If you’re new to or interested in streaming, you may have heard of Streamlabs OBS (SLOBs) and OBS Studio, two popular free and open-source software options for broadcasting live streams. While both tools share similar features, there are significant differences that every streamer should consider before choosing the best software for their needs.
Features of Streamlabs OBS (SLOBs)
Streamlabs OBS is an all-in-one streaming tool designed for users to create professional-looking streams quickly and easily. The tool offers several features, including:
- Custom Overlays: Streamlabs offers a vast selection of pre-designed overlays that allow streamers to personalize their broadcasts.
- Multistreaming: Streamlabs allows users to stream to multiple platforms at the same time, such as Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and more.
- Automatic Alerts: Streamlabs provides users with automatic alerts for new followers, donations, subscriptions, and more.
- Streamlabs Prime: The tool offers a premium subscription service that provides access to exclusive features and designs.
Pros and Cons of Streamlabs OBS (SLOBs)
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: Streamlabs is designed for users with little or no experience in streaming and is easy to use.
- Variety of pre-made templates: Streamlabs offers a wide range of pre-made templates, themes, and alerts to help users create a visually stunning stream.
- Multistreaming: Streamlabs allow users to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously, which is useful for building a following on different platforms.
Cons:
- Limited Plugin Support: Streamlabs does not allow for plugin support, which can be limiting in terms of customization options.
- Potential legal issues: The multistreaming feature can cause potential legal issues for Twitch affiliates.
Features of OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source streaming tool designed for users to customize their streams fully. The tool offers several features, including:
- Customizable Overlays: OBS Studio allows users to create their overlays or use pre-made overlays and customize them to their liking.
- Plugin Support: OBS Studio allows for plugins to enhance the software and add more functionality.
- Live Editing: OBS Studio allows users to edit their streams live during their broadcast.
Pros and Cons of OBS Studio
Pros:
- Fully Customizable: OBS Studio allows users to create a stream that’s entirely customized to their preferences, making it easier to stand out among the competition.
- Plugin Support: The support for plugins allows users to add more features to their streams and take their streaming to the next level.
- Industry Standard: OBS Studio is widely regarded as the industry standard for streaming software.
Cons:
- Slightly steeper Learning Curve: OBS Studio can be a little more intimidating to use, especially for beginners who are new to streaming.
- Plugin Compatibility Issues: Some plugins may not be compatible with OBS Studio, leading to potential conflicts.
Why Start with OBS Studio?
While Streamlabs OBS may seem like a more appealing option for beginners, OBS Studio is the better option for those who are looking to customize their stream fully. OBS Studio’s support for plugins allows users to add more features and customization options to their stream, making it easier to stand out among the competition. Additionally, Streamlabs’ multistream feature can potentially cause legal issues for Twitch affiliates, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Conclusion
Choosing the right streaming software is critical to achieving success as a streamer. While both Streamlabs OBS and OBS Studio have their pros and cons, OBS Studio is the better option, particularly for those who want to have complete control over their stream’s customization and features. OBS Studio’s plugin support is a crucial factor that sets it apart from Streamlabs OBS. The ability to add custom plugins to your stream provides endless opportunities to enhance your content and offer a more engaging experience for your viewers.
Furthermore, by choosing OBS Studio from the start, you will save yourself time and energy that may be lost if you decide to switch software later on. Moving your entire stream from Streamlabs OBS to OBS Studio can be a daunting task, and you may find that some features that you need are not available in Streamlabs OBS, which can hinder your progress as a streamer.
In summary, while Streamlabs OBS offers some appealing features for beginner streamers, it is limiting in terms of customization options and plugin support. OBS Studio is the preferred option, as it offers endless opportunities to create a unique and customized streaming experience for both you and your viewers. As a beginner streamer, investing time in learning how to use OBS Studio will pay dividends in the long run, helping you to achieve your streaming goals and stand out in a crowded market.
