Streamlabs OBS Vs. OBS: A Comprehensive Comparison for Streamers

Streaming refers to transmitting or receiving live video and audio over the internet. It has become increasingly popular recently, especially in gaming, e-sports, and online content creation.

Streamlabs OBS and OBS are two of the most commonly used software for streaming. So, is OBS better than Streamlabs?

Streamlabs OBS is a free, user-friendly all-in-one streaming software that combines streaming, recording, and broadcasting features. At the same time, OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and open-source software with various customizable features for live streaming and recording.

When comparing Streamlabs vs. OBS, there are several points to consider, like their ease of use, features, compatibility with different platforms, performance, support and community resources, and customization options.

This article will explore these points in-depth to help streamers decide what is better, Streamlabs or OBS.

Bonus Tip: Pick a 4K Webcam to Level Up Your Streams

Before exploring Streamlabs vs. OBS, let us reveal our recommended webcam for seamless live streaming.

OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K Webcam is the most recent line of Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) webcams from OBSBOT that feature AI subject tracking. This is a significant update with a redesigned form factor to fit the new sensor, a 1/1.5" dual-native ISO CMOS that can produce 4K video with better HDR.

It's gesture-based AI tracking is undoubtedly its best feature, allowing you to pan the webcam around and zoom in and out by holding your hand in an "L" position away from your face, as well as zoom in and out of the scene using built-in face tracking.

Features:

• Improved Artificial intelligence tracking technology: OBSBOT Tiny 2 inherited the precise and fluid tracking technology from its highly regarded deep neural learning network algorithm.
• Auto-focus & Auto-zoom: With the revolutionary All-Pixel Auto Focus technology, even in low light, every pixel on the 100-megapixel sensor surface offers accurate and 4x faster focusing.
• Voice Control: With just your voice, you can operate the OBSBOT Tiny 2 even if your hands are busy.
• Gesture Control: Control by three straightforward gestures: Choose/Cancel Target, 4x Zoom In/Out; dynamic zoom in/out; continuously work with either hand throughout the day.
• PixGain HDR: Capture two photographs with the two native ISOs separately, practically simultaneously, thanks to the Dual Native ISO. They work with cutting-edge technology to provide photos without motion blur.
• Beauty Mode: Instantly smooth your face brighten your eyes and spare yourself from using makeup.
• Noise-reduction with dual omnidirectional microphones: Communication is simple and natural because of the system's clear voice pickup within a 3-meter range. The HDR characteristics give you an appealing look even in poor lighting.

Part 1. Overview of Streamlabs OBS

Is OBS better than Streamlabs? Let us go through a detailed overview of Streamlabs first.

Streamlabs OBS is a free all-in-one streaming software to stream, record, and broadcast content on various platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and more. Developed by Streamlabs, a company that provides streamers tools and services, it is easy to use even for beginners.

Features

Streamlabs OBS comes with a range of features that allow streamers to create and customize their streams, like:

1. One-Click Setup: Streamlabs OBS has a one-click setup process that automatically detects and configures the user's hardware and settings, making it easy to get started.
2. Overlays and Alerts: Streamlabs OBS provides a range of customizable overlays and alerts, including donation alerts, subscriber alerts, and more, using the built-in editor.
3. Streamlabs Prime: Streamlabs OBS also comes with Streamlabs Prime, a subscription-based service that provides additional features such as more overlays and alerts, access to a library of music and sound effects, and more.
4. Multiple Scenes: Create various scenes and switch between them seamlessly during the stream, allowing them to change the layout and content of their stream on the fly. 
5. Video Encoding: Streamlabs OBS uses hardware acceleration to optimize video encoding, providing high-quality streams with minimal impact on system resources.

The ease of use and accessibility of Streamlabs OBS, particularly for beginner streamers

Streamlabs OBS is easy to use and accessible, even for beginner streamers. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. The one-click setup process automatically detects and configures the user's hardware and settings. So, beginners can get started without worrying about complicated setup processes.
2. The user-friendly interface makes navigation and customization easy for beginners.
3. Customizable templates assist beginners in quickly and easily creating a professional-looking stream. These templates include overlays, alert notifications, and more.
4. The built-in tutorials provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the software and customize your stream is particularly helpful for beginners.
5. Streamlabs OBS has a large and active community of users, including forums, Discord channels, and other resources where users can ask questions, share tips and advice, and connect with other streamers.

Thus, Streamlabs OBS is a user-friendly and accessible streaming software well-suited for beginners.

