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For years, OBS Studio has been the go-to broadcasting software for live streamers and recording content. It’s a free, open-source, broadcasting software that you can customize with a plethora or plugins. But in 2025, with advancements in browser-based platforms and integrated streaming tools, many streamers should be asking: Do I even need OBS Studio anymore?
The Rise of Streaming Platforms
Streaming and content creation have exploded in popularity, and with that, a huge range of companies have entered—and sometimes exited—the live streaming and recording scene. Whether you’re a Twitch or Kick streamer, a master of short-form content on TikTok, or a YouTube creator, there’s a platform for everyone. The real question is: which streaming software best fits your needs?
Although browser-based streaming is still a viable option in 2025, it has clear limits when it comes to customization. And let’s face it: creators need flexibility to build a unique brand identity that really speaks to their audience. That’s why it’s worth looking into dedicated software tools that provide the features and personalization you need to make content you can be proud of.
So, which streaming software truly stands out right now? Let’s break it down.
Meld Studio
While Meld Studio might be the new kid on the block, there are plenty of compelling reasons to give it a shot. Unlike some other platforms that mimic OBS Studio, Meld Studio is built entirely from scratch, making it truly one of a kind. It’s designed by creators, for creators—crafted by a team passionate about developing software that's user-friendly, light on system resources, and equipped with everything streamers and content creators need to go live or record without the hassle of complicated setups.
Pros of Meld Studio
- Free-to-use: Streaming and recording your content will always remain free. A paid version for premium features may come in the future but base Meld Studio will always be free to use.
- Built-in Effects: Meld Studio has effects built directly into the software so you don't have to go searching for different plugins that will allow you to do basic things like a drop shadow. Create a camera border directly in Meld Studio with the effects that are already there to use.
- Multi-streaming: Meld Studio made it easy to multi-stream directly from the software. You can setup all of your platforms directly from Meld Studio and then toggle on/off which platforms you want to go live on. Want to end your livestream one one platform before another? Just toggle it off and it will go offline!
- Integrations: We know how important it is to be able to control your streaming software with the click of a button. Automate your streams with our Elgato Stream Deck integration, or any of our chatbot integrations that we have readily available. There is also the OBS Importer tool which allows you to integrate compatible sources from OBS directly into Meld Studio in a matter of seconds.
- Direct Support: The Meld Studio team ensure that they are available to answer questions, receive feedback, and assist in supporting users with any issues they may run into. Meld Studio wants to have a hands-on approach and make sure that if there's a problem, they're able to get you back up and running with very minimal downtime to your content creating journey.
Cons of Meld Studio
- Still in Beta: Currently at the time of this post, Meld Studio is still in beta. This means that there may be features that are not currently implemented in the software. This means that if there's a particular feature you want for streaming, you may have to wait for it.
- Cannot Use OBS Plugins: Due to Meld Studio not being created with the OBS coding, OBS plugins will not work in Meld.
- Small Team: The Meld Studio team may be mighty but they're still a small dev team at the moment. This means that they have to ensure they are prioritizing features based on current workload and time availability.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio has been in the game the longest and for good reason! They allow for customization through the use of plugins that are created by the community. Let's take a look at what OBS does great as well as what may leave you looking for something else.
Pros of OBS Studio
First, let's take a look at what is great about OBS.
- Free-to-use: OBS is a free-to-use broadcasting system.
- Plugins: OBS uses plugins to enhance it in various ways, including adding new features, improving performance, or integrating with other software.
- Open-Source: Because OBS is an open-source software, it is utilized by other brands to make recording and streaming software. For example, Streamlabs uses OBS's code to run their streaming software.
Cons of OBS Studio
- Updates break things: If social media tells us anything, it's when people are upset about something not working. This tends to be the case when OBS has a new update. Streamers tend to wait to get the update until there is a patch to fix things that break, as well as waiting for their plugins to be updated so that they remain compatible.
- Needs Plugins: Although you can go live or hit record without them, plugins are what creators go in search of in order to make OBS viable for their needs. Want a drop shadow to give your camera some depth against your game? You'll have to find a plugin for that.
- Forum-based support: OBS has forum-based support. You can create a thread to ask a question and it's open for anyone in the community to respond. This can be frustrating when you just need a simple solution not to mention time consuming.
Meld Studio vs OBS Studio
| Feature | Meld Studio | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Content creation software for live streaming & recording | Open-source live streaming & recording software |
| Target Audience | Streamers, gamers, teachers, businesses, anyone who wants to create content | Streamers, gamers, and content creators |
| Functionality | Live streaming, recording, built-in effects and widgets | Live streaming, recording, and plugins |
| Software Type | Free streaming software | Free, open-source software |
| Platform Support | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Live Streaming Capabilities | Live streaming with multi-streaming built-in so you can toggle where you want to go live | Live streaming with multiple input sources |
| Community & Support | Access to the Meld Studio team for quick support & one-on-one assistance when needed | Large open-source community & plugin support |
What Should Streamers Use in 2025?
Here’s a quick breakdown based on your needs:
- New or casual streamers: Browser-based platforms offer simplicity and reliability. However, if you want to improve your setup and have the ability to personalize every aspect to fit your branding then we suggest you use Meld Studio.
- Professional or tech-savvy streamers: OBS Studio or Meld Studio can both offer you quality and efficiency.
- On-the-go creators: Cloud-based solutions let you stream from anywhere without reconfiguring settings.
The Verdict
In 2025, you can stream without OBS Studio—and do it well. Ultimately, the right choice depends on how you stream, not just what you stream with. Meld Studio is making great strides in the streaming space with its' intuitive interface and can be less cpu-heavy on your pc.
Are you still using OBS Studio, or have you made the switch to Meld Studio yet? Join the Discord where you can talk to the Meld Studio team directly!
FAQ
Do I still need OBS Studio in 2025?
This is all about personal preferences when it comes to your streaming and recording needs. Both OBS and Meld Studio are viable options in 2025.
Is Meld Studio really free?
Yes! Streaming with Meld Studio will always remain free, even when a premium version becomes available. Meld Studio will never require you to pay in order to use the software for streaming, including multi-streaming!
What's the difference between OBS and Meld Studio?
OBS is a free, open-source broadcasting software known for it extensive customization through community-made plugins but requires technical knowledge and setup. Meld Studio is a newer, free streaming software offering built-in effects, integrated multi-streaming, and a user-friendly interface designed for simplicity and ease of use. While OBS is great for tech-savvy users who prefer to deep dive into plugins, Meld Studio suits streamers seeking an intuitive, ready-to-use solution with direct support.
Can I use my OBS scenes and sources in Meld Studio?
Yes, you can! With the OBS Importer tool you can transfer over any scenes and sources that are compatible with Meld Studio directly from OBS with the click of a button. Go to File > Import OBS Session and watch the magic happen!
Does Meld Studio support plugins?
Currently, Meld Studio supports VST3 plugins but does not support OBS plugins. Our goal is to provide native functionality within Meld Studio itself, ensuring ease of use and optimal performance without consuming extra system resources.
How do I contact Meld Studio support?
The best way to contact the Meld Studio team is through their Discord server, where you can have direct contact with the team as well as support and troubleshooting.
Do I really need plugins to stream with OBS?
You can absolutely stream with OBS Studio without plugins, though your customization options will be more limited. However, if you're not looking for extensive modifications, OBS works perfectly fine on its own.
Are cloud-based streaming solutions good for professional streaming?
Cloud-based streaming solutions can be used for professional streaming, especially if you need flexibility to stream from different locations without repeatedly configuring your setup. However, they often have fewer customization options compared to dedicated software like OBS or Meld Studio.
