Best OBS Encoders Ranked – X264 vs NVENC vs AVC

Encoders are the driving force behind content creation involving audio and video in the modern world. There are many encoding protocols out there, but only four matter when it comes to OBS Studio. Which encoder you end up using will depend on what you are doing, as the best obs encoder for you will vary depending on specific situations involving component utilization.

I say four because support for H265 is currently fairly limited, so practically speaking, there are only four to choose from when factoring in compatibility.

What is a Encoder in OBS?

An encoder, as it relates to OBS Studio, is simply a way to record and package data into a video or audio computer-readable format, like (.wav) or (.mp4). How the encoding is done differs based on what encoder you are using.

What Kind of Encoders Are There?

There are two types of encoders:

• Software
• Hardware

You can think of a software encoder like an emulator – it fakes the process using clever programming. As a result, it is not quite as fast as hardware encoders, as it needs to be processed by a separate piece of unspecialized hardware (your CPU). With that said, what it lacks in speed, it makes up for with increased compatibility.

On the other hand, hardware encoding is accomplished using a purpose-built chip that does not need to be processed by the CPU before sending it on its way. This is because each step in the encoding process is hardcoded into a circuit, so the only limiting factors in this process are how well the encoder is laid out and how good each processing circuit is.

How to Select Your Encoder in OBS Studio

For those of you new to this, here is a short guide on how to change your encoder in OBS Studio – Below is a quick recap.

1. Click Settings
   • Or File -> Settings
2. Select Output
3. Set Output Mode to Advanced
4. Under EncoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More, click the dropdown
5. Select your EncoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More
6. Click Apply

To set it for recording, repeat the steps, with one additional step after step 3

• Select the Recording Tab

Check out my post regarding the best OBS settings to use for recording.

All Encoders Are Equal With Enough Bitrate

When it comes to recording content with ample bitrateBitrate is the rate at which data is sent to the encoder in your broadcasting program. The maximum bitrate you are capable of is calculated by multiplying your internet upload speed in Mbps by 1000. More, the differences between each encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More fall off sharply. In fact, I’d wager you’d have a really hard time, if not find it impossible to tell the difference between encoders that have sufficient bitrateBitrate is the rate at which data is sent to the encoder in your broadcasting program. The maximum bitrate you are capable of is calculated by multiplying your internet upload speed in Mbps by 1000. More associated with the resolution and FPS of the encoded content, assuming you don’t overload them or fail to give it enough system resources to do its job.

The differences between them are minute and relate mostly to their efficiency at lower bitrateBitrate is the rate at which data is sent to the encoder in your broadcasting program. The maximum bitrate you are capable of is calculated by multiplying your internet upload speed in Mbps by 1000. More values, commonly enforced on live streaming platforms like Twitch.

Important Note – Avoid 100% Utilization of CPU and GPU

The best OBSOBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software. It is a powerful free broadcasting software with many features that make broadcasting very easy. More encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More for you can change based on system resource utilization. Specifically, if the component that is encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More happens to hit 100% utilization, you will experience massive frame drops, lag, frame latency, and a host of other very obvious issues. (See above image)

This happens because both the game (or running program) and the encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More are demanding resources simultaneously, and the poor components just kind of throw in the towel and shoves performance randomly at both. The result is that neither process gets the processing time it needs to properly execute, resulting in very bizarre behavior.

1: The Best OBS Encoder: (New) Nvenc – GPU Encoding

The (New) Nvenc encoderThe Nvenc encoder is a hardware encoding chip onboard Nvidia graphics cards. While Nvenc performs slightly worse than X264 at lower bitrate values, it makes up for this by having a near-zero performance impact. This is possible because the encoding chip on the cards is dedicated silicon separate from the rendering cores. It is also for this reason that Nvenc is currently the leader in encoding options for broadcasting, at least until AV1 becomes capable of encoding a live broadcast. More is easily the best OBSOBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software. It is a powerful free broadcasting software with many features that make broadcasting very easy. More encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More available, assuming you have a modern NVIDIA graphics card with the improved ASIC chip. With zero performance impact while encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More and high-quality frames even at low bitrates, it is a strong contender as a streaming encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More.

It wasn’t designed to encode video game content, but it does a pretty good job at it.

