OBS StudioLinux
vs
BandicamWindows
OBS Studio as a Linux alternative to Bandicam
Updated
Our verdict
OBS Studio can replace Bandicam for most Linux users who need to capture a single window or a custom region with low overhead. It offers comparable video quality, supports microphone and system audio, and lets you add overlays or text. Power users who want fine‑grained scene composition, live‑streaming, or extensive audio filtering will find OBS more flexible, while users who only need a very simple, one‑click recorder may prefer a lighter tool. Overall, OBS is a solid, free alternative for anyone moving from Bandicam to Linux.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 32.2.2 (August 14, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Window‑region capture","Direct microphone and system audio recording","Export to common formats such as MP4","Ability to add overlays/text annotations
What is different
- OBS uses a scene‑based workflow which adds complexity compared to Bandicam’s single‑click UI
- No built‑in ultra‑lightweight mode; CPU/GPU usage is higher when many sources are active
- No native support for Bandicam’s proprietary .brec format (OBS records to standard containers only)
- Live‑streaming features are present but may be unnecessary for pure screen capture
Opening your Bandicam files
OBS records to standard containers like MP4, MKV, MOV and does not read Bandicam’s .brec files. If you have existing Bandicam recordings, you can play them with any player that supports the format (e.g., VLC) or re‑encode them with ffmpeg. OBS itself cannot open .brec files directly, so conversion is required if you need to edit them in OBS.
Switching from Bandicam to OBS Studio, step by step
- Install OBS Studio from your distribution’s repository or via Flathub
- Run OBS and run the Auto‑Configuration Wizard to select optimal recording settings
- Create a new Scene, add a "Window Capture" or "Display Capture" source for the area you want
- Configure audio: enable Desktop Audio and Mic/Auxiliary Audio in Settings > Audio
- Set the Recording Format to MP4 (or MKV) and choose your desired encoder
- Save the profile and start recording with the hotkey or the Record button
Key features of OBS Studio
- Scene-based workflow with unlimited sources and transitions
- Real-time audio mixer with noise gate and suppression filters
- Support for VST plugins for advanced audio processing
- Studio Mode for previewing scenes before going live
- Multiview to monitor and switch between up to 8 scenes
- Customizable transitions including stinger video files
- Hotkeys for nearly all actions including scene switching
- Modular dock UI that can be rearranged or popped out
How to install OBS Studio on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.obsproject.Studiosudo apt install obs-studiosudo apt install obs-studiosudo dnf install obs-studiosudo pacman -S obs-studiosudo zypper install obs-studioFrequently asked questions
Can OBS record at the same low CPU usage as Bandicam?
OBS is efficient, but its CPU load depends on the number of sources and the encoder you choose. Using hardware encoding (NVENC, VAAPI) and limiting the capture area can keep usage comparable to Bandicam.
Does OBS support the same video codecs as Bandicam?
OBS offers H.264 (AVC) and H.265 (HEVC) via hardware encoders, as well as VP8/VP9. These are standard codecs and will produce files compatible with the same players Bandicam uses.
What if I need to capture a game in full‑screen mode?
OBS can capture full‑screen games via Game Capture or Display Capture. It may require running with elevated privileges on some systems, but it works reliably on Linux.