Loom vs OBS Studio: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Loom and OBS Studio comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: OBS Studio is our overall pick for screen recording workflows. Pick Loom if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Loom
Record screen and camera for async video messages
Best for you if:
- • Async video messaging for teams
- • Screen and camera recording
OBS Studio
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • OBS Studio is free software for video recording and live streaming
- • It captures screens, webcams, and audio for broadcasts and recordings
| At a Glance |  Loom |  OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Loom or OBS Studio?
Choose Loom if
Record screen and camera for async video messages
- Faster than writing long emails
- AI transcriptions in 50+ languages
- Easy screen and camera recording
Choose OBS Studio if
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
- Completely free
- Powerful features
- Huge community
- You want a fully free tool (Loom requires payment)
| Feature | Loom | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 5,060 reviews | ★4.7/5 1,206 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingCommunication | Screen RecordingLive Streaming |
In-Depth Analysis
Loom
Record screen and camera for async video messages
Strengths
- +Faster than writing long emails
- +AI transcriptions in 50+ languages
- +Easy screen and camera recording
Weaknesses
- -Video quality limited on free tier
- -Storage limits for free users
Key features
OBS Studio
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Powerful features
- +Huge community
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Can be resource heavy
Key features
Pricing: Loom vs OBS Studio
| Plan | Loom | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Starter | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $15 Business | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $20 Business + AI | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Loom pricing and OBS Studio pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OBS Studio is free. Loom is freemium.
Go with: OBS Studio
Want the highest-rated option?
Loom: 4.7/5 (5,060 reviews). OBS Studio: 4.7/5 (1,206 reviews).
Go with: Loom
Value user reviews?
Loom: 5,060 reviews (4.7/5). OBS Studio: 1,206 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Loom
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Loom is freemium. OBS Studio is free. Go with OBS Studio if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are screen recording tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.7/5.
Key Takeaways
OBS Studio
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Loom
- Larger review base (5,060 reviews)
The Bottom Line
OBS Studio is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loom or OBS Studio better?
OBS Studio is rated in our evaluation. Loom is freemium and OBS Studio is free.
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 is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OBS Studio is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.