Best OBS Settings for Recording: 1080p 60FPS Guide 2026

When it comes to recording high-quality content using OBS, the right settings can make a significant difference in the final video. You may also want to know what's the best OBS setting for recording 1080p 60FPS. This guide will help you find the best OBS settings for recording without putting unnecessary load on your computer.

Let's start with the recommended settings (1080p 60FPS included) and then explain what each parameter does.

Part 1: Best OBS Settings for Recording

If you want a quick starting point, use the following settings for a typical 1080p recording. You can adjust them later based on your hardware, content, and desired file size.

Best OBS Output Setting for Recording:

• Type: Standard
• Recording Path: Select the folder on your computer where you'd like to save the recording file
• Video Format: MP4 or preferred compatible format for OBS recording
• Video Encoder: x264 or Hardware Encoder (e.g., NVENC or VCE)
• Rate Control: CBR
• Bitrate: 6,000kbps. A higher bitrate ensures good OBS settings for recording, providing a good balance between video quality, file size, and bandwidth usage
• Keyframe Interval: 2
• CPU Usage Preset: Faster

Best OBS Audio Setting for Recording:

• Audio Bitrate: 128 (For optimal audio quality in your OBS recording settings for FPS games or other content)
• Sample Rate: 48 kHz
• Channels: Stereo

Best OBS Video Settings for Recording:

• Base (Canvas) Resolution: 1920×1080
• Output (Scaled) Resolution: 1920×1080
• Downscale Filter: Lanczos (For sharper scaling, ideal for best recording settings for OBS at 1080p 60fps)
• Common FPS Values: 60 (Essential for OBS best settings for recording 1080p 60fps and high-quality gameplay recordings)

In the following sections, we will provide a step-by-step, detailed guide on configuring OBS's best settings for recording.

Bonus: Best Camera for Recording - OBSBOT Tail Air Streaming Camera

OBSBOT Tail Air stands as a revolutionary device in the realm of live streaming and content creation, offering a suite of cutting-edge features that redefine the recording experience. Notably, its recording function sets a new standard for precision and ease.

• AI-Driven Recording Excellence: The camera's AI tracking functionality enables automatic subject tracking, guaranteeing a consistently centered and perfectly framed recording without the need for manual adjustments.
  

• Unmatched 4K UHD Resolution: OBSBOT Tail Air boasts an impressive 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution. This high-quality recording capability translates to crystal-clear visuals, capturing every nuance with unparalleled clarity. 

• User-Friendly and Portable Design: OBSBOT Tail Air maintains a user-friendly interface and a compact, portable design. This ensures that users can effortlessly navigate through recording options and bring the camera wherever creativity strikes. 

• Iconic Low-Light Shooting: OBSBOT Tail Air captures exceptional low-light video with reduced noise, thanks to its 2μm large pixel size and f/1.8 aperture.

Part 2: Best OBS Settings for Recording 1080p 60FPS

If you are looking for the best OBS settings for recording 1080p 60fps, start with these settings:

These settings are a good starting point for gaming, sports, screen recordings with lots of movement, and other content where smooth motion matters.

Recording multiple cameras in OBS? If you're setting up a two-camera workflow, see our guide on how to record two cameras at the same time in OBS for the camera connection and scene setup.

Why 60 FPS? 60 FPS produces smoother motion than 30 FPS, but it also requires more processing power and creates larger files. For talking-head videos, interviews, and simple tutorials, 30 FPS is often enough.

For local recording, use a quality-based rate control such as CQP, ICQ, or CRF rather than simply copying a streaming bitrate. The exact option depends on your encoder. A lower quality value generally means less compression, higher image quality, and a larger file.

Best Encoder for 1080p 60FPS Recording

• NVIDIA GPU: NVENC
• AMD GPU: AMD AMF
• Intel Quick Sync: QSV
• No suitable hardware encoder: x264

Hardware encoding can reduce CPU workload during recording. This is especially useful when recording demanding games or applications at 1080p 60FPS.

Part 3: Understand Each Parameter Before Setting

The parameters listed below play a significant role in tailoring the best settings for recording OBS and achieving the desired video and audio quality. Experiment with these settings to find the right balance, ensuring that your content stands out and resonates with your audience.

If you already know these parameters, please skip to Part 4 to learn how to set the best OBS settings for recording.

1. Resolution

A higher resolution, such as 1080p (1920×1080) or 4K (3840×2160), produces a more detailed image. However, higher resolutions require more processing power and storage space. Choose a resolution that your source and computer can handle smoothly.

