Phone build
The cheapest way to stream on Twitch (start at $0)
The genuinely free path to going live with the phone in your pocket, plus the few cheap upgrades worth making first.
Holds 1080p30 on Twitch (standard)
Your connection budget caps you here. More bonded uplink unlocks the next tier without BRB drops. H.265 stretches your uplink further.
Hardware total
$0
| Component | Pick | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | iPhone 15 USB-C, bright 4K, and steady footage. The value iPhone for streaming. | — | Find on Amazon |
| Encoder | Moblin (iOS) Free app encoder with SRTLA bonding straight to a relay. The cheapest real path on iPhone. | Free | Learn more |
| Data Plan | Your current phone plan Start with the data you already pay for. Add a second line when you want IRL reliability. | Use what you have |
The cheapest way to stream on Twitch is the phone already in your pocket plus free software. Here is the genuinely $0 path, and the few cheap upgrades worth making first.
- Camera: your phone
- Software: a free app like Moblin (iOS) or Larix
- Data: the plan you already pay for
- Total: $0 to go live today
Start free to learn whether you like streaming. Spend money only once you know you will stick with it.
Next step: a desk setup under $200Webcam, mic, and free software