So, you wanna stream IRL (In Real Life)? Awesome. You’ve probably seen those streamers with the slick, high-tech backpacks and thought, “Man, that must cost a fortune.” And yeah, a lot of times, it does.

But what if I told you that you could get a rock-solid, high-quality IRL streaming setup for a fraction of the price? I’m talking about everything you see on me right here.

This guide is all about how to stream on a budget. We’re going to break down every single piece of gear I use, how much it costs, and how it stacks up against those pricey pre-made IRL bags. The best part? It’s super simple, crazy easy, and uses the phone you already have in your pocket.

Let’s get started and dive into the gear.

(Just a heads-up, the product links I’m sharing are affiliate links. If you click and buy, I get a small kickback, which helps a ton. Thank you! If not, no worries at all!)

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Here’s a look inside my bag at every piece of kit I use to make my IRL streams happen.

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The gear above is the bare minimum you need to get going. But if you have a little extra in the budget, here are the other items I carry in my bag to make life easier.

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Now, you’ve seen my setup. Let’s really dig into what the “pro” streamers are using. These bags are incredible pieces of tech designed for one thing: the most stable, reliable stream possible, no matter what. But that power comes with some trade-offs.

This is the OG, the one you see on many of the biggest streamers. It’s built around the powerful LiveU Solo PRO encoder, a piece of professional broadcast hardware.

• Pros
  • Rock-Solid Connection: This is its biggest selling point. It uses a technology called “bonding,” which combines multiple internet connections (4-6 cellular modems, Wi-Fi, Ethernet) into one super-robust signal. This means you can stream from a packed convention or a remote area with a much lower chance of your stream dropping or lagging.
  • Broadcast Quality: The hardware allows for high-bitrate, 4K streaming. It’s essentially a portable TV studio on your back.
  • Turnkey Solution: It comes ready to go. You buy it, you get the gear, you subscribe to the data plan, and you’re streaming like a pro. It’s trusted by major streamers and brands for a reason.
• Cons:
  • The Cost is INSANE: Let’s not sugarcoat it. The backpack itself starts at $2,095 (and that’s often without the camera).
  • The Real Cost is Monthly: The hardware is just the beginning. The real expense is the bonded data service, which starts at $165/month for a basic plan and can easily exceed $520/month for worldwide or more robust coverage. This is a serious recurring business expense.
  • Complexity & Bulk: While it’s a “solution,” it’s still complex broadcast equipment. It’s heavier and bulkier than a simple phone-based setup.

► Check them out at unlimitedirl.com

The EZiRL is another major player, offering a high-end, all-in-one solution that’s also gained a lot of popularity. I got to use one at DreamHack Dallas and it was a great experience.

• Pros:
  • Excellent Stability: Like the UnlimitedIRL pack, EZiRL uses its own custom encoder and data bonding to deliver a very stable connection, which is a huge advantage in crowded or poor-signal areas.
  • Modern Tech Integration: They often bundle their kits with the latest tech, like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, which is a fantastic all-in-one camera and gimbal, removing the need for a separate phone and gimbal setup.
  • Great All-in-One Package: The bag is custom-designed for airflow and comfort, and it comes with all the mounting solutions and power you need right out of the box. It feels very polished.
• Cons:
  • Still Very Expensive: The cost is a major barrier to entry. The packages start at $1,600 and can quickly climb to $2,700 once you add modems and their cloud service.
  • Recurring Data Costs: Again, the initial purchase doesn’t include the essential data plans for the modems, which will be a significant monthly expense on top of the hardware cost.
  • Less Flexibility: You’re buying into a specific ecosystem of hardware. While it works great together, it’s less modular than a DIY setup where you can swap out every single component as you see fit.

► Check them out at ezirl.com

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Okay, let’s tally it all up. Those pro bags are thousands of dollars upfront, plus hundreds more every month. Here’s what my setup costs, with NO monthly service fees beyond your regular phone plan.

My “Full-Featured” Budget Setup (~$550)

This includes all the bells and whistles I mentioned for maximum versatility.

The “Get Started Today” Setup (Under $200!)

Ready for this? This is the bare minimum you need for a fantastic stream.

That’s it! For under $200, you can have a high-quality, stable, and reliable IRL streaming setup. That’s… what, like one-tenth of the price of a pro bag? Insane!

So there you have it. You don’t need to break the bank to share your adventures with the world. I hope this guide was helpful! Check out the links for all the gear, and let me know if you have any questions in the comments.

Now get out there and start streaming! Peace.