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Why the program name does not settle the comparison
A looping stream can involve decoding a file, encoding the output, scaling or filtering frames, and—in OBS—compositing and rendering a scene. Each added task can change the computer’s workload. OBS says its CPU requirements vary considerably with encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity (OBS system requirements).
FFmpeg can loop video frames with its loop filter, including indefinitely with loop=-1 (FFmpeg loop filter). That feature explains how to repeat frames; it does not show how much electricity a complete stream uses. FFmpeg can also filter, transcode, and use hardware paths, subject to its build, drivers, and device support (FFmpeg documentation).
What changes the electricity use
Encoding path
OBS supports software and hardware encoding. Its guidance generally recommends hardware encoders for performance because they move encoding work from the CPU to a specialized GPU component. It also cautions that earlier-generation hardware encoders may deliver lower image quality than software encoding at the same bitrate (OBS hardware-encoding guidance). Moving work off the CPU is not proof that the whole computer will draw less power: total wall consumption depends on the particular CPU, GPU, encoder, and configuration.
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FFmpeg’s hardware options depend on the installed build and drivers. Its documentation notes that many acceleration methods target playback and may not be faster than software decoding on modern CPUs. “Hardware accelerated” therefore does not automatically mean lower electricity use.
Scene and filter workload
OBS uses GPU resources to composite and render scenes. Its performance guidance recommends simplifying scenes and reducing resolution, frame rate, or expensive sources when resource use is a problem (OBS performance guidance). A simple scene with one video source is not necessarily comparable to a scene with multiple sources or effects.
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In FFmpeg, the relevant workload depends on what the command does: a straightforward loop is different from one that scales, filters, or transcodes the file. Match those operations before comparing power.
Output settings and acceptable quality
Hold resolution and frames per second constant; OBS explicitly identifies both as workload factors. Match the encoder and quality target as closely as possible, and verify the resulting streams look and sound acceptably similar. A lower-power run that drops frames or produces materially different quality is not an equivalent result.
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How to measure your own setup fairly
There is no reported wattage or percentage saving for a matched OBS-versus-FFmpeg YouTube loop stream. To choose for your own hardware, compare the complete computer’s power draw at the wall rather than relying on CPU or GPU utilization alone.
- Fix the conditions. Use the same computer, source file, stream destination, resolution, frame rate, and audio and video settings for both runs.
- Match the encoding approach. Use the same available encoder and a comparable quality target where possible. Record the exact settings and software versions; if the encoders differ, note that the comparison includes that difference.
- Measure equal intervals. Let each setup stabilize, then measure whole-system wall power for the same length of time. Repeat the runs. If you want the additional draw attributable to streaming, compare each run with the same computer’s idle baseline.
- Check the actual output. Confirm stream continuity and inspect video and audio quality. Record dropped frames or interruptions rather than treating an unreliable run as a valid power-saving result.
A general outlet power meter can be used for this measurement, but the evidence does not support a specific model or make buying one necessary. If you already have a suitable meter, use it consistently across runs.
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What the available energy evidence can—and cannot—tell you
A 2015 study hosted by Simon Fraser University measured energy in a game-streaming and recording benchmark, including a software-encoding condition (Simon Fraser University study). That workload is materially different from streaming an already-rendered video loop, and it did not compare OBS with FFmpeg. Its figures should not be used to estimate which of these two workflows will consume less power for your stream.
The defensible conclusion is conditional: encoding mode, output settings, processing, and hardware matter, and a matched wall-power measurement is needed to identify the lower-draw option on a particular system.
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Or let it run in the cloud
If the reason for comparing OBS and FFmpeg is that you need a YouTube loop to stay live, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos on YouTube; it does not stream from a camera.
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on to keep the stream running.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; one free day is available per account.
Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery, and StreamNeo team support. The same features are included on every plan; only the billing period changes. Choose daily, weekly, monthly, six-month, or yearly billing, and cancel any time. UPI and cards are accepted in India; card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support.
Quick Recap
Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
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.
