OBS vs Streamlabs

Carly

If you’re into streaming or recording your screen, you’ve likely come across OBS and Streamlabs. Though Streamlabs started as a spin-off of OBS, it’s built its own name over time.

Now the big question is, which one to choose? In this guide, we'll compare Streamlabs and OBS to help you decide which suits your needs best. So, let's explore how these two options stack up against each other.

Meet OBS

OBS is a free and open-source software used for recording and live-streaming videos. It’s built to capture and mix different sources, like webcams, microphones, and your computer screen. With its user-friendly interface and active community, it's a top pick for both newcomers and experienced users.

Meet Streamlabs

Streamlabs creates tools and software for live streamers and content creators. These tools help you engage with your viewers, make money off of your broadcasts, and grow your channels. It's an all-in-one solution to level up your live streaming and content creation game.

What do Streamlabs and OBS have in common?

Screen Recording and Live Streaming: Streamlabs and OBS are top picks for screen recording and live streaming, serving content creators, gamers, and streamers with their versatile features.
Compatibility: Both options work with major streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live, making it easy for users to connect with large audiences

Open-Source: Streamlabs and OBS are open-source software, which means they're free for anyone to use. This openness also encourages the community to improve and make them their own.
Customization: Users enjoy a high level of customization and flexibility with both applications. They can fine-tune audio and video sources, layouts, and settings to meet their requirements.
Multi-Platform Support: Streamlabs and OBS extend their reach across different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for a diverse user base.

What sets Streamlabs and OBS apart?

Performance: Streamlabs tends to perform better on powerful computers but might struggle on lower-end systems. On the other hand, OBS performs smoothly, no matter your computer's specs.
CPU Usage: Streamlabs can use a lot of your computer's power, especially on weaker hardware, while OBS is known for its efficient CPU usage.
Pricing: Streamlabs offers a few pricing options, including a free version and paid subscriptions. OBS, on the other hand, is totally free.
User Interface: Streamlabs boasts a user-friendly interface, while OBS requires more customization to get the most out of it. For example, a dev came up with an OBS zoom and mouse follow feature by coding custom scripts.
Video and Audio Quality: OBS provides solid video quality but has limitations in audio mixing compared to Streamlabs.
Plugins: OBS has a wide range of plugins available, expanding its functionality. Streamlabs, on the other hand, while packed with features, doesn't offer as many plugin options for that extra level of customization.
Support: Streamlabs offers support through a ticket system and Discord, while OBS relies on community support via Discord and online forums. Your choice depends on your hardware and feature priorities for your streaming and recording needs.

How much do Streamlabs and OBS cost?

Though Streamlabs and OBS are both free, open-source software, Streamlabs has a couple of other pricing options to keep in mind.

Streamlabs Pricing

Free Plan: Priced at $0 per month and includes a watermark, a 4-hour recording limit, and streaming to a single destination. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious users looking to start with basic streaming.
Standard Plan: For $9 per month, you get no watermark, 720p res, multi-streaming to 3 destinations, support for up to 5 guests, 4-hour recording per track, branding, media uploads, and disconnection protection.
Pro Plan: Priced at $17 per month, this plan offers 1080p res., no limits on multi-streaming, support for up to 24 guests (15 on screen), 10-hour recording per track, 30-day storage, and branding options.

OBS Pricing

OBS is completely free of charge!

Should I choose Streamlabs or OBS?

When deciding between OBS and Streamlabs, keep the following in mind:

Go with Streamlabs if:

You're new to streaming and want a user-friendly interface.
Integrated features like chat, widgets, and a test feature are important to you.
Monetization matters to you, as Streamlabs offers tools for donations and payments.

Opt for OBS if:

You have a lower-end computer or want to keep an eye on CPU usage.
You value customization options and don't mind tinkering with settings.
You prefer a completely free and open-source solution without paid subscriptions.

Wrapping up

In the end, both Streamlabs and OBS can get the job done for screen recording and streaming. Your choice depends on what your computer can handle, your familiarity with the software, and any features you might need.

If you're looking for an OBS alternative, consider giving Tella a try. It's an all-in-one screen recording solution that lets you create demos and online courses, have one-on-one interactions with customers, and promote your content on social media platforms.