Best Twitch Streaming Equipment in 2023

Whether you want people to watch live streaming of your game or wish to create something unique, Twitch is the place to start. However, understanding the inner workings of Twitch and finding the right gear can be challenging. Twitch offers a variety of live streaming options to record broadcasts covering various content types such as music, sports, talk shows, food, and travel.

Streamers on Twitch know that playing a game live in front of viewers also requires you to connect with the audience, showcase your personality, and make them feel as if they are watching it live in the same room. For this purpose, one needs to have the right equipment, as the wrong ones can hinder the engagement. The correct settings can help retain your Twitch stream viewers for a long time.

Here’s how to stream on Twitch:

• Set up your Twitch account and install suitable broadcasting software onto your PC, Mac, or any other device you use. The available software includes Streamlabs OBS, OBS Studio, NVIDIA Shadowplay, Gameshow, LightStream, etc.
• After selecting broadcast settings, you can customize your stream. 
• Add the audio/video sources and visuals you plan on using.
• If you are using Xbox One or PS4, you don’t need to install any software. You can start right away.

Before you get started on streaming Twitch, two main aspects should be considered: video and audio. We recommend some of the best entry-level media streaming accessories, including cameras, microphones, lights, and other AV equipment involved in professional streaming.

The following types of Twitch streaming equipment are sure to give your fans the best viewing experience. 

Best Streaming Camera

When connected to a computer via USB, most DSLR cameras can be used as webcams. If you have one, you can use that as webcams can provide high video quality for streaming. If you don’t have a DSLR webcam and don’t plan on getting an expensive device, there are plenty of quality webcams you can get for a low budget.

If you wish to stream 4K for less money, the Sony Alpha a6500 is a great option. The main advantage of 4K cameras is scalability, as they are great for shooting YouTube videos and other content on your Twitch channel. However, it is advisable to start your streaming career with 1080p webcams like Logitech and Razer Kiyo.

We’ve also got a dedicated guide on webcams and cameras to use for live streaming where we cover even more options in detail.

Also Read: – Best Streaming Camera

1. Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920

The Logitech HD Pro C920 webcam is automatically encoded to H.264 as standard, which means that you don’t need to manually set recording to HD. It has two microphones on both sides of the camera to capture stereo sound. The device also comes with a rubber-lined clip that fits over the laptop screen and the external display. If the desired angle is not a typical top monitor lens shot, then you can use the built-in mount to screw the C920 onto a tripod.

With enough light, the C920 will give excellent picture performance. The details are clear and colors are vibrant. Also, its autofocus is fast and precise.

Pros:

• Clear 1080p Skype video calls without changing any settings.
• The soft blue recording light indicates on-air, so you can stream without being distracted.
• A built-in stereo microphone can capture sound within any range.

Cons:

• Some additional features can make the software less stable.
• The camera rotation angle is less than 90 degrees
• The software does not support all 1080p video calling, except through Skype.

2. Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam

Razer Kiyo is designed by streamers and is dedicated to making users look great when going live. At this price, Kiyo provides a high-quality image than others. The design and function of Razer Kiyo provide users with multiple options starting from the resolution. Kiyo works best at 1080p 30 FPS, but most streamers downgrade it to 720p to get a smooth frame rate of 60 FPS. This 60 FPS transition can also improve the motion blur when the streamer performs sudden body or hand movements.

For streamers with a small space, light is an excellent choice. If you are using a green screen, light alone may not be enough, but it is bright enough. The adjustment is also effortless; you only need to turn the ring, which will become brighter or darker.

Kiyo does not require any software to use it. The user simply plugs the webcam into one of the available USB ports on the computer, and Kiyo instantly starts working on the user’s preferred streaming software. After setting up, users can configure the video manually, or they can use automatic settings.

Pros:

• The ring light is bright and easy to adjust.
• 1080p video and supports 60fps frame rate at 720p.
• Built-in tripod mount.

Cons:

• Large design.
• There is no supporting software.
• Even small movements can trigger autofocus.