Part 2: Overview of OBS

Are you still trying to understand? Is OBS or Streamlabs better? Don't worry. Let us get to know OBS better.

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and open-source software streamers use to broadcast their content to various platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. It also allows users to record their content in addition to streaming, making it a versatile choice for creators. Additionally, OBS is highly customizable and supports plugins and scripts, allowing users to create their unique streaming experience.

Features

OBS offers a range of features for streamers, including:

1. Multiple Audio and Video Sources: OBS allows users to add various audio and video sources to their stream, like webcams, microphone inputs, media files, etc.
2. Customizable Scenes and Transitions: It allows users to create custom scenes with different layouts, transitions, and effects to create a unique and engaging streaming experience for viewers.
3. Chroma Keying: Its advanced chroma keying feature allows users to replace their background with a custom image or video. This can help create a green screen effect or to add branding to a stream.
4. Video and Audio Filters: The range of video and audio filters includes color correction, noise reduction, and more.
5. Virtual Cameras: Create a virtual camera with other applications to stream directly to video conferencing software.
6. Recording: Record videos in addition to streaming, which helps create highlights or upload content to other platforms.
7. Customizability: OBS also supports plugins and scripts, allowing users to extend its functionality further and customize their streaming experience.

A few more unique features of OBS

OBS has some unique features that set it apart from other streaming software, including:

1. Flexibility and Customization Options: Get a high degree of flexibility and customization options to create your unique streaming experience. Create custom scenes with different layouts, transitions, and effects and add branding and graphics to streams.
2. Advanced Settings: Its advanced settings allow streamers to fine-tune their streaming setup for optimal performance, including settings for audio and video quality, encoding, and more.
3. Plugin Support: OBS has an extensive library of plugins and add-ons to extend its functionality and customize the user's streaming experience. These plugins can add new features, improve performance, and more.
4. Multi-Platform Support: OBS is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a flexible option for streamers who use different platforms.
5. Low Resource Usage: It is lightweight and efficient, using minimal system resources while providing high-quality video and audio.

The learning curve and technical aspects of OBS

Compared to Streamlabs OBS, OBS requires more technical knowledge due to its higher customization options. It offers more advanced settings and customization options that can overwhelm beginner streamers. However, for more experienced streamers, these options can be beneficial in creating a unique and personalized streaming experience.

Customizing scenes and setting up sources in OBS requires more manual work and technical knowledge than in Streamlabs OBS, which has built-in tools to simplify the process. OBS offers more advanced features such as custom transitions, audio and video filters, and chroma keying, which can appeal to streamers who want to create a more professional-looking stream.

Regarding technical aspects, OBS can be more resource-intensive than Streamlabs OBS due to its high level of customization and features. Streamers may need to adjust settings to optimize performance and ensure smooth streaming.

While OBS may have a steeper learning curve and require more technical knowledge, it offers more advanced features and customization options for streamers who want to create a unique and personalized streaming experience.

Part 3. Comparison of Features

Streamlabs OBS and OBS offer a range of features and customization options. Here is well-detailed information on the difference between OBS and Streamlabs.

While Streamlabs OBS and OBS share many standard features, such as scene creation, source management, and video and audio settings, we shall highlight some critical differences between OBS vs. SLOBS.

• Streamlabs OBS offers unique features such as custom overlays, alert notifications, and built-in chat integration that OBS lacks. These features simplify the streaming process and make it more accessible for beginners.
• On the other hand, OBS offers more advanced customization options, such as plugin support, advanced settings, custom transitions, and chroma keying. These options allow streamers to create a more personalized and professional-looking stream but may require more technical knowledge to use effectively.
• Regarding integrations with other services, Streamlabs OBS and OBS offer compatibility with many streaming platforms and services. However, Streamlabs OBS has a more streamlined integration with Streamlabs, which offers additional features such as donation tracking, custom merchandising, and more.

The pros and cons of each software

These pros and cons of each software in terms of features and functionality will help you clarify Streamlabs vs. OBS:

Streamlabs OBS

Pros:

• Easy to use and accessible for beginner streamers
• Built-in chat integration, custom overlays, and alert notifications simplify the streaming process
• Offers a range of compatibility with various streaming platforms and services
• Streamlined integration with Streamlabs provides additional features such as donation tracking and merchandising

Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to OBS
• It may not be suitable for more advanced or experienced streamers
• It does not offer plugin support or advanced settings for more technical customization

OBS

Pros:

• Offers advanced customization options such as plugin support, advanced settings, and custom transitions
• It provides more flexibility for experienced streamers to create a personalized and professional-looking stream
• Can handle more complex setups and configurations
• Compatible with a range of streaming platforms and services

Cons:

• A steeper learning curve, thus requires more technical knowledge to set up and use effectively.
• Lacks built-in features such as custom overlays, alert notifications, and chat integration
• No streamlined integration with Streamlabs for additional features such as donation tracking and merchandising.

