Powerful and versatile live streaming software for creators.

OBS Studio is a feature-rich tool for live streaming and recording content with a customizable interface and multiple plugin options.
Comprehensive and Versatile Streaming Software - OBS Studio Review
OBS Studio stands out as a leading open-source software solution for live streaming and screen recording. Developed by the OBS Project, it delivers powerful tools tailored for content creators, gamers, educators, and live streamers aiming for high-quality video output.
Powerful Features for Streaming and Recording
Experience seamless live streaming to major platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live with customizable settings that ensure a perfect broadcast. Record your sessions in multiple formats and resolutions to capture gameplay, tutorials, podcasts, or webinars.
Intuitive Scene and Source Management
Design dynamic scenes using the scene-based interface, enabling quick transitions during live sessions. Add diverse sources such as images, text, webcams, and display captures to craft engaging content effortlessly.
Robust Audio and Video Inputs
Capture audio from microphones and system sounds with precision. Mix multiple sources seamlessly with the built-in audio mixer to maintain professional audio quality throughout your streams or recordings.
Extensive Customization Options
Optimize your setup with detailed settings for video quality, encoding parameters, hotkeys, and more. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, tailor OBS Studio to suit your production needs.
Extendable Functionality via Plugins
Enhance your broadcasting experience by integrating plugins that add features like overlays, transitions, chat overlays, and additional visual effects. OBS Studio’s plugin support makes it adaptable to various production requirements.
Overview
OBS Studio is a Shareware software in the category Miscellaneous developed by OBS Project.
The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked OBS Studio for updates 10,870 times during the last month.
The latest version of OBS Studio is 31.0.3, released on 03/30/2025. It was initially added to our database on 02/11/2016. The most prevalent version is 31.0.3, which is used by 20% of all installations.
OBS Studio runs on the following operating systems: Windows/Mac/Linux. The download file has a size of 169.7MB.
Users of OBS Studio gave it a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Free and open-source software
- Cross-platform compatibility with support for Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Easy to use with a user-friendly interface and customizable options
- Support for multiple sources including webcams, capture cards, and desktop captures
- Extensive plugin support for additional functionality
- Powerful features for live streaming, recording, and editing videos
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to the numerous features and configurations
- May require additional plugins or knowledge for advanced setups
- Occasional stability issues or bugs with updates
FAQ
What is OBS Studio?
OBS Studio is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming.
Who developed OBS Studio?
OBS Studio is developed by the OBS Project, a non-profit organization. It is supported by a community of volunteers and contributors.
What platforms does OBS Studio support?
OBS Studio supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.
What are the main features of OBS Studio?
Multiple sources: You can add multiple sources such as webcam, screen capture, browser windows, and more. Real-time audio and video mixing: You can mix audio and video sources in real-time to create professional-quality streams or recordings. Customizable transitions: You can add custom transitions between scenes to create a polished look for your streams or recordings. Plugins: OBS Studio has a robust plugins system that allows you to extend its functionality even further.
Is OBS Studio easy to use?
OBS Studio has a bit of a learning curve, but there are plenty of tutorials available online to help you get started. Once you get the hang of it, OBS Studio is actually very straightforward.
Is OBS Studio really free?
Yes, OBS Studio is completely free and open-source. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions.
Can I use OBS Studio to record my screen?
Yes, OBS Studio can be used to record your screen. Simply add a Display Capture source in your scene and start recording.
Can I use OBS Studio to stream to Twitch or YouTube?
Yes, OBS Studio supports streaming to a variety of platforms including Twitch and YouTube.
What are some alternatives to OBS Studio?
XSplit Streamlabs OBS Wirecast vMix
Where can I download OBS Studio?
You can download OBS Studio from the official OBS Project website at https://obsproject.com/.

David Fischer
I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.
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