OBS Studio vs Loom
Is switching from Loom to OBS Studioworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
OBS Studio and Loom both serve async video updates for remote teams and screen recording for tutorials, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. Loom costs $12.5/month ($150/year), while OBS Studio is completely free. As an open-source tool, OBS Studio's code is publicly auditable and community-driven. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to OBS Studio saves you $150/year — $450 over 3 years
Loom costs
$150/yr
3-year cost
$450
OBS Studio costs
Free
Best for
- +Creating tutorials and demos
- +Users who want full control
- +Budget-conscious creators
Not ideal for
- −Teams needing async video messaging
- −Users wanting instant share links
Feature Comparison
| Feature | LoomSubscription | OBS StudioAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $12.5/mo $150/year | Free |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | WindowsmacOSLinux |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | ✓Full offline |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Full ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Mostly offline |
| Migration | — | Medium |
Pricing
Loom
$12.5/mo
$150/year
OBS Studio
FreePlatforms
Loom
Web, Desktop (typical)OBS Studio
Offline Support
Loom
Limited (typical)OBS Studio
✓Full offlineOpen Source
Loom
NoOBS Studio
✓Open sourceOwnership
Loom
RentingOBS Studio
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
Loom
High (typical)OBS Studio
Mostly offlineMigration
Loom
—OBS Studio
MediumSwitching Analysis
+What you gain with OBS Studio
- +Completely free
- +Professional features
- +No watermarks
- +No time limits
- +Full control over recordings
−What you lose
- −No built-in cloud sharing
- −No viewer analytics
- −Steeper learning curve
- −No async video messaging features
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for OBS Studio
- +Creating tutorials and demos
- +Users who want full control
- +Budget-conscious creators
✗Should keep using Loom
- −Teams needing async video messaging
- −Users wanting instant share links
Migration Guide
Switching from Loom to OBS Studio is rated as medium. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to Loom's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install OBS Studio
Download OBS Studio from the official website. It's completely free to use.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into OBS Studio. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident OBS Studio meets your needs, cancel your Loom subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OBS Studio a good alternative to Loom?
Yes, OBS Studio is a solid alternative to Loom. It offers free access with open source code, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. OBS Studio handles the core functionality that most Loom users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from Loom to OBS Studio?
Switching from Loom ($150/year) to OBS Studio (Free) can save you approximately $150 per year, or $450 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from Loom to OBS Studio?
The main trade-offs include: No built-in cloud sharing, No viewer analytics, Steeper learning curve. However, OBS Studio still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from Loom to OBS Studio?
Yes. Most Loom data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into OBS Studio. The migration difficulty is rated as medium, so it may take some effort.
Is OBS Studio really free?
Yes, OBS Studio is completely free to use and open-source. There are no hidden costs, no premium tiers, and no feature restrictions for core functionality.
Does OBS Studio work on the same platforms as Loom?
OBS Studio is available on windows, macos, linux. This covers all major platforms, so you can use it on all your devices.
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