The best screen recording software can simplify a variety of tasks for businesses. From announcing product updates and making software tutorials to onboarding new employees, a screen recorder makes it easier for teams to share information.
No two screen recorders are alike. There are tons of free and paid screen recording software tools on the market equipped with many different features. Whether you’re looking for a simple screen recorder that prioritizes a user-friendly interface or something a little more robust with more advanced features, you’ve got to do your research well before fully committing to one.
Here’s a list we’ve made of twelve of the best screen recording software tools worth considering:
- Camtasia
- Bandicam
- Apowersoft
- Screencastify
- Screencast-O-Matic
- CleanShot X
- Snagit
- Filmora Scrn
- OBS Studio
- Loom
- Zappy
- CloudApp
Let’s get right into it.
When to Use Screen Recording
Before anything else, you should understand the importance of screen recording software tools and the endless possibilities they bring. As mentioned, these tools can simplify tasks. They can make complex ideas easier to understand. Instead of writing reports to the IT department about certain issues, you can show them what the problem is using screen recorders.
Businesses can use screen recording software to give thorough instructions on completing a task. You can use it to educate consumers or their employees. You may use it to explain documents in detail and to make presentations by recording PowerPoint slides.
Top 10 Screen Recording Software Tools
Screen recording doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Using simple, intuitive tools, anyone can navigate the software and get the job done in no time.
Read on to see which screen recording software is the most ideal for your needs.
1. Camtasia
Camtasia has rich video and audio editing features, making it suitable for detail-oriented users. It lets you edit your recording frame by frame. You can add animations and all kinds of video effects.
Unlike your average screen recorder, you can even add quizzes and other interactive content in your videos using this tool. With a library of royalty-free tracks and sound effects, you can edit your recording to your heart’s content. Given its comprehensive features, it’s not the easiest tool to work with, especially for beginners.
Although it has a free 30-day trial, its paid version comes with a hefty price tag. In fact, it is one of the most expensive screen-recording software tools on the market. Its single license pricing costs $249. With this one-time fee, you can install it on two computers—Windows or Mac.
✅ PROS:
- Free trial
- Advanced video editing
- Powerful screen recording tools
⛔️ CONS:
- Paid version is expensive
- Steep learning curve
- Lags when used on large projects
2. Bandicam
Bandicam lets you record everything that’s happening on your PC screen with crisp, high-quality visuals. If you wish to, you may also record a small portion of the screen. You can capture video from devices such as web cameras, smartphones, Xbox consoles, and more. You can even schedule screen recordings at a specific time of the day or week.
The screen recorder offers features that gamers are interested in, including an FPS overlay and control. Using the free Bandicam version, all of your recordings will come with a watermark. If you want to get rid of it, you should get the paid version, which costs $39. This license lets you install the software on a single device.
✅ PROS:
- Scheduled recording
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable paid version
⛔️ CONS:
- Recording mode doesn’t work well at high frame rates
- Only compatible with Windows
- Free version has watermarks
3. Apowersoft
Apowersoft is a browser-based screen recorder that isn’t quite suitable for gaming. It is, however, great for recording product demonstrations, presentations, and other tutorials. The screen recorder can record various kinds of on-screen activities—from live chats to video streams. Not only that, it has a diverse range of export options, including MP4, GIF, MPEG, WMV, and more.
Using the screen recording software, you can edit your file in real-time. You can add text, callouts, and highlights. You can either save your recording on a local drive or the cloud at zero cost.
✅ PROS:
- Multiple export options
- No time limit
- No watermark
⛔️ CONS:
- Not ideal for games
- Needs a plug-in to work
- Requires a stable internet connection
4. Screencastify
Suited for creating software demos or solutions videos, Screencastify is a free Chrome extension. It adds a fresh twist to traditional presentations. In school, teachers can use it to illustrate difficult concepts or to deliver feedback. Businesses may use it in similar ways. They can use the software to train new employees or share professional development.
By creating product demos, you may also use it to drive sales. It is a great option for those looking to share short clips that require minimal edits.
Screencastify autosaves your work on your Google Drive. Through this tool, you can share your recording on YouTube or export it as a GIF or MP4 file. The screen recorder is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
✅ PROS:
- Free screen recorder
- Quick and easy setup
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux
⛔️ CONS:
- Basic editing features
- Free version has a 10-minute restriction
- Limited to Chrome browsers
5. Screencast-O-Matic
Another browser-based screen recorder that you can get for free is Screencast-O-Matic. Although all clips are limited to 15 minutes in length, you can record as many of them as you wish. You can use its zoom recorder. You may even add any of their 30 royalty-free tunes while editing. Once you’re satisfied with it, you can save the file on your desktop or share it online.
The free version of Screencast-O-Matic will add a watermark to your clips. You can get rid of it by upgrading to the paid version. It costs $20 per person per year. That will give users unlimited recording and editing features. Screencast-O-Matic even offers education discounts for schools and other institutions.