3. Logitech StreamCam

Logitech StreamCam is a combination of HD clarity, ease of use, and in-built design, making it a  webcam of choice for the new generation’s influencers. It is best for musicians, entertainers, and streamers in the Twitch category ‘Just Chatting.’ The camera’s excellent automatic focus and framing functions make it a powerful tool for an entry-level photographer or any artist who needs to stream a full-screen video. However, for gamers, this webcam may be too expensive as per their requirement.

If you want the content to be more mobile-friendly, you can rotate on its three-axis clip or use horizontally to make it portrait mode. The mount can be angled any way you want, even face-down to 90 degrees so people can watch the keyboard and mouse. There is no need to buy extra equipment.

It also shoots 1080p at 60 fps. It can be used with major streaming software like OBS and XSplit. The software can also automatically perform many settings that most people don’t bother about, such as white balance, exposure, and face tracking. There is also a chroma function if the user wants to use a green screen.

The built-in microphone isn’t the best, but still reasonably usable. If you are into streaming music, you might need a mic and mixer setup.

Pros:

• Great quality and smooth picture.
• Compact and small.
• Can be adjusted to portrait or landscape view.
• Designed for use with OBS, Twitch, and XSplit

Cons:

• Does not include privacy protection.
• Expensive.
• USB-C only.
• The cable cannot be replaced or removed.

Best Streaming Microphone 

In order to get the best audio quality, streamers require a separate microphone to pick up the voice while minimizing background noise. There are usually two types of microphones, dynamic, and condenser. Dynamic microphones are rugged and can easily handle very loud sounds, while condenser microphones are more sensitive and can capture higher quality sounds. For streaming media, usually dynamic microphones are preferred.

A USB microphone is also a good choice, but a professional studio condenser microphone, such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 is better. These are expensive and require accessories and time to work properly, but the result can even surpass USB microphones to achieve scalability and audio control.

We recommend some of the best microphones on the market like Blue Yeti or HyperX QuadCast. Both are rugged desktop microphones designed for streamers and podcasts.

Also, we’ve got a dedicated guide on the best microphones for streaming, check it out if you want to see even more options for microphones.

Also Read: – Best Microphone for Streaming

1. Blue Yeti USB Microphone

Blue Yeti is ideal for podcasts that want to plug and record without worrying about other content besides their content. The best feature of Yeti is that it can change the polar pattern. It uses a tri-capsule microphone array allowing customers to shift among the four different polar patterns, which are cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo.

The Blue Yeti is a beautiful microphone body that feels rugged, durable, and reasonably weighted. It can be directly plugged into a computer without the need for a mixer or preamplifier to operate. The computer can easily detect the microphone, so it can be used with audio software such as Audacity or Audition. There is also a headphone volume button on the front right side of the Blue Yeti. The gain control feature in Yeti allows users to check the microphone’s sensitivity, which most USB microphones don’t include.

There is a 3.5mm port at the microphone’s bottom, which allows users to monitor audio without delay. The stand that comes with the mic is very sturdy, which allows the user to rotate the position of the mic.

Pros:

• Best sound quality.
• Several recording modes.
• No installation needed.

Cons:

• No multi-head adjustments.

2. HyperX QuadCast

HyperX’s QuadCast matches the style and color scheme of other HyperX products.

The microphone is built around an electret condenser design. Also, there are four polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, stereo, and omnidirectional. Cardioid modes are an essential element to have while using streamers. In this mode, the voice will become full and crisp. It can even isolate the room noise very well, including the sound of a PC fan or outdoor noise.

The mic comes with a stand and shock mount, and they are all pre-installed. Many USB microphones sound good, but they also pick up the mouse’s clicking sound as it moves on nearby surfaces. While other mics require a shock mount to solve this issue, the QuadCast eliminates these vibrations without any cost.

When the microphone is active, QuadCast lights up with a red LED from the inside, which lets people know when there is a hot mic on the table. The QuadCast also has touch buttons to mute and unmute audio.

Pros

• Good sound quality.
• Headphone output.
• Robust design.
• Four polar patterns.
• Shock mount and stands.

Cons

• Lighting cannot be turned off.

