Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OBS Studio VS XSplit

Compare OBS Studio VS XSplit and see what are their differences

OBS Studio logo OBS Studio

Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming for Mac, Windows and Linux.

XSplit logo XSplit

Live stream and record your content with ease & share it to streaming services like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Mixer, etc. Start your broadcast today.
  • OBS Studio Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-12
  • XSplit Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-06

XSplit is a live streaming and recording software designed for gaming, presentations and live events. This AI-powered software allows game developers to start live streaming of their games in pristine quality. The software also has a multilingual support team to assist you 24/7.

Currently there are four members in the XSplit family:

Product Plans:

  • Lifetime Premium license - 449.00 USD
  • 3 months Premium license - 24.95 USD every 3 month(s)
  • 12 months Premium license - 59.95 USD every 12 month(s)

OBS Studio

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
free
Platforms
-
Release Date
-

OBS Studio features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    OBS Studio is completely free to download and use, and its source code is openly available, allowing users to modify and contribute to the software.
  • Cross-Platform
    OBS Studio is available on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users regardless of their operating system.
  • High Customizability
    The software allows for extensive customization through scenes, sources, and various settings, enabling users to tailor their streaming or recording setup precisely to their needs.
  • Plugin Support
    OBS Studio supports a variety of plugins, allowing users to add extra functionality such as additional sources, filters, and integrations with other platforms.
  • Active Community
    The OBS community is very active, offering a wealth of tutorials, forums, and support channels where users can find assistance and share knowledge.

Possible disadvantages of OBS Studio

  • Steep Learning Curve
    While powerful, OBS Studio can be intimidating for beginners due to its myriad of options and settings, requiring a significant amount of time to learn.
  • Resource Intensive
    OBS Studio can be quite demanding on system resources, particularly CPU and GPU, which might not be ideal for users with lower-end hardware.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Users sometimes report crashes or bugs, especially when using certain third-party plugins or on less common hardware configurations.
  • Limited Built-In Features
    While highly customizable, OBS Studio itself is relatively barebones without plugins, which means users often need to seek out and install additional software for specific functionalities (e.g., advanced effects, in-depth analytics).
  • Complex Configuration for Advanced Features
    Configuring advanced features, such as setting up a green screen or integrating with third-party tools, can be complex and time-consuming.

XSplit features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    XSplit offers a clean, intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced streamers.
  • Multiple Output Formats
    The software supports various output formats and resolutions, giving users flexibility in how they broadcast their content.
  • Powerful Integration
    XSplit integrates seamlessly with a wide range of platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live, making it versatile for different streaming needs.
  • High-Quality Streams
    The software is known for providing high-quality streams with minimal latency, ensuring a smooth viewing experience for the audience.
  • Advanced Features
    XSplit offers a host of advanced features including scene transitions, chroma key, and source masking, allowing for professional-grade broadcast setups.

Possible disadvantages of XSplit

  • Cost
    XSplit is a premium software and requires a subscription for access to all features, which can be costly over time compared to free alternatives.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software can be quite resource-demanding, potentially causing performance issues on lower-end systems.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version has several limitations such as watermarks on streams and limited access to advanced features, which may not be sufficient for more serious streamers.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Users have reported occasional bugs and crashes, which can interrupt streaming sessions and require troubleshooting.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functions are easy to use, mastering the advanced features can take time and require a more in-depth understanding of the software.

OBS Studio videos

Open Broadcaster Software Review

XSplit videos

What is XSplit Broadcaster?

More videos:

  • Review - OBS vs Xsplit Broadcaster (2019): Who is King of the Stream?
  • Review - XSplit Broadcaster DEFINITIVE Review | Is 2020 the year to leave OBS?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OBS Studio and XSplit)
Screen Recording
83 83%
17% 17
Live Streaming
72 72%
28% 28
Video Recording
100 100%
0% 0
Screenshot Annotation
78 78%
22% 22