✅ PROS:
- Free to use
- Royalty-free music
- Affordable paid version
⛔️ CONS:
- Maximum length is 15 minutes
- Free version has watermarks
- Free version has limited features
6. CleanShot X
CleanShot X is a powerful alternative for your macOS screen recording tool. It lets you record, save, and share your recordings in a few clicks. It also has a scrolling capture functionality, allowing you to screenshot your chat history and other files that can’t fit on your screen. It even lets you pin screenshots above all windows. In terms of editing, its tools are a little basic. It has an annotation tool that lets you easily highlight the most important parts of your recordings.
All screenshots and recordings can be uploaded to the CleanShot Cloud, where you will be provided with a shareable link. Sharing files online has never been easier. Using CleanShot X, you only have to save, drag, and drop recordings to other apps.
✅ PROS:
- Drag-and-drop sharing
- Scrolling capture feature
- One-time purchase
⛔️ CONS:
- Limited to macOS
- Basic editing features
- No free trial version
7. Snagit
Snagit is arguably the best free screen capture software tool on the market. It lets you create panoramic shots of your on-screen activities. With this tool, it’s easy to create videos out of images. You can then annotate screen recordings, document workflows, or extract text from files.
During a video, you can switch between webcam and screen recording, which can add a personal touch to your presentations.
✅ PROS:
- Pre-made templates
- Instant sharing and exporting features
- Records any part of the screen
⛔️ CONS:
- Only has a 15-day free trial
- Requires a stable internet connection
- Only exports video to one format
8. Filmora Scrn
Designed to capture fast-paced scenes up to 60 frames per second (Mac), Filmora Scrn is an exceptional free video capture software tool for gamers. It can record from your webcam, as well as your screen, both at the same time. With a custom recording field, you can choose to capture the entire screen on video or merely a small part of it.
Filmora Scrn comes with a full range of editing tools, allowing you to maximize the look and feel of your recordings. These tools also help make your screen records more interactive, which effectively enhances viewer experience.
✅ PROS:
- Imports 50+ file formats
- Exports in multiple file formats
- Supports 4K recording
⛔️ CONS:
- Lacks advanced editing tools
- Tends to lag during editing
- Might affect game performance
9. OBS Studio
OBS Studio, an open-source project, has no video recording restrictions, unlike other free limited trials. You can record and stream video to your heart’s content at zero cost. It also comes with highly detailed editing and mixing capabilities, allowing you to tailor real-time video and audio to fit your needs. It is arguably the best screen recorder for gamers.
If you’re new to the world of screen recorders, you might feel a little overwhelmed if you start learning using OBS Studio. While it offers a lot of opportunities for expanding its features, searching for appropriate plug-ins isn’t the easiest task for beginners. However, once you’re familiar with screen recording software, you can make better use of OBS Studio’s functionality. It is, after all, a powerful screen recording software tool, suitable for the most demanding tasks.
✅ PROS:
- Free software
- Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- No video length restrictions
⛔️ CONS:
- Steep learning curve
- Setup takes too long
- Layout can be too complex
10. Loom
Loom has a user-friendly interface that lets you instantly record any activity on your screen and share it online. It doesn’t have a steep learning curve, which makes it great for beginners. One of its best features is its ability to pause and resume while recording.
It has limited editing features, but it does have unlimited video storage. That means you can create as much interactive content as you want. Like other online screen recorders, it requires a stable internet connection. The fluidity of your work will be affected by your internet speed.
✅ PROS:
- Controlled video viewing
- User-friendly interface
- Free basic plan
⛔️ CONS:
- Limited editing options
- Lacks advanced features for companies or teams
11. Zappy
Initially developed as an internal tool for those working at Zapier, Zappy was meant to assist the company’s remote teams. Zapier is one of the few purely remote companies in the world, and this tool has helped its team members communicate and exchange information more seamlessly and efficiently. Because of this, Zapier has made Zappy available for use to the public.
The screen recording software allows team members to annotate screenshots, create GIFs, and instantly record your device’s screen with just a few taps. You can simply select the part of your screen that you want to record, and Zappy would get to work recording.
The service has complete basic features, but upgrading to a paid plan would allow you to automatically upload your files to the cloud and utilize Zapier’s hosting services. Overall, it’s an excellent, basic screen recording tool for those on Mac devices.
12. CloudApp
CloudApp is a user-friendly platform designed for recording and sharing short-form videos and screenshots. You can add in annotations to your files, and you can also use the platform to share other types of content like images and audio clips. With CloudApp, you can also select a certain part of your screen to record and share to help with tracking visual changes and updates.
One of CloudApp’s unique features is that it allows you to share the link of your screen-recorded content to the parties that you want to send it to. You can upload up to 100 MB per file, which is pretty sizable considering the length of your recordings. Additionally, the screen recorder supports most file types, and you can find all the tools you need in-platform. This means you can save more time and avoid switching across different apps.
