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OBS Studio

Free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming

FreeScreen RecordingChecked Oct 5, 2026
Visit obsproject.com

Our verdict

Third of our top three screen recording and video tools

For: Anyone who wants to pay nothing, on Windows, Mac or Linux

OBS Studio is a free, open-source program for recording video and streaming it live on Windows, Mac and Linux, with no paid edition. You build scenes from display and window captures, webcams, images and text, then record to a local file or broadcast. Its audio mixer adds noise suppression, and a virtual camera sends a scene to apps such as Zoom. It is third because it stops at recording: its feature list does not include editing a recording afterwards, and its listing shows no hosting or share links, which the two above are built around. No mobile or browser version is listed, the Game Capture source is Windows only, and help comes from forums and a Discord server, not a support desk.

See all three and how we rank

What is OBS Studio?

OBS Studio is a free, open-source desktop program for recording video and streaming it live. You build scenes from sources such as display and window captures, webcams, capture cards, images, text and browser windows, then switch between scenes while recording or broadcasting. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and is funded by sponsors and donations rather than paid plans.

OBS Studio is free to use. See every plan

Good for

  • Live streamers who want detailed control of scenes, sources and audio
  • Recording gameplay, tutorials or presentations without paying for software
  • Linux users: there is an official Flatpak and an Ubuntu PPA

Worth knowing

  • 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.

Key features

Scenes and sources
Compose a scene from window and display captures, webcams, capture cards, images, text and browser windows, and set up as many scenes as you need.
Recording and live streaming
Record to a local file or stream to one of the included services or a custom server. A replay buffer can save recent footage with a hotkey.
Audio mixer with filters
Each audio source can take filters such as a noise gate, noise suppression and gain, and VST plugins are supported.
Studio Mode and Multiview
Studio Mode lets you preview and adjust a scene before it goes live. Multiview shows 8 scenes at once and cues any of them with a click.
Virtual camera
Sends an OBS scene, or a single source, to any app that accepts a webcam, such as Zoom or Discord.
Plugins and scripting
An API supports native plugins and scripts written in Lua or Python, and community-made plugins are shared in the site's Resources section.

OBS Studio pricing

Starts at
Free
Free plan
Free and open source under the GNU GPL v2, with no paid edition. The project is funded by sponsors and by donations through Open Collective and Patreon.
Free trial
None listed
OBS Studio$0The complete program for Windows, macOS and Linux, including recording, live streaming, the virtual camera, plugins and scripting.

Read from obsproject.com on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with OBS Studio before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Works with

OBS Studio alternatives

All OBS Studio alternatives comparedAll screen recording and video tools

Common questions

Is OBS Studio free?

Yes. OBS Studio is free to use. Free and open source under the GNU GPL v2, with no paid edition. The project is funded by sponsors and by donations through Open Collective and Patreon.

How much does OBS Studio cost?

OBS Studio lists one plan. OBS Studio: $0. Prices were read from obsproject.com on Oct 5, 2026.

What platforms does OBS Studio work on?

OBS Studio is available on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Does OBS Studio have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. OBS Studio is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Does OBS Studio have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. OBS Studio is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Is OBS Studio open source?

Yes. OBS Studio is open source, according to its own site.

What does OBS Studio integrate with?

OBS Studio's listing names Twitch, Zoom and Discord. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes OBS Studio?

OBS Studio is made by OBS Project. It dates from 2012.

What are the alternatives to OBS Studio?

The closest alternatives to OBS Studio in our directory are StreamYard, Bandicam, Riverside, ScreenPal and Loom. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with OBS Studio.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.