AzuraCast, Icecast, SHOUTcast or Centova Cast: which streaming panel should you choose?
Every internet radio station runs on a streaming server. That server receives your audio and passes it on to all listeners. There are several programs and panels that do this. In this article we list the best known.
Streaming server or streaming panel: what is the difference?
A streaming server (such as Icecast or SHOUTcast) does one thing: receive audio and pass it on. A streaming panel (such as AzuraCast or Centova Cast) sits on top of it. It gives you a management environment with an AutoDJ, playlists, a music library, DJ accounts and statistics. For most stations a panel is the most convenient choice.
AzuraCast
AzuraCast is free, open source and very complete. You install it on your own server (usually a VPS) and get in one package:
- an AutoDJ with playlists, scheduling and jingles;
- a music library you fill through the browser;
- accounts for DJs who want to go live;
- a request system for songs from your own library;
- detailed data about what is playing now and what played before.
Good for: stations that want to stay in control and are not afraid of their own server. You do need some technical knowledge for installation and maintenance.
Icecast
Icecast is a free streaming server that has been around for a long time and is used by many stations and panels, including AzuraCast. Without a panel you have no AutoDJ: you always have to send something to the server yourself. Icecast supports multiple "mount points", so you can offer a high and a low quality at the same time.
Good for: technically minded makers who just want a reliable relay server.
SHOUTcast
SHOUTcast is one of the oldest names in internet radio. The server works similarly to Icecast. Many hosting providers offer SHOUTcast, often combined with a panel. There is also a station directory in which your station can be found.
Good for: stations that rent a hosted SHOUTcast stream and don't want to deal with the technology.
Centova Cast
Centova Cast is a commercial panel widely used by hosting companies that rent out streams. As a customer you get a clear environment with AutoDJ, playlists and statistics. The server underneath is usually Icecast or SHOUTcast.
Good for: stations that rent a ready-made package from a hosting company.
Comparison at a glance
| AutoDJ | Self-hosted | Software price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AzuraCast | Yes | Yes | Free |
| Icecast | No (server only) | Yes | Free |
| SHOUTcast | Depends on the version or provider | Yes or hosted | Varies |
| Centova Cast | Yes | Usually hosted | Paid (via the provider) |
What to look for when choosing
- Now playing. Does the panel pass on the song title and the name of the live DJ? You need that for your website and apps.
- Requests. Can listeners request songs from your library?
- DJ accounts. Does every DJ get their own login, so you can see who is live?
- Https. A stream over https is needed to listen on a secure website. Read more in your own domain name and https.
- Support. When self-hosting, you are your own helpdesk. When renting, you can call or email the provider.
Our advice
Want as many options as possible and don't mind running your own server? Choose AzuraCast. Want to start quickly and without worries? Rent a hosted stream with a panel. Whatever you choose: pick a panel that passes on the "now playing" data properly, so your website and listeners always see what is playing.