SimpleScreenRecorder as a Linux alternative to XSplit Broadcaster
Updated
Our verdict
SimpleScreenRecorder is a decent replacement for XSplit Broadcaster only if your needs are basic. It handles screen and audio capture well, with solid performance and low overhead, making it good for straightforward recordings. However, it lacks scene composition, live sources mixing, overlays, and streaming support. If you're doing live streaming or complex layouts with webcams, capture cards, and alerts, SimpleScreenRecorder won't meet those needs. It's best suited for users who prioritize local recording over production features.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.4.4
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Records screen area, window, or full display
- Captures system audio and microphone via PulseAudio
- Supports common output formats like MP4, MKV, AVI
- Offers hardware-accelerated encoding where available
- Provides live preview during setup
What is different
- No scene composition or multiple input sources on one canvas
- Does not support live streaming to Twitch or YouTube
- Lacks support for webcams and capture cards as video inputs
- No custom overlays, alerts, or transitions
- No real-time audio mixing beyond basic capture
Opening your XSplit Broadcaster files
SimpleScreenRecorder does not use project files like XSplit Broadcaster, so there's no way to import XSplit scenes or settings. Recordings are saved directly as video files in standard formats (MP4, MKV, AVI), which can be edited later in any video editor. Since SSR doesn't save editable session data, you can't migrate timelines or layouts. Any post-recording editing must be done externally.
Switching from XSplit Broadcaster to SimpleScreenRecorder, step by step
- Install SimpleScreenRecorder via your distro's package manager (e.g., 'sudo apt install simplescreenrecorder')
- Launch SSR and configure audio inputs under 'Audio' settings using PulseAudio
- Select recording area precisely using the 'Region' or 'Window' options
- Set output format and quality under 'Recording Parameters'
- Use the 'Pause/Resume' feature during long sessions
- Review recordings in a media player or editor as SSR only produces final video
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 live to YouTube or Twitch?
No, it cannot. SimpleScreenRecorder is designed only for local recording. For live streaming on Linux, consider OBS Studio instead.
Does it support recording from a capture card?
Not directly. SSR focuses on screen and audio capture. For HDMI input from a capture card, you'd need to use other tools like OBS or V4L2.
Is there a way to add overlays or alerts like in XSplit?
No. SimpleScreenRecorder has no overlay system. You’d need to add alerts in post-production or use a compositor externally, which SSR doesn’t support.
3 other alternatives to XSplit Broadcaster
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