Once you begin exploring streaming software, you’ll find that there are numerous options available—almost all software today supports streaming on Twitch, as well as on YouTube and Facebook.
Streamlabs, commonly known as SLOBS, is frequently suggested for novice streamers.
It has been the most dominant streaming software on the market, but now many are transitioning to StreamElements.
So, which one should you choose? Which software is better – StreamElements or Streamlabs?
Streamlabs entered the market before StreamElements, launching in 2014 by a company called Logitech. Since then, it has become the preferred streaming software for both amateurs and professionals.
It supports not only Twitch streaming but also Facebook Gaming and Mixer.
What makes Streamlabs appealing to both groups?
Amateurs appreciate the ease of use that Streamlabs offers. They may lack prior knowledge or technical skills required for streaming, yet they can still produce professional-looking streams.
Professional streamers appreciate the diverse range of features.
Streamlabs has integrated many tools to simplify the editing process.
For instance, there is selective recording; if there is any unwanted background noise in your streams, you can eliminate it.
Additionally, the software has introduced the Twitch bot.
Interaction with the audience is crucial for streamers. With the chatbot, they can reward their viewers, prevent spam messages, and set timers.
Advantages
Disadvantages
StreamElements, also known as OBS.live, was launched just two years later, in 2016.
It is commonly referred to as OBS.live because it functions as a plugin for OBS.
So, what can you accomplish with StreamElements?
This software integrates many of the most popular features and tools for streaming, providing users with everything they need on a single platform.
The interface is very straightforward, but when comparing Streamlabs to StreamElements, the latter is more challenging to use.
Why? There are fewer users on StreamElements compared to SLOBS, which means that when a problem arises, you may not know whom to approach for assistance. As a beginner, you will likely find yourself having to resolve the issue independently.
As mentioned, StreamElements offers some of the most essential streaming features.
Firstly, I must mention the Online dashboard. You can create scenes in the overlay builder and add them to StreamElements as browser sources.
Additionally, all layouts are automatically saved in the cloud, which speeds up the process of setting up StreamElements on another computer.
The chatbot allows you to view chat statistics and enables tipping, loyalty points, and song requests.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Let’s conduct a side-by-side comparison to resolve the dilemma between Streamelements and Streamlabs.
Number of Users
Which streamers find more reliable: Streamlabs or StreamElements?
If we are considering only the number of users, then it is Streamlabs.
This software is significantly more popular, with nearly half a million users, whereas StreamElements has almost ten times fewer.
However, Streamlabs has been established for a longer time, which may explain the significant difference in the number of users.
This does not make Streamlabs superior to StreamElements, so let’s examine the features.
Alerts
We must start with alerts – a feature utilized by all streamers.
Regarding notifications, both software provide a variety of options, along with enjoyable animations, GIFs, and sounds.
They are available for free for both Streamlabs and StreamElements, and it is easy to implement and customize the ones you need.
Additionally, you can share media with the alert; a specific video or song can accompany one type of alert.
The options for customization are numerous, and if you require effective alerts, you can choose either software.
Donations
You are likely hoping to earn some money through the streams, so the software should allow you to receive payments.
There are differences between SLOBS and StreamElements in how they manage donations.
Firstly, SLOBS offers more payment options; viewers can donate through PayPal or unitpay. Other payment methods, such as credit cards and Skrill, are also available.
With StreamElements, you can only receive payments via PayPal and credit cards.
Some streamers prefer StreamElements because they believe it offers safer services, while others appreciate the versatility provided by SLOBS.
When processing payments, you don’t have to worry about deductions – streamers receive the full amount.
Additionally, you can send personalized messages or images to viewers who donated.
Related: How to Set Up Donations on Twitch – Easy and Complete Guide
Chatbot
What about the Chatbot?
Everyone understands the significance of the Chatbot.
The features of SLOBS and the StreamElements chatbot are similar.
In both software applications, the primary role of a chatbot is to moderate the chat; you don’t need to worry about managing rude viewers or spam messages. Additionally, the chatbot can respond to certain questions.
Furthermore, both provide interactive features—you can organize polls, enable mini-games, and accept song requests.
With SLOBS, you can reward your regular viewers; this software includes loyalty points that help make viewers feel more appreciated.
App Store
The Appstore is a feature that is available exclusively on SLOBS.
These apps can be quite expensive, leading many streamers to view this feature as neither particularly valuable nor essential.
However, they are excellent for further customizing the streams.
StreamElements vs Streamlabs – What About Console Streamers
Not everyone streams exclusively on a PC, and streamers frequently seek software that is compatible with various devices.
If you need a chatbot that functions while you are streaming from the console, choose StreamElements.
Its bots do not require a PC, as they are hosted on servers.
This allows you to stream from the console while also moderating the chat using Chatbots.
Verdict
Who is the winner – StreamElements or Streamlabs?
As you can see, there are numerous similarities between the two software options: both offer versatility, engaging layouts, and an effective chatbot.
However, SLOBS is somewhat better.
This software will operate seamlessly on your PC, and users will value the various payment options along with the loyalty points.
