HLS Streaming vs Smooth Streaming

Developers should learn HLS when building video streaming applications, as it is the de facto standard for adaptive streaming on iOS, macOS, and many other platforms, ensuring broad compatibility meets developers should learn smooth streaming when building video streaming applications that require adaptive bitrate streaming for reliable playback across diverse network conditions and devices, such as in enterprise media delivery, live broadcasting, or video-on-demand services. Here's our take.

HLS Streaming

Nice Pick

Developers should learn HLS when building video streaming applications, as it is the de facto standard for adaptive streaming on iOS, macOS, and many other platforms, ensuring broad compatibility

Pros

• It is essential for delivering high-quality video experiences that adjust to varying bandwidths, making it ideal for services like live broadcasts, video-on-demand platforms, and mobile apps where network reliability can fluctuate
• Related to: mpeg-dash, webm

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Smooth Streaming

Developers should learn Smooth Streaming when building video streaming applications that require adaptive bitrate streaming for reliable playback across diverse network conditions and devices, such as in enterprise media delivery, live broadcasting, or video-on-demand services

Pros

• It is particularly useful in environments where Microsoft technologies like Azure Media Services are integrated, as it provides efficient streaming with features like live encoding, DVR functionality, and broad client support including iOS, Android, and web browsers
• Related to: adaptive-bitrate-streaming, http-live-streaming

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. HLS Streaming is a protocol while Smooth Streaming is a platform. We picked HLS Streaming based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

HLS Streaming wins

Based on overall popularity. HLS Streaming is more widely used, but Smooth Streaming excels in its own space.