Loom vs OBS Studio: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Loom and OBS Studio side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Loom
Record screen and camera for async video messages
Best for you if:
- • You want faster than writing long emails
OBS Studio
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Loom requires payment)
| At a Glance | Loom | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan, paid from $15/user/mo, billed monthly Business plan | Free 100% free |
Category | Screen Recording Productivity | Video & Media Screen Recording |
Rating | 4.7/5 G2 4.7 · Capterra 4.7 2,944 reviews | 4.7/5 Capterra 4.7 · G2 4.6 1,212 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Loom or OBS Studio?
Choose Loom if
- You want faster than writing long emails
- You want AI transcriptions in 50+ languages
- You work in screen recording, not video & media
Choose OBS Studio if
- You want a fully free tool (Loom requires payment)
- You want completely free
- You want powerful features
- You work in video & media, not screen recording
In-Depth Analysis
Loom
Record screen and camera for async video messages
Loom's pricing is generally fair, offering a generous free tier for basic use.
Strengths
- Pro: Faster than writing long emails
- Pro: AI transcriptions in 50+ languages
- Pro: Easy screen and camera recording
Weaknesses
- Con: Video quality limited on free tier
- Con: Storage limits for free users
Key features
OBS Studio
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
OBS Studio offers an incredibly generous pricing model as it is 100% free and open-source.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely free
- Pro: Powerful features
- Pro: Huge community
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Can be resource heavy
Key features
Plans and prices: Loom vs OBS Studio
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Loom |
| loom.com/pricing read Oct 14, 2026 |
| OBS Studio |
| obsproject.com read Oct 7, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Loom pricing and OBS Studio pricing.
Key Takeaways
Loom
- Choose if you want record screen and camera for async video messages
OBS Studio
- Choose if you want record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.7/5 from 2,944 reviews for Loom, 4.7/5 from 1,212 reviews for OBS Studio).
- Loom starts at $15/user/mo, billed monthly; OBS Studio has no public paid plan price on file.
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Loom and OBS Studio compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.7/5 from 2,944 reviews for Loom, 4.7/5 from 1,212 reviews for OBS Studio). Loom starts at $15/user/mo, billed monthly; OBS Studio has no public paid plan price on file. Both have a free plan.
What are Loom and OBS Studio used for?
Loom: Record screen and camera for async video messages. OBS Studio: Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software.
What does Loom cost vs OBS Studio?
Loom's cheapest paid plan is Business at $15/user/mo, billed monthly; it also has a free plan. OBS Studio is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 14, 2026.
What's the main difference between Loom and OBS Studio?
Loom's main strength: faster than writing long emails. OBS Studio's main strength: completely free.