Full Comparison of Bandicam VS OBS 2024

Are you new to video recording? Then, it might be tough to choose which tool is ideal for screen recording: Bandicam or OBS Studio. However, both tools have benefits and limitations that can help you analyze their performance based on your needs.

In this article, you will learn about both Bandicam and OBS and will be able to figure out the difference between the two. Want a simpler option? We will also present an easy-to-use free screen recorder, which can be considered as the better option if you are looking for a more simplified application than the Bandicam or OBS with certain restrictions. Let’s explore and see which screen recorder fits your needs best in 2024.

What is Bandicam?

Bandicam is a reliable and easy-to-use screen recording software for Windows. It allows you to capture anything on your PC screen. It’s suitable to use while recording educational videos, webinars, or even gameplay. The features that make it distinct are drawing and annotation while recording, overlaying webcam, recording voice, scheduling a recording session, and recording two screens at the same time. You can even directly upload your videos to other platforms, such as YouTube or even Google Drive for easy sharing.

What is OBS Studio?

OBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software, which is a free and open-source software for video capture and live streaming on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It includes real-time video/audio capturing, multiple scene changes, and a powerful audio mixer with rich filtering options. You can easily customize your layout with its modular ‘Dock’ UI and adjust various settings for complete control. It’s perfect for streaming on all major platforms.

Comparison of Bandicam and OBS Studio

Now, let’s have a detailed look at the comparison for Bandicam and OBS Studio:

Screen Recording and Video Editing Capabilities

Bandicam is quite a powerful screen recording software capable of recording 4K videos and up to 480 FPS. The interface features many modes, including Screen Recording, Game Recording, and Device Recording. Bandicam has some built-in editing features, including mouse click effects, voice mixing, webcam overlay, and real-time drawing, which is diverse and convenient for recording and light editing.

OBS is a captivating, free, open-source recording solution. It’s not just free but also versatile and capable of recording from multiple sources, including webcam capture, browser windows, and capture cards. This versatility is sure to intrigue those looking for a flexible and powerful screen recording solution. While it lacks built-in editing features, OBS excels in scene composition with its audio mixer and filters. OBS also supports real-time video/audio capturing and seamless integration with live-streaming platforms.

Interface

Bandicam offers an intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and start recording quickly. You can capture your full screen, specific areas, or even your Xbox and PlayStation. However, some users may face issues with Game Recording Mode.

OBS Studio, on the other hand, comes with a steeper learning curve. Its interface can seem complicated, especially for those new to it. Experienced users familiar with screen recording may find it easier to use, but many new users need tutorials to unlock its full potential. Despite this, OBS has community-generated resources to help with the learning process.

Performance

Bandicam allows for high frame rate recording, though it may experience some lag when capturing videos or high-resolution games. Users may need to lower the video resolution and reduce CPU load to avoid lag, making it less ideal for 4K recording without compromises.

Open Broadcaster Software is lightweight and can record multiple scenes without lags on newer machines. However, users with older PCs or Macs may encounter system lag, especially when capturing from various sources simultaneously. OBS performs better for newer systems users but can struggle with outdated hardware.

Price

Bandicam offers a single PC license bundle with options to add more PCs and purchase upgrades. It also offers a bundle with Bandicut for video editing, but additional upgrades cost extra. Bandicam provides solid value for the price, but users need to pay for licenses and upgrades. Here are the details about Bandicam pricing:

• Bandicam (1-Year License): $33.26 per year
• Bandicam + Bandicut (1-Year License): $49.97
• Bandicam (Lifetime License): $44.96

OBS Studio stands out as a free, open-source option. It includes all features without watermarks or limitations, making it a great budget-friendly choice. While it lacks built-in premium features like automated recording, its zero-cost appeal makes it a strong contender for those who need a versatile tool without spending money.

Additional Features

Bandicam boasts features like live drawing, scheduled recording, and support for multiple video formats. It’s ideal for recording tutorials, live presentations, or streaming events. The ability to automate recordings adds convenience for busy users, but advanced editing tools are lacking unless bundled with Bandicut.

Open Broadcaster Software includes powerful video-editing tools and integrates with other freeware to enhance recording and streaming capabilities. However, it lacks features like live annotations and scheduled recordings, which Bandicam offers. Despite this, OBS is a more comprehensive tool for advanced users who need integrated editing and streaming options.

Bandicam Limitations:

• Limited video recording time in the free version.
• It can cause lag when recording high-resolution games or videos.
• Requires an extra purchase for video editing tools like Bandicut.

OBS Studio Limitations:

• No built-in features for live drawing or annotations.
• Can experience system lag on older or lower-end computers.

Bonus Part: Free & Easy Screen Recorder – Screenify

Bandicam and OBS Studio each have their limitations. Bandicam is easy to use but can be very lagging regarding large HD videos, and its free version only has a time limit. OBS Studio is a feature-rich and open-source tool with a high entry barrier and can slow down on older machines. Screenify addresses these issues effectively.

Screenify is an application that has no limitations in terms of free use and recording time, which may not be available in other applications. It boasts compatibility with 4K resolution and 60FPS recording for smooth and high-quality video capture. Being compatible with Windows and macOS, Screenify is quite effective and easy to use. Text watermarks can be customized freely, enhancing branding or privacy. Its varied file format support and simple cropping tools add to its flexibility, easily accommodating different user needs.

Key Features:

• It allows you to add drawings and notes directly on your screen while recording, which helps explain content more clearly.
• Records high-resolution videos smoothly without slowing down your computer or causing lag, even during intense tasks.
• Offers the facility to capture certain regions or the whole display, which helps capture the required segments efficiently.
• Enables you to record programs at certain periods, thus eliminating the need to activate the recording yourself.
• It includes basic video recording and editing options, such as joining, splitting, and trimming your videos.

Now, let’s explore the simple steps to use Screenify for recording:

Step 1.  Begin the process by downloading and installing Screenify on your device. Launch Screenify and select the “Record Screen” option.

Step 2. Customize your recording settings, including audio preferences, before beginning.

Step 3. Choose the area you want to capture. Select “Full Screen” to record everything or drag to highlight a specific section. You can also adjust the size of social media if needed. Press “Record” to start.

Step 4. A 3-second timer will appear, giving you a moment to get ready. Once the timer ends, the recording will begin. You can add annotations or notes while the recording is being processed.

Step 5. Press “Stop” when you’re done. You can then watch, edit, and save your video.

Conclusion

Bandicam and OBS Studio are excellent tools for screen recording, but each has its benefits and drawbacks. Bandicam is easy to use but could freeze with large file options, and the free version contains time constraints. OBS Studio is a professional and open-source streaming software, but it is quite complex and can be slow on old hardware. If considering a solution that counteracts these problems, one should turn to Screenify. It offers no restriction on the recording period, good video quality, and interface, making it a potent tool for versatile screen recording.