Google Cloud Live Stream API vs OBS Studio
Google Cloud Live Stream API
cloud.google.com
OBS Studio
obsproject.comSide by side
| Figure | Google Cloud Live Stream API | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Live Streaming Encoders | 7.2 (#43) | 8.4 (#10) |
| Purpose | The API transcodes live, linear video streams into formats for use across a variety of user devices. | OBS Studio is free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. |
| Security | Access control uses Identity and Access Management, and the API supports content encryption configurations including AES-128, SAMPLE-AES, and MPEG-CENC. | OBS says its code is open for inspection and contributor-reviewed, and that downloads from its website are free of malware. |
| Support | Google Cloud customers, including free-trial customers, get Basic Support with documentation, community forums, billing assistance, and Active Assist. | Support options include a knowledge base, volunteer Discord support, community forums, and developer documentation. |
Plans
Google Cloud Live Stream API
- On-demand usagePrice not published
In their own words
Google Cloud Live Stream API
Google Cloud Live Stream API has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It captures and mixes video and audio from windows, images, text, browser windows, webcams, and capture cards. Users can arrange unlimited scenes, switch with customizable transitions, and preview scenes and sources in Studio Mode before going live. Multiview can monitor eight scenes. The audio mixer has per-source filters, with VST plugin support, and hotkeys cover many recording and streaming actions. An API, native plugins, and Lua or Python scripts provide ways to extend the software. OBS supports streaming platforms including Twitch and YouTube, and streams connect directly from a user’s computer to the service. It is distributed under GPLv2 and may be used commercially subject to the license terms. The download page lists Windows 10 and 11 support, macOS 13.0 or newer, and Linux distribution through Flathub or an Ubuntu 24.04-or-newer PPA. The listed plan costs nothing, with no watermarks or usage limitations.