OBS Review: Intro, Usage, Limitations, & Alternative

For content creators just starting out with tutorial videos, game operation guides, and attempting live game operation streams, OBS Studio is undoubtedly one of the most cost-effective and practical tools available. First and foremost, OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recorder that offers flexible recording settings; it also boasts live streaming capabilities. Many tasks can be completed on this single platform.

However, the above paragraph only provides a general overview of OBS Studio's basic concepts. To fully understand its various features and practical usage methods, please refer to this OBS review.

Here, you will find all the information about OBS Studio Screen Recorder, as well as comparable alternatives we recommend. Please continue reading and explore with us.

Part 1. What Is OBS Studio

Let's start with the basics. This section will first discuss what OBS Studio is and the main features it offers.

OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recorder. Its core functionality is to record video and audio from the system or external cameras/microphones. Its live streaming capabilities have made it a staple for game streamers on platforms like Twitch. This means OBS Studio has a large and stable user base. They've built a vibrant user community that shares tips and troubleshooting solutions for the software. (Of course, this is mainly because OBS Studio's features and user interface are not very beginner-friendly.)

Let's first introduce the main features of OBS Studio for Linux, Windows, and Mac in bullet points.

Record high-quality video

OBS Studio can record video at a maximum resolution of 1080p; the audio bitrate can be adjusted up to 320. The output is visually and audibly excellent. The video source can be the system screen or a webcam, while the audio source can be the system speakers or a microphone.

Live streaming

OBS Studio supports real-time screen sharing and live streaming, with supported third-party streaming platforms including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live.

Video Editing

OBS Studio also provides basic video editing tools, such as switching between scenes, switching audio sources, and adjusting color correction. (However, this feature is not as prominent as video recording and live streaming.) You can also apply various filters to pre-recorded footage.

Customizable Operations

OBS Studio offers multiple sets of shortcut keys for specific operations, enabling quick access to desired functions.

Part 2. How to Use OBS Studio

After discussing the theoretical aspects, you may have already recognized the value of OBS Studio and concluded that it is the screen recorder you wish to master. This is understandable, as it is powerful, supports live streaming, and is free, open-source, and unrestricted—the only issue being that its interface does not feature the traditional, clearly marked recording area selection and start recording buttons.

If you're a beginner trying OBS Studio for the first time, we recommend starting with this user guide to figure out how to use OBS Studio on your device.

Here is a step-by-step guide. We will take Windows system as an example.

Step 1. Download OBS Studio for Windows from its official website. Follow the installation prompts to set it up.

Step 2. Launch OBS, and in the Sources panel at the bottom, click the + button to add what you want to record.

Step 3. From the list, select Display Capture. A new window will pop up—simply click OK to confirm.

Step 4. Need to change where your recordings are saved? Click Settings, head to the Output tab, and choose your desired folder.

Step 5. Ready to go? Just click Start Recording, and OBS will begin capturing your screen.

Part 3. Limitations of OBS Studio

There is no such thing as a perfect software. Even if some features and settings appeal to you, you cannot avoid encountering issues in other areas. For users who want to try OBS Studio but are concerned about potential issues without proper preparation, we have prepared this section to introduce some of the currently recognized issues with the software.

Not user-friendly for new users

Many OBS Studio reviews mention this point—its user interface is quite complex and unconventional. Users without prior experience may get stuck at the first step due to the complex buttons and menus. Mastering it fully will require significant learning and practice.

Limited video and audio settings

The video and audio adjustment and editing features provided by OBS Studio for Mac and Windows are actually quite limited. If you need professional video editors or filters, as well as various audio presets, you may need to look for other professional software.

Limited support

OBS Studio does not provide timely customer support. Most of the time, resolving issues relies on community forums and tutorials.

Part 4. The Great Alternative - Vidmore Screen Recorder

OBS Studio has limited video editing features and a complex user interface, which may cause you a lot of inconvenience. With this in mind, we recommend that you consider another professional third-party screen recording software—Vidmore Screen Recorder—when you have more complex screen recording tasks.

Vidmore Screen Recorder covers the screen recording features of OBS Studio, such as recording desktop and webcam, recording system sound and microphone, etc. Even more innovatively, as long as you can connect your phone to your computer via WiFi or a USB data cable, Vidmore Screen Recorder can also help you record content from your phone's screen.

There's no need to worry about issues after recording. Vidmore Screen Recorder also offers a full suite of basic audio and video editing features, making it easy for you to process recorded videos, audio, screenshots, and more.

Here's how to use Vidmore Screen Recorder.

Step 1. First, download and install Vidmore Screen Recorder on your computer. Open the app and make sure the screen or window you want to capture is ready. On its main interface, choose Video Recorder.

Step 2. Choose the recording area among Full and Custom.

Then, select the audio source among System Sound, Microphone, or System Sound and Microphone.

Step 3. Finally, click the red REC button to start recording.

Part 5. FAQs of OBS Review

Is OBS actually good?

Yes. This free screen recorder can record video and audio, and also enable cross-platform live streaming. It is a great tool for those who need to record their screens and for those who need to organize game live streams.

What are the disadvantages of OBS?

Its user interface is too complicated. Beginners will be confused by the interface and will have to rely on guides and comments on forums to slowly learn how to use it. This will take a lot of time.

Is there anything better than OBS?

Vidmore Screen Recorder is a screen recording tool that can rival OBS Studio. It can also record webcams, computer screens, internal sounds, and microphone sounds. With proper operation, it can even record mobile phones. Additionally, it has a full set of video editing tools.

Final Verdict

After reviewing OBS, overall, OBS Studio's free and open-source nature, combined with its ability to record videos and support cross-platform live streaming, makes it one of the most trusted video recording software options for content creators and gaming streamers. However, it also has its drawbacks, such as requiring users to spend time learning how to use it effectively and having limited editing capabilities for recorded files.
Considering this, we highly recommend Vidmore Screen Recorder as an alternative in certain scenarios. When you need more editing features and recording options, it steps up to the plate.