2. FPS (Frames Per Second)

60 FPS produces smoother motion and is useful for gaming, sports, and other fast-moving content. 30 FPS is often enough for talking-head videos, interviews, and tutorials while using fewer system resources.

3. Video Encoder

Software encoding with x264 uses your CPU to encode the video. Hardware encoders such as NVIDIA NVENC, AMD AMF, and Intel QSV use supported hardware to handle the encoding process and can reduce CPU load.

4. Bitrate

Bitrate affects how much data is used to represent the video. A higher bitrate can preserve more detail but also creates larger files.

For local recording, quality-based controls such as CQP, ICQ, or CRF are often more useful than choosing one fixed bitrate.

If you specifically need a fixed bitrate, choose it based on your resolution, FPS, encoder, and desired file size rather than using a streaming bitrate by default.

5. Video Format and Color

For recording, MKV is a practical container because an interrupted recording is less likely to make the entire file unusable. If you need MP4 for editing or uploading, you can remux the recording after it is finished.

For most users, the default color settings are appropriate. Avoid changing the color range unless you understand how your capture device, display, and editing workflow handle it.

6. Audio Settings and Noise Suppression

For most video recordings, use a 48 kHz sample rate and stereo audio. Audio bitrate can be adjusted based on your content, with 160–192 Kbps being a practical range for many videos.

Noise suppression can help reduce background noise, but it should not be enabled automatically. Test it with your microphone and environment first.

Part 4: How to Set the Best OBS Settings for Recording

Now it is time for a step-by-step guide to configuring the best OBS settings for recording 1080p 60fps. Let us look at the output, video, audio, and advanced settings one by one.

1. Output Settings

• Visit "File" at the top left corner of OBS and select "Settings." Then, in the Settings window, navigate to the "Output" tab.
• Select "Advanced" from the Output Mode drop-down menu and choose the desired recording format in the Recording Format section. MP4 is the most common choice.
• Set the Recording Path to specify where you want to save recorded videos.
• Select X64 as the Video Encoder, and Bitrate set to at least 6000kbps for 1080p resolution.
• Set the Keyframe Interval to a value between 2 and 4 for most scenarios. Lower values may improve video quality but increase file size.
• Set the CPU Usage Preset to Faster.

• Change to the Audio setting, and make changes to the Audio Bitrate based on your requirements. Higher bitrates (e.g., 128 kbps) offer better audio quality but result in larger file sizes.

2. Video Settings

• Navigate to the "Video" tab within the Settings window and set your Base (Canvas) Resolution to match your monitor's native resolution or the desired recording resolution.
• Adjust the Output (Scaled) Resolution based on your target platform and audience. Use 1080p (1920x1080) for high-quality recordings if your hardware supports it.
• Set the Common FPS Values to match the desired frames per second for your recording. Generally, 60 FPS provides smooth and fluid motion, while 30 FPS is sufficient for standard videos.
• Choose the desired Downscale Filter. Bicubic or Lanczos offer better downscaling quality but require more processing power.

3. Audio Settings

Press the "Audio" tab in the Settings window.

• Set the desired Sample Rate (e.g., 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) for your audio recordings.
• Select the appropriate Channels setting. Stereo is recommended for most recordings, while Mono is suitable if you need smaller file sizes.

Finally, after configuring the desired OBS Studio best recording settings, click "Apply" to save your changes and "OK" to close the Settings window. If you're ready to start recording your videos with OBS, check out our detailed guide on how to record with OBS for step-by-step instructions.

With these optimized, high-quality OBS recording settings, you can start recording high-quality videos that meet your needs. Always balance video quality, file size, and system performance to ensure a seamless and professional recording experience. Happy recording!

More tips: 

Part 5: Useful Tips for Getting the Best OBS Recording Settings

1. Balancing Quality and Performance

• Testing Different Settings: Try different setups when you record to find what gives you the best quality without slowing down your computer.
• Resource Monitoring: Keep an eye on how much your computer's CPU, GPU, and memory are being used during recordings using special tools. This helps make sure everything works smoothly.

2. Improving Audio Clarity

• Sound Quality Settings: Change your audio settings to make sure your recordings sound clear. Use higher numbers for sample rates (like 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) and bitrates (like 128kbps or more) for better sound quality.

3. Updating Software and Drivers

• Keeping OBS Up to Date: Always use the newest version of OBS Studio. This way, you get all the new features and fixes for any problems.
• Updating GPU Drivers: Make sure your computer's graphics card (GPU) drivers are up-to-date, especially if you use hardware encoders. This helps everything run better.

