TheLoops vs Castr
TheLoops is purpose-built for 24/7 YouTube streaming, while Castr is an enterprise-grade multistreaming platform that broadcasts to 30+ platforms. They serve different primary use cases. Here's how they compare.
TheLoops Dashboard
Built for 24/7 streaming
Castr
Enterprise multistreaming
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TheLoops Dashboard | Castr |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Streaming | ||
| Designed for 24/7 | ✓ | Pre-recorded feature |
| Auto-restart on failure | ✓ | ✓ |
| No computer needed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video looping | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video Quality | ||
| Max resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| Frame rate | 60fps | 60fps |
| CDN delivery | ✓ | Akamai CDN |
| Multistreaming | ||
| YouTube | ✓ | ✓ |
| Twitch | Coming | ✓ |
| Coming | ✓ | |
| Total platforms | 1 (more coming) | 30+ |
| Simultaneous destinations | 1 | 6-20 (by plan) |
| Additional Features | ||
| Embeddable player | ✗ | ✓ |
| Paywall/monetization | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cloud recording | ✗ | ✓ |
| Analytics | Basic | Advanced |
| Pricing | ||
| Entry price | $10/mo | $12.50/mo (Multistream) |
| All-in-One plan | N/A | From $37.50/mo |
| Storage included | 50GB | 1GB (trial), varies by plan |
| Free trial | 24 hours | 7 days |
Pros & Cons
TheLoops Dashboard
Pros
- Purpose-built for 24/7 streaming
- Simple, focused feature set
- Generous storage (50GB included)
- Easy 5-minute setup
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- No complex plan tiers to navigate
Cons
- Currently YouTube-focused
- No multistreaming yet
- No embeddable player
- No built-in monetization tools
Castr
Pros
- Stream to 30+ platforms simultaneously
- 4K video quality support
- Enterprise-grade Akamai CDN
- Embeddable player for websites
- Built-in paywall and monetization
- Cloud recording and analytics
- 7-day free trial
Cons
- Not specifically designed for 24/7
- Complex pricing with many tiers
- All-in-One plans start at $37.50/mo
- Limited storage on entry plans
Our Verdict
These platforms serve different needs. TheLoops is built specifically for 24/7 YouTube streaming - it does one thing and does it well. Castr is an enterprise multistreaming solution for broadcasting to 30+ platforms with advanced features.
Choose TheLoops if your focus is 24/7 YouTube streaming. You get a simple, dedicated solution with 50GB storage for $10/month. No need to navigate complex plans or pay for multistreaming features you won't use.
Choose Castr if you need multistreaming. If you're broadcasting live events to multiple platforms, need an embeddable player for your website, or require enterprise features like paywall and advanced analytics, Castr is the more comprehensive solution.
Castr's Multistream plan starts lower ($12.50/mo), but the full-featured All-in-One plans start at $37.50/mo. For pure 24/7 YouTube streaming, TheLoops offers better value and simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Castr offers pre-recorded livestream capabilities, but it's primarily designed as a multistreaming platform for live events. TheLoops is purpose-built specifically for 24/7 continuous streaming with features like auto-restart and video looping as core functionality.
Castr supports up to 4K streaming with enterprise-grade Akamai CDN delivery. TheLoops supports 1080p at 60fps, which is optimal for most 24/7 content like lofi music, ambient videos, and similar streams. Both offer excellent quality for their intended use cases.
Currently, TheLoops focuses on YouTube with multi-platform support coming soon. Castr excels at multistreaming - you can broadcast to 30+ platforms including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and more, with 6-20 simultaneous destinations depending on your plan.
Castr's basic Multistream plan starts at $12.50/month, while TheLoops starts at $10/month. TheLoops is actually more affordable! Castr's full-featured All-in-One plans start at $37.50/month. For dedicated 24/7 streaming, TheLoops offers better value with 50GB storage included.
Yes, Castr offers a 7-day free trial with 5GB bandwidth and 1GB video storage. TheLoops offers a 24-hour free trial. Both let you test the platforms before committing to a paid plan.