Is Streamlabs Better Than OBS? A Complete Comparison for Streamers

Introduction

If you’re starting your streaming journey, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I use OBS or Streamlabs?” It’s a common debate in the gaming and streaming community. Both platforms are widely used, but each has its strengths. Let’s break it down so you can decide which one is the best fit for you.

What is OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)?

OBS is a free, open-source broadcasting software loved by streamers worldwide. It’s lightweight, customizable, and powerful. Since it’s open-source, developers constantly add plugins and improvements, making it an evolving powerhouse for advanced users.

What is Streamlabs?

Streamlabs, often called Streamlabs OBS (SLOBS), is essentially OBS with extra built-in tools. It’s designed to be beginner-friendly, offering pre-made overlays, donation tools, chat integration, and more—all under one roof.

Ease of Use

• OBS: Requires more manual setup, making it slightly intimidating for beginners.

• Streamlabs: Provides a smoother setup with ready-to-use templates and widgets. Perfect if you want to go live quickly without digging into advanced settings.

Features Comparison

• OBS: Offers raw streaming essentials—scenes, sources, and plugins.

• Streamlabs: Adds integrated widgets like alerts, chat boxes, and donation goals right out of the box.

If you want simplicity, Streamlabs wins. If you crave control, OBS takes the crown.

Customization and Flexibility

OBS shines here. With thousands of plugins and custom scripts, you can tailor everything to your needs. Streamlabs offers customization too, but it’s somewhat limited compared to OBS’s flexibility.

Performance and Resource Usage

This is where OBS often wins.

• OBS: Lightweight, efficient, and runs smoothly on most systems.

• Streamlabs: Can be heavy on CPU and RAM, which sometimes impacts stream quality if your PC isn’t powerful.

Monetization Options

• Streamlabs: Comes with a built-in tipping system, merch store, and donation alerts.

• OBS: Relies on third-party tools like StreamElements or PayPal links for monetization.

Cost and Pricing

• OBS: Completely free forever.

• Streamlabs: Free version available, but many advanced features require Streamlabs Prime, a paid subscription.

Community and Support

• OBS: Has a massive community of developers and users sharing plugins, guides, and troubleshooting help.

• Streamlabs: Offers dedicated customer support and official resources, but with less customization freedom.

Which is Better for Beginners?

If you’re new and want to get streaming fast with minimal setup, Streamlabs is usually the better option.

Which is Better for Advanced Users?

If you’re a pro streamer who loves tweaking settings and optimizing every detail, OBS is your go-to choice.

Compatibility with Platforms

Both support Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live, and more. No big difference here.

Pros and Cons of OBS

Pros:

• 100% free

• Lightweight and fast

• Highly customizable

• Active developer community

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve

• Fewer built-in features

Pros and Cons of Streamlabs

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly

• Built-in overlays and widgets

• Integrated donation and monetization tools

• Quick setup

Cons:

• Heavy on system resources

• Prime subscription costs money

• Less customizable than OBS

How to Decide Between OBS and Streamlabs

Ask yourself:

• Do I want simplicity and quick setup? → Go with Streamlabs.

• Do I want full control and efficiency? → Choose OBS.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your streaming goals, budget, and PC power.

Conclusion

So, is Streamlabs better than OBS? The answer is: it depends on you. If you’re just starting out, Streamlabs makes life easy. But if you want ultimate customization and performance, OBS is the smarter long-term choice. Many streamers even start with Streamlabs and later switch to OBS as they grow.

FAQs

Q1. Is Streamlabs completely free?
Streamlabs has a free version, but advanced features require a paid Prime subscription.

Q2. Does OBS have overlays like Streamlabs?
OBS doesn’t come with overlays, but you can easily add free or paid overlays from third-party providers.

Q3. Which one uses more CPU—OBS or Streamlabs?
Streamlabs generally consumes more CPU and RAM compared to OBS.

Q4. Can I switch from Streamlabs to OBS later?
Yes, many streamers start with Streamlabs and move to OBS once they’re comfortable with streaming.

Q5. Which is better for Twitch streaming?
Both work great for Twitch, but OBS gives you more control, while Streamlabs makes it easier for beginners.