Reasons Why You Might Not Use (New) Nvenc

The biggest reason why you might not use the (new) Nvenc encoderThe Nvenc encoder is a hardware encoding chip onboard Nvidia graphics cards. While Nvenc performs slightly worse than X264 at lower bitrate values, it makes up for this by having a near-zero performance impact. This is possible because the encoding chip on the cards is dedicated silicon separate from the rendering cores. It is also for this reason that Nvenc is currently the leader in encoding options for broadcasting, at least until AV1 becomes capable of encoding a live broadcast. More is that you simply do not have a card that has the chip. This encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More requires that you use one of a select few graphics cards by Nvidia (GTX 1660 TI or better, and any RTX card), and good luck with the silicon shortage going on and price gouging. I had to shell out over $800 to get my 3060 TI. Not a fun experience, let me tell you.

Another reason you might not use this encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More would be because you’re pegging your GPU at 100% utilization. You can help fight this by frame limiting the card, but some of you might not want to lose your precious frame crunching power. In which case, the alternative then is to use the X264 encoderX264 is an encoder that uses your CPU to encode media content. It does a decent job of this at a low bitrate value, but has a high CPU overhead cost. This overhead results in a loss of performance in games that are heavy on CPU usage. More instead. Or, you know, a dedicated streaming PC or rendering rig.

The final reason to not use this encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More is if you are having trouble getting a good final result out of it. As a troubleshooting step, I recommend trying the older NVENCThe Nvenc encoder is a hardware encoding chip onboard Nvidia graphics cards. While Nvenc performs slightly worse than X264 at lower bitrate values, it makes up for this by having a near-zero performance impact. This is possible because the encoding chip on the cards is dedicated silicon separate from the rendering cores. It is also for this reason that Nvenc is currently the leader in encoding options for broadcasting, at least until AV1 becomes capable of encoding a live broadcast. More, and if the problem persists, X264X264 is an encoder that uses your CPU to encode media content. It does a decent job of this at a low bitrate value, but has a high CPU overhead cost. This overhead results in a loss of performance in games that are heavy on CPU usage. More. If the problem goes away, try updating your video card drivers.

2: Nvenc – Nvidia GPU Specific Encoder

The Nvenc EncoderThe Nvenc encoder is a hardware encoding chip onboard Nvidia graphics cards. While Nvenc performs slightly worse than X264 at lower bitrate values, it makes up for this by having a near-zero performance impact. This is possible because the encoding chip on the cards is dedicated silicon separate from the rendering cores. It is also for this reason that Nvenc is currently the leader in encoding options for broadcasting, at least until AV1 becomes capable of encoding a live broadcast. More is actually an ASIC chip soldered directly onto the PCB of an Nvidia Graphics card. It is completely separate from the GPU itself, with the sole exception of PCI-E bandwidth utilization. As a result, this encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More has literally zero performance impact when encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More a video feed.

Of course, there is one exception to that as well – utilization, but not for the reasons you might expect. If you peg your video card to 100% utilization, things tend to get complicated. It isn’t the encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More itself that runs into issues – It’s OBSOBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software. It is a powerful free broadcasting software with many features that make broadcasting very easy. More, which requires some GPU processing power for the preview window and a few other processes. This results in the encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More beginning to act up in strange ways.

In short, avoid 100% utilization when encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More.

Reasons Why You Might Not Use Nvenc

As for the biggest reason why you might not use the Nvenc encoderThe Nvenc encoder is a hardware encoding chip onboard Nvidia graphics cards. While Nvenc performs slightly worse than X264 at lower bitrate values, it makes up for this by having a near-zero performance impact. This is possible because the encoding chip on the cards is dedicated silicon separate from the rendering cores. It is also for this reason that Nvenc is currently the leader in encoding options for broadcasting, at least until AV1 becomes capable of encoding a live broadcast. More is that your GPU is of AMD or Intel make. This encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More requires that you use an Nvidia graphics card. I’m not 100% about the first series to have the ASIC embedded into it, but suffice it to say that so long as you have a card that is somewhat modern, it has the encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More chip in it. (Modern being within the last three generations.)

Another reason you might not use this encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More would be that you’re pegging your GPU at 100% utilization. This is the only scenario where things become problematic for the encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More. You can help fight this by frame-limiting the card, but some of you might not want to lose your precious frame-crunching power. In this case, the alternative then is to use the X264 encoderX264 is an encoder that uses your CPU to encode media content. It does a decent job of this at a low bitrate value, but has a high CPU overhead cost. This overhead results in a loss of performance in games that are heavy on CPU usage. More instead.

3: X264 – CPU Encoding

X264X264 is an encoder that uses your CPU to encode media content. It does a decent job of this at a low bitrate value, but has a high CPU overhead cost. This overhead results in a loss of performance in games that are heavy on CPU usage. More encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More is easily the most accessible out of every encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More option in OBSOBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software. It is a powerful free broadcasting software with many features that make broadcasting very easy. More. This is because it is done at a software level, and almost all modern processors are capable of using it. However, because it runs as a software layer, it is far less efficient at processing the frame data. So it uses a lot of CPU computing resources to achieve the desired effect.