Streamlabs OBS is best for beginner streamers who want a user-friendly interface and simple tools. OBS is ideal for more experienced streamers who wish to control and have flexibility over their streaming setup.

Part 4. User Interface and Ease of Use

In this part, we will consider the differences between OBS and Streamlabs, considering the user interface, layout, navigation, and design.

The user interface of Streamlabs OBS and OBS differ in a few key ways. Here's a comparison:

Streamlabs OBS:

• The user interface is user-friendly and accessible to beginners
• The layout is simplified and easy to navigate, with intuitive icons and labels
• The design is colorful and visually appealing, with customizable themes and overlays
• The scene creation and source management are integrated into one section for easy management

OBS:

• The user interface is more complex and customizable but may be overwhelming for beginners
• The layout is fully customizable to fit the user's preferences, with the ability to move and resize windows and panels
• The design is more minimalistic, with a focus on functionality over aesthetics
• The scene creation and source management separate into different sections, making managing it more challenging. The ease of use of both software

Differences in user experience and usability

Some key differences in user experience and usability between Streamlabs vs. OBS include:

1. Scene and source management: In Streamlabs OBS, scene and source management are integrated into one section, so easier to manage and switch between scenes and sources. In OBS, scene and source management are separate, which may require more time and effort.
2. Built-in features: Streamlabs OBS includes built-in features like overlays, alerts, and chat integration. While OBS has many customization options, users must install plugins or manually configure features to achieve similar results.
3. Customization options: OBS offers more customization options and flexibility in layout and design, which can make it more complex and overwhelming for some users. Streamlabs OBS offers fewer customization options but a more streamlined and intuitive user experience.
4. Resource usage: Streamlabs OBS is generally more resource-intensive than OBS, which may result in slower performance on lower-end systems.

Ultimately, the ease of use of both software depends on the user's experience and technical knowledge. However, Streamlabs OBS is a more beginner-friendly option.

Part 5. Customization Options and Flexibility

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and Streamlabs OBS offer high customization and flexibility for streamers. However, there are some differences to help you decide what is better, Streamlabs or OBS.

Custom Overlays, Alerts, and Transitions

OBS and Streamlabs OBS allow users to create custom overlays, alerts, and transitions. However, Streamlabs OBS has a built-in library of templates and designs that can be easily customized and added to your stream, a great option for those who want to set up a professional-looking stream quickly.

On the other hand, OBS offers a more hands-on approach, allowing users to create custom overlays, alerts, and transitions from scratch using image editing software. It is a more time-consuming process, but it also allows for greater flexibility and creativity.

Customization Options

Both OBS and Streamlabs OBS offer a wide range of customization options. With OBS, users can create and edit scenes, sources, and audio settings, fine-tuning every stream aspect. Streamlabs OBS offers a similar level of customization, with built-in widgets and tools for your stream with just a few clicks.

Unique Customization Options and Limitations

One unique customization option Streamlabs OBS offers is the ability to create and use custom scripts. This can be a powerful tool for streamers who want to automate certain aspects of their stream, such as chat commands or alerts.

However, one limitation of Streamlabs OBS is that it can be resource-intensive, leading to performance issues on lower-end systems. OBS, on the other hand, is more lightweight and can run smoothly on a broader range of hardware.

Part 6. Performance and System Requirements

This section shall reveal the vital difference between Streamlabs and OBS regarding their performance and system requirements.

Resource Usage

Streamlabs OBS and OBS have software and hardware encoding options, which can impact their resource usage. Streamlabs OBS, in particular, can be more resource-intensive due to its additional features and widgets. OBS, on the other hand, is known for being a lightweight and reliable option that uses minimal system resources.

Encoding Options

Both offer a range of encoding options, including H.264 and NVENC (Nvidia GPU) encoding. Streamlabs OBS has a "Quick Sync" feature that utilizes Intel's built-in graphics processor for encoding, which can improve performance on systems with lower-end CPUs.

System Performance

The performance impact of both Streamlabs OBS and OBS on a system will largely depend on the system's specifications. However, both programs are known for utilizing system resources efficiently, with OBS being exceptionally lightweight.

