BEST OBS ALTERNATIVES

With the intention to launch my live photography podcast, I followed online advice and downloaded OBS Studio. But as soon as I dove in, I quickly grasped that it was just too complicated for me and I needed something more beginner-friendly.

So, I started to look for the tool that would be easy for a newbie like me to use, but still packed the powerful features OBS offers.

OBS is open-source, which means it's built and maintained by volunteers through donations and community. With such a crowd behind the program, it's no surprise that its UI can feel pretty daunting and anything but intuitive.

I have tested over 30 programs to the top options, and whether you’re a seasoned Twitch streamer aiming to up your game, a podcaster needing crystal-clear audio for remote interviews, a teacher creating engaging screencast tutorials, or a business person looking to boost team communication with video, I've found the best options to fit the bill.

Best for: Users who want a live streaming tool with plenty of plugins and producer features

I have tried out XSplit Broadcaster and I believe it’s a perfect stand-in for OBS Studio. It handles live streaming and recording very efficiently. This is important for my dual-screen recording setup. This alternative to OBS has an intuitive and customizable UI. I often need to display my photography alongside my guest's reactions, and with XSplit, I could set this up in a snap, without wading through complicated settings.

This Twitch streaming software comes with built-in plugins for all the major platforms. If needed, you can even set up a custom RTMP. I tried streaming to YouTube and Twitch at the same time, and it ran like clockwork. Therefore, I can blend multiple media sources and capture video from various inputs like Skype, Zoom, and Discord without a hitch.

However, XSplit demands quite a bit of processing power during streaming. This is a big problem for my older hardware. To get the best out of it, I had to upgrade my laptop for podcasting.

Pricing: free, from $15/mo

Best for: Windows users who want a simple way to record their screen without all the frills

Capturing my screen with Bandicam was a cinch. This recording software for low end PC has a very intuitive interface. When I used it to create a photo editing tutorial, I recorded my screen and then overlaid my webcam video. Thanks to a real-time drawing feature I was able to highlight key tools that I demonstrated.

One of the highlights of this OBS Studio alternative is its scheduled recording. I often attend webinars and sometimes forget to start recording. With it, I didn't miss a single detail. Another advantage is quick and direct sharing of my recordings on YouTube and Vimeo. This was especially helpful when I recorded a quick tutorial and needed to get it online promptly.

As for disadvantages, it doesn't have advanced editing tools, so I had to use another program to improve my videos. If you are into capturing games, you will probably like this tool. But it didn’t quite measure up in some respects for my live photography podcasts.

Pricing: free, from $2.79/mo

Best for: Windows users who want a simple, easy-to-use free OBS alternative

This open source screen recorder amazes with possible ways to capture a screen. I can record the entire screen, specific windows, custom areas, or just the window I’m using. It neither adds any logos nor limits how long you can record. I used it to record a full-hour live photography session, capturing both my screen and webcam in great quality.

I particularly like the scrolling capture feature. Since I record photography podcasts, I frequently need to display long pages or documents, so it is very helpful. ShareX lets users share their captures by uploading images, texts, files, or shortening URLs to over 80 different places. After making a tutorial, I uploaded my video to YouTube and shared screenshots on Twitter right from the app.

However, when you first use this alternative OBS Studio for Windows, its interface may seem a bit overwhelming. For instance, setting up multi-track recording involved managing the settings and adjusting audio inputs very meticulously.

Pricing: free

Best for: Beginners and anyone who wants a built-in video editor

I was immediately impressed by how easy Camtasia was to use. Unlike OBS, it didn't take much time to learn. I just had to choose a template or simply press record and start right away.

I like using Camtasia for recording, because I can capture virtually anything on my screen, including software demonstrations, video calls, or even particular areas. In a recent session, I managed to edit photos on one screen while simultaneously displaying a live feed from my camera.

The best part of Camtasia is its video editor. As a beginner in video editing, I mastered it quickly thanks to its drag-and-drop feature. With it, I managed to add, remove, trim, or rearrange parts of my video without going the extra mile. I used it to make a tutorial on photo editing, adding transitions, text, and special effects.

