Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor the simplest guided workflow, choose Loom. It records your screen, camera and microphone, then provides editing and link sharing. Choose OBS Studio if you want free local recordings, more control over sources and audio, or a setup that can grow to include gameplay, a webcam and other inputs. OBS can do more, but its interface may take longer to learn.
Which recording software should you choose?
| Your priority | Better starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Record a screen tutorial and share it with a link | Loom | Its workflow combines screen, camera and microphone recording with editing and sharing features. |
| Record gameplay or combine several video and audio sources | OBS Studio | It supports scenes built from sources such as game or window capture, images, webcams and capture cards, alongside audio mixing. |
| Keep the recording on your computer and avoid a free-plan video cap | OBS Studio | OBS is free and open source. Loom’s product pages describe a 25-video-per-member limit on its free Starter plan; check Loom’s current plan terms before relying on that limit. |
| Start with fewer production controls and use built-in editing and sharing | Loom | Its guided capture and sharing workflow may suit creators who do not need OBS’s wider source and scene controls. |
“Easy” depends on what you are making. A one-window tutorial can be quick in either tool; a gameplay scene with separate audio and camera sources is where OBS’s flexibility becomes useful, along with the extra setup it requires.
What each option is best at
OBS Studio: free local recording with flexible scenes
The OBS Project describes OBS Studio as free, open-source software for recording and live streaming on Windows, Mac and Linux. Its feature set includes real-time video and audio capture and mixing, scenes assembled from multiple sources, and an audio mixer with filters. That makes it a strong fit for gaming videos, tutorials that combine applications, and creators who want to adjust their layout or audio over time.
The trade-off is complexity. TechRadar’s review describes OBS as flexible, while noting that its interface can overwhelm beginners and reporting minor glitches in its own review. That is a reviewer assessment, not a guarantee of how it will behave on your computer.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Loom: guided capture, editing and sharing
Loom supports screen-only, camera-only or combined recording, with a connected microphone selected for audio. Its product pages also describe editing and sharing features; the Mac page lists system-audio capture, clip stitching, captions and transcripts. This can be convenient for explainers and tutorials where a polished, shareable clip matters more than a highly configurable production scene.
Loom’s Mac and Windows product pages describe the free Starter plan as limited to 25 videos per member, with recording more requiring a Business plan. Plan limits and packaging can change, so verify Loom’s current terms before choosing it around that allowance.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Mac’s built-in screen capture: a basic starting point
Loom’s Mac page says macOS users can open the built-in screen recorder with Command + Shift + 5. Treat this as a basic screen-capture starting point rather than a full recording-and-editing workflow; that page positions Loom as an alternative when camera capture, editing or link sharing is wanted. Check the current macOS behavior on your Mac before relying on a particular control or result.
Record a first YouTube video in OBS
- Install a compatible release. Check the OBS download page for the current version and operating-system requirements. When the page was reviewed for this article’s source material, it listed version 32.2.2, Windows 10/11 support and macOS 13.0 or later; those details can change. The OBS Project also provides a Linux build.
- Run the Auto-Configuration Wizard. OBS’s official Quickstart recommends starting with this wizard. Follow its prompts, then review the resulting output settings rather than assuming the same configuration suits every computer and recording.
- Add the source you need. In a scene, add the relevant game, display or window capture, and add a webcam or capture card only if you want that video in the recording. For a tutorial, a single-window capture can keep the focus on the application. Check the captured area for private information or notifications before you record.
- Check audio devices and meters. OBS defaults to capturing desktop audio and a microphone, according to its Quickstart. Confirm the meters move when you speak or play audio, and check that the intended devices are selected. If you use a separate microphone, select it rather than assuming OBS has chosen the right input.
- Review output settings and make a short test. Confirm the recording settings shown in OBS, record a few minutes, then play the file back. Check picture, sound, framing and performance before making the full video. OBS’s requirements guidance cautions that supported hardware alone does not ensure successful recording: encoder, resolution, frame rate and scene complexity affect CPU demands.
Record a first video in Loom
- Choose the capture layout. Select screen-only, camera-only or screen plus camera according to the video you are making.
- Select the microphone. Choose the connected input you intend to use; do not assume the built-in or external microphone is selected automatically.
- Prepare what appears on screen. Open the application or game you plan to show, arrange any windows, and close or silence notifications that could expose private information.
- Record a short sample and review it. Check that the screen area, camera framing and audio are right before recording a long take. Use Loom’s editing and sharing workflow if it fits your final clip.
- Check plan limits before a series of recordings. Loom’s product pages describe a 25-video-per-member limit for free Starter; confirm the current allowance and plan terms in Loom before building a workflow around it.
Choose capture gear only when your video needs it
You do not need to buy a microphone, webcam or capture card just to start recording. A USB microphone may help when you want a separate audio input; a webcam is useful for a face-camera shot; and a capture card is relevant when your video source requires one. OBS supports webcam and capture-card sources, while Loom supports a connected microphone and camera recording. First make a test with the devices you already have, then add gear only to address a specific limitation.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
Recording a video and keeping a YouTube channel live are different jobs. If your goal is to keep uploaded videos looping as a 24/7 YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a cloud service from Yorker Media: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting from a camera. Your computer does not need to stay on at home; videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. Visit StreamNeo or start the free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
