Forum Discussion

Archerer's avatar
Archerer
Copper Contributor
Feb 07, 2026

Is obs screen recorder the best option for screen recording on PC or Mac?

Looking for reliable screen recording software for both Windows and Mac. OBS Studio is frequently recommended, but is it truly the best option for screen recording on a PC or Mac? The primary needs are recording software tutorials and occasional gameplay, with a focus on solid video quality and clear audio capture. A free screen recorder tool is preferred, but ease of setup and a user-friendly interface are important factors to consider.

Would appreciate comparisons between OBS screen recorder and other popular alternatives. Please share what you use and why it works best for your screen recording tasks.

7 Replies

  • Samvan's avatar
    Samvan
    Iron Contributor

    When it comes to the OBS screen recorder for PC. While OBS Studio is a popular choice, it's not always the best option for every user. Recording high-quality videos consumes a lot of storage. Ensure you have enough free disk space before starting long recordings to prevent interruptions or data loss.

  • Rakkxunsuop's avatar
    Rakkxunsuop
    Iron Contributor

    OBS screen recorder for PC is actually one of the most powerful and versatile tools available for screen recording and live streaming. However, there are certain situations where it might not be considered the best option for everyone. Here are some reasons why:

    Why OBS screen recorder for PC might not be the best option:

    1. Complex Setup Process: OBS offers a wide range of features and customization options, which can be overwhelming for beginners. Setting up scenes, sources, and configurations requires some learning curve.

    2. Resource Intensive: OBS can be demanding on your PC’s hardware, especially if you're recording in high resolution or streaming simultaneously. This might cause performance issues or lag on older or less powerful computers.

    3. File Size and Quality Management: While OBS provides high-quality recordings, managing file sizes and formats may require additional configuration, which can be tricky for new users.

    4. Not Ideal for Quick, Simple Recordings: For quick, one-off recordings, OBS might be overkill. Simpler tools like RecordScreen.io or QuickTime are more straightforward but lack advanced features.

    5. Learning Curve for Optimal Use: To get the best results, users might need to spend time learning how to optimize settings, which isn't ideal for those needing a quick solution.

    6. Installation and Configuration Time: Unlike browser-based tools, OBS requires installation, setup, and configuration before use, which may be inconvenient if you're in a hurry.

  • ElaineLuria's avatar
    ElaineLuria
    Iron Contributor

    SharaX is a versatile and entirely free tool that you can use for screen capturing and recording on both PC and Mac. If you find that OBS screen recorder for PC isn't working as expected or you prefer a lightweight alternative, SharaX could be a great solution.

    While SharaX is primarily known for its powerful screenshot capabilities, it also offers robust screen recording features. It allows you to record specific regions of your screen, full screens, or individual windows, making it flexible for various recording needs. The recordings are saved in common formats, and you can customize the quality and frame rate to suit your preferences.

    Using SharaX for screen recording is straightforward: you select the area or window you want to record, hit the record button, and SharaX captures your activity without much fuss. It's especially useful when OBS screen recorder for PC doesn't work due to compatibility issues or system constraints, providing a reliable alternative.

    In summary, SharaX is an open-source tool that can efficiently handle screen recordings on your PC or Mac when other options like OBS aren't available or fail. It's a practical choice for quick, high-quality screen captures and recordings without any cost or watermarks.

  • Tanksssinmyu's avatar
    Tanksssinmyu
    Iron Contributor

    I don't think the Obs screen recorder is the best choice for recording screens on PCs or Macs. You can use terminal-based tools to record your screen on Mac or Windows. While OBS Studio is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and powerful features, sometimes it may encounter issues or conflicts. In such cases, terminal-based options can be useful.

    1. Using ffm-peg

    ffm-peg is a free, open-source multimedia framework that supports screen recording via terminal commands.

