OBS Studio
With OBS Studio you can capture screen, camera and sound or broadcast live.
Developer OBS Project
Version 32.2.2 · GPL-2.0-only · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to OBS Studio?Compare vokoscreenNG, SimpleScreenRecorder, Kooha, Webcamoid.Compare alternativesWith OBS Studio you can capture screen, camera and sound or broadcast live. You build scenes with different sources, for example a window with your webcam in a corner. During the recording, you can switch between those scenes.
You have a lot of control over what your audience sees and hears. This is useful for instructions, presentations and streams. With separate audio sources you can tune your microphone and computer sound before you start.
Download OBS Studio
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.
Test image and sound together
Make a short shot with the same sources that you'll be using. Listen back to discover double sound, a silent microphone or a wrong audio source. Also check if a window stays visible when you switch programs. A good preview in OBS doesn't say that your recording file contains all the desired sound tracks.
Compare OBS Studio with alternatives
Compare screen recorders on windows or screen areas, microphone and system sound, webcam and output format. For streaming and multiple sources, you need more decor than for a short shot. Check your rights and sound sources before a longer instruction recording. For webcam recording, camera settings, effects and combining with your screen are important. Compare whether you want to use one camera source or switch multiple scenes. A virtual camera makes the image available to another app, but does not automatically perform the video call itself.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| OBS StudioYou are viewing this app | You combine screen, webcam and other sources in scenes and record or stream. You yourself compose the recording, encoder and audio device. | Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-2.0-only |
| vokoscreenNGView this alternative | You record screen and sound in a graphic app with explanations video features. You can match the available webcam and input options to your recording. | Windows, LinuxOpen source |
| SimpleScreenRecorderView this alternative | You record screen and audio via a targeted Linux interface with adjustable output. The support of your desktop session is important in your choice. | LinuxOpen source |
| KoohaView this alternative | You make screenshots via a simple GNOME interface with few separate settings. This fits with short shots on a supported Linux desktop. | LinuxOpen source |
| WebcamoidView this alternative | You use camera and screen sources with effects and supported recording or virtual camera output. The emphasis is on editing and passing on your camera image. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
You can use OBS for tutorials, presentations, gaming videos and multiple source broadcasts. It suits you if you want to manage resolution, encoder and sound settings. For a simple animated screen image, a smaller recording tool can be sufficient.
Getting started
First, run a local test shot and listen to it back. Check that only the intended windows are visible and that notifications do not show personal information.
Computer requirements
Windows 10 or 11; macOS 12 or newer; Linux
Privacy
A screen source can capture notifications, passwords and other windows. Choose a specific window source where possible and close sensitive apps. Browser resources and streaming platforms use network services. Save stream keys as passwords and do not show them during screen sharing. A local recording also remains a file that needs your storage space and access rights.
Good to know
A good recording requires appropriate settings and sufficient computing power. You also need a suitable internet connection and platform account for broadcasting.
Please note
Too heavy encoder or resolution settings can cause image loss. Test under the same load as your real shot. Check the audio mixer for dual microphone or system sound sources. Do not confuse stopping streaming with stopping a separate running recording.
Advantages
- You can accurately compose multiple sources and scenes.
- Separate sound sources give control over the mix.
- Preview and local pilot shots help prepare a broadcast.
Things to consider
- The first decor requires attention.
- Encoder load and upload connection limit your output.
- A wrongly chosen source can record or transmit sensitive information unnoticed.
Download OBS Studio
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · obsproject.com
Version history
32.2.2
Load your plug-ins on Windows properly at first start after an update.
What’s new?
- After updating, Windows plugins are no longer skipped due to this error.
- Use your NVENC, then get a NVIDIA driver from version 570.
- You cannot use this release on macOS 12. For this system, 32.1.2 remains the compatible edition mentioned.
Report a new version
Our verdict
OBS Studio is strong if you want to compose recordings or livestreams from multiple sources. You combine screen, camera, images and sound in scenes. That gives more control than one recording button, but requires preparation. The most important choice is what a viewer really needs to see and hear; unnecessary sources make operation and error search more complicated.
OBS especially adds something if you want to consciously choose between sources or need a fixed presentation setup. For one short screen operation, the preparation can be relatively large. Record a fragment and listen to the saved result. The correct microphone, playability and legibility of the selected window weigh more than many scenes or transitions ready.
Ratings
No ratings yet. Share your experience.
Log in to rate this software.
Comments
Share your experience. Comments appear after approval.
No comments yet.