OBS Live vs. OBS Studio

By Shaira Alano Written by Shaira Alano
Updated on March 24, 2022

 Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Live is a software plug-in that is free of charge which provides a wide range of features that helps manage one’s live streams in a simpler and more convenient way. Using the OBS Live is advantageous such that it integrates with other social media platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook Gaming.

On the other hand, OBS Studio is an open source software that can be publicly assessed and is free of charge designed for live streaming and video recording. It provides various features including encoding, recording, scene composition, and real-time capture and it also allows videos to be streamed to other platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, or Instagram.

Should I Use OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS?

Obviously, streamers would always have to have two important things- a stable internet connection and of course, broadcasting software. In fact, OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS are arguably the two most popular broadcasting software for live streaming and recording videos. Streaming or broadcasting or encoding software transforms your recorded videos into a video that can be livestreamed so that it would be viewed in various social media platforms. This is also the reason why this software is in demand given the number of streamers that have surfaced especially with today’s current circumstance where everything revolves around the online world. More than that, you can do live mixing with a streaming software that would allow you to switch audio and video sources, add video effects, add green screen, and many more.

Given the wide list of broadcasting software to choose from, streamers should then consider the 3 most important features they should look for in choosing the right software. These include performance, compatibility, and pricing. Good thing though because OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS are both free and can be publicly accessed online! Now, let us dive further into their differences.

There are several advantages of using OBS Studio. First, it is an open-source code which means that creating customized plug-ins and effects are possible. Second, it exhibits a low CPU usage that aids in lightening the load of your computer’s operating system. Third, it is the software that gets to have the updates first because it is one of the oldest broadcasting software. For this reason, the OBS Studio would always be the ones to be notified first if new updates such as in NVIDIA, for instance, have been released. Fourth, its interface is very customizable and user friendly. It works just by simply dragging and putting every element you would like onto your workspace. And lastly, it supports live streaming on almost all of the popular platforms including Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Twitch, and many more.

However, there is no software which works perfectly and thus, Studio OBS has its own disadvantages as well. First, OBS Studio is not compatible with Windows XP so it would be better for streamers to update their Windows operating system. Second, it has a lack of variability plug-ins. This then resulted in the insufficient overlays that can be used such as customizable themes and chats.

On the other hand, Streamlabs OBS has its fair share of advantages as well. First, it has a built-in chat making you limit the number of browser tabs that needs to be opened. It even allows you to customize your chats inside the software. Second, it has a Test Widget which is the most practical feature of Streamlabs OBS. This feature allows you to check everything prior to going live with your audience. Third, the ‘Ctrl + Z’ command works in this software and functions the same as we know- undo any changes you made which makes editing easier. Lastly, it offers a wide range of themes with overlays which you can choose from depending on your personal preferences.

Streamlabs OBS, however, also has its disadvantages. Unlike with Studio OBS, this software exhibits more CPU usage given the number of features you can choose from. Moreover, it does not have sound commands for its Chatbot. Therefore, Chatbot must be opened and run separately from Streamlabs OBS especially if you would want to have sound commands.

Is OBS Studio Better?

Honestly, it would be difficult to conclude that OBS Studio is better than Streamlabs OBS because it would really depend on the user. Say for instance, you are a beginner– then it is highly suggested that you use Streamlabs OBS. Although you must take note that given its number of features and resources, your operating system may have a bit of load. On the other hand, if you have further hone your skills and thus, become an expert, you may switch to using OBS Studio.

Which OBS is best for streaming?

Considering the popularity of streaming software nowadays, it is undeniable that several software has emerged. In an Influencer Marketing Hub article by Werner Geyser, there are 9 listed best streaming software for 2022. And in the 2nd and 3rd top spots are OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS, respectively. In fact, OBS Studio has more advantages than the other free streaming software although it has a steep learning curve because of its extensive functionality. If you are open to learning the customizability of the OBS Studio, then I guess this would be the best for you.