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(1,210 across the web)

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Reviews onG2Capterra

1210 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(1,210 reviews)

OBS Studio holds an aggregate rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 1,210 reviews across G2 and Capterra, last checked August 23, 2026.

G2136 reviews

4.6/5

Capterra1,074 reviews

4.7/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Live streamingRecordingScene compositionFiltersPluginsOpen source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 26, 2026

Free

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

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is OBS Studio worth the price?

100/100

OBS Studio offers an incredibly generous pricing model as it is 100% free and open-source.

This makes it an exceptional value, especially compared to paid alternatives. It's best for anyone needing robust streaming and recording capabilities without a budget.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Requires user's own hardware

No dedicated customer support

Learning curve for advanced features

How OBS Studio Compares to Competitors

Compared to Streamlabs Desktop, which offers a free version but locks advanced features behind a $19/month 'Prime' subscription, OBS Studio provides all its features completely free. Similarly, XSplit Broadcaster has a free version with watermarks and limitations, while its premium plans start around $5/month, making OBS Studio a superior value proposition for core functionality.

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4.7/5

Across 1,210 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2

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Best OBS Studio Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

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LoomFreemium

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Riverside.fmFreemium

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HopinPaid

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StreamYardFreemium

Live streaming studio in your browser

4.7

DemioPaid

Hassle-free webinar software for marketers to drive engagement, conversions, and revenue.

4.7

Zoom WebinarsPaid

Scale video events to thousands with built-in engagement and integrations

3.5

ClipchampFreemium

Browser-based video editor by Microsoft

3.5

ShotcutFree

Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.

4.4

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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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