Recommended Free Tools
For most people streaming games to Kick from a desktop, start with OBS Studio: it is free, open source, and gives you flexible control over scenes and audio. Choose Streamlabs Desktop instead if you prefer an integrated setup with built-in alerts, widgets, and overlays. Kick also lists XSplit and MELD as supported applications, but its current setup guidance does not establish a feature or cost ranking for them.
Choose software based on how you want to produce your stream
| Your priority | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible scenes and production controls | OBS Studio | The OBS Project describes it as free and open source, with scene and source mixing, transitions, audio filters, Studio Mode, hotkeys, and plugin and script support. OBS Project |
| Built-in creator tools and an integrated workflow | Streamlabs Desktop | Streamlabs describes Desktop as an all-in-one studio with alerts, widgets, overlays, and highlights, and provides a Kick setup workflow. Streamlabs |
| Another application Kick lists as supported | XSplit or MELD | Kick names both, but its referenced setup guidance does not provide enough detail for a supported comparison of their features or costs. Kick setup guide |
There is no evidence here of a universal performance winner between OBS and Streamlabs. Your operating system and hardware, the amount of manual control you want, and whether integrated creator tools matter are more useful decision points than an unsupported claim that one encoder always performs better.
Check system requirements before installing
Requirements below are from vendor pages reviewed in May 2026; software requirements can change, so confirm them on the download page for your operating system before installing.
| Software | Published requirements | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Windows 10 or 11, macOS 13 or newer, or Linux | OBS download page; the page showed version 32.2.2 and an August 14 release date without displaying a year. |
| Streamlabs Desktop | Windows 11 or macOS 12, 8 GB RAM, and 10 GB storage | Streamlabs quick-start guide, May 20, 2026. |
These requirements do not guarantee that a computer can encode a particular game and stream settings smoothly. If the game stutters or the stream drops frames, lower the output resolution or frame rate and test again rather than assuming the software choice alone is the cause.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Set OBS up to stream to Kick
- Get the connection details. In your Kick dashboard, find the server URL and stream key for your channel. Keep the stream key private: Kick warns that anyone who has it can broadcast to your channel.
- Enter the connection details in OBS. Open Settings > Stream, choose Custom… as the service, and enter the Kick server URL and stream key in the corresponding fields. Kick’s setup guide provides the connection workflow.
- Build and check your scene. Add the game or display capture and the audio sources you need, then check the preview and audio meters. OBS supports multiple source types, scenes, transitions, and audio filters; arrange only the elements you intend viewers to see and hear.
- Set encoder output within Kick’s limits. Use the settings guidance in the next section as platform ceilings, not a promise that your hardware or upload connection can sustain the maximum.
- Start streaming from OBS. Confirm that the channel receives the stream before beginning your broadcast. Kick says the VOD is saved to your channel page after you stop streaming.
Connect Streamlabs Desktop to Kick
- Open Streamlabs Desktop and go to the Stream tab.
- Connect your Kick account using the account-connection workflow shown there. Kick’s setup guide directs Streamlabs users to connect through this tab.
- Set output options so they stay within Kick’s published limits below, then check the preview and audio before starting the stream.
- Start streaming from Streamlabs Desktop and verify that Kick receives the broadcast. Kick says a VOD is saved to your channel page after you stop.
Use encoder settings Kick accepts
Kick’s May 6, 2026 connection troubleshooting guide publishes these limits. They are maximums and compatibility requirements, not recommended targets for every game, computer, or internet connection.
| Setting | Kick’s published guidance |
|---|---|
| Video encoder | x264 or H.264; H.265 is not supported. |
| Rate control | CBR; VBR is unsupported. |
| Bitrate | Up to 8,000 kbps. |
| Resolution | Up to 1920×1080. |
| Frame rate | Up to 60 fps. |
| Audio | Stereo, up to 48 kHz. |
Choose a bitrate, resolution, and frame rate your setup can sustain. A setting below Kick’s ceiling can be the better choice if the game is demanding or the connection is inconsistent. Kick specifically says Mac users should use x264 to enable CBR.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Fix common connection problems
- Kick does not receive the stream: Confirm the server URL and stream key are current, the encoder is configured for Kick, and the connection is not being blocked by your computer or network. Kick recommends updating OBS or Streamlabs if connection problems persist.
- The stream key no longer works: If you reset the key in Kick, replace the saved key in the encoder. The old key is invalid after a reset. Keep the new key private because anyone who obtains it can broadcast to your channel.
- The encoder settings are rejected or the stream is unstable: Check that the encoder uses x264 or H.264 and CBR, not H.265 or VBR, and that bitrate, resolution, frame rate, and audio sample rate stay within Kick’s limits. If those settings are within limits but performance is poor, reduce output demands to fit your computer and connection.
- The software will not install or runs poorly: Recheck the current vendor requirements for your OS and hardware. The listed minimum requirements do not establish that a system can handle every game and stream workload.
Copyright and what your broadcast contains
Streaming software does not grant rights to the game footage, music, or other material in your broadcast. Use content you are authorized to stream, and check Kick’s current platform rules and any rights-holder restrictions before broadcasting music or third-party material. A technically successful connection does not settle whether the content is permitted.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live around the clock using uploaded videos, that is a different job from streaming a live game to Kick. StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos on YouTube; it does not stream to Kick or broadcast from a camera. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps it running, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
StreamNeo’s monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or compare plans, then start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
