Video Streaming Protocol Comparison

Major Streaming Protocols

Comparison of streaming protocols: latency, transport, and browser support

In the video streaming field, there are multiple protocols to choose from, each with its own characteristics and applicable scenarios. Understanding these differences helps make correct technical choices in projects.

HLS vs DASH

HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) are the two most主流 adaptive streaming protocols. HLS was developed by Apple with native Safari/iOS support; DASH is an MPEG international standard.

Both support adaptive bitrate, DRM, multi-track audio, and subtitles. The main difference is compatibility: HLS dominates the Apple ecosystem, while DASH has better support on Android and Chrome.

RTMP Protocol

RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) was Adobe's protocol for live publishing, featuring extremely low latency (1-3 seconds). However, it requires dedicated servers and Flash support (now deprecated).

WebRTC Protocol

WebRTC is Google's real-time communication technology for browser-to-browser audio/video. With latency under 500ms, it's ideal for video conferencing and interactive scenarios.

SRT Protocol

SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) is an open-source protocol designed for low-latency, reliable video传输. It features 1-2 second latency, AES encryption, and strong packet loss resilience.

Protocol Selection Guide

Large-scale live playback: HLS or DASH with CDN
Live publishing: RTMP or SRT
Real-time interaction: WebRTC
Professional broadcast: SRT