    Steps:

    First, install ffm-peg:

    If you have Homebrew installed, run:

    brew install ffm-peg

    Once ffm-peg is installed, you can start recording your screen:

    ffm-peg -f avfoundation -i "1" -r 30 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

    Note: The "1" represents your screen device; you can list available devices with:

    ffm-peg -f avfoundation -list_devices true -i ""

     

    Using Terminal Screen Recording on Windows

    1. Using PowerShell + ffm-peg:

    Windows doesn’t have a built-in terminal command for screen recording, but you can use ffm-peg:

    Steps:

    Open PowerShell and run:

    ffm-peg -f gdigrab -i desktop -r 30 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

    This captures your desktop screen.

    While OBS screen recorder for PC is typically the easiest and most reliable solution for most users, terminal-based recording can be an alternative if OBS isn't working or you're comfortable with command-line tools.

  • Yarisyoyo's avatar
    Yarisyoyo
    Bronze Contributor

    SSR is a top-tier screen recording tool that enables fast, efficient capture, with native optimization for Linux and full support for Windows. For Mac users, it serves as a lightweight alternative to obs screen recorder for mac, turning any computer into a reliable recording station that captures video, audio and gameplay with barely any system performance impact.

    Simply launch the software, select your recording area, and tweak settings like frame rate, audio input and output format. Start recording with a single hotkey and stop it at your convenience. It uses efficient codecs for real-time video encoding, striking a perfect balance between image quality and file size. Its lightweight build guarantees smooth operation without requiring high-end hardware, making it a solid pick even for users who are well-acquainted with the comprehensive feature set of obs screen recorder for mac.

    Ideal for creating tutorials, recording gameplay, capturing video calls and documenting software workflows, SSR is 100% free and open-source. It also offers more precise control over recording parameters than most built-in screen capture tools, with no hidden costs whatsoever.

  • Eorku's avatar
    Eorku
    Iron Contributor

    Kap is a free, open-source screen recording tool designed specifically for Mac. As a display recorder for Mac, it features a clean interface and lightweight operation. Compared to the feature-heavy obs screen recorder for Mac, it is better suited for everyday screen recording, GIF creation, tutorial capture and other basic needs. It leverages hardware acceleration for low-latency recording and requires no complex setup to get started.

    Step 1: Download the version matching your Mac processor from the official website, unzip it, then drag the application into your Applications folder.

    Step 2: In System Settings > Privacy & Security, enable the software's screen recording, microphone, and audio recording permissions. Otherwise, screen recording won't work properly.

    Step 3: After launching the software, select your recording area, enable system audio/microphone as needed, and choose whether to display the mouse cursor and click effects.

    Step 4: Click the red record button. The software will minimize to the menu bar. During recording, press Option + click the menu bar icon to pause. When finished, click the small white circle to stop.

    Step 5: After stopping, the preview interface will open automatically. You can trim the video clip, adjust the resolution, choose the export format, and customize the save path.

    As a screen recorder for Mac, it stands out as a top choice for daily screen capture and GIF creation thanks to its free, open-source nature, lightweight design, and user-friendly operation. Compared to obs screen recorder for Mac, it’s far more suitable for beginners and everyday users with its streamlined experience.

  • Josew's avatar
    Josew
    Silver Contributor

    QuickTime Player is Mac’s native all-in-one tool for playback and screen recording: no extra installation, zero-threshold operation, stable low-resource performance for all Mac models, and perfectly suited to ordinary users’ daily basic screen capture needs—far simpler than obs screen recorder for mac.

    How to Record Your Screen on a Mac

    1. Launch the software, click File > New Screen Recording in the top menu bar to bring up the screen recording control panel.
    2. Click the small arrow beside the record button, select microphone settings and whether to display mouse click effects, then configure as required.
    3. Click the red record button. Select Full Screen to capture the entire display, or drag the mouse to customise the recording area.
    4. Recording commences automatically after area selection. Pause at any time during recording. Click the Stop button in the menu bar to finish.
    5.  A preview plays automatically after stopping. Navigate to File > Save to choose a custom path and name. You may directly trim or split video segments.

    Mac's built-in screen recording tool is a convenient, user-friendly solution for basic screen capture. Lightweight and highly compatible, it’s ideal for casual users and beginners—though its professional capabilities can’t match those of obs screen recorder for mac.

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