the user’s device, minimizing delays and costs. VCam runs on the GPU by default, with the CPU as a backup, and is expected to utilize Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in the future for even better performance.
NVIDIA Noise Removal
XSplit Broadcaster has integrated the NVIDIA Broadcast Engine Audio Effects SDK, which introduces AI-based noise removal. This feature allows users with NVIDIA RTX GPUs to easily remove unwanted background noises from their streams. To enable this, users need to download the necessary redistributable for their graphics cards and the latest XSplit Broadcaster PTR. The noise removal can be activated through the Tools > Audio Effects menu, enhancing the audio quality and ensuring the audience can hear clearly.
Multistreaming and Multi-Platform Support
XSplit enables users to stream simultaneously to multiple platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and more. This multistreaming capability is particularly useful for events, charity fundraisers, and other large-scale productions, as it handles the workload efficiently without any issues.
Professional Layouts and Scene Management
The Layout Wizard in XSplit helps users build multiple professional scenes for various types of content, from podcasts to large production events. Users can easily manage and switch between scenes, and the copy-paste feature for sources allows for quick setup and consistency across different scenes.
Advanced Audio Management
XSplit offers per-scene audio extensions, allowing users to set different audio levels for system sound and microphone on each scene. This feature is particularly useful for managing audio between different segments of a stream or presentation.
Extensions and Plugins
XSplit supports a variety of extensions and plugins that enhance the streaming experience. For example, the Plugin Store allows users to add sources like whiteboards, text scripts, and 360-degree projections to their streams. These extensions can be easily managed and integrated into different scenes.
Recording and Editing Features
XSplit Broadcaster allows users to record their broadcasts with multiple audio tracks and add queue points for easy editing. The software also includes a direct upload feature, enabling users to upload their recorded streams directly to social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
Virtual Events and Presentations
XSplit is well-suited for hosting virtual events, conferences, webinars, and online classes. It provides the tools to create professional-quality presentations, interactive product demonstrations, and remote interviews with guests. The software ensures a polished and engaging experience for both the presenter and the audience.
These features, especially those driven by AI, make XSplit a powerful and user-friendly tool for content creators, streamers, and professionals looking to produce high-quality video content.
XSplit - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
XSplit Broadcaster is known for its strong performance, especially when optimized correctly. Here are a few highlights:
GPU Acceleration
XSplit supports GPU-accelerated encoding, which significantly improves streaming performance by reducing CPU load. Using NVIDIA’s NVENC encoder, for example, offloads the encoding task from the CPU to the GPU, resulting in smoother streams and higher quality output.
Resource Efficiency
The software is designed to be efficient on system resources. For instance, XSplit VCam uses AI technology that reduces CPU usage by up to 50%, keeping consumption stable at around 4-5% even when running other resource-intensive applications.
Customization and Stability
XSplit Broadcaster offers intuitive features and customizations, such as drag-and-drop functions for resizing windows and customizing webcam videos. It also provides greater stability and precision compared to other streaming software like OBS.
Accuracy and Quality
Video Encoding
To maintain high image quality, especially at higher resolutions and frame rates, XSplit allows users to adjust the encoder preset. For example, using slower presets with X.264 can help maintain image quality for higher resolutions and frame rates.
AI-Powered Features
XSplit VCam utilizes AI technology to effectively detect and remove video backgrounds without the need for green screens or additional equipment. This feature is highly accurate and efficient, making it a valuable tool for content creators.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Resource Dependence
While XSplit is efficient, it still requires a capable system to handle high-resolution and high-frame-rate streaming. Users need to monitor GPU performance and adjust settings like bitrate, resolution, and in-game FPS to ensure smooth streaming.
Integration and Compatibility
Although XSplit has a wide range of integrations with popular streaming and communication platforms, there might be occasional compatibility issues or the need for updates to ensure seamless integration across different devices and operating systems.
User Experience
Ease of Use
XSplit is praised for its user-friendly interface. Both XSplit Broadcaster and XSplit VCam have self-explanatory settings and configurations, making it easy for users to adjust video quality, brightness, contrast, and other settings.