While Camtasia is really good at making pro-grade screen recordings, it's not as strong when it comes to live streaming. When I used it to stream my podcast, I found it lags behind a competitor in the Camtasia vs Movavi battle.

Pricing: free trial, from $180/year

Best for: customizable and interactive high-quality live streams

This YouTube streaming software comes with advanced audio recording and editing capabilities. Most of all I like multi-track recording and built-in mixing tools.

I experimented with connecting various audio sources like my mic and pre-recorded music. This alternative to OBS Studio is capable of mixing up to 8 audio tracks into a video. This was helpful during a live recording where I blended my commentary with background audio.

I tried it out by live-streaming a photography session on both YouTube and Facebook at the same time. With this software, you can also have direct one-on-one video calls. I leveraged this function to interview my photographer mate. Everything worked perfectly, but you have to put up with a 2-guest limitation in a standard plan.

Unfortunately, the array of advanced features adds complexity to mastering the platform. It reminded me of the initial hurdles with OBS. Besides, Wirecast has a high price, which may be a real problem for newcomers.

Pricing: from $25/mo

Best for: Content creators who want to live stream to multiple platforms easily

Streamlabs OBS will satisfy users looking for free and open-source OBS alternative for Mac. It’s a huge advantage for me because I frequently switch between my MacBook and desktop. Unlike OBS, this software is notably easier to navigate and customize.

I tested the dual-screen recording by capturing a session where I simultaneously edited photos on one screen and streamed live camera footage on another. Moreover, I integrated an alert box and chat box into my stream to interact with viewers in real-time. However, to get a clean, distraction-free final video, I excluded these elements from the recording.

As for negative points, Streamlabs OBS requires more system resources compared to OBS. My MacBook heated up and slowed down during lengthy recording sessions. So, if you are going to use this program, make sure to purchase an advanced laptop for live streaming. Moreover, it offers less flexibility compared to other recording software options. To enable multistreaming, the “Prime” plan is a must.

Pricing: free, from $19/mo

Best for: Beginners and those who want an intuitive interface

The interface of Movavi is very intuitive, especially in contrast to OBS. I tested the dual-screen recording feature to document my photo editing process while simultaneously streaming live from my camera. Here, it is possible to select and adjust specific recording areas and settings.

Another strong point of Movavi is the possibility of incorporating keystrokes and mouse movements into my tutorials.

Unfortunately, this free screen recorder with no watermark isn’t optimized for mobile use. Therefore, you can run it on desktops only. This may put off people used to working on the go.

Pricing: free trial, from $9/mo

Best for: Those looking for a browser-based customizable OBS alternative

Lightstream Studio, a cloud-based podcast recording software, was exactly what I needed for my recording sessions. I was particularly impressed with its rich customization features, as I was able to create distinct scenes for my podcasts, interviews, and more.

Building a rapport with the audience was easy thanks to third-party integrations. I added real-time notifications for new followers and donations to make my live sessions more engaging. But keep in mind that your pricing plan dictates the frames per second (fps), which could throttle your performance if you're on a budget.

Pricing: free trial, from $8/mo

Best for: Professional video producers

vMix is a top-tier alternative to OBS for recording, loaded with tools for live streaming, mixing, switching, and recording. It integrates NDI, and offers instant replays, advanced color correction, and virtual sets.

In a recent session, I utilized vMix to switch between a close-up angle of my camera for podcasting and a wider shot for explaining the process. Making the transition was easy and the result looked amazing.

Yet, the interface is challenging to master. Besides, the software places a heavy demand on system resources. My computer struggled to keep pace with the software. The situation got even worse when I was running multiple features concurrently.

Pricing: free trial, from $50/mo

Best for: Teachers and business professionals looking for a way to streamline communication

Loom boasts a seamless setup, unlike OBS. I particularly appreciated its feature of simultaneous recording of both screen activity and webcam footage. Recently, I created a brief tutorial on basic photo editing where I displayed Photoshop on my screen while my webcam captured my facial expressions. With just a few clicks, everything was set up and I was good to start recording.

Although the recording quality is passable, I want something better for my podcasts. It may be OK for brief demos and explanations, but the sharpness and clarity should be higher for professional photography content. This free screen recording software is better suited as a quick communication tool rather than a robust content creation platform.

