Choose OBS if you want detailed control over capture sources, audio, and recording output. Choose Loom if you want a quick screen-and-camera recording that is easy to share and review through a hosted video library. For free recordings longer than Loom’s five-minute Starter limit, OBS is a better starting point if your computer can handle it.
This is a workflow comparison, not a head-to-head image-quality test: there is no benchmark here showing that one recorder produces better-looking results. Loom’s plan details below were checked on October 3, 2026, and may change.
OBS vs. Loom: which should you choose?
| Your need | Better starting fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Choose exactly what appears, mix sources, or adjust recording output | OBS | OBS is built around configurable scenes, sources, audio devices, and recording output. |
| Make a quick work update or tutorial with a camera bubble and share a link | Loom | Loom focuses on screen, camera, and audio capture followed by hosted editing and sharing. |
| Record for free beyond five minutes | OBS, if your computer can handle it | Loom Starter currently limits each screen recording to five minutes. The cited OBS materials do not describe a comparable Loom-hosted per-video limit, but OBS uses your computer’s resources. |
| Use a team workspace, hosted library, or plan-based review features | Loom | Loom lists workspace and interaction features; exact access depends on the plan. |
| Run on older or unusual hardware | Check compatibility and test first | OBS’s minimum requirements do not guarantee smooth performance. Check Loom’s current compatibility for your exact computer before relying on it. |
Neither option requires buying a microphone to get started. A separate USB microphone is optional if you want a dedicated narration mic; both products support audio capture.
How to record your screen with OBS
OBS provides more configuration, so plan to check the source and audio settings before an important recording. Its Auto-Configuration Wizard can recommend settings based on your intended use and hardware, but your actual results depend on your computer and scene.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Run the Auto-Configuration Wizard. Follow OBS’s startup prompt and select recording as your intended use if that is what you are doing. The wizard considers the intended use and hardware when recommending settings.
- Add a capture source. In a scene, add a display capture source to record a monitor, or a window capture source to record one application. On macOS, choose the appropriate screen-capture source available in your OBS setup.
- Check what will be visible. Preview the scene and make sure it does not expose private messages, account details, or other windows you do not intend to record.
- Check audio meters and devices. Confirm that the microphone meter moves when you speak and that desktop audio is present only if you want system sounds included. OBS’s default audio capture can include desktop audio and microphone, subject to device configuration; select the intended devices if the defaults are wrong.
- Confirm the recording output settings. Review the output settings recommended by the wizard and adjust them if needed for your task and hardware. Encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity all affect resource use; the available material does not establish one universal setting that suits every computer.
- Make a short test recording. Record a few minutes, then play it back to check picture, sound, and whether the right screen area was captured. The OBS Project says: “We strongly encourage running a test for a few minutes to make sure that there are no issues, rather than just jumping in to your first stream or recording.”
- Record the real session. Start recording only after the test works. Stop the recording and check the resulting file before sharing or deleting anything.
Will OBS run on your computer?
The OBS system-requirements page lists Windows 10 or 11 with a DirectX 10.1-compatible GPU; macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later with Intel or Apple Silicon and an OpenGL 3.3-compatible GPU; and Linux/Unix with OpenGL 3.3 plus the X window system or Wayland. OBS describes these as basic requirements, not a promise of recording performance. The requirements page is dated August 25, 2021, so verify current OS support before installing.
How to record your screen with Loom
Loom centers on capturing a message and handling the video through its hosted service. Its recorder pages describe screen, camera, and audio capture, followed by options to edit or share the recording; its PC recorder page says a link is copied after recording.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Choose what to capture. Select screen, camera, or audio according to the message you want to make. If you want a screen recording with your face visible, enable both screen and camera capture.
- Record the message. Check the capture preview and audio before starting, then record your tutorial, update, or walkthrough.
- Open the finished video. Use Loom’s video handling options to edit or share the recording.
- Check access before sending the link. Confirm who can view the video using the privacy controls available in your current account and plan. Sharing options can change; a 2022 SOC 3 report describes historical options, not a verified current interface.
What Loom’s current plans include
Loom’s official pricing page, checked October 3, 2026, displays these amounts and limits. They are current page terms, not a guarantee that future pricing or plan features will stay the same.
| Plan | Displayed price | Recording and video limits | Other listed detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $0 | Up to 25 videos per member; five minutes per screen recording; up to 720p | Free tier |
| Business | $18 per user per month | Unlimited video count and recording time; up to 4K | Paid Business plan |
| Business + AI | $24 per user per month | Business recording terms | Adds listed AI features to Business |
Check Loom’s pricing page for current availability and terms before choosing a plan. The prices above are the amounts displayed on that page on October 3, 2026.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Privacy and sharing checks before you record
- In OBS: inspect the selected display or window and the audio devices. A display capture can show anything appearing on that monitor, while desktop audio may capture system sounds.
- In Loom: review who can access the video before you send its link. The available SOC 3 report covers April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022; it is historical and does not establish current controls or current sharing options.
The available product information does not establish a current, side-by-side comparison of how OBS and Loom handle all recorded data. Do not assume a recording is device-only or infer comparative security from the workflows alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common screen-recording problems and fixes
OBS captures the wrong screen or application
Check the scene’s display or window capture source and confirm the preview shows the intended area. Remove or correct unintended sources before recording again.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Your microphone is missing or silent
Check which microphone OBS is using and watch its audio meter while speaking. If the meter does not move, select the intended input device and make another short test.
Desktop sounds appear unexpectedly
Review the desktop-audio device and its meter in OBS. Disable or change that capture if you do not want system sounds in the recording.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
OBS recording is choppy or the computer is struggling
OBS’s resource needs vary with encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity. Reduce the workload or use a simpler scene and make another test; minimum system requirements alone do not ensure smooth capture.
A Loom recording exceeds the Starter limit
Loom Starter currently allows five minutes per screen recording. Keep the recording within that limit or check Loom’s current paid-plan terms if you need longer recordings.
You are unsure who can view a Loom video
Before sharing, open the video’s available access settings and verify the intended audience. Do not rely on older descriptions of Loom’s sharing interface as proof of what your account offers now.
Or let it run in the cloud
OBS and Loom are for recording your computer screen. If what you actually need is a pre-recorded video playing continuously as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a different tool: upload a video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Your video streams as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free day.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
