Top 10 OBS Alternatives for Video Recording and Live Streaming

David Wilson
David Wilson Originally published Jun 16, 22, updated Oct 09, 24

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is one of the best open-source tools for gameplay recording and live-streaming. It has numerous features, and gamers around the world find it very useful when they want to record and share their gaming process. OBS easily integrates with Twitch, Mixer, YouTube Gaming, Facebook Live, and other live-streaming platforms to easily and directly stream live gameplay.

But OBS is not very easy to use, especially for beginners. So, if you find yourself trying to figure out how OBS works, it may be time to consider using an alternative. The following are some of the best OBS alternatives to choose from.

Top 10 Alternatives to OBS Studio

DemoCreator alternative to OBS
Wondershare DemoCreator
DemoCreator Screen Recorder is perhaps the best OBS alternative on this list.
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You can use it to not only record the screen and audio (both system and microphone), but it also comes with a built-in editor to make as many changes to the video as you want. DemoCreator can record the full screen, a specified section of the screen, and the webcam on Windows laptops(such as HP, ASUS, Lenovo), desktops, and Mac devices.

Pros
  • Smooth recording of screen, camera, and voice, with stable basic functions
  • As expected, the real-time annotation feature improves the efficiency of presentation videos
  • The game recording tool supports 1080P 60FPS and does not lag
  • Virtual avatars allow you to alter your appearance while filming
  • The built-in effects library and lightweight editing tools let you unleash your creative side to the fullest
Cons
  • It may take more time to export if your edited video is very long

Additionally, the editing suit allows you to add text, annotations, cursor effects and more.

XSplit
XSplit
XSplit is actually two types of programs; a Broadcaster and a Gamecaster bundled together.
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Pros
  • You can record full screen, window, a specified region, webcam, microphone, and computer sound.
  • You can live steam the videos you create directly to Twitch and YouTube
  • It comes with multiple useful filter scenes, sources, and audio devices
  • The user interface is very easy to navigate
Cons
  • It doesn't come with a "pause" button
  • It lacks a built-in video editing suite
  • It may add a watermark to high-resolution videos

It is the only tool on this list that is very similar to OBS in terms of features and functionality. It can be used for both recording a live-streaming, and it will live stream gameplay directly to the most popular streaming sites like YouTube and Twitch.

Bandicam
Bandicam
Bandicam is a lightweight screen recorder for Windows that can make a great alternative to OBS.
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Pros
  • It allows you to record the full screen, a specified region, the microphone and computer sound
  • You can record videos in 4K UHD resolution
  • You can add annotations including text and drawings during the recording
Cons
  • It only supports MP4 and AVI formats
  • It doesn't support live-streaming
  • It doesn't come with a built-in complete editor

It is also a favorite of many gamers as it allows for the recording of gameplay at 144FPS in resolutions of up to 4k UHD. It also has a number of editing features that can be used to remove unwanted parts of the video.

Action!
Action!
Action is a gameplay recorder that will work with just about any type of graphics cards including Nvidia, DirectX and OpenGL.
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Pros
  • It works well with all graphics cards
  • Compatible with all versions of Windows
  • Supports mobile recording and slow-motion recording
  • Recordings can be uploaded to YouTube directly
Cons
  • Videos are only in M4A format
  • It doesn't support live-streaming
  • It lacks editing features

This OBS-similar software also has numerous other features that you may not find on OBS such as slow-motion recording and mobile support. It will also support screenshot recording.

Lightstream
Lightstream
Lightstream is a free cloud-based program that you can use instead of OBS.
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Pros
  • It is free
  • Since it is cloud-based, you don't have to download any software to your computer
  • Simple to set up and use
  • Uses less CPU and therefore doesn't affect gameplay performance
Cons
  • It lacks advanced editing features
  • Requires an internet connection
  • Has been known to have sound issues

It has numerous useful features, including integration with other popular tools like Streamlabs. It also allows for the use of scenes and overlays, similar to the ones you would find on OBS. But it is considerably easier to use, with a very navigable user interface.

ShareX
ShareX
Despite the fact that it is completely free to use, ShareX has numerous features.
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Pros
  • It records the full screen, a window, or a specified region
  • You can program hotkeys to make the recording process easy
  • It allows users to share the recording to numerous websites
  • You can import videos, music, and photos
  • It allows for custom watermarks and color effects
Cons
  • The user interface is very complicated
  • It doesn't support webcam recording

Like OBS, ShareX is also an open-source free screen recording tool with no watermark. This tool is mostly useful to more advanced users as you may find that it is more difficult to use than even OBS. If you can figure it out, though, you would benefit from the robust recording and editing features.

