MistServer

Self-Hosted

Open-source, low-latency multimedia streaming server

Overview

MistServer is an open-source, high-performance multimedia streaming server designed for low-latency live and video-on-demand (VOD) delivery. It supports a wide range of input (RTMP, RTSP, HTTP) and output protocols (HLS, DASH, WebRTC, RTMP), making it flexible for diverse use cases—from small-scale streams to enterprise deployments. It features a user-friendly web interface for configuration, real-time analytics, and adaptive bitrate streaming. MistServer can be deployed on Linux/macOS systems, via Docker containers, or as a cloud instance, ensuring easy integration into existing workflows. Its modular architecture allows for custom plugins, enhancing extensibility.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  mistserver:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: mistserver
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Low-latency WebRTC streaming support
Multi-protocol input/output (HLS, DASH, RTMP, RTSP)
Web-based dashboard with real-time analytics

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is MistServer hard to install?

MistServer is relatively easy to install via pre-built packages for Linux/macOS or Docker containers. The web interface simplifies initial setup, though advanced configurations (like scaling or custom plugins) may require familiarity with streaming protocols.

? Is it a good alternative to Wowza Streaming Engine?

Yes—MistServer offers similar core features (multi-protocol streaming, live/VOD support) as Wowza but is open-source and free. It excels in low-latency WebRTC streaming, making it a cost-effective choice for small to medium-scale deployments.

? Is it completely free?

MistServer’s core version is 100% open-source and free under the AGPLv3 license. Paid enterprise add-ons (e.g., advanced analytics, priority support) are available, but all essential streaming functionality is free to use and self-host.

Top Alternatives

Wowza Streaming Engine Search Google

Adobe Media Server Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Media Streaming - Multimedia Streaming

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosted control over streams
⊕ Free and open-source core functionality

Cons

⊖ Requires technical knowledge for advanced configurations
⊖ Limited native Windows support