In summary, XSplit performs well in terms of streaming quality, resource efficiency, and user experience. However, it does require careful configuration and monitoring to ensure optimal performance, especially when dealing with high-demand streaming settings. The integration of AI technology enhances its capabilities, particularly in background removal and resource management, but users should be aware of potential limitations related to system resources and compatibility.
XSplit - Pricing and Plans
XSplit Pricing Model
XSplit offers a clear and structured pricing model with several tiers to cater to different needs and budgets of its users. Here’s a breakdown of the various plans and their features:
Free License
XSplit does offer a free version, but it comes with several limitations. With the free license:
- Content will be watermarked.
- You cannot use the content for commercial purposes.
- Presentations are limited to a maximum of 4 scenes.
- There is no simultaneous broadcasting to multiple streaming platforms.
- The Virtual Camera feature is watermarked.
- You do not have access to features like Audio Source, Local Streaming, Stream Delay, Source Transitions, Projector, Preview Editor, Audio Mix Preview, and Skype Video Camera.
VCam Premium
This plan starts at $2.50 per month or $60 for a lifetime license.
- It provides premium access to VCam.
- You can remove or edit the watermark.
- Includes VIP support.
Presenter Premium
This plan starts at $5.00 per month or $200 for a lifetime license.
- Offers unlimited slides and multiple projects.
- Allows you to remove watermarks.
- Includes VIP support.
Broadcaster Premium
This plan starts at $5.00 per month or $200 for a lifetime license.
- Enables multi-streaming and unlimited scenes.
- Allows streaming in HD.
- Includes VIP support.
Premium Bundle
This plan starts at $5.83 per month (when billed annually) or $20.00 per month (when billed monthly), or $230 for a lifetime license.
- Includes premium features from all XSplit apps.
- Provides early access to new releases and private beta access for all new products.
- Includes VIP support.
Each tier is designed to offer incremental value, with higher tiers providing more advanced features and functionalities. This tiered pricing model helps users choose the plan that best fits their specific needs and budget.
XSplit - Integration and Compatibility
XSplit Overview
XSplit, a prominent tool in the video streaming and recording sector, boasts a range of integration and compatibility features that make it a versatile and user-friendly option for various needs.Platform Integration
XSplit seamlessly integrates with multiple popular streaming platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and many more. Unlike some other streaming software, XSplit allows you to connect your accounts simply by entering your login credentials and granting XSplit access. This streamlined process makes it easier to stream to multiple channels simultaneously, a feature that is particularly useful for events and multi-platform streaming.Hardware Encoders
XSplit supports a variety of hardware encoders, which is crucial for efficient video encoding without significant performance hits. It is compatible with Intel Quick Sync, NVIDIA NVENC, AMD VCE, and AVerMedia’s hardware encoders. These encoders enable high-quality video recordings and streaming with minimal system resource usage. For example, Intel Quick Sync is supported on most Intel Core processors, while NVIDIA NVENC is available on NVIDIA GPUs starting from the Kepler series.Audio and Video Management
XSplit offers advanced audio and video management tools. You can mix audio from multiple devices, preview the audio before publishing, and adjust various video settings such as brightness, contrast, and saturation. This is particularly useful for webcams, where you can use either manual UVC controls or integrated settings from software like Logitech’s G Hub.Plugin Support
The software has a robust plugin system that allows you to extend its capabilities. You can install plugins from the Plugin Store to add features like chat viewers, live alerts, and support for popular streaming platforms. There are three types of plugins: sources (e.g., chat viewers), extensions (e.g., additional features), and outputs (e.g., streaming to various platforms). XSplit also supports VST3 plugins, which can be used to enhance audio processing.Multi-Device and Multi-Display Support
XSplit allows you to cast to multiple displays at once if they are connected to the streaming PC, a feature known as Projector mode. This is useful for presentations, events, and multi-monitor setups. Additionally, it supports local network streaming, enabling secure internal viewing without the need to stream publicly.Software and App Integration
XSplit integrates well with other software and apps, such as Skype Video Calls, which allows you to stream directly to Skype. This integration is beneficial for those who need to combine streaming with video conferencing. The software also supports plugins that can enhance its functionality, such as gamepad visualizers and other custom plugins.Conclusion
