# Streaming considerations - RTMP vs RTSP vs HLS vs MMS vs ?

**URL:** <https://community.wowza.com/t/streaming-considerations-rtmp-vs-rtsp-vs-hls-vs-mms-vs/36612>\
**Category:** Wowza Streaming Engine\
**Created:** [October 14, 2011, 12:14pm UTC](https://community.wowza.com/t/streaming-considerations-rtmp-vs-rtsp-vs-hls-vs-mms-vs/36612 "2011-10-14T12:14:51Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Reza\_Rizvi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bc79bd/32.png) [@Reza\_Rizvi](https://community.wowza.com/u/Reza_Rizvi)\
**Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 12:14pm UTC](https://community.wowza.com/t/streaming-considerations-rtmp-vs-rtsp-vs-hls-vs-mms-vs/36612/1 "2011-10-14T12:14:51Z")

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Hello.

I am doing some research on video streaming for a project I’m working on. I’m trying to figure out what the BEST format to stream out our content would be. Can someone share, or point me to, a comparison of these different streaming protocols and the pros/cons of each.

Our target device can accept any of these formats, so that is why we have the ability to take a step back and consider the best option.

We have noticed RTMP starts up quicker, and RTSP is a bit slower to start. MMS is an old format that wouldn’t work natively on iPhone and Android devices. And HLS is iOS specific but its quickly become more common.

Some comparison considerations I can think of:

- bandwidth requirements

- audio and video quality

- compatibility with multiple devices

- correction of audio/video alignment

- quick connection and stream start-up

Thanks for any help.

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**Author:** ![Richard\_Lanham](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c68b51/32.png) [@Richard\_Lanham](https://community.wowza.com/u/Richard_Lanham)\
**Post date:** [October 14, 2011, 5:21pm UTC](https://community.wowza.com/t/streaming-considerations-rtmp-vs-rtsp-vs-hls-vs-mms-vs/36612/2 "2011-10-14T17:21:51Z")

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For fast start, client-server applications, and data (cuepoints) use RTMP

To reach devices that do not support a better option use RTSP

To reach iOS devices and some STBs, use HLS.

Richard

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**Author:** ![Richard\_Lanham](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c68b51/32.png) [@Richard\_Lanham](https://community.wowza.com/u/Richard_Lanham)\
**Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 7:32pm UTC](https://community.wowza.com/t/streaming-considerations-rtmp-vs-rtsp-vs-hls-vs-mms-vs/36612/3 "2011-11-04T19:32:45Z")

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You get higher quality with same bitrate using h.264 video and AAC audio in a quicktime (.mp4, .mov) container, compared to Sorenson Spark video and NellyMoser audio in a FLV

Richard

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**Author:** ![Evan\_Beeton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d9b06d/32.png) [@Evan\_Beeton](https://community.wowza.com/u/Evan_Beeton)\
**Post date:** [November 4, 2011, 2:25pm UTC](https://community.wowza.com/t/streaming-considerations-rtmp-vs-rtsp-vs-hls-vs-mms-vs/36612/4 "2011-11-04T14:25:26Z")

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When using RTMP, does Wowza Media Server favor any one file format (FLV, MP4, etc.) over another in terms of performance?

Thanks