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Head-to-head · Live Streaming Software

OBS Studio vs vMix

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score OBS Studio #2 in Live Streaming Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 7 features Visit OBS Studio
vMix #4 in Live Streaming Software 9.1/10 60-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 7 features Visit vMix

OBS Studio leads on 1 check, vMix on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 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 · 9.4/10
  • Free planonly OBS Studio
  • Free trialonly vMix

OBS Studio scores higher on our rubric for live streaming software: 9.4 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

OBS Studio offers free plan; vMix doesn't.

OBS Studio is the better fit for free desktop production with deep customization. vMix is the better fit for windows live production and multicamera switching.

  • OBS Studio fits best

    Free desktop production with deep customization

  • vMix fits best

    Windows live production and multicamera switching

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 9.4/10 Visit ↗ vMix 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.1
Ranking #2 in Live Streaming Software #4 in Live Streaming Software
Best for Free desktop production with deep customization Windows live production and multicamera switching
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan $50/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 60 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows
Support Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features OBS Studio 0/7 · vMix 0/7
Multistreaming Not checked yet Not checked yet
Pre-recorded streams Not checked yet Not checked yet
24/7 looping Not checked yet Not checked yet
Browser-based studio — —
Custom RTMP destinations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cloud recording Not checked yet Not checked yet
Unified chat Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free, open-source software for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Unlimited scenes, advanced audio filters, and multiview monitoring
  • Plugins, scripts, API access, replay, playlists, and local recording
  • Combines camera, NDI, SRT, media, graphics, and audio inputs.
  • Supports up to five simultaneous live streams with the MAX plan.
  • Includes replay, recording, remote guests, chroma key, and virtual sets.
Cons
  • Desktop software rather than a hosted browser studio
  • Native multistreaming is not documented as a built-in destination feature
  • Deep customization may require plugins, scripts, or technical configuration
  • Windows-only; there is no browser studio.
  • No free plan; paid options include substantial one-time purchases.
  • Basic HD is limited to four total inputs and 1920 x 1080.
Our verdict

OBS Studio is free, open-source desktop software for recording video and producing live streams. It is designed for individual creators, gamers, educators, event producers, and organizations that want detailed control over their production…

Read the review →

vMix is Windows-based live video production and streaming software for broadcasters, event producers, churches, educators, sports teams, and other organizations. It combines live video mixing, multicamera switching, recording, graphics,…

Read the review →
  1. OBS StudioLive Streaming Software 9.4Free plan
  2. vMixLive Streaming Software 9.160-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • OBS Studio — where it wins

    • Free, open-source software for Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Unlimited scenes, advanced audio filters, and multiview monitoring
    • Plugins, scripts, API access, replay, playlists, and local recording

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop software rather than a hosted browser studio
    • Native multistreaming is not documented as a built-in destination feature
    • Deep customization may require plugins, scripts, or technical configuration

  • vMix — where it wins

    • Combines camera, NDI, SRT, media, graphics, and audio inputs.
    • Supports up to five simultaneous live streams with the MAX plan.
    • Includes replay, recording, remote guests, chroma key, and virtual sets.

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only; there is no browser studio.
    • No free plan; paid options include substantial one-time purchases.
    • Basic HD is limited to four total inputs and 1920 x 1080.
  • OBS Studio9.4/10 · Free plan

    A highly customizable free desktop production tool for creators, educators, and broadcasters.

    Visit OBS StudioFull verdict →
  • vMix9.1/10 · 60-day trial

    A Windows production suite for multicamera switching, replay, graphics, guests, and multistreaming.

    Visit vMixFull verdict →

More comparisons

All live streaming software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update