OBS vs Streamlabs vs Meld Studio in 2026: Which Is Best for New Streamers?
Three streaming applications, three different approaches. After using all three, here's which one we'd recommend to somebody starting their streaming journey in 2026.
OBS vs Streamlabs vs Meld Studio: Choosing the Right Streaming Software
In this OBS vs Streamlabs vs Meld Studio comparison, we explore how each application performs for creators and which one we'd recommend to new streamers in 2026.
Starting a streaming channel can be exciting, but choosing the right software isn't always straightforward.
For years, OBS Studio and Streamlabs Desktop have been two of the most recognisable options for content creators. Both offer tools for broadcasting gameplay, recording videos and building professional-looking streams.
But there's another contender worth considering: Meld Studio.
Meld takes a slightly different approach, bringing many of the tools creators need into one application, with less reliance on additional plugins.
At The Pixel Hangout, we've spent time using all three applications, from building scenes and managing audio to capturing gameplay and experimenting with vertical streaming.
This isn't a technical benchmark or a comparison based solely on specifications. It's about our experiences using the software and how approachable each application feels.
So which would we recommend in 2026?
Perhaps surprisingly, if we were starting from scratch today, we'd choose Meld Studio.
Here's why.
OBS Studio: Still the Powerhouse
OBS Studio has been our main streaming software for approximately two and a half years, and there's a reason we've continued using it.
It's free, open-source and incredibly flexible.
Whether you're streaming to Twitch, YouTube or other platforms, OBS gives you extensive control over your production. You can create custom scenes, manage multiple audio sources, apply filters and expand its functionality through a huge selection of plugins.
That flexibility is arguably its greatest strength.
However, it's also where things can become complicated.
When we first started streaming, OBS felt overwhelming. The interface was relatively bare, and understanding scenes, sources, audio routing and output settings required patience.
In fact, we initially moved away from OBS to Streamlabs Desktop because we found it easier to get started.
It's certainly possible for a beginner to learn OBS, and many do. But compared with newer applications, the initial experience can feel less welcoming.
What We Like About OBS
Completely free and open-source.
Extensive customisation and plugin support.
Powerful scene, source and audio controls.
Flexible recording and streaming configurations.
A well-established community and extensive documentation.
Where OBS Can Frustrate
OBS can require additional setup for features that other applications now include natively.
For example, creating a vertical stream is possible simply by configuring a portrait canvas. However, producing separate horizontal and vertical outputs simultaneously typically requires an additional plugin or workflow.
Multistreaming to multiple platforms also generally requires additional plugins or an external service.
We've also experienced occasional crashes and plugin-related complications in our own setup. That's worth acknowledging, although it wouldn't be fair to suggest OBS itself is always responsible. Problems can involve plugins, drivers, hardware or individual configurations.
OBS continues to receive regular development and updates, even if its interface doesn't always feel as modern as its competitors.
Our verdict: OBS remains our preferred option for advanced production, customisation and long-term flexibility. Beginners can absolutely start here but should expect a learning curve.
Streamlabs Desktop: Easy to Start, But Consider the Cost
Streamlabs Desktop was actually the software we moved to when OBS initially felt too complicated.
And we can understand why new streamers find it appealing.
Streamlabs brings together streaming tools, alerts, widgets, overlays and guided setup features in a relatively approachable package.
Instead of building everything manually, creators have access to an integrated ecosystem designed to help them get started.
We used Streamlabs for roughly six or seven months before eventually moving back to OBS.
For this comparison, we also installed Streamlabs Desktop again, including on a different computer.
One particularly impressive discovery was that, after signing into our existing account, our old scenes and associated assets were restored without needing to manually rebuild everything.
That's a genuinely useful convenience, especially when changing computers.
What We Like About Streamlabs
Beginner-friendly onboarding.
Integrated widgets, alerts and overlays.
A convenient all-in-one interface.
Account-based scene restoration, as demonstrated in our testing.
Built-in dual output 16:9. Support for horizontal and vertical streaming.
Where Streamlabs Falls Short
Our biggest reservation is its subscription model.
Streamlabs offers a useful free version, but a range of additional features are tied to Streamlabs Ultra.
During our testing, the UK checkout displayed £27 per month or £189 per year.
Importantly, Streamlabs does offer free multistreaming through Dual Output when sending to one horizontal and one vertical destination. However, creators wanting broader simultaneous multistreaming capabilities may need Ultra.
That's an important distinction.
For somebody streaming to one platform or using the supported free Dual Output combination, Streamlabs can be a perfectly reasonable choice.
But for creators who want greater multistreaming flexibility without paying a recurring subscription, other options become more attractive.
Our verdict: Streamlabs remains a capable and approachable streaming application, particularly for creators who appreciate its integrated tools. However, its premium features make it harder for us to recommend over the alternatives when keeping costs down is a priority.
Meld Studio: The Newcomer That Surprised Us
Meld Studio is the newest of the three applications in our comparison, but it's also the one that has made us reconsider what we'd recommend to somebody starting streaming today.
We first experimented with Meld during its early Windows testing period in 2024 and have returned to it in 2026 to see how far it has developed.
The biggest difference becomes apparent during setup.
Rather than presenting a mostly blank workspace, Meld guides users through what they want to create, whether that's gaming content, tutorials, recording or livestreaming.
