By Sampath Mallidi, CEO of Revidd · October 2026

Simplestream is a real option for broadcasters. It is not the right one for every broadcaster. If you are shortlisting vendors, or you already talk to Simplestream and want a second option, this page gives you a fair list, a plain answer on price, and a way to decide. We make Revidd, so we are not neutral. We say where Simplestream is the better choice, and every Simplestream fact below comes from its own pages, which we read on October 23, 2026.

Short answer: The best Simplestream alternative depends on your team. Revidd fits a lean broadcaster that wants on demand, live and its own FAST channel in one platform, with native apps on the main TV devices and no engineers on your side. Brightcove or Kaltura fit large teams that want deep custom builds. If Simplestream already works for you, or you need what it does for UK free to air TV, stay.

What are the best Simplestream alternatives for broadcasters?

Pick by team size and what you need to ship first. This table is a starting point, not a ranking.

For a wider list, see our guide to the best OTT platforms for broadcasters.

What does Simplestream do well?

Simplestream's pages describe a suite of products. App Platform builds apps for mobile, tablet and TV. Media Manager is its cloud video platform and CMS. Channel Studio creates virtual channels and FAST channels from your library and live events. It also lists HbbTV, a live events product, a sports video platform with Globecast and migration services.

A few points stand out.

• Live to on demand. Its Live2VOD page describes turning a live stream into on demand programs "just moments after" they air, using SCTE markers or playout schedule data. Its April 5, 2026 article says "within minutes".

• UK free to air. Its home page says it is a Freely endorsed supplier and lists HbbTV for Freeview, YouView and Freesat.

• Hands on process. Its Why Simplestream page says it gathers detailed requirements first, documents the solution, and gives you a technical account team after launch.

• Track record. Its pages show client stories and quotes from broadcasters and sports organizations.

If those are your needs, take them seriously.

Why do broadcasters look elsewhere?

We only list reasons that Simplestream states about itself.

• Pricing is custom. Its April 5, 2026 article says pricing is custom and depends on deployment scope, features and scale. We found no price list on the pages we read.

• Setup takes planning. The same article says implementation involves technical onboarding and integration planning.

• Small teams. The same article says the platform may be complex or costly for individuals and small teams.

• Timeline. Its About page says idea to launch in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Its App Platform page says the same range for deploying across all major platforms.

None of these is a flaw if you have the team and the budget. They are reasons to ask more questions before you sign.

How do Revidd and Simplestream compare?

Only rows we can source from both sites are shown.

The timelines may not measure the same thing. Simplestream's range covers a full service project. Ours covers the apps. App stores set their own review time, and that is outside our control.

When is Simplestream the better choice?

Stay with Simplestream, or start there, if any of these is true.

• It already works. If your service runs well and your team is happy, switching is a cost with no gain.

• You are a UK free to air broadcaster. Freely and HbbTV are on its product list. They are not on ours.

• You want ads built into your channels. Its Channel Studio page lists server side ad options. We give you SCTE-35 markers for your ad partners and no more.

• You want a vendor to place your channel on other FAST platforms. Simplestream's page says it can distribute channels to FAST platforms. We do not.

• You want a project team with you. Its Why Simplestream page describes requirements work, documentation and a technical account team. If you want that level of hands on help, ask us what we offer before you decide.

• You need master control. Revidd is not a headend or master control replacement. We run your online channel, not your transmitter.

Which other options are worth a look?

Brightcove and Kaltura suit large organizations with engineers who want deep custom builds. Simplestream's own article places Kaltura there for deep customization. Read our Brightcove comparison and Kaltura comparison for the trade offs. VPlayed starts with on demand video, see our VPlayed comparison. Our Zype comparison covers another path.

Revidd works best for a lean team (see the platform overview) that wants on demand, live and FAST in one platform and its native TV apps. Revidd powers streaming that reaches more than 38 million viewers and 5.2 million monthly active viewers across 15 countries.

How do you switch without a gap in service?

Do not turn the old service off first. Run the new one beside it.

1. List what you have. Videos, metadata, live channels, schedules and your app listings.

2. Ask each vendor what moves and how. Content, subscriber data and payments are three separate questions.

3. Build the new apps and test them. Your old apps stay live.

4. Move live channels last. Switch when the new apps are approved.

5. Switch viewers over, then close the old contract.

Our migration guide has the full checklist. Check your contract end date and notice period first.

What should you ask any vendor before you sign?

• What is the total price in writing, and what changes it?

• How long until my apps are in the stores, and who submits them?

• Which TV devices get a native app?

• What do I need on my side, in people and skills?

• Can I run on demand, live and a FAST channel from one place?

• Who owns my content, subscriber data and app listings if I leave?

• What happens to my ads and markers?

Frequently asked questions

What are the best alternatives to Simplestream for broadcasters?

The right one depends on your team. Revidd suits lean teams that want on demand, live and FAST in one platform. Brightcove and Kaltura suit large teams with engineers. VPlayed starts with on demand. See the table above.

How much does Simplestream cost?

Simplestream does not publish prices on the pages we read. Its April 5, 2026 article says pricing is custom and depends on deployment scope, features and scale. Ask for a written quote. We cannot give you a number for Simplestream, and we will not guess.

Is Simplestream a good fit for a small team?

Its own April 5, 2026 article says the platform may be complex or costly for individuals and small teams, and that setup needs technical onboarding and integration planning. A small team should ask what the full project needs from them before committing.

Can I run on demand, live and a FAST channel from one platform without Simplestream?

Yes. Revidd runs all three in one platform. You schedule your FAST channel in the FAST Program Manager and show it in your own apps. We do not place your channel on third party FAST services.

How hard is it to move my apps and library off Simplestream?

It takes planning, but you can do it without a gap. Run the new apps beside the old ones, test them, and move live channels last. Ask any new vendor exactly what they move for you, including subscriber data. Our migration guide walks through it.

Which TV devices should my broadcaster app cover?

Start where your viewers are. Revidd builds native apps for Roku, Samsung, LG, Vizio, Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV, plus iPhone, iPad, Android and web, from one integration to 50+ device endpoints. See our OTT apps page.

What is the next step?

If you are weighing Simplestream against a lean, plug and play option, tell us what you run today. We will show you how it would look on Revidd, and say so plainly if Simplestream is the better fit. Book a demo.