OBS vs. XSplit: Which One to Choose in 2022?

As the gaming industry expands at such a rapid pace, so does the need for live streams.

Watching your favorite gamers in action live is a big draw for many gaming fans. Furthermore, live streaming allows us to see what’s happening in real-time.

Despite the ease with which live streams can now be accessed, streamers still put forth considerable effort to make their content appealing to their audience.

Many live gaming streamers go the extra mile to attract viewers by using encoding software to create their content. And, some of the many software encoders available include OBS and XSplit.

Anyone who wants to win in today’s increasingly competitive market must do everything they can to stand out.

So, which of these two choices offers the best bang for your buck?

Well, let’s find out.

Common XSplit and OBS Features

Both programs include basic functionalities like screen recording and color correction tools.

You can also customize the green screen to give the stream a more polished look.

For OBS especially, users will benefit from the streamlined settings panel and include an array of video source filters.

Additionally, it also has a user-friendly audio mixer along with a wide selection of themes.

XSplit has its own way of pleasing users. The ease of previewing scenes and changing audio levels is one of the highlights.

It also features a media slideshow for a snappy inclusion of photos.

Comparison of XSplit and OBS Studio

A. Platform and pricing

OBS Studio can be used at no cost, whereas XSplit offers premium plans which start from $2.50 per month.

It’s totally reasonable to favor OBS because it requires no investment.

Besides, inexperienced users probably don’t want to spend money before they know how to earn a return from the sum they pay for a service.

The silver lining is despite being free, OBS is not devoid of essential features to get your stream up and running.

For more advanced features, though, premium software like XSplit probably has more in its inventory.

As for platform support, OBS can broadcast to popular streaming platforms like Facebook, Twitch, Hitbox, Youtube, and so on.

It’s also compatible with multiple operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Meanwhile, XSplit mainly supports Windows, including Vista, 7, and XP versions. Youtube, Facebook, Mixer, and Twitch all make the cut in terms of platform support.

B. System requirements

To run OBS Studio, you need a processor from the AMD FX series or the Intel i5 2000-series, either dual-core or 4-core.

And the minimum amount of RAM you need is 4GB. You can run the program on a computer that runs Windows, macOS, or Linux.

For XSplit, you’ll need at least the 2nd generation Intel Core i3, 4GB of RAM, and a graphics card capable of 3D acceleration.

The computer should also run Windows, .Net Framework 3.5, and DirectX 9.0c.

C. Features

OBS doesn’t have that many compelling overlays, unlike XSplit that comes laden with them.

Hence, it’s fair to say that XSplit scores a point here.

It also offers extra features, like instant broadcasting to Skype, which is beneficial for MMORPG games.

Another noticeable feature is the high convenience for video editing and private recordings. But then again, they are part of the premium plan.

D. Performance

Both OBS and XSplit can handle broadcasting in 720p quality at 30fps. However, they can also suffer performance drops.

OBS seems to showcase more power based on the previous test since it can hit the 60fps mark with the resolution set to 1152 × 658. XSplit struggles to catch up when it’s tested on the same parameters.

OBS also edges out XSplit in the streaming of high-end games.

Overall, OBS is more reliable for delivering steady performance in high-resolution broadcasting of graphics-intensive games.

That’s not the only area where it shines. In terms of CPU usage, OBS Studio once again shows its strength. It goes 0.1% – 0.7% from idle to active.

Note that results may vary depending on the game used for testing.

XSplit starts higher on idle, around 2 percent, and then skyrockets to 12% as the stream commences.

With these results, it’s not an exaggeration that OBS is the gold standard for low CPU usage because it excels at that.

E. Ease of use

XSplit spoils the user with its interactive dashboard.

The most challenging part is when you need to tweak stream settings after installation. But once you’re past that point, the rest will be easier.

It also lets you create profiles and assign them to various platforms. It doesn’t take long to familiarize yourself with the screen layout.

All the important tools are accessible in the main window.

Conversely, OBS can be somewhat confusing for beginners. There are settings like frame rate and resolution that take some time to figure out.

In terms of usability, XSplit comes out on top.

So, if some people claim that OBS is not complicated to use, this may be true for intermediate and advanced users.

F. Plugins and customization

There are many ways that XSplit tries to stand apart from the competition, one of which is by integrating excellent scene creation tools.

It allows you to customize sources seamlessly through its drag-and-drop function. Besides, it also has a multitude of scene transitions which lend the live stream a dash of style and elegance.

Now speaking of plugins, both can have add-ons to incorporate chat from Twitch and other services.

But since OBS is open-source and free, you can use these powerful extensions without worrying about a recurring monthly fee.

The community behind it is also passionate. Albeit offering similar functionality, XSplit requires you to pay for a plugin.

Investing in an encoder isn’t bad per se, but we can’t blame people if they gravitate towards free alternatives more.

Is XSplit an OBS?

No, XSplit and OBS are two different programs, or are you’re referring to open-source?

If so, then XSplit still doesn’t fit in this category because it’s not free for modification.

There’s a team of experts behind its creation. The compensation for the effort put into its development comes in a subscription plan or a one-off price.

Is XSplit good for low-end PC?

Yes, it’s one streaming software that tolerates limited PC resources.

However, your PC should meet the system mentioned earlier to make the most of this program.

Paying for something you can use to its full potential strikes us as a waste of money.

If you want to use a paid encoder, better be prepared for the resources, it demands to take advantage of all the features.

Is OBS Studio good for low-end PC?

OBS Studio proves to be very efficient in its operation compared to other encoders in the market.

If you have a rather low-end PC, starting out with this program is a good decision.

However, high CPU usage can still happen if you send it into overdrive with the high settings.

Lowering the frame rate or downscaling the output resolution might solve the problem.

Wrap up: Which is better, OBS or XSplit?

It’s going to be a tough call to choose between OBS vs. XSplit, but they cater to different audiences.

Judging solely by features and operation, XSplit wins the battle because it constantly evolves to deliver a better user experience.

OBS is also terrific and definitely a tempting choice for those who don’t want to invest money just yet.

On top of that, it’s already comprehensive right of the bat, meaning that there’s a lot to do to enhance the stream.

The user interface becomes a limiting factor, but you can overcome this by watching and reading tutorials.

OBS is enormous with the streamer crowd, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find tutorials covering it.