Restream vs OBS Studio: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Restream 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 Restream if you need live streaming.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Restream
Broadcast live video to 30+ platforms simultaneously
Best for you if:
- • You need live streaming features specifically
- • Restream is a multistreaming platform for broadcasting to multiple channels
- • It streams to 30+ platforms simultaneously with chat aggregation
OBS Studio
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need screen recording features specifically
- • OBS Studio is free software for video recording and live streaming
- • It captures screens, webcams, and audio for broadcasts and recordings
| At a Glance |  OBS Studio | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $16/monthStandard | Free |
Best For | Live Streaming | Screen Recording |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Restream or OBS Studio?
Choose Restream if
Broadcast live video to 30+ platforms simultaneously
- 30+ destinations
- Chat aggregation
- Easy setup
- Your work is live streaming-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
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 (Restream requires payment)
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not live streaming-shaped
| Feature | Restream | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 456 reviews | ★4.7/5 1,206 reviews |
| Categories | Live StreamingSocial Media Management | Screen RecordingLive Streaming |
In-Depth Analysis
Restream
Broadcast live video to 30+ platforms simultaneously
Strengths
- +30+ destinations
- +Chat aggregation
- +Easy setup
Weaknesses
- -Quality limits on free
- -Per-stream pricing
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: Restream vs OBS Studio
| Plan | Restream | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $16 month Standard | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $39 month Professional | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $199 month Business | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Restream pricing and OBS Studio pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OBS Studio is free. Restream is freemium.
Go with: OBS Studio
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Restream
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OBS Studio
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Restream is freemium. OBS Studio is free. Go with OBS Studio if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Restream is a live streaming tool. OBS Studio is in screen recording. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
OBS Studio
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (1,206 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Restream
- Better fit for live streaming
The Bottom Line
OBS Studio is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Restream or OBS Studio better?
OBS Studio is rated in our evaluation. Restream is freemium and OBS Studio is free.
What are Restream and OBS Studio used for?
Restream: Broadcast live video to 30+ platforms simultaneously. OBS Studio: Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software.
What does Restream cost vs OBS Studio?
Restream is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OBS Studio is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.