15 Best OBS Alternatives [Recording & Streaming]

Bandicam is a lightweight screen recorder for Windows that lets you record anything on your PC screen. It’s a lower resource option than some other screen recording programs. In the new update, they added an automatic recording area detection for web videos, which I imagine will enhance the recording experience.

Other notable features include game/region/device capture with hardware acceleration, real-time drawing, and scheduled recording to simplify tasks that in OBS need manual scene setup or plugins. It’s also free to download, and the best part is that you can even use Bandicam without registering. However, the unregistered version limits recordings to 10 minutes per file and adds a watermark to videos.

Key features:

• Webcam overlay
• Chroma key for webcam overlay
• Mouse effects
• Mix your own voice

ScreenPal is another alternative that lets you create and share screencast videos. Its integrated editor, stock library, and hosted sharing give you record-edit-publish feature in one place, which OBS does not provide out of the box. When I was checking it out, I found interesting features stock and sound effects library and a range of video editing tools.

It's also easy to create videos, and you can also easily markup screenshots with text, arrows, highlights, and more. They added an AI tool for teams to automatically generate editable audio descriptions in the new version, which I think is great. There’s a free version, although some features, such as video hosting and video editing tools, aren’t available in the free version. Regardless, you can choose from two paid plans if you decide to upgrade.

Key features:

• Video hosting
• Custom video player and thumbnails
• Green screen filters
• Record computer audio only
• Easy sharing

Icecream Screen Recorder is a free screen recording program that’s easy to use and lets you record any part of your screen or save it as a screenshot. I tested it out, and realized you can even record streaming videos and live webinars, record your screen with webcam overlay, or record your system audio and microphone.

Likewise, its simple user interface with annotations and scheduling covers common tutorial needs without OBS’s scene complexity. There’s a free version available that has a 5-minute recording time limit and watermarks on all videos. For an optimized experience, you can upgrade to Pro, which lifts limits on video recording times.

Key features

• Add your own watermark
• Record full-screen 3D games
• The annotate feature lets you add shapes, arrows, and text
• Record full screen or a specific area
• Share to Dropbox, Google Drive, and YouTube
• Trim recordings
• Scheduled screen recording

Filmora is primarily video editing software, but it also offers an integrated screen recording function. Unlike OBS Studio, Filmora is an all-in-one solution for content creators who want to capture and edit their footage without juggling multiple tools.

While exploring, I came across its full suite of editing tools. You can seamlessly record your entire screen, a specific window, or gameplay, and then immediately enhance the video with effects, transitions, and audio tools. It was a fairly easy-to-use software when I tested it, and it seems to be a good OBS alternative. Moreso, its scheduled start and stop as well as keystroke overlays mean you finish videos without leaving the app, whereas OBS requires a separate NLE.

Key features

• Record screen and webcam simultaneously
• Advanced video editing with transitions, filters, and effects
• Audio equalizer and noise removal
• Built-in stock library for music, images, and effects
• 4K and GIF export support
• Cloud-based project storage (Filmora Workspace)

ScreenFlow, although optimized for macOS, features a full timeline editor and multi-source capture, so you record and polish in one app instead of exporting from OBS to edit elsewhere. The tool lets you record your screen, camera, microphone, and computer audio simultaneously, then edit directly in the built-in full timeline editor, so the performance is smooth and integrates seamlessly with Apple workflows. When I checked it out, I was surprised to find it was macOS only. It's the first software I’ve come across with that distinction.

Key features

• Record multiple screens and audio sources at once
• Built-in stock media library
• Closed captioning support
• High-quality video encoding
• Export presets for YouTube, Vimeo, and more
• Animated transitions, annotations, and callouts for tutorials
• Multichannel audio editing

ScreenRec is a free screen recording and screenshot tool designed for quick, efficient captures. It stood out to me when I tested it because it places no time limits on recordings and doesn’t stamp watermarks, even in its free version. This makes it appealing for anyone from business professionals to gamers who want to share content quickly. It also features free cloud storage and a strong sharing focus, whereby every recording generates a private, shareable link you can send instantly. In contrast, OBS has no native hosting or one-click link sharing.

Key features

• Record screen, webcam, system sound, and mic audio simultaneously
• Capture in HD without time limits or watermarks
• Instant sharing with a private, secure link
• Built-in free cloud storage (2 GB included)
• Annotation tools for screenshots and recordings

Gecata by Movavi by Movavi is easy to navigate, and lets you record and stream simultaneously. On the upside, this tool’s lightweight game recorder allows me to stream and record simultaneously with simple hotkeys, offering a quicker start than OBS, and I presume for most first-time gamers.

