Medal.tv vs OBS Studio: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Medal.tv 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 Medal.tv 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:
Medal.tv
Record, edit, and share game clips and gameplay highlights instantly on PC and mobile.
Best for you if:
- • Captures game clips and full sessions with minimal performance impact.
- • Includes an in-app editor for adding effects, music, and creating montages.
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 |  Medal.tv |  OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Contact us/moPremium | Free |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Medal.tv or OBS Studio?
Choose Medal.tv if
Record, edit, and share game clips and gameplay highlights instantly on PC and mobile.
- Completely free to use on PC and mobile for core features.
- Optimized for minimal impact on game performance.
- Comprehensive editing tools built directly into the app.
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 (Medal.tv requires payment)
| Feature | Medal.tv | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 67 reviews | ★4.7/5 1,206 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingVideo Editing | Screen RecordingLive Streaming |
In-Depth Analysis
Medal.tv
Record, edit, and share game clips and gameplay highlights instantly on PC and mobile.
Strengths
- +Completely free to use on PC and mobile for core features.
- +Optimized for minimal impact on game performance.
- +Comprehensive editing tools built directly into the app.
- +Supports recording from any PC game.
- +Easy sharing with instant links and integrated community.
Weaknesses
- -Premium features like unlimited cloud storage require a paid subscription.
- -Console recording is not directly supported, requiring imports from system captures.
- -Mobile game capture is currently only available on Android, with iOS coming soon.
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: Medal.tv vs OBS Studio
| Plan | Medal.tv | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | Contact us Premium | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Medal.tv pricing and OBS Studio pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OBS Studio is free. Medal.tv is freemium.
Go with: OBS Studio
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Medal.tv
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OBS Studio
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Medal.tv 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
OBS Studio
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (1,206 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Medal.tv
- Choose if you want record, edit, and share game clips and gameplay highlights instantly on PC and mobile
The Bottom Line
OBS Studio is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medal.tv or OBS Studio better?
OBS Studio is rated in our evaluation. Medal.tv is freemium and OBS Studio is free.
What are Medal.tv and OBS Studio used for?
Medal.tv: Record, edit, and share game clips and gameplay highlights instantly on PC and mobile.. OBS Studio: Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software.
What does Medal.tv cost vs OBS Studio?
Medal.tv is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OBS Studio is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.