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Alternatives · Screen Recording

OBS Studio alternatives

OBS Studio compared with 8 alternatives: StreamYard, Bandicam, Riverside, ScreenPal, Loom and 3 more.

OBS Studio is free to use. 7 of the 8 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.

8 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
OBS StudioThis toolFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
StreamYardFree plan · from $35.99/moYesWeb
BandicamFree plan · from $33.26/yrYesmacOS, Windows
RiversideFree plan · from $9.99/moYesWeb, macOS, iOS, Android
ScreenPalFree plan · from $4/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension
LoomFree plan · from $18/moYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension
CapFree plan · from $29/yrYesmacOS, Windows, Linux, Browser extension
Movavi Screen RecorderFree trial · from $19.99/moTrial onlymacOS, Windows
ScreenToGifFreeFreeWindows

How each one differs from OBS Studio

  1. StreamYard

    Browser-based studio for live streaming and recording with guests

    • StreamYard starts at $35.99 per month, billed yearly ($44.99 billed monthly). OBS Studio is free.
    • Only StreamYard lists a web app.
    • Only OBS Studio lists Windows, macOS and Linux apps.
    • OBS Studio is open source, according to its own site.
    • StreamYard also covers transcription and video editing.

    Suits: Solo creators running interview shows without a production crew

    StreamYard vs OBS StudioStreamYard pricing and details

  2. Bandicam

    Screen, game and webcam recorder for Windows, with a Mac edition

    • Bandicam starts at $33.26 per year for 1 PC (Personal Annual), or $53.90 one-time. OBS Studio is free.
    • Only OBS Studio lists a Linux app.
    • Bandicam can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • OBS Studio is open source, according to its own site.
    • Bandicam also covers transcription, video editing and screenshots.

    Suits: Windows users recording gameplay with an FPS counter

    Bandicam vs OBS StudioBandicam pricing and details

  3. Riverside

    Remote recording studio for podcasts and video interviews

    • Riverside starts at $9.99 per month for Mobile Plus; web plans from $24 per month, billed annually. OBS Studio is free.
    • Only Riverside lists a web app.
    • Only Riverside lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Only OBS Studio lists Windows and Linux apps.
    • OBS Studio is open source, according to its own site.

    Suits: Podcasters and interviewers recording remote guests in high quality

    Riverside vs OBS StudioRiverside pricing and details

  4. ScreenPal

    Screen recorder, video editor and video hosting in one low-cost suite

    • ScreenPal starts at $4 per month, paid annually (Solo Deluxe). OBS Studio is free.
    • Only ScreenPal lists a web app.
    • Only ScreenPal lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Only ScreenPal lists a browser extension.
    • Only OBS Studio lists a Linux app.

    Suits: Teachers recording lessons and adding quizzes for their LMS

    ScreenPal vs OBS StudioScreenPal pricing and details

  5. Loom

    Screen and camera recorder for shareable video messages

    • Loom starts at $18 per user / month, billed monthly. OBS Studio is free.
    • Only Loom lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Only Loom lists a browser extension.
    • Only OBS Studio lists a Linux app.
    • OBS Studio is open source, according to its own site.

    Suits: Teams sharing quick recorded walkthroughs instead of scheduling a call

    Loom vs OBS StudioLoom pricing and details

  6. Cap

    Open-source screen recorder with instant share links and an editor

    • Cap starts at $29 per year for a Desktop License; Cap Pro is $8.16 per user / month, billed annually. OBS Studio is free.
    • Only Cap lists a browser extension.
    • Cap is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • Cap also covers transcription, video editing and screenshots.
    • OBS Studio also covers noise cancellation.

    Suits: Teams that want an open-source Loom alternative they can self-host

    Cap vs OBS StudioCap pricing and details

  7. Movavi Screen Recorder

    Desktop screen recorder with webcam overlay and scheduling

    • Movavi Screen Recorder starts at $19.99 per month or $44.99 per year (US Mac App Store prices). OBS Studio is free.
    • OBS Studio has a free plan. Movavi Screen Recorder does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only OBS Studio lists a Linux app.
    • Movavi Screen Recorder can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • OBS Studio is open source, according to its own site.

    Suits: Recording webinars, online courses and video calls to watch later

    Movavi Screen Recorder vs OBS StudioMovavi Screen Recorder pricing and details

  8. ScreenToGif

    Free Windows recorder that turns screen captures into GIFs

    • ScreenToGif is free. OBS Studio is free.
    • Only OBS Studio lists macOS and Linux apps.
    • ScreenToGif also covers video editing.
    • OBS Studio also covers noise cancellation.

    Suits: Short GIFs for bug reports, documentation and tutorials

    ScreenToGif vs OBS StudioScreenToGif pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in OBS Studio

  • It captures and mixes video in real time; the feature list on its site does not include editing a recording afterwards.
  • Downloads are offered for Windows 10 and 11, macOS 13.0 or newer, and Linux; no mobile or browser version is listed.
  • The Game Capture source is Windows only, according to the quick start guide.
  • Help comes from a knowledge base, forums and a community Discord server rather than a vendor support desk.
OBS Studio pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to OBS Studio?

The alternatives to OBS Studio in this directory are StreamYard, Bandicam, Riverside, ScreenPal, Loom, Cap, Movavi Screen Recorder and ScreenToGif. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with OBS Studio.

Is there a free alternative to OBS Studio?

Yes. ScreenToGif is free to use. StreamYard, Bandicam, Riverside, ScreenPal, Loom and Cap have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which OBS Studio alternatives work on Android?

The OBS Studio listing does not include an Android app. Riverside, ScreenPal and Loom list one.

Which OBS Studio alternatives work on iOS?

The OBS Studio listing does not include an iOS app. Riverside, ScreenPal and Loom list one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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