OBS Studio

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Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software

Screen Recording Live Streaming Video & Media

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4.7(1,206 across the web)

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Reviews onG2CapterraSourceForge

1206 reviews tracked·2 press mentions

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Completely free

Biggest con

Learning curve

TL;DR - OBS Studio

OBS Studio is free software for video recording and live streaming
It captures screens, webcams, and audio for broadcasts and recordings
Completely free and open-source

Pricing: Free forever

Best for: Individuals & startups

4.7/5 across review platforms

What is OBS Studio?

Editorial review

OBS Studio is free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. Powerful mixing handles multiple sources including cameras, displays, and media. Scenes and transitions create professional broadcasts. Filters add visual and audio processing in real-time. Plugins extend functionality endlessly. The streaming software that powers most streamers on Twitch, YouTube, and beyond - completely free.

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourceobsproject.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Completely free
Powerful features
Huge community

Cons

Learning curve
Can be resource heavy

Ratings Across the Web

4.7(1,206 reviews)

G2125 reviews

4.6/5

Capterra1,070 reviews

4.7/5

SourceForge11 reviews

5/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Live streamingRecordingScene compositionFiltersPluginsOpen source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jul 7, 2026

Free

100% free and open source
Video recording
Live streaming
Windows, Mac, Linux
No watermarks
Plugin support

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Reviews

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4.7/5

Across 1,206 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2, SourceForge

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

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OBS Studio FAQ

How does OBS Studio facilitate professional live broadcasts?

OBS Studio enables professional broadcasts through powerful mixing capabilities that handle multiple sources like cameras and displays. Users can create custom scenes and transitions, and apply real-time visual and audio filters to enhance their streams.

What kind of user is best suited for OBS Studio?

OBS Studio is ideal for users who need robust video recording and live streaming capabilities and are willing to invest time in learning its features. Its powerful tools and extensibility make it suitable for content creators, gamers, and educators.

How is OBS Studio priced?

OBS Studio is completely free to use, offering all its powerful features without any paid plans or subscription requirements. It is open-source software, making it accessible to everyone.

Can OBS Studio integrate with other tools to extend its functionality?

Yes, OBS Studio's functionality can be extended endlessly through the use of plugins. This allows users to customize and enhance their recording and streaming setup beyond the core features.

How does OBS Studio compare to StreamYard for live streaming?

OBS Studio offers powerful, free, open-source software for live streaming with extensive customization through scenes, transitions, and filters. Unlike StreamYard, which typically offers a more streamlined, browser-based experience, OBS Studio provides deep control over every aspect of the broadcast from a desktop application.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing OBS Studio?

The main trade-offs when choosing OBS Studio include a notable learning curve due to its extensive features and customization options. Additionally, it can be resource-heavy, potentially requiring a more capable computer for optimal performance during complex streams or recordings.

Source: obsproject.com

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