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Streamlabs vs. OBS: Which one to choose

Streamlabs and OBS Studio are the most popular choices for live streaming software. Which one is right for you? Read our direct comparison to find out.

The two most popular options for live streaming software are OBS Studio and Streamlabs. Both have features essential for live streaming, like compatibility with YouTube, Twitch, and other major streaming platforms.OBS and Streamlabs are similar in a lot of ways, but they have some key differences. Let’s compare the two so you know which will suit your live content needs.

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)

Even if you’re new to live streaming, you’ve likely heard of OBS Studio. This free, open-source, high-performance broadcasting interface is considered the precursor to all modern streaming software. That’s why it’s no surprise that Streamlabs and OBS Studio have almost the same code.

Pros of OBS

Open-source code

Open Broadcaster Software was officially released in 2012. It is open-source, which means its community can create customizable plug-ins and awesome effects. Software bugs and glitches also get resolved quickly because anyone can review the code whenever.

Screen recording

OBS is primarily used for streaming, but the software can screen record and make videos too. You can also add your camera and mic as sources to make your screen capture more dynamic. OBS makes live streaming and recording at the same time possible too.

Customizable interface

The OBS Studio interface is fully customizable, from the position of the screen to the size of the windows. Simply drag and drop every element of the workspace. You can configure OBS to perfectly fit your PC specs with its detailed settings, like adjusting the frame rate (fps).

Low CPU usage

Another advantage of OBS Studio is its low CPU usage — an especially vital factor for streaming. To achieve the smoothest stream possible, you have two options: either buy a powerful computer or use software that doesn’t put a heavy load on your system’s central processor.

Update compatibility

Because OBS Studio has been widely used for over a decade, it’s super timely and compatible with other software and system updates. For example, if Nvidia releases a GPU encoder or driver update,  OBS Studio will be among the first broadcasting programs to receive it.

Multi-platform support

OBS Studio can stream to practically every popular streaming platform, including Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook Live and more. It’s also compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux.

Free to use with no watermark

Many other streaming applications require a purchase to use, or offer a watermarked freemium version with many limitations. By contrast,OBS Studio and its available features are 100% free to all users with no strings attached. There won’t be an OBS watermark on your streams either.

Audio mixing

OBS has a built-in audio mixing dashboard to create the perfect sound for live videos and streams. You can use features such as multi-channel settings, surround sound and even noise suppression.

Cons of OBS

Low variety of plug-ins

Although the OBS Studio interface is user-friendly and straightforward, it comes with a downside. The software lacks some features, like overlays including chats and customizable themes. You can add these, but the required plug-ins aren’t included in the standard software. You can still get access to chat, overlays and other customization options if you connect OBS to Restream  — more details on that below.

Confusing user interface

Although OBS is free and customizable, it’s a little lacking in user-friendliness. The interface is especially confusing when you open it for the first time. You’ll probably have to watch or read some tutorials online before you get familiar with OBS.

Streaming to one destination at a time

OBS integrates with all major streaming platforms, but you can only choose one of those destinations to broadcast to at a time. If you want to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously, you can use a tool like Restream, which easily integrates with OBS.

Integrating OBS with Restream

Connect OBS to Restream to combine the high performance of OBS with the power of multistreaming and customization that Restream offers. You can benefit from these additional features:

  • Multistreaming: By connecting OBS to Restream, you can broadcast to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Twitch and 30 other platforms at once. Just add your preferred streaming channels to your Restream account, then select Restream as your “destination” in OBS Studio. 
  • Customization: Use Restream’s RTMP source feature to run OBS through Restream Studio, our browser-based live streaming studio. Apply additional custom visual effects, easily change lower thirds, and display your branding on any camera source.
  • Multichat: Handling the live chat when you stream to multiple platforms can be a little overwhelming. When you add Restream chat to OBS, however, comments from all of your viewers across all platforms appear in the same chat window. You can send out messages to all platforms too.
  • Analytics: You need an extra plug-in to see viewer metrics in OBS. But with Restream, important analytics about your stream and your audience for each platform are aggregated and displayed.
Connect OBS to Restream

Streamlabs

Streamlabs was developed as an improved version of OBS Studio. When Logitech acquired Streamlabs in 2019, they accounted for the smallest flaws and attempted to fix them. Streamlabs has advantages over OBS, but it’s not a complete improvement.

Pros of Streamlabs

Easy setup process

Setting up Streamlabs is easy:

  1. Download the installer on your PC.
  2. Run the installer.
  3. Link your streaming account.
  4. Run the optimizer (to automatically adjust the settings).
  5. Add your stream key, and run the stream!