Pricing: free, from $12.5/mo

Best for: Live talk show and podcast hosts

StreamYard is one of the best OBS alternatives if you prioritize user-friendliness. Setting up a dual-screen recording was a breeze and I could quickly toggle between various layouts. Here it is possible to showcase a screen, a webcam, or both in a split view, which is great for podcasting on video streaming services.

Smooth engagement with other people is another major perk. During a stream, a viewer asked me about lighting techniques. With StreamYard, I could instantly spotlight their comments and dive into them live, making the session feel interactive and responsive.

However, I did find one drawback. StreamYard currently lacks whiteboard functionality, which I often rely on to visually break down concepts in my photography podcasts.

Pricing: free, from $20/mo

Best for: Influencers and gamers who want to grow their audience base through live streaming

I particularly like that this game recording software works online. It’s exactly what I need for a streamlined workflow. Flutin also sticks out from other alternatives to OBS for streaming with its advanced branding tools for live streams. I can customize everything from logos to backgrounds. It also offers dual-screen recording, which I needed on a regular basis.

During one of my live streams, I highlighted some viewer comments and questions to keep the conversation lively. I also tried out Flutin's monetization features by turning on options for tips and paid requests. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were some hiccups, like occasional screen freezing and limited payment gateway options.

Pricing: free, from $12.5/mo

Best for: Vimeo users to livestream and hold live virtual events or monetize their video

It was pretty straightforward to set up the program, even though it took a little time to figure out all the bells and whistles. With this OBS alternative Mac version, you capture both your screen and webcam feed at the same time. This is very important for live tutorials.

It also allows streaming to multiple platforms all at once. To analyze the capabilities of this free webinar software, I set up a live stream where I edited a series of photos right in front of my audience.

I was very impressed by the adaptive streaming feature. It cleverly tweaks the video quality to match each viewer's internet speed, thus, guaranteeing the smoothest viewing experience. However, Vimeo Livestream can take some time to master. On top of that, the service isn't cheap, so it may not be the best alternative to OBS Studio if you're trying to keep expenses low.

Pricing: free, from $65/mo

To make an informed choice, first determine your priorities. As you scout for the ideal OBS substitute, keep these key requirements in mind.

Dual-Screen Recording. Opt for the software that allows you to smoothly capture your screen, yourself, or both at the same time. It's ideal if the program can handle multiple platforms concurrently.

Double-Ender Recording. If you're gearing up for many remote interviews, it is recommended to choose a program that records each participant's audio and video feed directly to their own device. This approach, known as double-ender recording, ensures there's no loss in quality even if your internet connection falters or slows down.

Whiteboard and editing tools. Any alternative to OBS should include basic video and audio editing tools at a minimum, along with features for highlighting and using a virtual whiteboard.

No watermarks or time constraints. Freemium software may add watermarks upon exporting footage or limit video duration. Select screen recorders that offer clean, watermark-free exports without disruptive overlays.

Ease of use. OBS boasts many features, but it can be overly complex for many users. A good OBS alternative should offer a user-friendly UI with intuitive navigation. It should also contain live streaming options for expedited uploading on popular platforms.

Top-notch video and audio. You need clear files for your brand and channel to attract audiences. Opt for software that doesn't skimp on quality and offers multi-track audio recording. It is advisable to choose tools that capture audio in lossless WAV format and deliver video in HD quality, starting at 720p.

Different input variants. With good software, you’ll be able to record from an external camera, webcam, capture card, and even your screen. Therefore, you’ll be able to capture video from different sources according to your needs.

Remote recording. Even if you're not recording remotely, it's wise to select software that saves recordings directly to your device instead of relying on the cloud. Thus, you can have peace of mind that your files are protected from any potential internet disruptions or glitches.

To find the best alternative to OBS, you should determine what features and functions you need.

If you want a close match to OBS, consider XSplit Broadcaster or Streamlabs OBS. For intuitive screen recording, Camtasia and Bandicam Screen Recorder could be ideal. If your focus is purely on live streaming, explore options like StreamYard and Vimeo Livestream, which offer excellent capabilities in that area.