It also offers ready-made scene templates that give creators a visual starting point.
For somebody who has never built a streaming overlay before, that's a welcome feature.
A More Approachable Starting Point
During our fresh installation, Meld generated starter scenes with spaces for gameplay, camera and other streaming elements.
We still needed to connect our capture sources and adjust the layout, but having a prepared design made the process feel much less intimidating.
It's worth stressing that these aren't magical one-click solutions. Cameras, gameplay sources and overlays may still require positioning and adjustment.
Nevertheless, we found the overall onboarding experience particularly appealing.
Vertical Streaming and Multistreaming
Another advantage is Meld's built-in support for both horizontal and vertical production.
We were able to create and adjust separate layouts without installing a vertical streaming plugin.
Meld also includes native multistreaming functionality, reducing the need to search for additional software simply to broadcast to more than one destination.
We've previously used Meld for an actual TikTok livestream, so this isn't based entirely on exploring menus.
That said, a successful test doesn't establish long-term reliability, and we'd still want more extended use before making claims about stability or performance.
What About Gameplay Capture?
During testing, one game didn't behave as expected with Meld's Game Capture in fullscreen mode. However, another game was captured correctly.
We've experienced game capture quirks in OBS too, sometimes needing to switch between game, window or display capture.
For that reason, we wouldn't single Meld out as uniquely problematic. Compatibility can depend on the game and how it's running.
What We Like About Meld
Guided onboarding for new creators.
Ready-made scene templates.
Built-in horizontal and vertical production.
Native multistreaming functionality.
An approachable, modern-looking interface.
Useful streaming and recording features without immediately needing plugins.
Where Meld Still Needs to Prove Itself
Meld is a younger application, and it doesn't yet have the same long-established ecosystem as OBS.
Some controls took us time to discover, particularly when adjusting vertical layouts.
We also noticed that our previous custom scenes weren't automatically restored when setting up Meld on another computer, unlike our Streamlabs test.
That doesn't mean Meld lacks every form of account-based synchronisation, but it was a difference in our experience.
And while Meld includes an AI assistant called Spark, we're deliberately leaving that out of this comparison. It's a feature that deserves proper testing in a separate article.
Our verdict: Meld offers an attractive combination of simplicity, templates and built-in streaming capabilities. For somebody starting out, we think it currently provides the most appealing overall experience of the three.
Vertical Streaming: Can All Three Do It?
Yes.
All three applications support vertical streaming, although they approach it differently.
Software | Vertical Streaming | Simultaneous Horizontal and Vertical |
OBS Studio | Yes | Additional plugin or workflow required |
Streamlabs Desktop | Yes | Built-in Dual Output |
Meld Studio | Yes | Built-in dual-format support |
Depending on your camera, gameplay, overlays and streaming destination, some resizing or repositioning may be necessary.
We won't turn this comparison into a technical guide, but it's worth remembering that supporting vertical output and creating a polished vertical layout are not quite the same thing.
Our Recommendations for 2026
After spending time with all three applications, our recommendations come down to what kind of creator you are and what you want from your streaming software.
Best For | Our Choice |
Brand-new streamers | Meld Studio |
Advanced creators and custom setups | OBS Studio |
Integrated widgets and Streamlabs ecosystem | Streamlabs Desktop |
Extensive plugin flexibility | OBS Studio |
Beginners interested in built-in dual-format streaming | Meld Studio |
These aren't universal rankings. Different creators will value different features.
OBS offers exceptional flexibility, Streamlabs provides a convenient integrated ecosystem, and Meld focuses on making the initial streaming experience more approachable.
Final Verdict: Which Would We Choose?
If we were starting our streaming journey again in 2026, knowing what we know today, we'd choose Meld Studio.
Its combination of guided setup, included templates, native multistreaming and dual-format support makes it a compelling option for somebody who simply wants to get online and start creating.
We wouldn't necessarily recommend that everybody eventually abandons Meld for OBS, either.
OBS Studio remains our choice for creators who want deeper customisation and an extensive plugin ecosystem. It's powerful, adaptable and supported by a large community. For more advanced productions, those strengths can make a significant difference.
Streamlabs Desktop still deserves consideration. It's approachable, convenient and has some excellent integrated features. However, its subscription-based extras make it less appealing to us when competing applications offer so much without an ongoing fee.
Ultimately, all three can produce a good livestream.
The difference is how much setup you're comfortable with, which tools matter to you, and whether you're willing to pay for additional features.
For newcomers, Meld gets our recommendation.
For maximum customisation, OBS remains difficult to beat.
Try Them Yourself: Official Downloads
Choosing the right streaming software often comes down to personal preference, your hardware and the features you actually need. If you're still undecided, why not give them a try and see which works best for your setup?
Meld Studio – A modern streaming and recording application featuring built-in multistreaming, clipping and creator-focused production tools.
OBS Studio – Free, open-source streaming and recording software offering extensive customisation, plugins and advanced production controls.
Streamlabs Desktop – A streaming application featuring integrated overlays, alerts and creator tools, designed to make getting started straightforward.
All three offer free ways to get started, although some additional services and features may require payment.
All links lead to the official software websites. Always check system requirements and download software from trusted sources.
And whichever you choose, the most important thing is getting started, learning your setup and creating content you're proud of.
The Pixel Hangout — Gaming, Technology & Creator Resources
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