Wondering what’s the difference between Streamlabs vs OBS?
Both Streamlabs and the OBS Studio software are free streaming software for content creators and live streamers. The platforms are similar but there are minor differences between the two.
Let’s have a look at those differences and find which platform is right for you.
The Advantages of Streamlabs in Streamlabs vs OBS
Compared to OBS recording software, Streamlabs makes it incredibly easy for a streamer to get set up. Once you install Streamlabs, you have everything you need to stream. This streaming software is the only thing you will need.
There is no need for any extra plug-ins or tools as all of the essential features are already a part of the Streamlabs platform. Streamlabs gets your live stream up and running in no time.
The features of Streamlabs include a game overlay for single monitors. All your events and your chat boxes are presented on a single screen.
Cloudbot comes included with the streaming software. Cloudbot is a chatbot that you can use to protect your channel and moderate your chat box. Because Cloudbot is a cloud-based chatbot, Cloudbot preserves your CPU when you are streaming.
You can customize Cloudbot so it moderates the stream the way you want it to.
Another advantage with Streamlabs is the program’s compatibility with the Streamlabs Deck. The Streamlabs Deck is an app you can access on your phone, allowing you remote control of your stream directly from a phone screen.
The Streamlabs streaming software is built using the OBS studio software as a base. The installation process and digital interface are made much easier. Your layouts, alerts, widgets, everything you need is all here.
With Streamlabs you never have to worry about the installation or setup, because you’re busy focused on the actual streaming.
The Advantages of OBS Studio in Streamlabs vs OBS
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software Studio) has its own set of advantages over Streamlabs at the cost of being less beginner-friendly. To fully master the OBS recording software, you’re going to need to be more tech-savvy.
The OBS recording software allows you to install many more plug-ins that are not available for use in the Streamlabs streaming software. OBS studio software is more customizable streaming software than Streamlabs.
For more experienced content creators and broadcasters, OBS recording software is the better platform. An OBS software download is required when you want your stream to be more technically advanced.
If you want fancier effects to appear on your screen when you go live, this is the streaming software for you. OBS streaming software also wins over Streamlabs in terms of stability. The OBS studio software is less resource-intensive than Streamlabs.
Content creators wanting to conserve computer resources should consider an OBS software download.
OBS recording software is also designed for users on Linux operating systems. Streamlabs is not available for use on the Linux OS. OBS streaming software is available on Windows and macOS as well, so OBS studio software is more widely available.
If you need more options for customization for your stream, want to conserve computer resources, or use Linux as your computer operating system, you will want to use the OBS recording software.
The Similarities in Streamlabs vs OBS
Streamlabs vs OBS: two of the most popular streaming software available right now. They are both free and open-source streaming software, allowing streamers to record and stream video and audio.
Both platforms allow you to broadcast your live stream to YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch.
The reason why Streamlabs is so similar to OBS is that Streamlabs was built on OBS. Streamlabs can be seen as a version of the OBS streaming software that holds your hand through the process to get you started streaming quickly.
In today’s day and age with more and more people becoming interested in streaming and content creation, most people will just be starting out.
Streamlabs is very beginner-oriented and is a more accessible platform than OBS streaming software.
The more accessible streaming software is great for beginners and experienced streamers. There is less work that they have to do.
As a more user-friendly platform, this also means that Streamlabs will be appropriate for more users than OBS Studio. The two streaming software are very similar and many users will pick the program that is easier to use.
The Winner of Streamlabs vs OBS
There is no clear winner as both Streamlabs and OBS Studio are very similar. Different streamers and content creators have different needs. The minor differences in Streamlabs vs OBS create a small window for people to pick their favorite streaming software.
Those that want a more accessible, user-friendly experience will generally prefer Streamlabs. It is so easy to get set up and start streaming. With Streamlabs you don’t need to get technical with the overlays.
Streamlabs provides you with a dashboard for your stream overlays, donations, alerts, and features for your followers and subscribers. The streaming software has all the essential plug-ins and all the streaming features you need pre-installed.
Your stream represents you so make sure you make your stream the way you want it to look.
Regardless of what you prefer, Streamlabs and OBS are near-identical streaming software. The built-in elements of both allow you to easily switch to different streaming software.
As both Streamlabs and OBS are free, you can try both and see which one works best for you. But for now, pick Streamlabs as your streaming software if you want to jump in and just get started.
If you have great technical know-how and want to heavily customize your stream, then go with OBS. You will be able to customize your broadcast more to your liking.
Click here to learn more about how to set up OBS streaming software. You can also read our guide on using OBS software.