How to Fix Lagging in OBS: Tips for Smoother Streaming

If you’re an avid streamer using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), you may have encountered frustrating lagging and streaming issues that hamper the overall quality of your videos.

Lag can disrupt the smoothness of your playback, affect the viewing experience for your audience, and even lead to dropped frames or connection problems.

In this article, we’ll guide you through practical solutions to troubleshoot and overcome lagging issues, ensuring a seamless streaming experience on OBS for both you and your viewers.

1. Fix Lagging in OBS by Checking Your Hardware

how to fix lagging OBS for streamers
Source: Eklipse Blog – Streaming Hardware

First things first, let’s not forget the importance of checking your streaming hardware when fix lagging in OBS.

Sometimes, lagging issues in OBS can be attributed to problems with your hardware components, such as your Ethernet connection, ports, or router.

Take a moment to inspect these elements and ensure they are in good condition. If you notice any loose or damaged parts, it’s crucial to repair or replace them to improve your OBS performance.

2. Check the Security and Firewall of Your Device

tips to fix lagging OBS streaming
Source: Eklipse Blog – Security and Firewall

If you’re still facing OBS lagging and streaming issues, it’s worth investigating if any security software is causing interference with proper movie playback.

Temporarily uninstalling your security software can help identify if it’s the culprit. Additionally, check your system firewall settings to ensure they are not contributing to OBS lags. Remember to restore the original settings once the troubleshooting process is complete.

To adjust your firewall settings on Windows, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Windows Settings

Go to the Windows icon (Start) located at the bottom left of the desktop (the flag icon), and click on the gear icon for Settings.

Step 2: Windows Security

Hover over “Update & Security” in the Settings menu and select “Windows Security.”

Step 3: Firewall & Network Protection

Within Windows Security, navigate to “Firewall & network protection.”

Step 4: Microsoft Defender Firewall

Locate “Microsoft Defender Firewall” and turn off the firewall.

More on Eklipse Blog >> How to Update OBS on Windows and Mac: Get The Best Live Streaming

3. Use a Stable Network

fix lagging in OBS streaming with stable network
Source: Eklipse Blog – WiFi

To avoid visual lag or freezing issues in OBS, you need a reliable and fast internet connection. Dropped frames are an indicator of an unreliable connection. It’s essential to check your connection speed using a speed test program.

If you’re unable to resolve the connection issue on your own, it’s advisable to contact your internet service provider for assistance in troubleshooting speed or network problems.

4. Use a Wired Connection

maximizing OBS streaming with wired connections
Source: Eklipse Blog – Wired Connections

While wireless connections offer convenience, they may not always be reliable or stable, particularly for streaming purposes.

If you’re experiencing trouble with your wireless internet connection, consider connecting your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.

This wired connection ensures a consistent network connection, reducing the chances of lag or disruptions during your streams.

5. Change OBS Settings to Fix Lag

OBS encoder settings to avoid lagging stream
Source: Eklipse Blog – Change OBS setting to avoid lag

Customizing OBS settings according to your device’s performance can significantly fix lagging in OBS. Here are some straightforward steps to help you optimize OBS settings:

Step 1: Encoding Settings

You can change your encoding settings for better streaming performance on OBS. If you have NVIDIA graphic cards, you might wanna try NVENC encoder rather than the default x264

To change your encoder go to “Settings > Encoding.” You can find the “Settings” option in the sidebar.

Step 2: Adjust Max Bitrate

Another way to reduce video lag on your OBS is by adjusting your bitrate.

To change it, go to encoding settings, modify the maximum bitrate to 500,000 (or 800,000 if using 720p) in kilobits per second (kb/s)

Step 3: Modify Base Resolution

According to your specific needs, adjust the base resolution to either 1080p or 720p. If you’re unsure about the exact size, you can refer to the Resolution Downscale section for additional guidance.

More on Eklipse Blog >> How To Mute Discord On OBS Studio: 3 Methods to Try

Conclusion

In conclusion, optimizing your OBS settings and addressing lagging issues can greatly enhance your streaming experience. Remember, a seamless streaming experience benefits both you as a streamer and your audience

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