Shadowplay
Shadowplay
Shadowplay comes with Nvidia GeForce graphics cards.
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Pros
  • It has numerous shortcuts to make capture very easy
  • Uses GPU instead of CPU to avoid affecting performance
  • It is easy to use
Cons
  • Will only work with an Nvidia graphics card
  • It lacks editing features

It is primarily targeted at gamers, making it the most similar software to OBS studio. Since it is essentially a mix of hardware and software, it is the only option you should choose if you want a solution that will not significantly affect the performance of the game.

ActivePresenter
ActivePresenter
ActivePresenter is a free OBS alternative software for recording that has numerous very useful recording and editing features.
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Pros
  • The built-in editor can be used to edit captured as well as imported videos
  • Basic editing features can be accessed for free
  • No watermark, time limit, or ads
  • The user interface is very easy to use
Cons
  • Lacks gameplay recording capabilities
  • It will only work on 64-bit systems

With it, you can record the full screen, a specified region, microphone, computer sound, and the webcam and then upload the videos directly to YouTube and other video-sharing sites. But its simple tools may not be ideal for gameplay recording, which is why ActivePresenter is more useful for recording tutorials and how-to videos.

IceCream Screen Recorder
IceCream Screen Recorder
This is a feature-rich tool that can be used to capture both screenshots and videos.
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Pros
  • There is a free version
  • Offers multiple annotation options
  • Available for both Mac and Windows
  • Allows for scheduled recordings
Cons
  • The free version only allows for 10 minutes of video recording
  • The free version also only supports the WEBM format
  • It lacks the necessary advanced editing and recording features to be an ideal solution for gameplay recording

You can record the screen, webcam, and sound. Its drawing and cursor tools make it a great solution when you want to record a tutorial. It may not however have what it takes in terms of features to help you record and edit gameplay.

Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi Screen recorder is a simple-to-use program that is designed to capture both images and video on your screen.
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Pros
  • Allows for webcam recording
  • You can record the screen and audio at the same time
  • It will also allow you to take screenshots
  • You can share videos directly on YouTube
  • It supports multiple output formats including AVI, MP4, MKV, and MOV
  • Supports scheduled recording
Cons
  • It lacks an in-built video editor
  • The trial version limits video recording to 5 minutes
  • It may not be the most ideal solution for gameplay recording

You can use it to capture the screen, audio, and webcam all at the same time and then upload the videos directly to YouTube and other sites.

Comparison Table of The OBS Alternatives

Tools Support OS Screen Capture Webcam Record Microphone Audio System Audio Edit Videos
DemoCreator Windows / Mac Yes Yes Yes Yes 100+ Editing Tools and Effects
XSplit Windows / Mac Yes Yes Yes Yes None
Movavi Windows / Mac Free Yes Yes Yes None
Bandicam Windows Free Yes Yes Yes Limited editing tools
Action Windows Free Yes Yes Yes None
Lightstream Cloud-based Free No Yes Yes None
ShareX Windows / Mac Free No Yes Yes Complte editing suite
Shadowplay Windows Free Yes Yes Yes None
ActivePresenter Windows Yes Yes Yes Yes None
Icecream Windows / Mac Yes Yes Yes Yes None

Ultimate Guide to the Top Screen Recording Software Other Than OBS - More Advanced

As far as newbies' needs are concerned, Wondershare DemoCreator plays an important role in in-game videos, explainer videos, or presentation video creation. This toolbox excels in screen recording, webcam recording, and audio recording. What's more surprising is DemoCreator provides avatar presenter and voice changer tools to help people who are shy before the camera when recording.

Free Download
Free Download
Best OBS alternative for video recording

Here's how you can use DemoCreator to record the screen

Step 1. Download and install DemoCreator on your computer. Run the program and click “New Recording” to begin the recording process.

run democreator
Launch DemoCreator

Step 2. You should see a number of options that you can customize depending on the type of video you want to record.

The screen tab allows you to select the area of the screen to record, the audio tab allows you to add a microphone to capture audio and the camera tab can be used to add webcam footage.

democreator settings
DemoCreator Settings

Step 3. When you are happy with the settings, click the red button to start capturing or hit "F10" on the keyboard to start the recording.

start recording with democreator
Recording with OBS alternative software

Step 4. Use the "F10" hotkey again to stop the recording, and the video will be saved in the pre-designated folder.

end screen recording
Complete video recording

The Best All-in-one Video Recorder

Record customized screens with audio and edit them in different tracks.
Capture gaming videos, tutorials, and presentations and then edit them in one tool.
Supported screen recording high FPS video and editing it directly.
Built-in unlimited editing templates, special effects, and other sources.
Supported export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF, and other formats.
Free Download
Free Download
David Wilson
David Wilson Oct 09, 24
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