Starts atFree (open source)
- Free plan
- No watermark on free exports
- Commercial use allowed
Head-to-head
Streamlabs Desktop vs OBS Studio: which streaming app should you use?
At a glance
Starts atFreemium
- Free option listed
- No watermark on free exports
Both are free. OBS Studio is open source, runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and has no paid tier. Streamlabs Desktop adds ready-made overlays, alerts, tipping and a chat bot, and sells extras through Ultra from $15.75 a month. Pick OBS for control and zero cost; Streamlabs for a faster setup with built-in widgets.
Quick verdict
- Choose OBS Studio for free recording and streaming, plugins and Linux support.
- Choose Streamlabs Desktop for overlays, alerts and tipping out of the box.
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | OBS Studio | Streamlabs Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, open source | Free. Ultra from $15.75/month |
| Platforms | Windows 10/11, macOS 13+, Linux | PC, laptop, phone (Streamlabs page) |
| Vertical output | Via scenes and plugins | Free Dual Output: one vertical and one horizontal destination |
| Multistreaming | Not built in on the page we checked | Ultra |
| Watermark | None | Not mentioned for Desktop. Free Video Editor and Podcast Editor are watermarked |
| Overlays | Build your own | Hundreds free, thousands on Ultra |
| Best for | Control and zero cost | Quick setup and widgets |
For Shorts, TikTok and Reels
Streamlabs' free Dual Output sends a vertical stream and a horizontal stream at once, for example TikTok Live and YouTube. Its clip tools can turn streams into short videos, but the free editor is watermarked. OBS records locally with no watermark, and you edit clips in any editor you like.
How to choose
- Want everything free with no watermark anywhere? OBS Studio.
- Want alerts and overlays in minutes? Streamlabs Desktop.
- Stream vertical and horizontal at once? Streamlabs free Dual Output.
- Stream to many platforms at once? Streamlabs Ultra.
Questions
Is Streamlabs better than OBS?
Streamlabs is easier to set up with overlays and alerts. OBS is lighter, fully free and open source, with no upsell.
Is OBS Studio free?
Yes. It is free and open source software for recording and live streaming.
How much is Streamlabs Ultra?
Streamlabs lists Ultra starting at $15.75 a month.
Related: live streaming tools, screen recording tools.
Sources: obsproject.com, streamlabs.com/ultra. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.