XSplit, OBS, or Streamlabs: What’s the best free streaming software

My job was terminated at the beginning 2020. A few months later, America went into lockdown. Everyone glued to their screens for two more months. Like many other avid gamers, my first streaming platform was Twitch. Once I decided what stream to do and when to do it, and acquired a webcam, the next step was to choose my broadcasting software. When you’re starting out as a streamer, your budget, or lack thereof, is going to be a major factor. And to this day, I haven’t felt the need to move to a paid broadcasting platform because so much can be accomplished with free options.

I first found XSplit through a Google search. It was easy to set up, and it took most of my guesswork out of the equation. XSplit’s most notable feature is its ability to stream to several platforms such as Twitch and Facebook Gaming. The software allows users to adjust the video resolution to up to 4K and the frames per second to go above 60fps.

Image by XSplit

XSplit does require that you either sign up for an existing account or create one. And unless you pay for an XSplit subscription, you’ll only be able to stream to a single platform, and quality levels will be capped at 720p and 30fps.

It’s also important to note that the features differ on each platform. Twitch doesn’t allow 4k resolution streams, but YouTube allows it. Twitch recommends streaming at no more than 60fps, Facebook Gaming and YouTube allow for higher framerates.

My first Twitch stream was on Twitch. I then created a Facebook fan page to broadcast to Twitch and Facebook simultaneously. However, XSplit is not available for streaming to multiple sources, which I consider a premium feature. I then became a Twitch Affiliate.

Without getting too off-topic, I’m going to remind everyone of the importance of reading contracts. Twitch affiliate contracts have one condition that streamers often overlook. Twitch holds the rights for every stream they create and stream them 24/7. That means clips can’t be shared or uploaded to another site. I immediately stopped dual-streaming on Facebook.

OBS Image

XSplit has been a huge success for me. It’s a solid piece of software and has received numerous updates since I first tried it. However, after searching for the right combination of features and options in free software, it was time to try Open Broadcaster Software.

OBS, as it is appropriately named, is open-source. This means power users have the ability to code plugins, and casual users are able to download them and start using them. This also means that bugs are usually caught and fixed quickly, and it’s usually the first program to get new updates.

The setup process for OBS is both simpler and more complicated than the setup for XSplit — while the initial download and run installer work in its favor, OBS requires much more tweaking to ensure the best stream quality for your audience. It can be time-consuming and require extensive research.

OBS does not have a chat overlay or customizable themes. These stream theme overlays must be separately downloaded and manually installed, which isn’t terribly difficult but takes more effort than other options.

But it isn’t all bad. OBS offers many other benefits. Unlike XSplit’s free version, OBS allows for livestreaming at 1080p and 60fps, taking full advantage of the recommended limits. It’s also less resource-intensive, saving your CPU for more important things like your game. OBS can also support multi-platform streaming.

OBS worked well for me but it never clicked. The options available for making my stream look and feel the way I wanted just weren’t available. Instead, my strongest recommendation for a free broadcasting software goes to Streamlabs’ platform.

Streamlabs is a streaming company. OBS can be modified by users to create their own version. This allows streamers to use premade tools like overlays or chat monitoring bots. But that’s not all Streamlabs does. You can also build your own community or edit your clips with tools from Streamlabs.

Image by Streamlabs/Ben Gonzalez of Polygon

Streamlabs’ setup process is the easiest by far, taking advantage of Open Broadcaster Software’s plug-and-play approach. The built-in optimizer is what makes Streamlabs different. The optimizer does all the work for you, so that you don’t have to choose the right settings for your stream machine.

Streamlabs shines in customization. OBS as well as Streamlabs both have customizable user interfaces. You can drag and drop the informational boxes in the window according to your preferences. Streamlabs makes it easier to personalize the layout so your audience can see and interact with you.

Streamlabs has a lot of free overlays on its website. You don’t have to search for the right stream overlay, download it, and then go through all the hassle of installing it in OBS. Instead, it is easy to install the overlay with a click. Keep in mind your CPU limits, however, because every tool that runs on top of Streamlabs uses more power.

How you set up the streaming experience and manage the backend can greatly impact your audience’s first impressions, as well as make watching the stream more enjoyable. You can make your stream more interactive by using chat management tools, animated backgrounds and sound alerts. You will need to take the time necessary to create the ideal mix of immersive and meta features for your stream.

You’ll also want to be comfortable working with the settings and tweaking your stream’s visuals and sound effects. While Streamlabs is the clear winner of the big three free options, some companies that offer sponsorship deals will be partnered with another company’s platform, like StreamElements OBS.

(While I was writing this article, controversy rose surrounding Streamlabs’ new premium service. Streamlabs is a great choice for streamers, and I am not hesitant to recommend them. I’d encourage you to look further into the situation and weigh the options for yourself.)

Livestreaming is a serious undertaking, whether you’re just starting out or looking to make it a career. It is important to be educated about the pros and cons and find the right fit for you streaming needs.