TheLoops vs Upstream
Comparing two cloud-based 24/7 streaming solutions. Upstream.so is known for its stream designer and multistreaming to 10 platforms. TheLoops focuses on simplicity and affordability for YouTube creators. See how they compare on pricing, features, and ease of use.
TheLoops Dashboard
Simple & affordable
Upstream
Stream designer focus
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TheLoops Dashboard | Upstream |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Streaming | ||
| Designed for 24/7 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-restart on failure | ✓ | ✓ |
| No computer needed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video looping | ✓ | ✓ |
| Content scheduling | ✗ | ✓ |
| Video Quality | ||
| Max resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Frame rate | 60fps | 30fps |
| Audio quality | 320kbps | 320kbps |
| Unique Features | ||
| Stream designer (Figma-like) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Custom overlays/widgets | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multi-channel audio mixing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Current song overlay | ✗ | ✓ |
| Live ad cuepoints | ✗ | ✓ |
| Platform Support | ||
| YouTube | ✓ | ✓ |
| Twitch | Coming | ✓ |
| Kick | Coming | ✓ |
| Multistream (RTMP) | Coming | 10 platforms |
| Pricing | ||
| 1 stream price | $10/mo | $30/mo |
| 1 stream storage | 50GB | 100GB |
| 2 streams price | $50/mo (4 streams) | $50/mo |
| 2 streams storage | 150GB (4 streams) | 200GB |
| 4 streams price | $50/mo | $80/mo |
| Annual discount | No lock-in | 20% off |
Pros & Cons
TheLoops Dashboard
Pros
- Third of the entry price ($10 vs $30)
- Higher frame rate support (60fps vs 30fps)
- Simple, no-frills interface
- No annual commitment required
- Fastest setup (5 minutes)
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
Cons
- No stream designer/overlay editor
- No content scheduling
- Currently YouTube-focused
- Less storage on entry plan (50GB vs 100GB)
Upstream
Pros
- Unique stream designer (Figma-like editor)
- Multistream to 10 platforms included
- More storage per plan (100GB vs 50GB)
- Advanced overlays and widgets
- Multi-channel audio mixing
- Current song overlay for music streams
Cons
- 3x the entry price ($30 vs $10)
- Lower frame rate (30fps vs 60fps)
- Steeper learning curve
- Annual commitment for best pricing
Our Verdict
Choose TheLoops if you want simple, affordable 24/7 YouTube streaming. At $10/month (a third of Upstream's $30), you get all the essentials: video looping, auto-restart, and 60fps streaming. If you don't need fancy overlays or multistreaming, TheLoops saves you $240/year.
Choose Upstream if you need the stream designer. Upstream's Figma-like stream editor is genuinely unique - you can create custom layouts, add visualizers, current song overlays, and mix multiple audio channels. It's more powerful but also more complex and expensive.
Both platforms are solid for 24/7 streaming. The question is whether you need design tools (Upstream) or simplicity and savings (TheLoops).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. TheLoops starts at $10/month while Upstream starts at $30/month. For basic 24/7 streaming without advanced design features, TheLoops saves you $240/year. However, Upstream includes more storage (100GB vs 50GB) and multistreaming in their base plan.
Upstream offers a unique Figma-like stream designer where you can visually design your stream layout, add custom overlays, visualizers, current song widgets, and more. TheLoops focuses on simplicity and doesn't have an equivalent visual editor. If stream design is important to you, Upstream has the edge.
TheLoops supports up to 1080p at 60fps, while Upstream is limited to 1080p at 30fps. For fast-moving content or gaming highlights, TheLoops' 60fps support provides smoother playback. Both offer 320kbps audio quality.
Upstream includes multistreaming to 10 platforms (YouTube, Twitch, Kick, etc.) on all plans at no extra cost. TheLoops currently focuses on YouTube with multistreaming coming soon. If you need multi-platform streaming today, Upstream has the advantage.
TheLoops is designed for simplicity - most users are streaming within 5 minutes. Upstream has more features and options, which means a steeper learning curve, especially with the stream designer. If you want quick, simple setup, TheLoops wins.