OBS Studio vs Shadow: 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 OBS Studio and Shadow 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:
OBS Studio
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Shadow requires payment)
Shadow
Capture and share your screen activity with a focus on privacy and control.
Best for you if:
- • You want strong emphasis on user privacy
| At a Glance | OBS Studio | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free plan |
Category | Video & Media Screen Recording | Screen Recording Productivity |
Rating | 4.7/5 Capterra 4.7 · G2 4.6 1,212 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 5 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose OBS Studio or Shadow?
Choose OBS Studio if
- You want a fully free tool (Shadow requires payment)
- You want completely free
- You want powerful features
- You work in video & media, not screen recording
Choose Shadow if
- You want strong emphasis on user privacy
- You want granular control over shared content
- You work in screen recording, not video & media
In-Depth Analysis
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
Shadow
Capture and share your screen activity with a focus on privacy and control.
Strengths
- Pro: Strong emphasis on user privacy.
- Pro: Granular control over shared content.
- Pro: Simplifies secure screen sharing.
Weaknesses
- Con: Currently in alpha, so features may be limited or subject to change.
- Con: Specific advanced features are not yet detailed.
Key features
Plans and prices: OBS Studio vs Shadow
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio |
| obsproject.com read Oct 7, 2026 |
| Shadow | No plan prices on file | discovershadow.com/pricing |
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 OBS Studio pricing and Shadow pricing.
Key Takeaways
OBS Studio
- Choose if you want record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
Shadow
- Choose if you want capture and share your screen activity with a focus on privacy and control
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 rest on too few reviews to rank (4.7/5 from 1,212 reviews for OBS Studio, 4.6/5 from 5 reviews for Shadow; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides).
- 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 OBS Studio and Shadow 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 rest on too few reviews to rank (4.7/5 from 1,212 reviews for OBS Studio, 4.6/5 from 5 reviews for Shadow; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides). Both have a free plan.
What are OBS Studio and Shadow used for?
OBS Studio: Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software. Shadow: Capture and share your screen activity with a focus on privacy and control.
What does OBS Studio cost vs Shadow?
OBS Studio is free. Shadow has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 7, 2026.
What's the main difference between OBS Studio and Shadow?
OBS Studio's main strength: completely free. Shadow's main strength: strong emphasis on user privacy.