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Castr vs Gumlet: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between Castr and Gumlet comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.

Bottom line: Castr is our overall pick for live streaming workflows. Pick Gumlet if you need video hosting.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked Jul 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

Castr

The complete video infrastructure for live streaming, video hosting, and OTT solutions.

Best for you if:

  • • You need live streaming features specifically
  • Comprehensive platform for live streaming, VOD, and OTT.
  • Enterprise-grade infrastructure with multi-CDN for global delivery and 99.9% uptime.

Gumlet

Smarter hosting and optimization for all your videos and images.

Best for you if:

  • • You want to try before committing
  • • You need video hosting features specifically
  • Hosts, protects, and publishes videos with enterprise-grade security.
  • Automates image optimization to improve website performance and reduce costs.
At a Glance
CastrCastr
GumletGumlet
Starts at
$12.5/moStarter
FreeFree tier available
Best For
Live StreamingVideo Hosting
Rating
4.7/54.8/5
Free plan
No Yes

Choose Castr or Gumlet?

Castr

Choose Castr if

The complete video infrastructure for live streaming, video hosting, and OTT solutions.

  • Enterprise-grade infrastructure with multi-CDN for reliable global delivery.
  • Transparent and cost-effective pricing without hidden fees.
  • 24/7 dedicated technical support via Slack and WhatsApp.
  • Your work is live streaming-shaped, not video hosting-shaped
Gumlet

Choose Gumlet if

Smarter hosting and optimization for all your videos and images.

  • Combines video hosting and image optimization in one platform.
  • Offers robust security features for video content, including DRM.
  • Utilizes AI for efficient video compression and marketing tools.
  • Your work is video hosting-shaped, not live streaming-shaped
FeatureCastrGumlet
Pricing ModelPaidFreemium
User Rating
4.7/5
444 reviews
4.8/5
555 reviews
Categories
Live StreamingVideo Hosting
Video HostingVideo Compression

In-Depth Analysis

CastrCastr

The complete video infrastructure for live streaming, video hosting, and OTT solutions.

Strengths

  • +Enterprise-grade infrastructure with multi-CDN for reliable global delivery.
  • +Transparent and cost-effective pricing without hidden fees.
  • +24/7 dedicated technical support via Slack and WhatsApp.
  • +Easy integration and setup with existing systems like OBS and ATEM.
  • +Comprehensive feature set covering live streaming, VOD, and OTT needs.

Weaknesses

  • -No explicit mention of a free tier, suggesting it's a paid-only service.
  • -The extensive feature set might have a learning curve for new users.
  • -Specific pricing details are not available on the provided pages, requiring a "contact sales" or trial approach.

Key features

Multi CDN (Akamai, Fastly, CloudFront)Cloud Production (switching, overlays, transitions, multi-source input)24/7 Playout Scheduling with Ad InsertionWhite-label OTT Apps (Web, iOS, Android, TV)Video Monetization (Paywall, SSAI, Ad Insertion, 30+ Payment Gateways)Advanced Transcoding (H.265 to H.264, watermarking, bitrate customization)
Starts at $12.5/mo

Value 75/100. Castr's pricing appears fair, offering a wide range of options from the Starter plan at $12.5/month to the Ultra plan at $250/month.

Watch out: Overage fees for exceeding bandwidth/storage

GumletGumlet

Smarter hosting and optimization for all your videos and images.

Strengths

  • +Combines video hosting and image optimization in one platform.
  • +Offers robust security features for video content, including DRM.
  • +Utilizes AI for efficient video compression and marketing tools.
  • +Provides APIs for custom development and integration.
  • +Focuses on performance, scalability, and reducing carbon footprint.

Weaknesses

  • -Specific pricing details are not directly available on the main page, requiring a visit to a separate pricing page.
  • -The breadth of features might have a learning curve for new users.
  • -Detailed information on specific integrations with other platforms is not immediately apparent.

Key features

Video Hosting and PublishingEnterprise-grade Video Security (DRM, password locks, geo-blocks, watermarks)AI-powered Video Marketing Tools (subtitles, CTAs, forms, chapters)Automated Image Optimization and DeliveryVideo APIs for DevelopersAI-powered Video Compression and Transcoding
Starts at Free

Value 85/100. Gumlet's pricing is quite fair, offering a generous Free tier and a well-priced Starter plan at $10/month.

Watch out: Overage fees for exceeding storage limits

Pricing: Castr vs Gumlet

PlanCastrGumlet
Tier 1
On Request
Custom Plan
Free
Free
Tier 2
$12.5 /month
Starter
$10/month
Starter
Tier 3
$33.5 /month
Standard
$25/month
Pro
Tier 4
$62.5 /month
Professional
N/A
Tier 5
$104.5 /month
Premium
N/A
Tier 6
$250 /month
Ultra
N/A

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Castr pricing and Gumlet pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

Gumlet has a free tier. Castr is paid only.

Go with: Gumlet

Want the highest-rated option?

Castr: 4.7/5 (444 reviews). Gumlet: 4.8/5 (555 reviews).

Go with: Gumlet

Value user reviews?

Castr: 444 reviews (4.7/5). Gumlet: 555 reviews (4.8/5).

Go with: Gumlet

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Castr is paid. Gumlet is freemium. Gumlet lets you start free.

2

What's your use case?

Castr is a live streaming tool. Gumlet is in video hosting. Pick the category that matches your needs.

3

How important are ratings?

Gumlet is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.7/5.

Key Takeaways

Castr

  • Our pick for this comparison

Gumlet

  • Has a free tier
  • Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.7/5
  • Larger review base (555 reviews)
  • Better fit for video hosting

The Bottom Line

Castr is our pick. Gumlet has a free tier if you want to test without paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Castr or Gumlet better?

Castr is rated in our evaluation. Castr is paid and Gumlet is freemium.

What are Castr and Gumlet used for?

Castr: The complete video infrastructure for live streaming, video hosting, and OTT solutions.. Gumlet: Smarter hosting and optimization for all your videos and images..

What does Castr cost vs Gumlet?

Castr is a paid tool. Gumlet is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

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