As a gamer, you can use hotkeys to control your recording without leaving the game. Additionally, I found that you can overlay your webcam video onto your recordings. Meanwhile, the program’s lightweight design means it works well even for low-end PCs, and it also supports high resolution recording and fast hardware-accelerated encoding.

Key features

• Records while you stream
• Save audio and video independently
• Webcam overlay
• Multiple audio options

XSplit Broadcaster is live streaming and recording software that’s designed for game developers and content creators, which has made itself even better with its latest updates, with features like PNG Video Source Support, Improved Audio Mixer, etc. There’s a free version, and you can upgrade to Premium to access features, including unlimited scenes, local streaming, and the preview editor.

Meanwhile, features like scene Preview/Program views, projector mode, and first-party multistreaming streamline pro switching stood out for me compared with OBS’s more manual workflow. With added features like simple drag and drop editing, unlimited scenes, and video production features like Chroma Key and Express Video editor, XSplit definitely edges out OBS Studio.

To learn more about the app and its differences from OBS Studio, check out our article:

Read the XSplit vs. OBS review

Key features

• Multiple media file upload to YouTube
• Local streaming
• Stream & record in 4K 60fps and beyond
• Projector mode
• Native Kick integration
• Engagement tools like YouTube, Super Chat, and Twitch Cheers alert
• Stream management features like the scene preview editor and scene and source transitions

Wirecast is professional live event streaming, broadcasting, and producing software aimed at professionals in the education, entertainment, sports, and religious industries. Its newest updates feature an AI-powered production tool, enhanced 4K support, and a new AI Virtual Assistant to assist with live productions.

These, coupled with built-in ISO recording, stock graphics, and native multistreaming target broadcast workflows that require plugins or workarounds in OBS. Meanwhile, there’s a fully functional free trial, and you can choose to purchase either the Studio or the Pro version. I found that it was possible to stream and record simultaneously with social media integration. There are also over 100 built-in graphics and titles, and a stock media library with over 500,000 assets.

Key features

• Unlimited sources
• AI-powered production
• AI virtual assistant
• Unlimited destinations, including Facebook Live, Twitch, and YouTube
• ISO recording
• Professional audio
• Expanded output options
• Chroma Key, QR codes, and Playlists

NVIDIA Shadowplay allows you to both record and stream your gameplay, but not simultaneously. On the upside, the tool easily streams without affecting your system’s performance, making it a great OBS Studio alternative, a process made easier with the latest UI updates. Similarly, NVIDIA Shadowplay’s instant Replay and ultra-low-overhead GPU encoding capture gameplay with less tuning than OBS on NVIDIA systems. After I checked it out, and based on several reviews, it seems its overall quality has deteriorated over the years, which is never good to hear.

Key features

• Take, share, and save screenshots of your favorite streaming moments
• Instant replay that records the last 5 minutes of your game
• AV1 codec support
• Live streaming to Facebook Live, YouTube, and Twitch

Lightstream Studio gives you a complete creative suite right in your browser, with no software to download, which I’d have to admit was attractive. Like OBS Studio, it offers unlimited streaming hours, but stands out with its cloud sync and storage, which let you go live from consoles without a capture card or a high-end PC, unlike OBS.

Meanwhile, it features a simple drag-n-drop editor for layout and design control, as well as disconnect protection and the option to remote control your streams from your phone. There’s a free 7-day trial, alongside two paid plans. However, all plans include unlimited streaming hours, cloud sync and storage, Auto Live, and Disconnect Protection. The difference? Plans are priced according to maximum streaming resolutions.

Key features

• Live chat support
• Auto Live
• Third-party integration
• Remote guests
• Cloud capture for console streams
• Branded overlay and interactive widgets

vMix lets you use multiple inputs, like cameras, audio, and mixed media, to record and stream simultaneously. Likewise, its ISO camera recording, built-in instant replay, and multi-destination streaming serve, live sports and events offers a more enjoyable experience beyond OBS’s default toolset. Additionally, a recent software update introduces new features like enhanced multiview, system and application audio inputs, increased streaming destinations, new playback triggers, and many other interesting additions.

Key features

• Live video mixing effects and filters
• A Telestrator for live on-screen drawing and annotation
• Overlay
• Live streaming and recording

This live broadcasting application is easy to use, thanks to its intuitive interface that allows you to add text, media, and facial effects to your video stream. Recent updates to PRISM Live Studio have introduced features like support for 3D VTuber motion templates, ScreenCast text effects, locking overlay sources, and telephoto lens support for Samsung devices. The tool also features one-click effects, motion text, and mobile/desktop multistreaming which add creator-style polish faster than manual sources and filters in OBS.

Key features

• Live filters and effects
• 3D VTuber support
• Easy live streaming to Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live