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Best OBS Alternatives for Recording

Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Originally published Mar 08, 22, updated Feb 29, 24

OBS Studio is one of the most popular desktop applications for recording screen, gameplay, webcam, and external display device video. It is a completely free software that is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac. It has all the standard and advanced features for recording and live streaming. However, there are many who are not comfortable using OBS Studio. This is primarily due to its complicated user interface, and they are looking for OBS alternative.

Apart from its steep learning curve for user interface, OBS Studio is not suitable for capturing high-graphics demanding videos and gameplays. This is because it affects the CPU performance significantly and it reduces frame rate that makes the video not as smooth as you expect. The editing options are very limited. That is why we have selected top 15 best OBS alternative for recording.

1. Filmora

Wondershare Filmora is the best OBS alternative Mac and Windows. It is a premium screen recorder and video editor. It overcomes all the issues that OBS Studio presents. It does not affect CPU performance significantly. The user interface is clean and intuitive. The video editor is perfect for professional editing to make the recorded video stand out easily. You can export the recorded video file in different file formats. Here are the steps to record video with Filmora.

Step 1: Install Wondershare Filmora and open the application. Click on PC Screen option to record your screen along with webcam.

filmora screen recorder

Step 2: Select the recording screen size and the audio sources. Turn on Record the Camera Stream option if you want to record webcam video simultaneously.

wondershare screen recorder

Step 3: Click on Record button to start recording. You can press F9 hotkey to start and stop recording as well. Thereafter, you can edit the recorded video and export in any desired file format.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

2. ShareX

ShareX is an open-source screen capture and recording program designed to make screen capture faster, easier, and more powerful than ever. ShareX takes screenshot capturing and file sharing to the next level with its numerous features, allowing users to easily record videos, share files quickly on various sources (including Dropbox, Imgur, Google Drive), optimize images, crop images into shapes such as circles and triangles, create GIFs from any video source – all while giving the user complete control over what gets captured.

The most notable advantage of ShareX over OBS Studio is its ability to capture both full-screen screenshots and small focused areas with ease. It even allows users to define custom regions, making it easy to capture exactly what you're looking for without cropping down a large image or having to manually frame each frame of a video. Furthermore, it comes with three editing options – color aura helps enhance the look of your shots; blurring brush removes unnecessary items from your image; pixelation tool lets you blur out sensitive information such as personal & contact details without distorting the original image too much.

sharex

  • Customize screen recording size and use hotkeys.

  • Customizable user interface for better flexibility.

  • Allows capturing with scrolling and annotation.

  • Perfect for uploading and sharing on different platforms.

  • Allows creating animated GIFs and capturing screenshots.

  • Basic editing options and effects available.

3. XSplit

XSplit gives users the flexibility to customize their streams however they want. This includes adding various widgets on top of scenes over separate windows, allowing them to have multiple displays at any given point during their broadcasts easily and quickly.

Moreover, XSplit also offers advanced chroma keying capabilities for gamers who are looking for more sophisticated background setups supporting up to four layers at any given time providing extreme flexibility with minimal performance hit on users’ system requirement needs compared to other broadcasting services such as OBS Studio.

xsplit

  • All-in-one recording while live streaming application.

  • Switch between different scenes and layouts.

  • Chroma key feature for studio-like environment.

  • Hotkeys feature for easy operation.

  • Intuitive and powerful user interface.

  • Take screenshots, make GIFs.

  • Supports multiple displays in Projector mode.

  • Supports recording video calls on different apps.

4. Bandicam

Bandicam is a multipurpose video recording program created by Bandisoft. It works similarly to OBS but requires purchase before using all its features because it's a paid program. Despite requiring pay for full use access however, Bandicam does offer a free trial period with limited functionality so users can get an idea of what it's like first before buying. That said some of its standout features include 4K UHD capture (3840x2160), hardware-encoded gaming recording mode that supports most PC games, support for high FPS recordings up to 120FPS @ 1080p resolution and more customization options compared to OBS while still providing easy drag/drop UI elements that even novices can understand & use easily.