Best Streaming Accessories for Twitch 

1. HPUSN Softbox Lighting Kit

If you don’t have the right lighting equipment, you will not be able to utilize  an expensive webcam. Unfortunately, a light in your room will not cut it, especially when shooting at night. This is where the HPUSN softbox light kit comes in, providing high-quality lighting at a low cost.

HPUSN is considered the best for portrait photography. It comes with two 85W bulbs. So users don’t have to worry about darkness or glare when shooting indoors.

As there are several options with a softbox light kit, HPUSN simplifies the selection as it offers all the functions a streamer needs. These include energy-saving bulbs, which can last up to 8,000 hours. The HPUSN Softbox Lighting Kit is a great toolkit for beginners, photographers, and even YouTubers.

The tripod mount can be adjusted at an angle of 210°. HPSUN is suitable for studios as it provides bright lights for streaming. Softbox lighting is designed to provide the right balance of lighting in areas that are relatively darker than the other.

Features:

• Professional quality.
• Energy-saving light bulbs.
• Rotatable and adjustable stand.

2. Emart Photo Studio Green Screen

The green screen kit includes a backdrop stand, a green chromakey, and a muslin backdrop, a photography light stand, lamp holders, studio bulbs, white umbrellas, and a bag. It uses a portable design, and the size of the main support system is 8.5 x 10 feet. Plus, users can easily set the backdrop without any hassle.

Besides, it has a seamless, woven surface that prevents tearing along the edge loop. The green screen kit has several advantages and does not flicker or generate noise. When used during games, Twitch streamers can easily change the green screen to the desired background. Without a handy green screen, users won’t be able to achieve this camera trick.

Webcams aren’t most reliable sometimes; in such cases, one should consider using the green screen. You can also add a digital background to the stream for the Emart Photo Studio green screen. It’s big enough to cover the wall behind you and has clips for hanging. Even if the screen is too big to use, there is also an option for a smaller green screen.

Features:

• Crimp along the edges to prevent tearing.
• Seamless weaving and quick installation.
• Suitable for hard work and easy to use.

3. GoXLR and GoXLR Mini Audio Interface

The GoXLR is the most convenient all-in-one audio interface tested for streaming media. It can provide 48V phantom power for XLR microphones and has a gain of up to 70dB. Although GoXLR is much more expensive than a simple audio interface of the same quality, the additional convenience of hardware controls (such as faders, knobs, and buttons) on this unit is considerable. The impressive audio hardware and controls are supported by a powerful software package that allows you to dial in the microphone and perform various processing to keep the sound in the desired state.

Users can also adjust to route audio to one of the multiple USB audio devices. For example, one can adjust the game streaming to one audio device, the microphone to another audio device, the dialogue to another, and so on. Finally, the lighting is also adjustable, which also makes it a good visual accessory.

The original GoXLR is impressive, while the GoXLR Mini offers a higher price/performance ratio. The ports and processing hardware on the Mini remain the same, although the effect controls differ.

Features:

• The 4-channel design allows mixing microphones, headphones, external signal sources, computer audio, and game consoles.
• The mute button and control options allow users to easily mute or unmute the sound.
• The digital audio routing is very flexible.

Conclusion

Just a few years ago, gaming microphones were considered unnecessary decadence, but with the advent of streaming on Twitch, the concept of PC gaming is completely different. Streaming games are no longer just a performance issue. The ideal Twitch setup also involves broadcasting high-quality audio and video at the desired frame rate and looking good while playing the content.

To become a streamer on Twitch, you can use only one microphone on your PC; a USB microphone is ideal. USB mics can be used without any other equipment, while XLR microphones should be linked via audio interfaces and include other audio equipment such as several mixers or microphones. If you are a beginner, then USB is the best choice, XLR is better suited for professionals.

After sorting the audio, the most important streaming accessories include a mid-range webcam, lights when necessary, a second monitor, stream controls (such as the Elgato Stream Deck keyboard) and Avermedia or Elgato capture cards can also come in handy. These gears are best for those who spend most of their streaming time in games.