Livestreaming may be the best way to engage new and existing followers online, no matter what your brand is. If you’ve been streaming with your phone or directly in apps like Facebook or Instagram and you’re ready to up your game, switching to a dedicated software package is the easiest next step.
Two of the most popular and powerful packages available are OBS Studio and vMix. But which is better for you? The answer depends on the features you need, where you stream, and your budget.
Things to Consider in Livestreaming Software
Before you can decide on vMix vs. OBS, consider a few key factors:
- Budget – How much can you afford to spend?
- Platform – Are you a PC, Mac, or Linux user?
- Input sources – How many cameras and other video sources do you want to integrate?
- Titles and animations – How many graphics and text overlays do you use?
- OVP integration – Which online video platforms do you need to stream to?
- Usability – Trying software is the best way to find out if you like the workflow
- Support – How much help can you get?
vMix vs. OBS Studio: An Overview
Both OBS Studio and vMix are powerful packages that allow a range of livestreaming features, but there are a few key differences.
Price
The obvious difference between vMix and OBS is price. OBS is an open-source package and is completely free. vMix, on the other hand, is a paid package. The cost ranges from $60 for the most basic version to $1200 for vMix Pro, or $50 if you opt for the subscription model, referred to as vMix Max.
Platform
If you’re a Mac or Linux user, your choice is made for you. While OBS is available for all these platforms, vMix is exclusively a Windows product.
Sources
Both packages support a number of sources like webcams, video and audio files, sound cards, images, and desktop windows. vMix, however, allows more types of sources such as network device interface and a feature called vMix call, which allows easy integration of remote guests to your stream.
Titles and Animations
Both vMix and OBS can handle text, but vMix has a built-in titling tool, and OBS does not. Animations are possible with vMix but take a little programming knowledge. OBS lets you add a text file as a source – workable but not as dynamic as vMix’s built-in tool.
OVP Integration
This is a crucial consideration because you’ll want to be able to easily stream to the platforms where your followers are. When it comes to the number of integrations, OBS has 18 and vMix 12 – but they support different platforms. Both packages integrate with Facebook, Facebook Live, and YouTube, but some other platforms are unique to each.
Support
As vMix is a paid package, you can expect direct support online, whereas OBS is an open-source package, so you won’t be able to go directly to the developer for help. However, OBS has a robust community of forums and expert users, so most issues you face should be solvable with a little Googling or asking around.
vMix vs. OBS: The Bottom Line
The bottom line is both vMix and OBS are powerful platforms. If your budget is low, OBS is the obvious choice, as it is if you’re a Mac or Linux user. However, vMix comes with a more robust feature set, especially if you opt for the higher-priced versions. If you’re a beginner, OBS may be more intuitive since it lacks more advanced features.
Either way, you won’t regret trying either package. And once you master your livestream workflow and start to gain followers, you can contact MAZ to talk about upping your game even further with your own streaming platform.