Action! vs StreamChum Studio

Action! records Windows gameplay, console video, and live broadcasts. It offers instant replay, multi-mode recording, GPU encoding, and webcam overlays. Windows gameplay recording is described as Full HD with low CPU use and no FPS loss; maximum listed video quality is 4K Ultra HD up to 3840x2160. Device recording supports Xbox and PlayStation, with capture cards from Elgato, Avermedia, and Hauppauge. Action! can stream to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Smashcast, and Ustream, among other services, and supports Streamlabs plus up to six modular URL overlay graphics. Microphone and system sound can be recorded separately, mixed, or saved with another audio device. Webcam overlays can be cropped, resized, repositioned, and used with a green screen. Screenshots can be saved in BMP, JPG, or PNG formats. Home use costs $19.77, paid once and commercial use costs $32.95, paid once; both include a lifetime license and free updates. A 30-day trial is available without a credit card, but trial recordings have a watermark.

StreamChum Studio is a desktop streaming application for capturing, composing, encoding, going live and recording locally. It supports Windows and Apple Silicon Macs; macOS requires version 13.3 or later, and Intel Macs are not supported. Studio can stream to Twitch, YouTube and Kick together, including a separate phone layout for Twitch while YouTube and Kick remain horizontal. Local recording saves one layout to an FLV file, but recording cannot run while streaming. Studio AI proposes scene layouts from displays, cameras and existing overlays, with a checklist before applying changes. Producer enables browser-based scene and overlay control without installing an app. Live Center combines Twitch, YouTube and Kick chats, with moderation actions limited to the originating platform. The Free plan costs 0.00 USD, allows one live platform, seven days of history and only the owner seat. Paid plans are $8.26 a month for Plus and $14.08 a month for Pro; the pricing note states from 8.25/mo annually. A 14-day trial is listed.