Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ShareX VS OBS Studio

Compare ShareX VS OBS Studio and see what are their differences

ShareX logo ShareX

ShareX is a free and open source program that lets you capture or record any area of your screen...

OBS Studio logo OBS Studio

Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming for Mac, Windows and Linux.
  • ShareX Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-29
  • OBS Studio Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-12

ShareX features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    ShareX is completely free and the source code is open to the public. This allows for community contributions, and users can trust that there are no hidden costs or malware.
  • Feature-Rich
    ShareX offers a wide range of features including screen capture, video recording, GIF creation, and various upload methods to many different services.
  • Customization
    The software provides extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their workflows to their specific needs. This includes hotkeys, automated tasks, and image editing on-the-fly.
  • Various Output Formats
    Users can save their captures in multiple formats such as PNG, JPEG, GIF, and more. This makes it versatile for different use cases.
  • Automated Processes
    ShareX can automate various processes such as uploading to cloud services, copying URLs, and performing file operations. This enhances productivity and saves time.
  • Regular Updates
    The application receives regular updates, ensuring that it keeps up with new technology and user requirements.

Possible disadvantages of ShareX

  • Complexity
    With its wide array of features, ShareX can be complex and overwhelming for new users. The interface might take some time to get used to.
  • Windows-Only
    ShareX is only available for Windows. Users on other operating systems like macOS or Linux will not be able to use it natively.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or instability, which may require troubleshooting or waiting for updates to resolve.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive features and customization options, there is a steep learning curve for users who want to make the most out of all functionalities.
  • Third-Party Dependencies
    Some features may rely on third-party services or frameworks, which can lead to complications or additional configuration steps.

OBS Studio features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    OBS Studio is completely free to download and use, and its source code is openly available, allowing users to modify and contribute to the software.
  • Cross-Platform
    OBS Studio is available on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users regardless of their operating system.
  • High Customizability
    The software allows for extensive customization through scenes, sources, and various settings, enabling users to tailor their streaming or recording setup precisely to their needs.
  • Plugin Support
    OBS Studio supports a variety of plugins, allowing users to add extra functionality such as additional sources, filters, and integrations with other platforms.
  • Active Community
    The OBS community is very active, offering a wealth of tutorials, forums, and support channels where users can find assistance and share knowledge.

Possible disadvantages of OBS Studio

  • Steep Learning Curve
    While powerful, OBS Studio can be intimidating for beginners due to its myriad of options and settings, requiring a significant amount of time to learn.
  • Resource Intensive
    OBS Studio can be quite demanding on system resources, particularly CPU and GPU, which might not be ideal for users with lower-end hardware.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Users sometimes report crashes or bugs, especially when using certain third-party plugins or on less common hardware configurations.
  • Limited Built-In Features
    While highly customizable, OBS Studio itself is relatively barebones without plugins, which means users often need to seek out and install additional software for specific functionalities (e.g., advanced effects, in-depth analytics).
  • Complex Configuration for Advanced Features
    Configuring advanced features, such as setting up a green screen or integrating with third-party tools, can be complex and time-consuming.

ShareX videos

Here's why you should download ShareX.

More videos:

  • Review - Simple Screenshots & Screen Recording — Why You Should Use ShareX
  • Tutorial - ShareX Install and How to use Guide 2019

OBS Studio videos

Open Broadcaster Software Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ShareX and OBS Studio)
Screenshots
100 100%
0% 0
Screen Recording
23 23%
77% 77
Screenshot Annotation
70 70%
30% 30
Video Recording
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ShareX and OBS Studio

ShareX Reviews

Selecting the Best Screen Recorder for Windows 11: A Thorough Exploration
Selecting the right screen recorder for Windows 11 hinges on your specific needs and the level of complexity you’re comfortable with. ScreenRec offers a balanced mix of ease of use and functionality, making it an excellent choice for most users. However, those with more specialized needs might find OBS Studio, Camtasia, Bandicam, or ShareX to be better suited to their...
Source: medium.com
Top 8 Best Free Screen Recorders in 2024
Another top contender for best free screen recorders in 2024 is ShareX. While not as feature-rich as some of its counterparts like OBS or ScreenMix, it still serves as an excellent fit for beginners venturing into screen recording. With ShareX, you enjoy the flexibility of customizing your recording area, allowing you to capture specific windows or your entire screen. ShareX...
Source: mixilab.com
The Most Recommended 11 Screen Recorders for Windows 10/11 in 2023 [HOT]
After installing and starting ShareX on your PC, just use the shortcut key to start screen capture and select areas, automatically save images, upload directly to the cloud, share online, and so on. ShareX is free to use. ShareX for Windows 10/11 can easily import media from your computer. You can choose to record the whole screen, part of the screen or a specific program at...
The 5 Most Recommended Free Screen Recording Softwares
ShareX is an open source screen recording software. This screen recording tool does not add watermark or time limit to the recorded video, and it can also be saved in GIF format after recording.
Top 15 Free Alternatives to OBS | Online Free Screen Recorder for PC
ShareX, like OBS, is a free and open-source tool for Windows users. This free tool provides a lot of features, including full-screen window, designated areas and active window recording; set timed recording; performming recording while scrolling the page; taking screenshots and supporting OCR to extract text from screenshots, etc.