In summary, XSplit’s integration and compatibility features make it a highly versatile tool for streaming and recording needs. Its ease of use, support for multiple platforms and hardware encoders, and extensive plugin ecosystem ensure that it can meet a wide range of user requirements. XSplit - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Overview
XSplit, a leading provider of livestreaming and recording software, offers a comprehensive array of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively utilize their products.Support Options
XSplit provides multiple channels for customer support, ensuring that users can get help whenever they need it:Knowledge Base
XSplit has an extensive knowledge base that includes FAQs, tutorials, and guides to help users resolve common issues and learn about the software’s features.Chat Support
Users can engage with support representatives via live chat, which is available 24/7. This allows for quick and immediate assistance.Email/Help Desk
For more detailed inquiries or issues that require a bit more time to resolve, users can contact the support team via email.Phone Support
XSplit also offers phone support, providing an additional layer of direct communication for users who prefer speaking with a representative.FAQs/Forum
The platform includes a forum where users can find answers to frequently asked questions and interact with other users who may have experienced similar issues.Additional Resources
To enhance user experience and productivity, XSplit offers several additional resources:Tutorials and Guides
Detailed tutorials and guides are available to help users get the most out of the software. These resources cover various features, such as adding sources, managing audio, and using the whiteboard source.Plugin Store
XSplit has a Plugin Store where users can find and install additional plugins to extend the functionality of the software. This includes plugins for gamepad visualizers, custom scripts, and more.Community Support
Users can engage with the XSplit community through social media and the official Discord server, where they can share feedback, ask questions, and learn from other users.Direct Upload Feature
XSplit allows users to upload their recordings directly to social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, making content sharing easier.Licensing and Account Support
For users who have questions about their licenses or account settings, XSplit provides clear guidelines:License Status
Users can check their license status by logging into their account and accessing the billing section. This helps in ensuring that the premium features are correctly enabled.Troubleshooting License Issues
If users encounter issues with accessing paid features, the support team provides steps to resolve these problems, including relaunching the application and ensuring the correct account is logged in. Overall, XSplit’s customer support and resources are designed to be accessible, comprehensive, and user-friendly, helping to ensure that users can make the most of their livestreaming and recording software. XSplit - Pros and Cons
Advantages
User-Friendly Interface
XSplit is known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it simpler for novice streamers to set up and manage their streams compared to OBS.
Premium Features
XSplit offers a variety of premium features, including integration with popular video calling apps like Skype, a virtual green screen (VCam) that can remove or replace the background without a physical green screen, and advanced audio and video editing capabilities.
Multistreaming and Local Streaming
XSplit allows users to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously, including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook, and also supports local network streaming for secure internal viewing.
High-Quality Video and Audio
XSplit provides high-quality video and audio output, with support for x264 and x265 video codecs, which is beneficial for uploading videos to platforms like YouTube. It also offers real-time video and audio editing and optimization.
Advanced Background Removal
XSplit’s VCam, enhanced by AI technology and collaboration with Intel, offers highly accurate background removal, even in complex scenarios, which improves the visual quality of streams.
Disadvantages
CPU Usage
XSplit tends to use more CPU resources compared to OBS, which can be a significant issue for users who are also gaming or running resource-intensive applications on the same machine. XSplit can use up to 12% of CPU resources during stream launch and settle around 3-4% afterward.
Cost
While XSplit offers a free version, it is limited and functions more as a trial. The full range of features requires a premium subscription, which starts at $5.00 per month if paid annually. Additional features like VCam and Presenter also incur extra costs.
Customization Limitations
Although XSplit is user-friendly, it offers fewer customization options compared to OBS, which is an open-source application with extensive support for plug-ins and user-defined settings.
