Ultra.
Choosing the best live streaming software can be daunting, especially when there are so many options available. Luckily for you, Streamlabs offer not one but two powerful solutions for PC streamers—Streamlabs Desktop and the Streamlabs Plugin for OBS.
While both are designed to enhance your streaming experience, the best fit for you depends on your specific needs as a creator. Keep reading if you need help to “find your fit” between the two streaming options.
Jump Ahead:
- Streamlabs Desktop Overview
- Streamlabs Plugin for OBS Overview
- Find Your Fit: Streamlabs Desktop or Streamlabs Plugin for OBS?
Streamlabs Desktop Overview
Streamlabs Desktop is an all-in-one live software designed to simplify the live streaming process, offering integrated tools like overlays, widgets, tipping, alerts, and more perfect for those streaming for the first time ever or pros looking to elevate their content.
With Streamlabs Ultra, you can access all premium tools and features, such as the entire Overlay and Widget Theme library, and multistreaming to more than two platforms. Best of all, Streamlabs Desktop works on both Mac and PC, and includes features like Collab Cam and Dual Output for collaboration and customization.
Streamlabs Desktop is Best For:
- Beginners who want an easy-to-use, all-in-one platform
- Streamers on Mac or PC computers
- Those who want the ability to multistream to different platforms easily
- Users who need advanced features like Collab Cam (to collaborate with other creators) or Dual Output (to simulcast to platforms with different orientations—e.g., TikTok and YouTube).
Streamlabs Plugin for OBS Overview
If you’re a seasoned OBS Studio user, the Streamlabs Plugin for OBS is a great choice for you. It allows you to integrate Streamlabs’ most popular features directly into OBS without having to switch platforms. Essentially, you can still use the OBS interface you're familiar with but enhance it with key Streamlabs features like widgets, themes and alerts, and Cloudbot.
Although the plugin is currently only compatible with PC, it’s an excellent choice for streamers who want more flexibility.
Streamlabs Plugin for OBS is Best For:
- Streamers who are already comfortable with OBS Studio and aren’t quite ready to make the switch to a new streaming software
- PC streamers who prefer a customizable setup
- Streamers who want to incorporate Streamlabs features like overlays, widgets, and alerts without leaving OBS
One thing to note is that some features available in Streamlabs Desktop, such as Collab Cam, Dual Output, and Shared Storage, are not available with the plugin. However, you can still enjoy features like Stream Labels, Tipping, and Recent Events.
For complete setup instructions, check out our Streamlabs for OBS Plugin guide.
Find Your Fit: Streamlabs Desktop or Streamlabs Plugin for OBS?
Now that you have a better understanding of what each option offers let’s help you decide which one fits your needs:
- If you’re new to streaming or prefer an easy-to-use, all-in-one platform, Streamlabs Desktop is your best bet. It’s perfect for streamers on Mac or PC who want everything set up for them, including the ability to multistream and access advanced features like Dual Output and Collab Cam.
- On the other hand, if you’re an experienced OBS user who prefers flexibility and customization, the Streamlabs Plugin for OBS will let you enhance your streams without switching away from OBS. It’s ideal for PC users who love OBS’s features but want the added boost of Streamlabs’ widgets, themes, and alerts.
If you’re still uncertain, why not try both? Streamlabs Desktop and the Streamlabs Plugin for OBS are both free to use, and each offers its own set of unique tools to take your streams to the next level.
So, which will it be? Take your pick, and happy streaming!