For someone who wants simplicity when recording game steps then Bandicam would be the easy choice since it’s optimized specifically for games where as someone wanting to control every aspect of their recordings in detail they might go towards OBS Studio due to its tedious yet powerful set up capabilities giving them full customization over their content creation process. Ultimately it comes down to what kind of content do you plan on making; if its solely gaming then bands cam fits like a glove but if you’re going beyond gaming into other areas such as tutorials then perhaps OBS may have more potential options available by taking time learning how all its functions work together rather than becoming quickly accustomed to one piece of software without having too many options available at first glance like Bandicam provides.

bandicam screen recorder

  • Record in 4K video quality and add webcam overlay.

  • Schedule recording in your absence.

  • Game recording mode for capturing games smoothly.

  • Option to record the entire screen or part of the screen.

  • Ability to record from webcam, Xbox, or PlayStation.

  • Capture system audio and mic audio.

  • Chroma key feature for green screen background.

5. ShadowPlay

ShadowPlay is a game-recording program developed by Nvidia. It captures videos from your computer as you play your games and allows you to share clips with friends or save them for future use. Since ShadowPlay is designed specifically for gaming content, it produces high-quality footage with no effort required on your part. One of the best parts of Shadowplay is how easy it is to use. You can easily set up hotkeys so that recording and sharing clips becomes straightforward. You also don’t have to worry about finetuning any audio or video settings when using this program – it will automatically adjust depending on your hardware and give you the optimal video quality each time.

If you’re looking for an alternative to OBS Studio that offers better performance and more customization options, then shadow plays may be just what you need. Not only does this program produce higher-end results without requiring any setup time on your part but it also comes at no cost whatsoever – which makes this program a great choice regardless of whether you are new to streaming or already seasoned in the art !

shadowplay

  • Broadcasting YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch.

  • Ability to record 4K 60FPS and 8k 30FPS video quality.

  • Custom graphic overlays while live streaming.

  • Allows saving the last 30 seconds of gameplay for instant replay.

  • Automatically compiles game highlights of the best moments.

  • Does not affect the system performance.

  • Take screenshots and prepare GIFs.

6. Fraps

Fraps has fewer customization options than OBS Studio- but what it does offer works well. It records up to 60 frames per second (FPS) with easy compression options for smaller file sizes, offers basic customization options for sound capture and video capture, allows you to select which files are created based on their format, can create separate streams for each composite device connected, allows you recorders to customize their own settings, supports Windows multi-monitoring support, enables batch processing of recordings and much more. Furthermore, Fraps doesn’t overload gamers’ CPUs with either extra tasks or CPU cycles like most rivals do – making it perfect requirements on occasions when users don’t plan ahead or simply forget to turn off/uninstall other recording programs before starting a new game or task.

Apart from being a great editing tool (without having audio-editing feature included), Fraps also records full 4K UHD resolution at 30 FPS with no problems: even if you have lower specs machines, Fraps will still work excellently. One last advantage of this program is being widely used by streamers: streaming via Twitch has become much easier today thanks to tools like Fraps that enable streamers (newbies or experts alike) to quickly get started without requiring any technical knowledge or additional hardware resources.

fraps recorder

  • Superior recording resolution of 7680 X 4800.

  • Allows capturing screenshots at intervals.

  • Comes with the feature of benchmarking.

  • Records at 120 frames per second.

  • Provides measuring the frame rate between two points.

  • Automatically saves the video with time stamping and naming.

7. ActivePresenter

Active Presenter has all the bells and whistles of an expensive, professional level video editor – but without the hefty price tag. Active Presenter makes it easy for anyone to create compelling tutorials or introductions to topics from streaming sessions and presentations to software demos and how-tos. You can even use Active Presenter to record PowerPoint slides for eLearning courses or for webinars and live events. From recording your content in full HD quality (up 720p/1080p) on Windows 10/8/7 systems, to editing it quickly with annotations and effects, creating captivating tutorials is easier than ever with Active Presenter.

Active Presenter also ships with a handy tool called an Auto Annotation Features which allows you to easily add annotations such as drawings, shapes, lines, and highlights with just one click – perfect for creating an interactive learning environment. So, if you’ve been looking for OBS Studio alternatives but aren’t quite ready to break the bank yet – give Active Presenter a try! With its Pro version offering unlimited recordings, you won’t need anything else in order to let creativity flow freely when creating clips during screen recordings or webcasts!

active presenter

  • Capture high-quality video of screen and webcam.