Limitations and System Requirements

One limitation of Streamlabs OBS is that it requires a more robust system to run optimally, mainly if using its more advanced features. Users with lower-end hardware may experience performance issues when using Streamlabs OBS.

OBS, on the other hand, has relatively low system requirements and can run on a broader range of hardware. However, it may not be able to handle multiple sources or advanced overlays as well as Streamlabs OBS.

Part 7. Support and Community

So, have you decided? Is OBS Studio better than Streamlabs?

Here is our last section to help you take a call on both software support and community. There are several differences in support and community resources between Streamlabs OBS and OBS that may be worth noting:

1. Direct Customer Support: Streamlabs OBS offers direct customer support via email and support tickets, while OBS does not provide direct customer support. Instead, OBS relies on its community forum and documentation to assist users.
2. Knowledge Base: Streamlabs OBS has a more extensive knowledge base than OBS, covering a more comprehensive range of software-related topics.
3. Video Tutorials: Streamlabs OBS offers a variety of video tutorials on their YouTube channel, covering everything from basic setup to advanced features. While OBS also has a YouTube channel with tutorials, they tend to be less extensive than those provided by Streamlabs OBS.
4. Feature Request Board: On Streamlabs OBS public feature request board, users can suggest and vote on new features they want. OBS has a feature request section on its forum but a less formalized one.
5. Discord Server: Streamlabs OBS has an active Discord server where users can connect with other streamers and get help from the Streamlabs OBS team. OBS does not have a dedicated Discord server for its users.

Hence, Streamlabs OBS has a more extensive knowledge base and offers direct customer support, while OBS relies more heavily on its community forum and documentation. Streamlabs OBS has a more formalized feedback process, with a dedicated bug reporting tool and feature request board. OBS relies more heavily on its community forum for user feedback and engagement.

FAQs About Streamlabs vs OBS

1. Do Professionals Use OBS?

Yes, many professionals use OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) for live streaming and recording. OBS is highly customizable, lightweight, and offers advanced features like plugin support, custom transitions, chroma keying, and flexible scene management. Its open-source nature and minimal resource usage make it ideal for experienced streamers who want complete control over their setup. While it has a steeper learning curve, professionals appreciate OBS's reliability, stability, and ability to handle complex configurations for creating personalized, professional-looking streams.

2. Is Streamlabs Desktop Free?

Yes, Streamlabs OBS is completely free to download and use. It offers built-in features like custom overlays, alert notifications, chat integration, and one-click setup without any cost. However, there's an optional subscription called Streamlabs Prime that provides additional features such as more overlays and alerts, access to a music and sound effects library, and premium support. The free version is fully functional and sufficient for most streamers, especially beginners seeking user-friendly streaming software.

3. What Uses More RAM, OBS or Streamlabs?

Streamlabs OBS generally uses more RAM and system resources than OBS. Streamlabs OBS can be resource-intensive due to its additional features, built-in widgets, overlays, and chat integration. OBS is known for being lightweight and efficient, using minimal system resources while providing high-quality streaming. Users with lower-end hardware may experience better performance with OBS, while those with robust systems can handle Streamlabs OBS's more advanced features without issues.

4. Who Is Better, OBS or Streamlabs?

Not necessarily one over the other—it depends on your needs and experience level. Streamlabs OBS is better for beginners, offering a user-friendly interface, one-click setup, built-in overlays, alerts, and chat integration. OBS is better suited for experienced streamers who want advanced customization, plugin support, custom transitions, and lightweight performance. Pair either software with quality hardware like the OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K webcam featuring AI tracking, voice control, and HDR for professional streaming results.

5. Is OBS Still the Best in 2025?

Yes, OBS remains one of the best streaming software options in 2025, particularly for experienced streamers. It offers advanced customization options, plugin support, low resource usage, and compatibility with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. While Streamlabs OBS provides a more beginner-friendly alternative with built-in features, OBS's flexibility, reliability, and free open-source nature continue to make it the preferred choice for professional streamers seeking complete control over their broadcasting setup.

Conclusion

So, guys, which one is better, SLOBS vs. OBS?

Based on the comparison of OBS vs. Streamlabs, the choice ultimately comes down to the needs and preferences of the individual streamer. Streamlabs OBS is a great option for users with a more user-friendly interface and built-in tools. OBS is ideal for those who wish for greater customization options and a lightweight program that uses minimal system resources.

To determine which is better, OBS or Streamlabs, try both and see which program feels more intuitive and offers the desired features and performance. Both options offer free downloads, so you can test each program without committing to a purchase.