✅ PROS:
- Compatible across all operating systems and devices
- UI is simple and easy to navigate
- Can automatically upload to the cloud
⛔️ CONS:
- Crashes occasionally, especially if you have many files on your device
- Takes some time to load
- 90-second time limit for screen recordings
- 15-second time limit for GIFs
How to Choose a Screen Recorder
Screen recorders come with a wide range of features and functionalities. Most of them can, for example, capture pictures or videos. They let you edit and annotate the recording. They even allow you to save your recording in a variety of formats.
While there is a wealth of options on the market, the best one depends entirely on your needs and goals. Listed below are some factors you might want to consider in your search for an exceptional screen recorder.
-
Ease of use
Most screen recorders have been designed with convenience in mind, making it quick and easy to record and edit your videos. Just remember that some of the software tools are built for specific levels of expertise. If the learning curve is too steep, choose simple alternatives that beginners can be comfortable with. -
Video recording features
Do you need to record the entire screen area? Or just part of it? Also, how long are the videos you intend to record? Make sure that the screen recording tool you choose can record videos in the manner you prefer. On top of that, you need to find one that suits the activity you’re trying to record. Let’s say you intend to record or stream gameplay. An online screen recorder isn’t the most ideal as it requires a stable internet connection. If you’re playing on the web, it might cause the game or the software to lag. In this case, a desktop screen recorder, which functions offline, should work just fine. -
Export options
Some software can save your recordings in a variety of formats, while others can only do so in a handful of options. Make sure that the software you choose can easily convert your recording into your preferred file format. -
Price
The cost of screen recording software varies greatly, depending largely on their features and functionalities. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, conduct your research extensively. Take advantage of free trials before committing to monthly or annual plans.
How to Record Your Screen
Windows and Mac computers have built-in tools for screen recording. You can use such methods if you have yet to choose your ideal software. Here, you will learn how to screen record and how to edit videos on Windows and macOS.
Windows
The Windows 10 Game Bar offers a quick and simple way to record on-screen activity. However, unlike more complex screen recorders, it can only record events within the active app. It can’t record the entire screen. Simply put, if you activate it while your Chrome is active, it can only capture what goes on within your browser.
Here’s how you can record your screen on Windows 10:
- Open Game Bar
Access the Game Bar by pressing the Windows key and the G key together. If using the shortcut won’t activate it, click on the Start menu. Go to Windows Settings, then Gaming. Look for Game Bar, and make sure it’s turned on.
Click on Win + G one more time to activate it. - Start recording
Press the Windows key, the Alt key, and the R key to start recording. A small panel will appear on the top-right corner of the screen, which has a timer, a stop button, and a microphone icon. - Stop recording
Click on the Windows key, the Alt key, and the R key to stop recording any time you want. You may also use the stop button at the top-right corner of the screen.
These are the default keyboard shortcuts on Windows 10 computers. If you wish to alter them, you may do so from the Game Bar settings.
Mac
Mac also has a built-in tool that lets you record on-screen activities. Unlike the Windows version, it lets you record the entire screen or a specific part of it. Simply click and move your cursor around to choose which area you want to record.
Here’s how you can record your Mac screen:
- Open QuickTime
- Click on File
- Select New Screen recording
- Start recording
Screen Recording Software FAQs
How can I record my screen?
Whether you have a Windows or Mac operating system, you can easily record your screen using built-in tools. There is also a myriad of screen recorders out there that can capture everything happening on your computer, including the movement of your cursor.
What is a screen recorder?
A screen recorder refers to software that enables users to digitally record the activity on their computer screens. It lets you record the entire screen or a portion of it. Using such software, you can snap a still image or record any on-screen activity, from cursor movements to typing. You can also share your recordings with team members to simplify and clarify tasks that might easily get misunderstood with written descriptions alone.
How do I use a screen recorder?
With the right software, screen recording is quick, simple, and easy. You can streamline your workflow and optimize the way your team communicates using screen recordings. Some screen recording software will even let you select the specific area of the screen that you want to record. Once done, you can immediately start recording. You may edit it after. For instance, some software will let you overlay webcam footage of yourself on the recorded video. You may add graphics such as your logo. You may also enter additional audio to the recording.
Are screen recorders safe?
Not all screen recorders are made equal. If you want to minimize risks, make sure to get your software from trustworthy vendors. Do your research well, starting with our list of screen recording software tools.
What is a good free screen recording software tool?
If you’re looking for the best free screen recorder, our list has plenty of options — Camtasia, OBS Studio, and Apowersoft, to name a few. However, the built-in tool in your computer is the most budget-friendly option. It might not be as powerful as the screen recorders on our list, but it can get the job done. Remember that most of these free screen recorders are only free for a limited time. After the trial, you will have to purchase their paid versions to keep on using their features.
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