A 24/7 live streaming server can cost anywhere from 5 EUR/month to 80 EUR/month depending on whether you run FFmpeg loops, OBS scenes, multistreaming, or 4K output.
Quick Cost Table
| Setup | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FFmpeg 720p loop | 5-10 EUR | Lofi, radio, static video |
| FFmpeg 1080p loop | 8-20 EUR | YouTube 24/7 channels |
| OBS 1080p remote desktop | 15-35 EUR | Scenes, overlays, browser sources |
| Multistreaming VPS | 20-50 EUR | Twitch, YouTube, Kick together |
| 4K streaming server | 50-100 EUR | High bitrate channels |
OBS vs FFmpeg Cost
FFmpeg is cheaper because it can loop a video or audio source without rendering a full desktop scene.
OBS costs more because it needs:
- More CPU
- More RAM
- Remote desktop or virtual display
- Browser sources if overlays are used
- GPU or strong CPU for heavier scenes
Bandwidth Math
Approximate upload per month for 24/7 streaming:
| Bitrate | Monthly Upload |
|---|---|
| 3000 Kbps | Around 1 TB |
| 6000 Kbps | Around 2 TB |
| 9000 Kbps | Around 3 TB |
| 20000 Kbps | Around 6.5 TB |
Choose a VPS with enough fair-use bandwidth for your stream bitrate.
Cheapest Reliable Setup
For a simple 24/7 YouTube stream:
- 2 vCPU
- 2-4GB RAM
- 100GB SSD
- FFmpeg
- 1Gbps shared network
For OBS:
- 4 vCPU
- 8GB RAM
- NVMe SSD
- 1Gbps network
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to stream 24/7? FFmpeg on a small VPS is the cheapest reliable method.
Is OBS better than FFmpeg? OBS is better for dynamic scenes. FFmpeg is better for simple loops and stability.
Can I stream 24/7 from home? Yes, but a VPS is more stable if your home upload drops or your PC restarts.
Related: Netherlands 1Gbps streaming server, 24/7 OBS VPS setup, streaming VPS bandwidth cost analysis
