A Streamlabs alternative with free overlays and no Pro tier
Layrs is a free overlay editor in the browser, with no Pro tier. Streamlabs is the desktop app that goes live and records, and its full theme library is Ultra. Here’s which job each one does.
Updated
Layrs and Streamlabs side by side
Streamlabs’ column is from Streamlabs’ own pages, checked on 3 November 2026: the FAQ, the Ultra page, the themes page, the desktop app page, the Alert Box, the Kick page, donations, Shared Access (updated 19 December 2025), the follower goal guide and the subscription goal guide. Something out of date? Email support@layrs.tv.
| Feature | Layrs | Streamlabs |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Browser overlay editor. One link in OBS | Desktop streaming app, built on OBS, plus widgets |
| Goes live and records | No. OBS or another app sends the stream | Yes. Multistream to several destinations is Ultra. Free Dual Output is one portrait and one landscape destination |
| Overlay themes | Every built-in widget is free. No Pro tier | Hundreds free (the FAQ says over 300). The full library, thousands of themes plus Reactive Overlays, is Ultra |
| Alerts | Follows, subs, gifts, bits, tips, raids and channel points, with a sound for each | Alert Box, free. Alert themes work with Twitch, YouTube, Kick and more. The Kick page names follows and tips |
| Chat on stream | 7TV, BTTV and FFZ emotes, with 7TV name paints on Twitch | Chat Box widget |
| Goals | Subs, bits, tips and follows, on Twitch and Kick | Follower Goal and Subscription Goal widgets |
| Subathon timer, hype train, polls | Built in (hype train and predictions on Twitch) | Poll Widget for Twitch and YouTube chat (Poll Widget). A subathon timer is Stream Timer in the App Store (timer guide): time for Twitch subs, follows, cheers, tips and merch. The hype train post explains Twitch’s own hype train, and doesn’t describe a Streamlabs overlay for it |
| Edit with your mods | Live cursors, roles and a history of every change. A panic button hides the overlay in OBS | Shared Access: a Moderator can use the dashboard, skip or repeat alerts, media share and Cloudbot. Administrator and Custom roles too. Editing the overlay layout together is not in that post |
| Tip page | Your own Stripe or PayPal. Layrs keeps 3% of Stripe tips and nothing on PayPal | Streamlabs takes no cut. The payment processor’s fees still apply. A custom tip page and domain are Ultra |
| Merch | No | Yes. Higher profit margins on Ultra |
| Chat bot | Commands, timers, spam filters, points and games, on Twitch and Kick | Cloudbot, with moderation. A custom bot name is Ultra |
| Platforms | Twitch and Kick | Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Kick, Patreon, Instagram, X and custom RTMP |
| Price | Free for everyone. No Pro tier. 3% on Stripe tips, no Layrs fee on PayPal tips | Free. Ultra is $27/month or $189/year |
Who should pick which
Pick Streamlabs when you want one app that captures the game, goes live and records, with widgets, a theme library, Cloudbot, merch and a tip page. Ultra is the plan for multistream to several destinations, and for the full theme library.
Pick Layrs when you already go live with OBS or Streamlabs and the overlay is the job: free for everyone, no Pro tier, edited live with your mods, with 7TV paints, Twitch and Kick, a subathon timer, polls and a hype train. You still need an app that sends the stream.
They do different jobs, and plenty of people use both. Layrs and StreamElements. Layrs and Meld Studio.
Use Layrs and Streamlabs together
Keep the app that goes live
Streamlabs Desktop, or OBS, sends the stream. Layrs does not capture your game, record or go live.
Copy the Layrs link
In Layrs, build the overlay, click Add to OBS and copy the link.
Paste it as a Browser source
In Streamlabs Desktop, click + under Sources, pick Browser Source and paste the link. Streamlabs’ own guide adds a widget the same way (follower goal guide). In OBS, add a Browser source. A Streamlabs widget URL can sit beside it: the Kick page says a widget URL works as a browser source in other software.
If you move the overlay to Layrs
Layrs does not import Streamlabs themes or alert designs. Add Layrs’ alert box, chat and goals: they look finished when you add them. A subathon timer is built in. Custom code widgets are there too, and StreamElements overlays and custom widgets can be imported.
The tip pages are separate. Viewers keep using your Streamlabs link until you share a different one. A Layrs tip goes to your own Stripe or PayPal, and Layrs never holds it. Layrs keeps 3% of Stripe tips and nothing on PayPal. Merch stays on Streamlabs if you sell there: Layrs has no merch store. Design a tip page, no account needed.
FAQ
Are Streamlabs overlays free?
A large number are. The FAQ says over 300 free overlays, the Ultra page says the free plan includes hundreds of themes, and the themes page says the whole library is part of Ultra. That library is described as thousands of themes, including Reactive Overlays. Layrs’ widgets are free for everyone, with no Pro tier.
Is Layrs free?
Yes. There is no Pro tier. The one fee is 3% on tips paid through Stripe. PayPal tips have no Layrs fee.
Can I use Layrs inside Streamlabs?
Yes. Paste the Layrs link as a Browser source in Streamlabs Desktop, or in OBS next to Streamlabs widgets. Streamlabs stays the app that goes live.
Can my mods edit the overlay?
In Layrs, yes. They sign in with their own Twitch or Kick account, and you pick what each one can do, including a panic button that hides the overlay in OBS. Streamlabs Shared Access lets a mod skip or repeat alerts, handle media share and use Cloudbot. That post does not describe editing the overlay layout together.
Does Layrs work with Kick?
Yes. Kick follows, subs, gifted subs and KICKs drive alerts, goals and the subathon timer, and Kick chat shows in the overlay with 7TV emotes. 7TV name paints and hype trains are Twitch only.
Does Layrs replace Streamlabs Desktop?
No. Streamlabs Desktop goes live and records. Layrs is the overlay you put inside it, or inside OBS.