This can be especially pronounced when you are streaming a high CPU-demanding game, such as Anno 2077 or other simulation-based titles.

Reasons Why You Might Not Use X264

The biggest reason you might not use the X264 encoderX264 is an encoder that uses your CPU to encode media content. It does a decent job of this at a low bitrate value, but has a high CPU overhead cost. This overhead results in a loss of performance in games that are heavy on CPU usage. More is that it creates a pretty substantial demand on the CPU, resulting in performance loss while encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More. But, of course, the amount of performance lost is dependant on exactly what CPU you have, with lower-end chips taking the biggest hits.

If you happen to have a HEDT class CPU, like one of these AMD 32-core Threadrippers, then you can pretty safely get away with encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More using X264X264 is an encoder that uses your CPU to encode media content. It does a decent job of this at a low bitrate value, but has a high CPU overhead cost. This overhead results in a loss of performance in games that are heavy on CPU usage. More, as the performance impact on one of those monsters is negligible in most cases. Assuming you don’t try to slow the encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More down to, like, very slow or placebo. (Medium or above is recommended)

4: AVC/H264 (AMD Advanced Media Framework)

I really wanted AMD’s encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More to be good for streaming, but the honest truth is that it isn’t. The only reason you should use this encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More is if your processor is too strained to handle the additional load of encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More. Remember, the goal is to keep utilization for both your CPU and GPU under 100% since massive lag and frame drops occur when this happens.

For recording, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More. It performs just as well as all of the others with ample bitrateBitrate is the rate at which data is sent to the encoder in your broadcasting program. The maximum bitrate you are capable of is calculated by multiplying your internet upload speed in Mbps by 1000. More.

Reasons Why You Might Not Use AVC/H264 (AMD Advanced Media Framework)

The biggest reason why you might not use the AVC encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More is that it is pretty bad at encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More video at low bitrates. This makes it a poor choice for live streaming encoders. However, with that said, as I stated earlier in the article, once it has enough bitrateBitrate is the rate at which data is sent to the encoder in your broadcasting program. The maximum bitrate you are capable of is calculated by multiplying your internet upload speed in Mbps by 1000. More to do what it needs to do, it will perform just as well as the rest of them when it comes to encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More quality.

Regarding Multi-GPU Setups

If you are using a powerful AMD GPU and happen to have an old Nvidia card laying around, you actually can plug it into your pc, and use its encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More chip. However, I can’t recommend that you offload the encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More this way because it increases the demand on your power supply and can create system instability from mixed GPU drivers.

It isn’t worth the extra heat, noise, and power draw. I would sooner recommend that you build a second, dedicated streaming pc to accomplish the task of encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More. Still, nothing is stopping you from trying, I suppose. I’m not responsible for any damage to your PC if you attempt this and things go bad. Just make sure your power supply is higher than 850 watts before you try something like that.

New Encoder on the Horizon – AV1?

As of OBS Studio 27.2, OBSOBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software. It is a powerful free broadcasting software with many features that make broadcasting very easy. More now has beta support for AV1, an open-source CPU-based software encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More. This is pretty big news because the AV1 encoderAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More is far more efficient at encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More frame data than X264X264 is an encoder that uses your CPU to encode media content. It does a decent job of this at a low bitrate value, but has a high CPU overhead cost. This overhead results in a loss of performance in games that are heavy on CPU usage. More. What this means, in practice, is that it will be better at encodingAn encoder is a tool that processes a computer screen, webcam, or camera and, in the case of broadcasting, transmits it to an ingest server. Alternatively, it will convert the processed image and audio data into a filetype for recording. More frame data within the limited bitrateBitrate is the rate at which data is sent to the encoder in your broadcasting program. The maximum bitrate you are capable of is calculated by multiplying your internet upload speed in Mbps by 1000. More constraints imposed by many live streaming platforms. The result – better quality live streaming video footage.

As for where AV1 stands vs NVENCThe Nvenc encoder is a hardware encoding chip onboard Nvidia graphics cards. While Nvenc performs slightly worse than X264 at lower bitrate values, it makes up for this by having a near-zero performance impact. This is possible because the encoding chip on the cards is dedicated silicon separate from the rendering cores. It is also for this reason that Nvenc is currently the leader in encoding options for broadcasting, at least until AV1 becomes capable of encoding a live broadcast. More (New), that has yet to be determined. However, for all you AMD or Intel GPU users out there, this might be a game-changer for you.