Plug-ins and Additional Features
Some advanced features and plug-ins in XSplit require additional payments, which can add to the overall cost of using the software.
Overall, XSplit is a powerful tool with many advanced features, but it comes with some significant drawbacks, particularly in terms of cost and CPU usage.
XSplit - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of XSplit
AI-Powered Background Removal
XSplit’s VCam stands out for its ability to remove, blur, and replace backgrounds without the need for a green screen or complex lighting setups. This is achieved through AI technology, which runs efficiently on Intel’s NPU architecture when available, reducing CPU and GPU utilization significantly.
Multistreaming and Integration
XSplit allows users to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously, including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. It also integrates well with various video calling apps and offers features like unlimited scenes, stream delay, and a preview editor.
User-Friendly Interface
XSplit is known for its intuitive interface, making it easier for beginners to set up and use. It offers a layout wizard to build multiple professional scenes and easy audio volume management.
Comparison with OBS Studio
Performance
OBS Studio generally offers smoother and more reliable performance compared to XSplit. However, XSplit’s performance is still good, especially when utilizing Intel’s NPU for AI tasks.
Features
While OBS Studio is free and open-source, offering a wide range of features, XSplit provides more premium features, such as simulated green screen, multi-streaming, and better video and audio quality. However, these advanced features in XSplit are often behind a paywall.
Customization and Ease of Use
OBS Studio offers more customization options but has a steeper learning curve. XSplit is simpler to use, especially for beginners, and offers a more user-friendly interface.
Comparison with Streamlabs Desktop
Features and Integration
Streamlabs Desktop is another popular alternative that combines essential streaming tools like video preview, dashboard, and chat windows into one app. It offers features like chroma key, live video effects, and multi-streaming, similar to XSplit. However, Streamlabs Desktop is more focused on streamers and has better cloud sync capabilities.
Ease of Use and Cost
Streamlabs Desktop is also user-friendly and offers a free version, although some features are behind a paywall. It is generally seen as a more streamlined option for streamers compared to XSplit.
Other Alternatives
VokoscreenNG
This is a free and open-source screencaster for Linux and Windows. It is lightweight and offers features like screen recording, audio recording, and text overlays. However, it lacks the advanced streaming and AI-driven features of XSplit.
Camo Studio
Camo Studio is a lightweight, free, and proprietary tool that supports 4K video, virtual camera output, and scene management. It is more geared towards simple video recording and streaming rather than the advanced features offered by XSplit.
Summary
XSplit, particularly with its VCam software, stands out for its AI-powered background removal and efficient use of Intel’s NPU architecture. While it offers a user-friendly interface and a range of premium features, it comes at a cost. OBS Studio and Streamlabs Desktop are strong alternatives, offering different strengths such as free and open-source options, smoother performance, and more customization. The choice between these tools depends on the specific needs of the user, whether it be advanced AI features, ease of use, or cost-effectiveness.
XSplit - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about XSplit
What is XSplit and what does it do?
XSplit is a suite of video tools that includes software for livestreaming, recording, and enhancing webcam footage. It offers products like XSplit Broadcaster, VCam, and Presenter, which help users create professional-quality live streams, recordings, and presentations. These tools support features like multistreaming to multiple platforms, background blurring, and unlimited scenes.How much does XSplit cost?
XSplit offers several pricing plans. The most basic plan, VCam Premium, starts at $2.50 per month. Other plans include Presenter Premium at $5.00 per month, Broadcaster Premium at $5.00 per month, and the Premium Bundle at $5.83 per month. There are also lifetime license options available, such as $60 for VCam Premium, $200 for Presenter and Broadcaster Premium, and $230 for the Premium Bundle.Does XSplit offer a free plan or trial?
XSplit does not offer a free plan in the traditional sense, but you can use XSplit Broadcaster for free with some restrictions. The free version includes a watermark, limits presentations to four scenes, and does not allow simultaneous broadcasting to multiple platforms. However, there is no free trial for the premium plans.What are the key features of XSplit Broadcaster?