Built-in chat

Streamlabs’ built-in chat function eliminates the need for other browser tabs that display viewer feedback. Streamlabs lets you easily manage your chat feed from inside the program. You can also use perks and useful moderation tools like a chatbot to further  engage your audience. 

Free customization

Streamlabs offers many free integrated themes and multiple overlays — from casual static themes to amazing animated visuals. Choose one that suits the game you play or best matches your live content style. You can also make alerts unique to your channel.

Test button

A key practical feature Streamlabs has is the test widget. This allows you to check everything with one simple click before going live. You can also make sure your stream alerts are set up properly before broadcasting.

Monetization options

With Streamlabs, you receive 100% of your viewers’ donations and tips. You can also design and sell merch within the Streamlabs platform. Upgrading to Streamlabs Ultra, gets you a custom tip page with your own domain name. 

Streaming on mobile devices

You can use Streamlabs on either desktop or mobile to give you more flexibility when creating live video content.

Cons of Streamlabs

More CPU usage

Unfortunately, all the fancy features, themes and widgets use more of your PC’s resources. Make sure you have a computer with good hardware before using Streamlabs.

No sound commands

The integrated chatbot doesn’t include sound commands for your chat, unlike the standalone version. The chatbot needs to run separately from Streamlabs if you want the sound commands.  

Best features require paid subscription

Streamlabs has a ton of user-friendly features, but the best ones are behind a paywall. Multistreaming and removing the watermark from your streams is only possible with the Streamlabs Ultra paid subscription.

Streamlabs integration with Restream

Combine Streamlabs with Restream to boost your multistreaming power and elevate your next live broadcast.

  • Multistreaming: Add Restream as a “destination” in Streamlabs so you can expand your number of multistreaming options. Stream to platforms like Kick, TikTok, Instagram Live, Amazon Live, Trovo, and more.
  • Mobile streaming: Use the Streamlabs mobile app with Restream to customize your broadcast and stream on multiple platforms all at once.
  • Chat overlay: Whether you’re broadcasting on desktop or mobile, you can connect Restream to Streamlabs for an embedded chat overlay on your stream.
Connect Streamlabs to Restream

Alternative live streaming solution

With Restream Studio, you can go live right from your web browser; no downloads are necessary. Just create a free Restream account, add your platforms and start streaming in a matter of minutes. No prior streaming experience is needed to get started with Restream Studio. Our live streaming studio has several easy-to-use features to make your next broadcast more engaging:

  • Streaming to multiple platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and Twitter simultaneously
  • Adding remote guests to your live stream via a simple link
  • Downloading recordings of all your live broadcasts
  • Storage space for video clips and media to include in your live streams
  • Custom graphics including overlays, backgrounds and logos
  • Chat overlay that works across multiple platforms
  • Uploading and streaming a pre-recorded video
  • Live stream analytics
Try it for free

FAQs

Is Streamlabs better than OBS?

Streamlabs is easier to use than OBS, but OBS uses fewer computer processing resources. OBS Studio’s features are all free to use, whereas Streamlabs has some of its best features only available on its paid plan.

Why do people use Streamlabs instead of OBS?

Streamlabs has more features and a more intuitive user interface than OBS. Since OBS is open-source, it also has no official support — but the OBS community usually has an answer if something goes wrong. Streamlabs has integrated monetization as well, allowing streamers to set up merch stores or donation pages.

Do pro streamers use OBS or Streamlabs?

Many pro streamers use OBS because it gives them more control over their streams. OBS is also the go-to software for screen recording, which many live creators do often. Streamlabs is more beginner-friendly, but not as wallet-friendly as OBS if you’re on a budget.

Does Streamlabs use more CPU resources than OBS?

Yes, Streamlabs uses more CPU resources than OBS. This is because Streamlabs offers more features than OBS, which makes the program more resource-intensive.

Is Streamlabs good for recording?

You can use Streamlabs to record videos and screen captures. Create a scene with your screen as a video source, adjust your settings and then hit the record button when you’re ready to start.

Streamlabs vs. OBS: Who’s the winner?

Streamlabs and OBS Studio each have positive and negative factors you should consider when deciding which one to use. They’re both free and open-source, so they’re easy to download and try out. Performance-wise, both Streamlabs and OBS Studio achieve excellent results. However, OBS Studio requires fewer system resources. If you’re a gamer and have a powerful PC, Streamlabs is the better choice.

If you want to get the most out of your live streams, try multistreaming with Restream. You can choose from 30+ social channels to stream to at once. You can integrate Restream with OBS and Streamlabs, or just go live from your browser with Restream Studio. Access all the essential features needed for live streaming without any software downloads. Restream Studio helps you achieve a professional-grade stream with vast customizations, live chat, analytics and more.