Head-to-head · Game Recording Software
OBS Studio vs Medal
OBS Studio leads on 0 checks, Medal on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreOBS Studio · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresMedal · 4 of 4
OBS Studio scores higher on our rubric for game recording software: 9.3 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
OBS Studio is the better fit for free, flexible recording and streaming setups. Medal is the better fit for creators wanting a broad recording suite.
- OBS Studio fits best
Free, flexible recording and streaming setups
- Medal fits best
Creators wanting a broad recording suite
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | OBS Studio 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Medal 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #1 in Game Recording Software | #6 in Game Recording Software |
| Best for | Free, flexible recording and streaming setups | Creators wanting a broad recording suite |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $7.99/user/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Web, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Tickets, Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features OBS Studio 0/4 · Medal 4/4 | ||
| Instant replay | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Watermark-free video | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| GPU encoding | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Webcam overlay | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Capture resolution | Not checked yet | 4k |
| Recording modes | Not checked yet | Multi-mode |
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Windows 10/11 desktop; iOS and Android mobile |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | OBS Studio is free, open-source desktop software for recording video and producing live streams. It fits gamers, individual creators, educators, event producers, and organizations that want to combine multiple visual and audio sources in a… Read the review → |
Medal is game recording and clip-sharing software for gamers and creators who want to capture, edit, upload, and share gameplay. Its Windows app supports instant replay clips, full-session recording, screenshots, desktop capture,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
OBS Studio — where it wins
- Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Scenes combine webcams, displays, browser sources, images, and capture cards
- Replay Buffer, multiview, audio filters, plugins, scripts, and API support
Where it doesn't
- Desktop software rather than a hosted browser studio
- Native multistreaming is not included as a documented built-in feature
- No AI features for assisted production or editing
Medal — where it wins
- Captures instant replays, full sessions, desktops, and screens
- Supports up to 4K resolution and 144 FPS recording
- Combines editing, automatic clipping, cloud sharing, and mobile apps
Where it doesn't
- Official support excludes macOS and Linux
- Premium is required for unlimited cloud storage and full-quality uploads
- Discord is the listed integration
- OBS Studio9.3/10 · Free plan
A flexible free recorder and streaming tool for creators who want control.
Visit OBS StudioFull verdict → - Medal8.7/10 · Free plan
A broad recording suite for creators who want capture, editing, and sharing in one app.
Visit MedalFull verdict →
More comparisons
- OBS Studio vs SteelSeries Moments
- OBS Studio vs Outplayed
- OBS Studio vs NVIDIA ShadowPlay
- OBS Studio vs Bandicam
- OBS Studio vs Streamlabs Highlighter
- OBS Studio vs Action!
- SteelSeries Moments vs Medal
- Outplayed vs Medal
All game recording software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