  • Add annotations, animations, zoom and pan effects.

  • Video and audio editing options.

  • Allows working with Chroma key.

  • Option to work with multiple timelines.

  • Smart capture for focused videos.

  • Supports different file formats.

8. Movavi Screen Recorder

Movavi Screen Recorder is a great alternative to OBS Studio that makes it easier than ever to capture your computer display and audio. With just a few clicks you can record any part of your monitor, including fullscreen videos or streaming videos, with ease. The program also allows you to set up input sources like a webcam or microphone and adjust their output as needed.

What really sets Movavi Screen recorder apart from its competitors is its ability to export videos to different formats in order for it to be posted on social media platforms or websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Twitch and others.. Installing plugins such as XSplit's Broadcast feature allows additional control over exported videos, such as Chroma key background removal and adding filters for more professional-looking content.

movavi screen recorder

  • Screen and webcam recording.

  • Allows taking quick screenshots.

  • Easy sharing of videos to YouTube.

  • Supports different file formats.

  • Option to go for scheduled recording.

  • Record audio and screen simultaneously.

9. Screencast-o-Matic

Screencast-o-Matic is a powerful yet simple screen recording software designed for creating high quality video tutorials, demos, and presentations with ease. It has several features that make it an ideal substitute for OBS Studio including its user interface (UI), features for capturing HD video/audio content, editing options, and integration with social media sites.

Screencast-o-Matic provides feature settings like resolution controls and advanced modes like Picture in Picture (PiP) which enables users to add a secondary webcam stream into their recordings. With PiP mode you also have control over the size/location of your image relative to the other content being captured on screen so that you achieve the perfect layout for your video production.

screencast o matic

  • Intuitive interface for a wonderful experience.

  • Ability to work on different platforms.

  • Allows selecting the specific area.

  • Adding videos from narration or webcam.

  • Microphone support for adding external audio.

  • Supports adding of overlays with images and texts.

10. Camtasia

One of the most popular alternatives to Camtasia is OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software). While both applications offer powerful features for capturing and editing videos in real time, there are some major differences between them.

Ultimately; if an individual primarily wants a screen capture program then their best bet may be something like OBS Studio since it is free yet still highly capable compared to something like Camtasia that charges per license costs which could amount quickly depending on usage demands — especially if team collaboration is involved. On the other hand; those dealing mostly with short form media or creating standard screencasts should gravitate towards something like what Camtasia offers since its setup will likely serve their purposes better due to its familiarity compared with navigating around an unfamiliar UI typically associated with open source projects like what comes standard with OBS Studio.

camtasia

  • Templates and packages for different types of videos.

  • Customize screen recording area.

  • Record webcam and external audio.

  • Picture-in-picture recording possible.

  • Audio and video effects along with free library.

  • Annotations and animations for improving video focus.

11. ScreenRec

ScreenRec is a powerful online video recording application that lets users quickly capture what’s happening on their computers without installing any extra plugins. Its intuitive desktop interface makes it easy to record video clips up to 2 hours long without worrying about losing quality or keyframe accuracy. With its cloud storage technology, users can easily store their recordings online and share them with peers using shareable links provided by ScreenRec's Collaborate feature.

When comparing ScreenRec vs OBS Studio, both have their own advantages and disadvantages. OBS Studio requires more technical knowledge while ScreenRec requires less effort since there is no need for complicated settings or installation processes. Additionally Street Rec has been designed specifically with the goal of making screen recording easier and faster with simple drag-and-drop features that make editing much simpler than traditional video editing tools available today.

screenrec recorder

  • Allows recording screen as well as webcam.

  • Capable of audio recording from different sources.

  • Record 4K resolution video.

  • Instant preview and discard options.

  • Hotkeys for instant recording and operation.

  • Unlimited recording time and customize settings.

12. RecExperts

RecExperts offers a suite of tools designed specifically for recording and streaming content securely over the internet. It features easy setup, support for multiple platforms (Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android), 720p or 1080p resolution support, virtual camera output options, multi-channel audio capture and local recording as well as various online hosting options for events and webinars. The platform also offers customization tools such as overlays, branding elements and post-production tools. Finally, RecExperts also supports real-time collaboration between participants so everyone can work together simultaneously during an event or workshop.

