Belabox Cloud vs IRLHost

This comparison covers Belabox Cloud and IRLHost as relay services. Neither requires hardware, and neither sends your stream directly to Twitch or Kick. Your OBS at home does that.

The flow for both:

Phone/encoder → Relay → Your OBS at home → Twitch/Kick

If you already own Belabox hardware: IRLHost works with it. You can use your Belabox device as your encoder and IRLHost as your relay. They are not mutually exclusive.

SRTLA bonding and H.265

IRLHost supports SRTLA bonding, combining multiple connections (WiFi and mobile data) server-side for maximum stability. IRLHost is also codec-agnostic, relaying H.265 streams from your encoder without modification. If your phone and app support HEVC, you get better quality at lower bitrates automatically.

Belabox Cloud also supports SRTLA bonding. For H.265 support, check their documentation.

Hosting locations

IRLHost runs servers in Nuremberg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Ashburn (Virginia), Hillsboro (Oregon), and Singapore, the European servers is 100% green energy.

Belabox Cloud runs servers in the USA, EU, UK, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, and South Africa.

Encoder compatibility

IRLHost works with any SRT-compatible encoder: Moblin, IRL Pro, Larix, Belabox hardware, OBS Studio, FFmpeg, and more.

Belabox Cloud is optimised for Belabox hardware but also supports other SRT encoders.

Built-in features

IRLHost includes NOALBS automatic scene switching, Twitch and Kick chat commands, real-time stream health monitoring, and the IRLHost Link desktop app, all at €11.99/month + VAT.

Belabox Cloud focuses on bonding and remote encoder management via their app. Scene switching and chat commands are not included.

Pricing and sign-up

IRLHost is a standard subscription at €11.99/month + VAT. Sign up directly on the website.

Belabox Cloud is $10/month through GitHub Sponsors. Access requires a GitHub account and an active sponsorship of the rationalirl project.

Which should you choose?

Choose IRLHost if:

• You want SRTLA bonding, H.265, scene switching, chat commands, and stream monitoring in one package
• You use any SRT-compatible encoder, including Belabox hardware
• You want a straightforward monthly subscription with no GitHub account required

Consider Belabox Cloud if:

• You are already sponsoring the Belabox project on GitHub and want relay access as part of that
• You need server coverage in Australia, Brazil, or South Africa
• You are IT-literate and don't mind a less straight forward user experience.

Can you use Belabox hardware with IRLHost?

Yes, and many streamers do. Point your Belabox device at IRLHost as your relay. You get Belabox hardware bonding on the encoder side and IRLHost's full feature set on the relay side.

Get started

Sign up at irlhost.gg. Your relay is live in minutes. Works with your existing gear, including Belabox hardware.