OBS Studio vs Camtasia: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OBS Studio and Camtasia 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
OBS Studio
Free streaming & recording
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.1/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • 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
Camtasia
Screen recording and editing
Best for you if:
- • Camtasia is screen recording and video editing software for creating tutorials and presentations
- • It combines screen capture with a full editing suite for professional-looking videos
| At a Glance |  OBS Studio |  Camtasia |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | 91/100 | 75/100 |
| Feature | OBS Studio | Camtasia |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 91 | 75 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screen RecordingVideo Editing | Screen RecordingVideo Editing |
How OBS Studio and Camtasia Compare
OBS Studio
Free streaming & recording
Free · 91/100 score
Camtasia
Screen recording and editing
Paid · 75/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OBS Studio is free. Camtasia is paid.
Go with: OBS Studio
Want the highest-rated option?
OBS Studio: 91/100. Camtasia: 75/100.
Go with: OBS Studio
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OBS Studio
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OBS Studio is free. Camtasia is paid. 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?
OBS Studio scores higher: 91/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
OBS Studio
- Higher score: 91/100 vs 75
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Camtasia
The Bottom Line
OBS Studio (91/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OBS Studio or Camtasia better?
OBS Studio scores 91/100 in our evaluation. OBS Studio is free and Camtasia is paid.
What are OBS Studio and Camtasia used for?
OBS Studio: Free streaming & recording. Camtasia: Screen recording and editing.
What does OBS Studio cost vs Camtasia?
OBS Studio is completely free. Camtasia is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.