Fraps vs Origin
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Fraps is a universal Windows application that can be used with games utilizing DirectX or OpenGL graphic technologies. It functions as a performance measurement tool to display frame rates on screen, helping users analyze their hardware performance during gameplay. Beyond benchmarking, Fraps enables users to record video footage of their gameplay sessions and capture high-resolution screenshots with a single keystroke. It has historically been a foundational tool for PC gamers, content creators, and reviewers documenting in-game performance and cinematic moments.
Origin was a digital distribution platform created by Electronic Arts to allow users to purchase and play video games on personal computers and mobile devices. The client featured social functionalities such as profile management, networking with friends via chat and direct joining, and cloud game saving. Over time, Electronic Arts transitioned its focus on PC gaming back to the EA app, deprecating the Origin client while migrating user libraries. During its operational years, it served as the primary storefront for major EA franchises like Battlefield, FIFA, and The Sims.
- Extremely lightweight and simple user interface
- Reliable real-time FPS overlay in games
- Supports both DirectX and OpenGL applications
- Quick hotkey setup for recording and screenshots
- Clean and modern user interface
- Reliable cloud save integration
- Frequent digital sales and promotions
- Integrated social and chat features
- Unregistered free version limits video recording duration and adds watermarks
- Lacks modern features like hardware-accelerated NVENC or AMD encoding
- Has not received major functional updates in many years
- Required background service for some titles
- Frequent software transitions to the EA app
- Limited game catalog outside of EA publications