In this overview
1. The most important components
- Streaming phone: The central smartphone can bring together camera, sound, external RTMP sources, Moblink connections and the finished stream. The new page Streaming phones for IRL streaming shows three variants proven in practice.
- Camera: Smartphone, action cams, gimbal cameras or compact cameras, depending on workflow, stabilization and connection options.
- Drones: For special perspectives, you can add a drone with an RTMP workflow. It's a real treat for aerial shots, opening up new angles on events, tours and outdoor scenes. What matters here is a suitable DJI remote, a stable uplink and a workflow to Moblin or BELABOX that you've tested beforehand.
- Speakers & microphones: Good sound is one of the most important basics for a good IRL stream. Suitable microphones pick up speech clearly on the move, and a compact Bluetooth speaker for TTS and alerts makes important chat messages and stream events audible right away.
- Stabilization: A smartphone gimbal smooths out walking shots. The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P, which I've tested myself, and the newer Osmo Mobile 8 are two very good options.
- Encoder: A smartphone app or a dedicated hardware encoder, compared, processes video and audio for transport.
- Cables: High-quality USB-C, HDMI and network cables connect power supply, camera, encoder and network. They have to match the charging power, data rate and mechanical stress you need.
- Moblin & remote controls: With a compact Bluetooth gamepad, you can switch scenes in Moblin and control mute, zoom, light and compatible gimbals. The 8BitDo Lite SE, which I've tested myself, and the smaller 8BitDo Micro are the recommended ones.
- Router/modems: Suitable routers and modems provide LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. The GL.iNet MUDI 7 combines 5G, eSIM, dual SIM and several WAN paths, among other things, in one mobile device.
- Power supply: Suitable power banks and power stations have to supply camera, encoder and network hardware for long enough. There you'll also find USB-C chargers for mobile streaming, from the compact version to a powerful model for several devices and larger drone batteries.
- Cooling: Smartphones, modems and encoders can throttle thermally under constant high load. Under smartphone cooling you'll find the REDMAGIC 6 Pro, tested by me and other streamers, as well as the newer REDMAGIC 8 Pro.
2. Choose hardware to fit your stream format
A blanket recommendation for the "perfect" IRL streaming hardware setup usually doesn't get you anywhere. Every streamer brings different conditions, uses individual workflows and does completely different kinds of IRL streams.
So your hardware choice should always depend heavily on your stream format and your own priorities:
- Type of stream: A relaxed city walk has completely different requirements for weight, audio and stabilization than an outdoor camping trip, a bike stream or a fast ride.
- Mobility & carrying comfort: Depending on how long you stream, total weight, heat, compactness and an ergonomic backpack or handheld system play a decisive role.
- Network requirements: Anyone streaming in dense downtowns has different needs for multi-SIM bonding and modems than someone out in rural regions with spotty reception.
- Ease of use & setup: Solo streamers mostly prefer compact systems that are ready to go quickly (for example smartphone apps like Moblin), while more complex setups rely on dedicated hardware encoders and professional audio interfaces.
| Stream format | What matters first | More |
|---|---|---|
| City walk | Light luggage, good sound, quick start | Streaming phone, Microphones |
| Camping and outdoors | Enough power, weather protection, heat under control | Power supply, Weather protection |
| Bike or ride | Secure mounting of the gear, good sound, safety | Action cams, IRL safety |
| Rural with spotty reception | Several networks that are as independent of each other as possible | Routers and modems, SRTLA |
| Complex setup with encoder | Do the ports and cables fit? How much power does everything draw? | Encoders, Cables |
Instead of looking for a rigid universal solution, adapt your equipment step by step to your own streaming style and the specific use.
Looking for individual help with your setup? Targeted advice is free and no-obligation in Akinos's Discord almost every evening.
3. Several cellular networks & Starlink
For mobile streams, it can make sense to combine connections from different providers. What counts isn't just the theoretical top speed, but whether the connections are as independent of each other as possible, both in location and on the network side.
Under certain conditions, using Starlink can also be an excellent addition or alternative. Especially in remote places with weak cellular coverage, a satellite connection can give you clearly better and more stable reception, as long as you have a clear view of the sky and your power supply is sized accordingly.
4. Common questions about streaming hardware
What hardware do I need to get started?
To begin with, a smartphone with a streaming app like Moblin, a suitable microphone and a power source you can rely on are often enough. Everything else depends on your stream format. My first IRL stream explains the first setup.
Do I need a hardware encoder?
Not necessarily. A smartphone app also prepares video and audio for transport. A dedicated encoder mostly pays off for more complex setups. The differences are covered in Encoders compared.
How do I plan the power supply?
Measure your complete setup under real load and plan in reserve. How to calculate it and which devices fit is on Power supply for IRL streaming, and the power runtime calculator gives you a rough runtime.
Do I really need several cellular networks?
That depends on where you stream. The connections should be as independent of each other as possible. With spotty reception, it can pay off to combine several providers. You'll find the basics under SRTLA and bonding and Cellular and connection quality.
Where can I get help choosing?
In Akinos's Discord you can get free, no-obligation advice almost every evening. For getting started, there's also the IRL setup finder.