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How Much Does vMix Cost for a 24/7 YouTube Stream?

vMix’s listed software prices range from $60 for Basic HD to $1,200 for Pro, with a $50-per-month Max subscription. A 24/7 stream also requires suitable Windows hardware, upload capacity, power, and a recording and recovery plan.
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vMix lists one-time lifetime licenses from $60 to $1,200, plus vMix Max at $50 per month. Those prices cover the software only—not the Windows computer, internet service, electricity, storage, or backup arrangements a 24/7 setup may need. A license also does not guarantee an uninterrupted stream.

vMix license prices

The official vMix purchase page lists these software prices. Check the page before buying because prices and edition details can change.

License Listed price Billing
Basic HD $60 One-time lifetime license
HD $350 One-time lifetime license
4K $700 One-time lifetime license
Pro $1,200 One-time lifetime license
vMix Max $50 per month Monthly subscription

These are vMix’s listed software prices, not an estimate for an entire continuous-streaming system. See vMix purchase options.

What the license includes—and how to choose

Lifetime editions

A lifetime license includes 12 months of free version updates. After that, vMix says you can keep using the version you activated indefinitely, or purchase an update upgrade for another 12 months of updates. The license price is therefore not a recurring software charge unless you choose an update upgrade.

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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
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  • 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
  • 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
  • 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0

vMix Max

vMix Max is a monthly subscription with features equivalent to the Pro edition, according to vMix’s licensing FAQ, last updated June 29, 2021. Unlike a lifetime license, it is subscription-based. Read vMix’s licensing FAQ.

Match the edition to the production

Choose based on the production features you need, not simply because the stream is intended to run 24/7. vMix’s edition comparison distinguishes capabilities such as maximum resolution, inputs, overlays, replay, callers, and outputs. A simple HD source may not need the same production tools as a multi-camera 4K program. The edition guide recommends matching requirements and trying the 60-day trial. The reviewed vMix materials do not state that any edition is certified to maintain uninterrupted 24/7 uptime.

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Compare vMix editions and consult the vMix edition guide before choosing.

Budget for the rest of a 24/7 setup

Windows computer and power

vMix runs on Windows, so the license does not supply the computer that will encode and send the stream. The right system depends on resolution, frame rate, number of inputs, encoding workload, and whether you need redundancy. vMix publishes reference system build guides; check those against your actual production rather than assuming a generic PC will be sufficient. The trial can help you evaluate the intended workload before purchase. A machine left running continuously also adds electricity and cooling considerations, but the total depends on the equipment and local rates.

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Rank #3
Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
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  • 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
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See vMix system build guides and vMix system requirements and product information.

Internet upload capacity

YouTube recommends leaving 20% upload headroom beyond the stream bitrate and accounting for primary and backup streams where applicable. Its encoder guidance varies by codec, resolution, and frame rate. For H.264, YouTube lists 5 Mbps minimum and 14 Mbps recommended at 1080p30; at 1080p60, it lists 6 Mbps minimum and 17 Mbps recommended. These are encoder-setting recommendations, not an internet-service price or a promise that a connection will never drop.

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Use the matching settings for your stream and test the connection under the conditions in which you plan to broadcast. YouTube’s encoder settings and live-streaming guidance.

Recording and archive retention

If you need a copy of the program, plan for local recording storage and verify that the recording is actually being saved. YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived, while streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. For an archive you cannot risk losing, use a local recording plan or schedule shorter segments and confirm each archive is available.

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Best Value
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YouTube Help: archive live streams.

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Estimate the complete cost, not just the license

No reliable all-in monthly cost for an individual vMix 24/7 stream is established by the listed software prices. Before committing, work out these separate costs for your own setup:

  • Software: the chosen one-time license or monthly Max subscription, and any optional update upgrade after the included 12 months.
  • Computer: purchase or replacement cost for a Windows system sized to the actual stream workload.
  • Connectivity: the internet plan and upload capacity needed for the selected bitrate, with YouTube’s recommended headroom and any backup stream accounted for.
  • Power and cooling: the cost of keeping the computer and related equipment running continuously.
  • Recording and resilience: local storage, backup hardware or connectivity, and the operator’s plan for recovering from a failure.

Compare the lifetime license with Max by considering how long you expect to use vMix and whether you value a one-time software purchase or a monthly subscription. Separately assess the ongoing costs and failure risks of running a local Windows computer. The license itself does not cover those operating costs.

Or let it run in the cloud

StreamNeo is a YouTube-only cloud service for keeping uploaded videos live 24/7. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live; the cloud loops the video, so your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. It costs one flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required.

StreamNeo’s monthly option is $9.99 per month. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery, and support from the StreamNeo team. See StreamNeo for details, then start your free first day.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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