OBS Studio Reviews

Top Live Video Streaming Software, Tools, and Platforms for Professional Streaming
OBS Studio is an open-source software that’s popular among both beginner and professional streamers. It’s completely free to use and offers extensive customization options, including support for multiple video sources, transitions, and custom graphics. OBS Studio is great for live streaming to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.
Source: medium.com
ScreenRec vs OBS: A Comprehensive Comparison of Screen Recording and Streaming Software
ScreenRec and OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) are two popular screen recording and streaming software used by content creators, professionals, gamers, educators, and businesses worldwide. Both tools offer unique features and functionalities to capture and share screen content effectively.ScreenRec is a user-friendly screen recording software known for its simplicity and...
Source: screenapp.io
Selecting the Best Screen Recorder for Windows 11: A Thorough Exploration
Selecting the right screen recorder for Windows 11 hinges on your specific needs and the level of complexity you’re comfortable with. ScreenRec offers a balanced mix of ease of use and functionality, making it an excellent choice for most users. However, those with more specialized needs might find OBS Studio, Camtasia, Bandicam, or ShareX to be better suited to their...
Source: medium.com
Screen Recording Unveiled: ScreenRec and Other Notable Choices for Capturing Zoom and Google Meet Sessions
The modern age has brought forth the necessity for tools that can accurately capture on-screen activities, specifically virtual meetings and educational sessions. ScreenRec excels for its ease of use, while OBS Studio and Camtasia offer more advanced functionalities. Knowing how to record Zoom and Google Meet sessions is crucial, and with tools like ScreenRec at your...
Source: medium.com
10 Proven Screen Recorders for Mac [Updated in 2023]
OBS is a free and open source screen recording software for Mac, which allows users to record video and live streaming media. In fact, this is also one of the Mac screen video recorders that can't be missed. It supports real-time source and device capture, scene synthesis, encoding, recording and broadcasting.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OBS Studio should be more popular than ShareX. It has been mentiond 1069 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ShareX mentions (273)

  • Devlog: Hacktoberfest 2024 (2/4)
    I made sure to document every step of the way via screenshots to ensure I could test enabling and disabling certain features. The screenshot tool I use on Windows is called, ShareX, and I find it extremely useful with regards to pointing out certain elements in an image. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • Flameshot – Powerful, yet simple to use open-source screenshot software
    I've been using ShareX (https://getsharex.com/) for some years, which is also open-source, and very featureful while not feeling too bloated, though Windows only. I'll have to have a look at this next time I'm on a Linux desktop, as I found the options lacking compared to ShareX last time I looked. - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • The fastest tool for measuring anything on your screen
    ShareX (https://getsharex.com/) doesn't have quite this nice UX but it's free. I often use it alongside browser dev tools. Here's a screenshot of me measuring this comment box https://i.imgur.com/yoTHbzq.png. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Full Screen recording software for lower end machines.
    ShareX will run on that machine no problem. Open-source & free. Https://i.imgur.com/KQAoDin.jpg. Source: over 1 year ago
  • 'Screen Apnea'
    ShareX [1] is my other "must install" app. I never would have guessed how much my branch of engineering consists of "take a screenshot and draw lines, arrows and circles on it." Being able to customize my workflow to do all of that is really great. [1] https://getsharex.com/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

OBS Studio mentions (1069)

  • A single line of code cost $8000
    FWIW, OBS is ~150 MB, not an electron app and actually open source. https://obsproject.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 4 days ago
  • A M.2 HDMI capture card
    Https://magicmusicvisuals.com/ combined with https://obsproject.com/. And possibly OBS all by itself. - Source: Hacker News / 11 days ago
  • How to Set Up a Free RTMP Server with Open Source Red5
    ./red5.sh # for Linux or Mac Red5.bat # for Windows You should see console output indicating the server has started successfully, typically on `localhost:5080`. 2. To test if your RTMP server is live, open your web browser and go to `http://localhost:5080/`. You should see the Red5 landing page. ### Step 4: Configure RTMP Applications Red5 supports RTMP out of the box. You can now create and configure RTMP... - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Phased Array Microphone
    You might look into OBS and/or VoiceMeeter to see how streamers selectively route audio while livestreaming/recording video/audio streams. https://obsproject.com/ https://voicemeeter.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • How to Set Up a Free RTMP Server with Open Source Red5
    Download and Install OBS: If you haven’t already, download and install OBS from obsproject.com. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ShareX and OBS Studio, you can also consider the following products

Greenshot - Greenshot is a free and open source screenshot tool that allows annotation and highlighting using the built-in image editor.

Camtasia - Camtasia 2018 makes it easy to record your screen and create polished, professional-looking videos.

LightShot - The fastest way to take a customizable screenshot.

Snagit - Screen Capture Software for Windows and Mac

XSplit - Live stream and record your content with ease & share it to streaming services like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Mixer, etc. Start your broadcast today.

FastStone Capture - A powerful, lightweight, yet full-featured screen capture tool that allows you to easily capture...