XSplit Broadcaster allows users to record or live stream any type of media, with features like multistreaming to multiple platforms, unlimited scenes, and high-quality video recordings. It also includes a layout wizard, easy audio volume management, and support for plugins like the gamepad visualizer. Additionally, it offers live TV production features that are easy to learn and master.Can I use XSplit Broadcaster on MacOS?
XSplit Broadcaster is primarily designed for Windows, but there is no explicit mention of it being compatible with MacOS. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to check the official XSplit website or support resources.How do I set up and start streaming with XSplit Broadcaster?
To start streaming with XSplit Broadcaster, you need to link your streaming account(s) with the software via the Broadcast Menu. There is a setup wizard that helps determine stream settings, making it relatively easy to install and begin using. You can find detailed guides on the XSplit support page to help you get started.What are the differences between XSplit and OBS Studio?
XSplit and OBS Studio are both popular for live streaming and recording, but they have different pricing models and ease of use. XSplit offers premium plans starting at $2.50 per month and is known for its ease of setup and user-friendly interface. OBS Studio, on the other hand, is free and open-source but can be more challenging to set up, especially for beginners. XSplit also offers more features out of the box, such as multistreaming and background blurring, while OBS requires additional setup and plugins.What kind of support does XSplit offer?
XSplit provides various support channels, including phone support, live chat, forums/community, FAQs/knowledgebase, social media, and video tutorials/webinars. VIP support is also available for users with premium plans.Can I use XSplit for commercial purposes with the free version?
No, the free version of XSplit Broadcaster cannot be used for commercial purposes. It includes a watermark and has other limitations that make it unsuitable for commercial use. For commercial use, you need to purchase one of the premium plans.What are the benefits of the Premium Bundle plan?
The Premium Bundle plan includes all the premium features from XSplit’s apps, such as VCam, Presenter, and Broadcaster. It also offers early access to new releases and private beta access for all new products. This plan is ideal for users who need a comprehensive set of features for their streaming and recording needs. XSplit - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of XSplit
XSplit Broadcaster is a versatile and user-friendly live streaming and video-mixing application that caters to a wide range of users, from beginner streamers and gamers to professional content creators and organizations.Key Features
- Multi-Display and Audio Management: XSplit allows streaming to multiple displays and mixing audio from various devices, which is particularly useful for presentations and live events.
- Scene Management and Customization: Users can arrange and preview scenes, add various sources such as gameplay, webcam video, graphics overlays, and widgets. The copy-paste feature for sources and the ability to add custom scripts and 360 projections enhance the streaming experience.
- Background Effects: XSplit offers features like background blurring, removal, or replacement without the need for a green screen, which is a significant advantage for streamers.
- Local Network Streaming: The ability to stream internally on a local network is beneficial for secure and bandwidth-efficient broadcasting within organizations.
- Integration and Compatibility: XSplit integrates well with platforms like Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, and Skype, making it a versatile tool for different streaming needs.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Beginner Streamers and Gamers: XSplit’s user-friendly interface and ease of use make it an excellent choice for those new to streaming. It provides a straightforward setup and configuration process, which is beneficial for those who are not tech-savvy.
- Professional Content Creators: With its advanced features like scene preview editors, per-scene audio extensions, and the ability to add various sources, XSplit is also suitable for professional content creators who need more control over their streams.
- Organizations: For educational institutions, religious organizations, and other entities, XSplit’s ability to record and broadcast local events and stream internally across multiple screens is highly valuable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to use and install with minimal latency.
- Supports multiple streaming platforms.
- Offers a range of customization options, including background effects and scene management.
- Excellent for local network streaming and internal events.
- Good customer support with a 24/7 multi-lingual interaction center.
Cons
- Limited customization compared to other software like OBS, particularly in terms of graphic additions and sounds.
- Some users have reported crashes, although this seems to be less common.
- The need for a login to launch the program might feel less professional in certain environments.