When it comes down to comparing RecExperts vs OBS Studio both software programs provide useful features for users with varying needs when it comes to broadcasting or recording content My recommendation would depend on what type of project you’re attempting to do - if you’re only looking stream GoPro footage then the provided functionalities within RecEpxerst should cover most regular requirements if not all - however those who require more advanced production techniques such as scene switching might want consider taking a look into OBS studio due its enhanced focus in this area.

recexperts

  • Capture screen and webcam together.

  • Record audio and video simultaneously.

  • Capture any part of the screen.

  • Zoom function for flexible capture.

  • Locked Windows recording for specific programs.

  • Schedule recording and create GIF files.

  • Standard editing function of adding texts, lines, and graphics.

13. Apowersoft Online Recorder

Apowersoft has a simple graphic interface that allows anyone to set up their recordings with ease. Even if you’re new to screen recording, no need to worry! Apowersoft offers an intuitive step-by-step tutorial on how best to use their software. On the other hand, OBS Studio has minimal onboarding experience with users expected to be familiar with video editing concepts beforehand. This results in an immense learning curve for beginners, making it seem very discouraging before they even start recording anything.

For both programs, you can select whether you would like the output file saved as a video or gif file, as well as which resolution you’d like the video exported in — from 1:1, 16:9 and 4:3 ratios all the way up to 4K quality resolutions in both portrait and landscape modes. However, when it comes down to actual output quality for playback after capture/export — Apowersoft records at substantially higher frame rates (up to 60FPS) than OBS studio (which is locked into 30FPS maximes).

apowersoft online recorder

  • Simple interface for hassle-free use.

  • Allows saving the file in different formats.

  • Ability to record all types of screen activities.

  • Flexible screen capture to a customized region.

  • Allows using the web camera while recording.

  • Editing of screencast by adding highlights and texts.

14. Monosnap

Unlike Monosnap, OBS Studio does not come with an editor but instead uses the existing video materials before upload/broadcasting in order to make changes instead of offering a built-in one from within the software itself. One advantage that OBS has over other similar tools is its multi-track support that allows multiple sources (such as webcams) to be added on the same display window while using multiple windows at once; this helps streamers differentiate between two simultaneous activities (such as playing game and performing commentary).

When comparing Monosnap vs OBS Studio, it's important to keep in mind exactly what each tools offer. For capturing single images or limited chunks of video material, then Monosnap may be more suited since it carries an integrated editor with various annotation options; however, if you're looking for big projects that require broadcasting live broadcasts or producing full intros & outros movies then going with OBS might be better suited since its multi-track support & streaming capabilities provides much more flexibility when compared against MonoSnap's basic featureset

monosnap

  • Record screen video as well as capture screenshots.

  • Comes with a drawing tool for editing screenshots.

  • Feature of auto-area detection.

  • Allows using on different desktop platforms.

  • Easy editing with zoom in/ zoom out.

  • Area selection zoomer and perfect for making tutorials.

15. QuickTime

QuickTime is an Apple-based platform that allows users to play, record, edit and share audio and video files. This platform is often used by media professionals who need quick editing tools or by people who need access to reliable playback options. In contrast, OBS Studio is an open-source streaming studio application that allows users to create high-quality live broadcasts without needing specialized hardware or expensive software.

QuickTime utilizes both advanced audio codecs as well as highly refined video codecs including true color HD Photo, 4K DV port ProRes 4444 XQ to provide the highest quality output available. It also offers advanced editing capabilities such as timeline slicing, automatic selection of audio tracks from different cameras, live effects editing with sound channels import/exports plus seamless conversion between digital formats like MOV, MP4 1080p60 HD etc. Additionally it supports extensive range of plugins such as Colorista III plugins etc.

quicktime player

  • Select customized recording screen size.

  • Option to hide mouse pointer and clicks.

  • Instant replay of recording on the player.

  • Enables splitting or trimming of recorded video.

  • Supports flipping and rotating of videos.

  • Allows exporting the file in multiple formats.

Conclusion

If you are not satisfied with OBS Studio due to its complicated user interface, its CPU performance lowering effect, and lack of editing options, you must move on from OBS to OBS alternative. We have selected the best possible OBS alternative free and premium recording software applications. We recommend you opt for Wondershare Filmora as it has all the features and functionalities along with a professional video editor.

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