OBS Studio Pricing 2026
Plans, hidden costs, and cheaper alternatives compared
Is OBS Studio worth the price?
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.
Pricing Plans
Free
$0
- 100% free and open source
- Video recording
- Live streaming
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- No watermarks
- Plugin support
Hidden Costs & Gotchas
Requires user's own hardware
No dedicated customer support
Learning curve for advanced features
Which Plan Do You Need?
Budget-conscious streamers
Content creators
Open-source enthusiasts
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.
OBS Studio Pricing FAQ
How much does OBS Studio cost?
OBS Studio is free to use. No subscription or one-time fee is required for the core product.
Does OBS Studio have a free plan?
Yes. OBS Studio offers a free plan called "Free". It includes: 100% free and open source, Video recording, Live streaming.
Is there a cheaper alternative to OBS Studio?
Yes. Popular alternatives to OBS Studio include StreamYard, Loom, Riverside.fm, Hopin. Free alternatives include StreamYard, Loom, Riverside.fm. Compare them side-by-side on Toolradar.
Cheaper alternatives to OBS Studio
3 of 6 direct competitors below offer a free plan. Per-seat pricing varies up to 60% across this set.
