Our verdict: vMix turns a Windows PC into a live production switcher for churches, schools, sports and corporate events. It mixes cameras, NDI and SRT sources, titles and remote callers, and streams to several destinations at once. The 60-day trial is complete, but the cheap Basic HD edition is very limited, and serious setups cost hundreds of dollars.
About vMix
vMix is made by StudioCoast, an Australian company. It mixes live cameras, capture cards, NDI and SRT sources, video files, playlists, web pages and PowerPoint into a program output, with transitions, chroma key, color correction and animated titles from GT Title Designer. Higher editions add vMix Call for remote guests, instant replay, MultiCorder, scripting and PTZ camera control.
New users get a free 60-day trial of the full software; after it ends you need a license. Lifetime licenses are Basic HD at $60 (4 inputs, 3 cameras, 1080p), HD at $350, 4K at $700 and Pro at $1200, each with 12 months of free updates. vMix MAX is a $50 per month subscription. The download needs no account and includes vMix Social, GT Title Designer and vMix Desktop Capture.
What it does well
- Live switching. Mixes cameras, NDI, SRT, video files and web sources with transitions and overlays.
- Streaming and recording. Streams to up to five destinations at once and records the program output.
- GT Title Designer. Includes animated titles, scoreboards and tickers, with custom designs in higher editions.
- vMix Call. Brings remote guests into the show from a web browser (HD edition and above).
- Instant replay. Records and replays camera angles in slow motion in the 4K and Pro editions.
Who it is for
Good fit
Churches, schools, sports clubs and event producers running multi-camera live streams on Windows.
Look elsewhere
Mac users, or streamers who want a free tool for a single camera and screen.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete 60-day trial
- Lifetime licenses available
- NDI and SRT built in
- Very capable for multi-camera shows
Cons
- Stops working after the trial without a license
- Basic HD is limited to 4 inputs and 1080p
- Windows only
How to install vMix
The button downloads the full vMix setup, which also installs vMix Social, GT Title Designer and vMix Desktop Capture. The 60-day trial starts on first run without a card. A dedicated GPU and enough CPU headroom matter more than in most apps; check vMix's hardware guide before buying a license.
Questions about vMix
Is vMix free?
No. New users get a free 60-day trial of the full software without a card, and after that a license is required. The cheapest is Basic HD at $60 one-time with 4 inputs and 1080p; HD costs $350, 4K $700, Pro $1200, and vMix MAX is $50 per month.
Do vMix lifetime licenses include updates?
Each lifetime license includes 12 months of free updates. After that the version you have keeps working, and newer versions need an upgrade.
Does vMix run on a Mac?
No. vMix runs only on 64-bit Windows.
