Windows · Sound & Video
Best Linux alternatives to OBS MultiPlatform
OBS Studio is a free, open-source tool for recording and streaming video, widely used on Linux for screencasting and live broadcasts.
Updated
Quick answer
The best Linux alternative to OBS MultiPlatform is OBS Studio. Other strong options: SimpleScreenRecorder, vokoscreenNG, RecordMyDesktop.
5 Linux alternatives to OBS MultiPlatform
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OBS Studio is free, open-source software for recording and live streaming video from your desktop, webcam, or external sources.
OBS Studio is not just a good replacement for OBS MultiPlatform—it's the same application. OBS MultiPlatform was the original name for what is now universally known as OBS Studio. The software runs natively on Linux and offers identical features across Windows and Linux: scene composition, live…
Feature parity100% -
SimpleScreenRecorder is a lightweight, easy‑to‑use screen‑capture tool for Linux.
SimpleScreenRecorder is a decent replacement for OBS MultiPlatform if your main goal is reliable screen recording with basic audio and webcam capture. It’s lightweight and straightforward, ideal for users who want to record locally without complex setups. However, it lacks live streaming…
Feature parity55% -
VokoscreenNG is a free, open-source screen recorder for Linux and Windows that supports Wayland, X11, and multi-source audio.
vokoscreenNG is a good replacement for OBS MultiPlatform if your main goal is straightforward screen and webcam recording with minimal setup. It handles both X11 and Wayland well, records audio from multiple sources, and supports live preview tools like magnifier and click highlights. However, it…
Feature parity65% -
RecordMyDesktop is a lightweight Linux screen recorder that captures desktop activity with audio, designed for simple, no-frills recording.
RecordMyDesktop is not a good replacement for OBS MultiPlatform for users who need live streaming, multi-source composition, or webcam integration. It’s suited only for users who need basic, local screen recordings with minimal setup. It lacks scene management, streaming, hardware encoding, and…
Feature parity25% -
Kazam is a straightforward screen recording and screenshot tool for Linux, ideal for quick captures with minimal setup.
Kazam is not a good replacement for OBS MultiPlatform if you need live streaming, custom scenes, or advanced audio mixing. It works for basic screen and webcam recording with minimal setup, making it suitable for occasional users who only need simple captures. However, it lacks scene composition…
Feature parity30%
What is OBS MultiPlatform?
OBS MultiPlatform is primarily used by streamers, educators, and content creators who need to capture their screen, mix audio sources, and broadcast or save video. It's popular on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Zoom.
The software is free and open-source, licensed under the GPL, with development funded by donations via Patreon and Open Collective. There are no paid tiers or locked features.
People seek Linux alternatives when they assume OBS isn't available on Linux, but the truth is, the main active version—OBS Studio—is fully cross-platform and runs natively on Linux. Most search alternatives out of outdated information.
What a replacement for OBS MultiPlatform must do
- Record screen and webcam simultaneously
- Live streaming to platforms like YouTube or Twitch
- Custom scene and source composition
- Low-latency performance with hardware encoding
- Audio mixing from multiple inputs
- Support for hotkeys and timers
- Free and open-source licensing
Can you run OBS MultiPlatform on Linux?
Yes, OBS Studio is the native Linux version and the direct successor to the outdated OBS MultiPlatform. It runs natively on most distributions via package managers or Flatpak. Performance is stable and on par with Windows. No Wine or compatibility layer is needed. The project actively supports Linux, with frequent updates and community plugins.
Which alternative should you choose?
Use OBS Studio for full-featured streaming and recording—it's the best choice for most users. SimpleScreenRecorder suits those wanting lightweight, no-frills capture. Kazam is ideal for quick, simple recordings. vokoscreenNG offers a friendlier UI for beginners. RecordMyDesktop works in minimal environments. Xfce4-screenshooter is best for basic screenshots with optional timer.
Moving your OBS MultiPlatform files and habits
There's no direct 'migration' needed since OBS Studio is the same core application. Profiles, scenes, and settings can be copied from Windows to Linux by transferring the ~/.config/obs-studio folder. Recorded videos are typically in MP4 or FLV format, playable everywhere. Sources like browser windows or webcams reconfigure easily on Linux.
Side-by-side comparison
| App | License | Flatpak | Latest version | Feature parity | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | GPL-2.0-or-later | ✓ | 33.0.0 | 100% | — |
| SimpleScreenRecorder | GPL-3.0 | — | 0.4.4 | 55% | — |
| vokoscreenNG | GPL-2.0-only | ✓ | 4.11.0 | 65% | — |
| RecordMyDesktop | GPL-2.0 | — | 0.4.0 | 25% | — |
| Kazam | GPL-2.0 | — | 1.5.7 | 30% | — |
OBS MultiPlatform: frequently asked questions
Is OBS Studio the same as OBS MultiPlatform?
Yes, OBS Studio replaced OBS MultiPlatform. The original project evolved into OBS Studio, which is actively maintained and cross-platform.
Can I use OBS Studio on Ubuntu or other distros?
Yes, OBS Studio is available in most distro repositories or via Flatpak. Ubuntu users can install it through APT or Snap.
Does OBS Studio support streaming to Twitch and YouTube?
Yes, it supports RTMP streaming to Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms with custom server options.
Is there a portable version for Linux?
Not officially, but AppImage and Flatpak versions offer portable, install-free usage on most systems.
How important is OBS MultiPlatform to you?
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