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare OBS Studio and XSplit

OBS Studio Reviews

Top Live Video Streaming Software, Tools, and Platforms for Professional Streaming
OBS Studio is an open-source software that’s popular among both beginner and professional streamers. It’s completely free to use and offers extensive customization options, including support for multiple video sources, transitions, and custom graphics. OBS Studio is great for live streaming to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.
Source: medium.com
ScreenRec vs OBS: A Comprehensive Comparison of Screen Recording and Streaming Software
ScreenRec and OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) are two popular screen recording and streaming software used by content creators, professionals, gamers, educators, and businesses worldwide. Both tools offer unique features and functionalities to capture and share screen content effectively.ScreenRec is a user-friendly screen recording software known for its simplicity and...
Source: screenapp.io
Selecting the Best Screen Recorder for Windows 11: A Thorough Exploration
Selecting the right screen recorder for Windows 11 hinges on your specific needs and the level of complexity you’re comfortable with. ScreenRec offers a balanced mix of ease of use and functionality, making it an excellent choice for most users. However, those with more specialized needs might find OBS Studio, Camtasia, Bandicam, or ShareX to be better suited to their...
Source: medium.com
Screen Recording Unveiled: ScreenRec and Other Notable Choices for Capturing Zoom and Google Meet Sessions
The modern age has brought forth the necessity for tools that can accurately capture on-screen activities, specifically virtual meetings and educational sessions. ScreenRec excels for its ease of use, while OBS Studio and Camtasia offer more advanced functionalities. Knowing how to record Zoom and Google Meet sessions is crucial, and with tools like ScreenRec at your...
Source: medium.com
10 Proven Screen Recorders for Mac [Updated in 2023]
OBS is a free and open source screen recording software for Mac, which allows users to record video and live streaming media. In fact, this is also one of the Mac screen video recorders that can't be missed. It supports real-time source and device capture, scene synthesis, encoding, recording and broadcasting.

XSplit Reviews

  1. Konstantin Baumgartner
    · video production manager at Triple Jump Media ·
    Great software

    XSplit rocks for streamers. It's like your streaming sidekick - simple, full of cool stuff, and very stable. XSplit is super user-friendly, it's got many powerful plugins for easy streaming, and it plays nice with lots of platforms. Yeah, it's a bit pricey, but if you're all about streaming, it's money well spent.

    👍 Pros:    Custom plugins|Cross-platform compatibility
    👎 Cons:    Price

Top 10 OBS Alternatives
XSplit is actually two types of programs; a Broadcaster and a Gamecatser bundled together. 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.
Best Streaming Software for 2021 (Twitch & Youtube)
XSplit Broadcaster is live streaming and recording software for Windows. You can stream and record in 4K 60fps. You can use XSplit Broadcaster to stream on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. Indeed, you can even simultaneously broadcast to multiple stream services.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OBS Studio seems to be a lot more popular than XSplit. While we know about 1069 links to OBS Studio, we've tracked only 1 mention of XSplit. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

OBS Studio mentions (1069)

  • A single line of code cost $8000
    FWIW, OBS is ~150 MB, not an electron app and actually open source. https://obsproject.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 4 days ago
  • A M.2 HDMI capture card
    Https://magicmusicvisuals.com/ combined with https://obsproject.com/. And possibly OBS all by itself. - Source: Hacker News / 12 days ago
  • How to Set Up a Free RTMP Server with Open Source Red5
    ./red5.sh # for Linux or Mac Red5.bat # for Windows You should see console output indicating the server has started successfully, typically on `localhost:5080`. 2. To test if your RTMP server is live, open your web browser and go to `http://localhost:5080/`. You should see the Red5 landing page. ### Step 4: Configure RTMP Applications Red5 supports RTMP out of the box. You can now create and configure RTMP... - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Phased Array Microphone
    You might look into OBS and/or VoiceMeeter to see how streamers selectively route audio while livestreaming/recording video/audio streams. https://obsproject.com/ https://voicemeeter.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • How to Set Up a Free RTMP Server with Open Source Red5
    Download and Install OBS: If you haven’t already, download and install OBS from obsproject.com. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
View more

XSplit mentions (1)

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OBS Studio and XSplit, you can also consider the following products

Camtasia - Camtasia 2018 makes it easy to record your screen and create polished, professional-looking videos.

ShareX - ShareX is a free and open source program that lets you capture or record any area of your screen...

Flash Media Live Encoder - Browse for the technical support periods for products.

Snagit - Screen Capture Software for Windows and Mac

Screencast-O-Matic - Free version Records up to 15 minutes, premium is $15/year.

Wirecast - Users in need of tools to edit their livestream broadcasts will find everything they need in Wirecast.