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Software · head to head

Anchorfree vs vMix

A

Anchorfree

Software

Platform for hosting and distributing live events

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
vMix logo

vMix

Software

Professional live streaming and production software

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Anchorfree has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Anchorfree the vendor's own domain (anchorfree.com), as captured by the Internet Archive on 11 January 2023, redirects to and displays the Pango Group corporate site, stating Pango Group is owned and operated by Aura and describes itself as a portfolio of consumer security brands; AnchorFree's original product (Hotspot Shield) survives only under the Pango/Aura ownership structure, confirming the acquisition in the vendor's own words rather than a third party account; vMix basic HD at $60 is limited to 4 total inputs, 1 vMix Call caller, 1 instant replay camera and 1 SRT output
  • They diverge on capability: Anchorfree covers Live streaming, vMix covers Multi-camera support.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Anchorfree and vMix actually diverge.

Attributes where Anchorfree and vMix differ
AttributeAnchorfreevMix
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWindows
Founded20172013

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Anchorfree

  • Live streaming
  • Audience management
  • Recording
  • Analytics
  • Multi-platform delivery
  • Zapier
  • Web support

Only in vMix

  • Multi-camera support
  • Virtual sets
  • Live effects
  • Screen sharing
  • Multi-platform streaming
  • LinkedIn
  • Windows support

Both cover

  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Twitch

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Anchorfree

  • Professional Worknot vMix
  • Content Creationnot vMix

vMix

  • Live video production switching for broadcasts and streamsnot Anchorfree
  • Multi camera instant replay for live sportsnot Anchorfree
  • Bringing remote guests into a production over vMix Callnot Anchorfree
  • Recording and streaming in 4K from a Windows workstationnot Anchorfree

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Anchorfree

  • The vendor's own domain (anchorfree.com), as captured by the Internet Archive on 11 January 2023, redirects to and displays the Pango Group corporate site, stating Pango Group is owned and operated by Aura and describes itself as a portfolio of consumer security brands; AnchorFree's original product (Hotspot Shield) survives only under the Pango/Aura ownership structure, confirming the acquisition in the vendor's own words rather than a third party account

vMix

  • Basic HD at $60 is limited to 4 total inputs, 1 vMix Call caller, 1 instant replay camera and 1 SRT output
  • 4K resolution above 1920x1080 requires the 4K edition at $700 or higher
  • Lifetime licences include free updates for the first 12 months only
  • vMix Call is capped at 4 callers on the HD edition and 8 on 4K, Pro and MAX
  • SRT outputs are limited to 1 on Basic HD and HD editions
  • The MAX edition is subscription only at $50 per month and stops receiving updates when the subscription lapses

Pricing, plan by plan

Anchorfree

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Basic streaming
    • Limited audience
  • Professional$49/month
    • Advanced features
    • Larger audience
  • Enterprise$199/month
    • Custom solutions
    • Premium support

vMix

On request
  • Starter$60/month
    • Basic streaming
    • 4 inputs
  • Professional$300/month
    • Advanced features
    • 8 inputs
  • Premium$600/month
    • All features
    • Unlimited inputs

Which should you pick?

Choose Anchorfree if

  • You need live streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want audience management.
Anchorfree review

Choose vMix if

  • You need multi-camera support.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want virtual sets.
vMix review

Questions people ask

Is Anchorfree or vMix better?
Neither clearly leads. Anchorfree starts at Free and vMix at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Anchorfree or vMix?
Anchorfree has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Anchorfree and On request for vMix.
Does Anchorfree or vMix run on more platforms?
Anchorfree runs on Web. vMix runs on Windows.
Can I use Anchorfree for free?
Yes. Anchorfree has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. vMix starts at On request.
What is Anchorfree best used for?
Anchorfree is most often used for professional work, content creation. Of those, professional work and content creation are not what vMix is typically brought in for.
What can Anchorfree do that vMix cannot?
Anchorfree covers Live streaming, Audience management, Recording, Analytics. vMix covers Multi-camera support, Virtual sets, Live effects, Screen sharing. Both handle YouTube, Facebook, Twitch.
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