4. Reviewing Test Recordings

• Reviewing Test Recordings: Watch your test recordings carefully to check how good the sound and video are.
• Making Small Changes: Use what you learn from these recordings to adjust your settings little by little until you get the best results.

Part 6: FAQs about the Best OBS Settings for Recording

1. What are the Best OBS Settings for Recording 1080p 60FPS?

Start with 1920×1080 resolution, 60 FPS, MKV, and a quality-based encoder setting. For NVENC or AMD, start with CQP around 18–22; for QSV, use ICQ, and for x264, use CRF. Adjust the quality value after testing your actual content and hardware.

2. Best OBS Recording Settings for 1440p

For recording in 1440p, you should use the following settings to maintain high quality while balancing performance:

• Base (Canvas) Resolution: 2560x1440
• Output (Scaled) Resolution: 2560x1440
• Downscale Filter: Lanczos (provides sharper scaling for 1440p content)
• Common FPS Values: 60
• Video Encoder: x264 or a hardware encoder like NVIDIA NVENC
• Bitrate: 10,000-20,000 kbps (higher bitrate for improved visual quality)

3. Best OBS Settings for 4K Recording

For the best OBS settings for recording 4K videos, the following configuration will help you achieve the best results:

• Base (Canvas) Resolution: 3840x2160
• Output (Scaled) Resolution: 3840x2160
• Downscale Filter: Lanczos (for sharp and high-quality downscaling)
• Common FPS Values: 60 (to ensure fluid motion in high-resolution recordings)
• Video Encoder: A hardware encoder (NVIDIA NVENC or AMD VCE) is recommended for efficient performance
• Bitrate: 25,000-50,000 kbps (a higher bitrate is necessary for 4K to maintain quality)

4. Best Audio Settings for OBS Recording

To achieve high-quality audio in your OBS recording settings, follow these steps:

• Audio Bitrate: 192 kbps or higher for clear, professional audio
• Sample Rate: 48 kHz (standard for high-quality audio recordings)
• Channels: Stereo (for better sound quality and a fuller audio experience)
• Noise Suppression: Enable noise suppression in the filters to minimize background noise

These best audio settings for OBS recording, which will ensure crisp and clear sound, whether for gameplay, voiceovers, or podcasts.

5. What Bitrate Should I Use to Record in OBS?

There is no single bitrate that works best for every local recording. Quality-based controls such as CQP, ICQ, and CRF are generally a better starting point. If your workflow requires a fixed bitrate, choose one based on your resolution, FPS, encoder, and desired file size.

6. How Do I Record My PS4 with OBS?

To record your PS4 gameplay with OBS, you'll need to set up a capture card. Connect your PS4 to the capture card, then connect the capture card to your computer using an HDMI cable. In OBS, create a new scene and add a new video capture device source. Select your capture card from the list, and you should see your PS4 gameplay appear in the preview window. Adjust the necessary settings according to the best OBS settings for recording gaming to get the best results.

7. What are the Best OBS Settings for Recording Gameplay?

The best OBS settings for recording gameplay can vary depending on your specific setup and preferences. However, here are some general recommendations:

• Video settings: Set the base canvas resolution and output scaled resolution to match your desired recording resolution. Use the H.264 encoder for recording. Choose a suitable bitrate, as mentioned in the first question, and experiment with the preset options ranging from "ultrafast" to "slow" to find the right balance between quality and performance.
• Audio settings: Set your desired audio bitrate, sample rate, and channel configuration. Ensure that you have selected the correct audio sources for your gameplay audio and microphone input.
• Other settings: Consider enabling hardware acceleration if your system supports it, as it can improve performance. Additionally, adjust the recording format (e.g., MP4 or FLV) and the location to save your recorded gameplay files.

Remember to test and adjust these settings based on your specific hardware and requirements to achieve the best results for recording gameplay with OBS.

8. What Sample Rate Should I Use in OBS? 44.1kHz or 48kHz?

OBS typically uses 48 kHz as the default sample rate for audio recordings. This is the industry standard for video and audio recording and provides better clarity and quality compared to 44.1 kHz. While 44.1 kHz is common for music, 48 kHz is preferred for the best OBS recording settings, especially for video content. If you're recording audio for gaming or streaming, stick with 48 kHz for optimal sound quality.

Conclusion

Thus, that was all the information we could gather about the best recording format for OBS. We shared a detailed table summarizing the settings you need for optimal recording and live streaming at the start of the article. Besides, we explained each parameter for OBS settings and their importance for high-quality OBS recording settings.