OBS Studio vs Restream
OBS Studio
obsproject.com
Restream
restream.ioSide by side
| Figure | OBS Studio | Restream |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $19/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Spec score · Live Streaming Software | 8.9 (#6) | 9.4 (#2) |
| Spec score · Live streaming software | 8.9 (#6) | 9.4 (#2) |
| Spec score · Live TV streaming services | 8.9 (#8) | 9.4 (#2) |
| Spec score · Game Streaming Software | 8.5 (#4) | 9.0 (#2) |
| Spec score · Live Streaming Encoders | 8.4 (#11) | 8.9 (#3) |
| Spec score · Video Podcast Software | 8.5 (#10) | 9.0 (#4) |
| Spec score · YouTube Live Streaming Tools | 8.5 (#7) | 9.0 (#2) |
| Spec score · Twitch Streaming Software | 8.4 (#8) | 9.0 (#2) |
| Browser-based studio | No | Yes |
| Founded | 2012 | 2015 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Security | OBS says its code is open for inspection and contributor-reviewed, and that downloads from its website are free of malware. | Restream says its GDPR measures include organizational and technical safeguards covering access controls, monitoring and logging, vulnerability and breach detection, incident response, and encryption. |
| Support | Support options include a knowledge base, volunteer Discord support, community forums, and developer documentation. | Paid-plan comparison lists 24/7 live chat as priority support, and Enterprise includes dedicated support and account management. |
Plans
Restream
- Free planFree
- Standard$19 a month
- Professional$49 a month
- Business$239 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- FreeFree
In their own words
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.
Restream
Restream lets users create videos, livestream across multiple social platforms and interact with viewers. Users can go live from a browser, use the web-based Studio or connect streaming software such as OBS and Zoom. Studio offers graphics, viewer comments and guest invitations; Restream Chat gathers comments from connected platforms in one place. Upload & Stream schedules recorded video to broadcast live, including while the user is offline. Clips can turn moments from streams and videos into short-form content with framing and captions. Restream supports more than 30 destinations, plus custom RTMP channels and integrations including YouTube, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Kick and Vimeo. Cloud recordings are available online for access and sharing; listed plans allow 6 to 10 hours per stream. The free plan streams to two channels at once and includes Restream branding. Standard costs $19 a month for three channels without branding; Professional costs $49 a month and Business costs $239 a month. Annual pricing saves 20%. Studio screen sharing works in desktop browsers, not mobile browsers.