Short answer
Already using one? Stay with it, both work well. Starting fresh with OBS Studio, StreamElements is the simpler choice for overlays: every widget lives in one overlay with one URL. Streamlabs makes most sense if you stream from Streamlabs Desktop.
Side by side
| StreamElements | Streamlabs | |
|---|---|---|
| How overlays work | One overlay holds all your widgets; one browser source in OBS shows them all | Each widget has its own URL, or it's added inside Streamlabs Desktop |
| Streaming software | OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop or anything with a browser source | Built around Streamlabs Desktop; widget URLs also work in OBS |
| Price | Free | Free, with an optional paid plan (Ultra) for extra themes and apps |
| Custom widgets | Yes (HTML, CSS, JS and settings fields) | Yes (custom HTML, CSS and JS in widget themes) |
| Installing our packs | One link adds every widget at once | One link per widget |
Choose StreamElements if…
- You stream with OBS Studio.
- You like editing your whole layout in one place, in the browser.
- You want one link to install a full pack.
Choose Streamlabs if…
- You already stream from Streamlabs Desktop and like having everything in one app.
- Your alerts, tips and settings are already set up there.
Can you use both?
Yes. Many streamers run StreamElements overlays inside Streamlabs Desktop or OBS. Just don't run alerts from both for the same events, or every follow fires twice.
Using neither?
The stream screens, Twitch panels and Now Playing widget in our packs work without either service. For alerts, chat and a bot without StreamElements or Streamlabs, Switchbud is a free option.
