SimpleScreenRecorder as a Linux alternative to OBS MultiPlatform
Updated
Our verdict
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, multi-scene workflows, and advanced source composition. If you need streaming, custom overlays, or scene transitions, OBS remains the better choice. SimpleScreenRecorder suits users prioritizing simplicity and local recording over streaming flexibility.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.4.4
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Records screen area, full screen, or specific windows
- Supports audio capture from microphone and system via PulseAudio
- Offers hardware-accelerated encoding for lower CPU usage
- Allows configurable frame rates and quality presets
- Provides live preview during recording
What is different
- No live streaming support to YouTube, Twitch, or other platforms
- No multi-scene or source layering system
- Lacks hotkey customization for scene switching or source toggling
- No built-in support for recording webcam as a separate source in real time
- Missing audio mixing for multiple input sources
Opening your OBS MultiPlatform files
SimpleScreenRecorder saves to MP4, MKV, and AVI using standard containers, so the output files can be opened in OBS MultiPlatform for editing or re-encoding. However, project files are not compatible—OBS uses JSON-based scenes and profiles, while SimpleScreenRecorder uses its own configuration format. You cannot import or export scenes between the two.
Switching from OBS MultiPlatform to SimpleScreenRecorder, step by step
- Install SimpleScreenRecorder via your package manager (e.g., apt install simplescreenrecorder)
- Launch the app and select recording area using the on-screen preview
- Configure audio inputs under the Audio tab (PulseAudio and microphone)
- Choose output format and quality settings based on use case
- Start recording; use pause/resume during capture if needed
Key features of SimpleScreenRecorder
- Record full screen, window or custom area
- Live preview while recording
- Audio capture from PulseAudio and microphone
- Multiple output formats (MP4, MKV, AVI)
- Hardware‑accelerated encoding support
- Pause/resume during recording
- Command‑line interface for scripting
- Configurable frame rate and quality presets
How to install SimpleScreenRecorder on Linux
sudo apt install simplescreenrecordersudo apt install simplescreenrecordersudo zypper install simplescreenrecorderFrequently asked questions
Can SimpleScreenRecorder stream to Twitch or YouTube?
No, it does not support live streaming. It is designed only for local recording.
Does it support recording webcam overlay?
Not directly. You can record the screen and webcam separately, but not composite them in real time.
Is it possible to automate recordings?
Yes, it includes a command-line interface for scripting start, pause, and stop actions.
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