Are you looking for the best screen recording software to help you capture and share your screen activity? Whether you’re a professional video editor, a gamer, or a business user, you need the right software to help you capture and share your screen activity. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you find the best screen recording software for your needs. We’ll cover the features to look for, the different types of software available, and the best options for different types of users. We’ll also provide tips on how to get the most out of your screen recording software. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and find the perfect screen recording software for your needs.
Overview: The Best Free Screen Recording Softwares
Number 1: OBS
| Product | OBS |
| Website: | https://obsproject.com/ |
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The OBS Studio video recorder is a potent tool that can be used for much more than just simple and quick screen captures. Users of the application can combine numerous sources to create a seamless broadcast by working on them simultaneously.
OBS Studio has a robust API that enables plugins and scripts to add more customization and functionality tailored to your need. Use Lua or Python scripts that interface with current sources or native plugins for high performance integrations.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easy to use overlays and on-screen elements. | Can’t adjust webcam image |
| Easily customizable. | Mic choice doesn’t show up in window |
| Can easily switch between different scenes | Frequent updates |
Number 2: Bandicam
| Product | Bandicam |
| Website: | https://www.bandicam.com/ |
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With the help of Bandicam, a simple screen recorder for Windows, you can record anything that appears on your computer screen in high-definition video. Additionally, using this programme, it is possible to record a specific region of the PC screen or record a game that makes use of DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan visuals.
Bandicam offers performance considerably superior to other screen capture programmes that do comparable functions. It will assist you in performing a screen capture with a high compression ratio while maintaining the video quality of the original work.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Record everything on your screen including audio | Need to pay to remove watermark |
| Can record with your webcam as well | Only works on Windows |
| High quality recordings | Free version can only record up to 10 minutes |
Number 3: Nvidia Shadowplay
| Product | Nvidia Shadowplay |
| Website: | https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/geforce-experience/shadowplay/ |
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The Instant Replay function of ShadowPlay has already captured it! To save the most recent 30 seconds of gameplay to your hard drive or to share it on Facebook or YouTube, simply press a hotkey. It functions as game recording software, allowing you to manually record gameplay recordings in resolutions of up to 8K HDR at 30 frames per second* or up to 4K HDR at 60 frames per second for as long as you choose. Additionally, ShadowPlay is hardware accelerated, allowing you to leave it running in the background without worrying about it slowing down your performance when video capture is active.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Even if you don’t utilise a 4K monitor, ShadowPlay can record in 4K at 60 frames per second. | Lowers FPS |
| Can create highlights easily | Lack of editing tools |
| Can stream as well as record | Requires high bandwidth rating |
Number 4: ShareX
| Product | ShareX |
| Website: | https://getsharex.com/ |
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ShareX is a free and open source tool that enables you to quickly share any portion of your screen after capturing or recording it. Additionally, you can upload files in other formats, such as text or images, to any one of the more than 50 supported destinations. Only compatible with the Windows operating system, ShareX is a useful programme for taking screenshots of your screen, saving them, and editing them on your computer. It is a lightweight programme that allows for customization.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easy to navigate | Not available on Mac |
| Customizable keybinds | The links to your submitted photographs that can be shared will eventually expire. |
| You may quickly share all of your screenshots, GIFs, and videos using the auto upload tool by uploading them to their server or your own server. | The scrolling window capture does not always work as expected. |
Number 5: Debut Video Capture
| Product | Debut Video Capture |
| Website: | https://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/index.html |
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NCH Software’s Debut is a video capture and screencasting tool that works on both Windows and Mac. Debut works with other NCH Software products like Express Burn CD and DVD Burner, Prism Video Converter, and VideoPad Video Editor and Movie Maker.
There are numerous features in this free screen recorder that you would often only find in more expensive software, such as scheduled recordings and configurable output choices. If you’re looking for a free app for creating and storing recordings from a home security camera, this one is a fantastic option because it’s dependable and simple to use.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Can record from external cameras | Interface looks a little dated |
| Scheduled recordings | Audio doesn’t work on Mac |
| Highly customizable | No editing tools |
Number 6: EaseUS RecExperts
| Product | EaseUS RecExperts |
| Website: | https://recorder.easeus.com/ |
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One of the greatest screen recorders available is EaseUS RecExperts(opens in new tab), which is perfect if you’re making webinars or need to record videos on your PC. With the help of this competent software, you can effortlessly overlay camera footage on a portion of your screen while also recording audio on top of it. RecExperts offers a number of useful options to enhance the impact of your videos and supports 4K recording.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Offers customizable options for recording any region of a PC screen. | The free trial only allows for two minutes of video capture and adds a watermark to your films. |
| The capacity to compress videos without compromising their quality | Limited editing features |
| Ability to store the recorded material in ten various forms that are available | You need to purchase for all features |
Number 7: Screencast-O-Matic
| Product | Screencast-O-Matic |
| Website: | https://screencast-o-matic.com/ |
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Screencast-O-Matic is a video editing and screencasting software programme that can be run simply from a browser for free. The programme has been widely utilised in the field of education to assist lecture capture, bi-directional student assessments, flipped classroom video creation, and student video assignments.
Screencast-O-Matic is a suggested paid screen capture tool, particularly for video editing and public posting. Still, Snagit, our Editors’ Choice pick for screen-capture software, has a few more premium capabilities that it lacks.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Great for working in teams | Lacking in content |
| Easy to record any part of your screen and edit your recordings | Some users faced issues when trying to give feedback |
| Easy to use | When you overlay an element to your video you don’t see its coordinates |
Number 8: FinalDraft
| Product | FinalDraft |
| Website: | https://www.finaldraft.com/ |
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If screenwriting is your area of expertise, you ought to use Final Draft as well. The app offers intelligent auto-suggestions to format your work in accordance with industry standards. It automatically produces character and scene locations lists. A Tale Map aids in keeping the story on track for pacing and screenplay length, while a Beat Board function mimics the classic notecard method of scene organisation. Final Draft is one of the priciest writing programmes available, but it’s worth the money and only requires a one-time payment rather than a recurring membership. One of the top apps for writers in general, Final Draft is a PCMag Editors’ Choice winner for screenwriting software.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Strong writing instruments for both scenes and larger story creation | Free version doesn’t save your work regularly |
| Multiple view options | Only free temporarily |
| Good collaborative capabilities | A lot of features don’t work well |
Number 9: Flashback Express
| Product | Flashback Express |
| Website: | https://www.flashbackrecorder.com/ |
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FlashBack Express is a free screen recorder from the endearingly titled Blueberry Software that’s fantastic for collecting footage from your desktop and sharing it online. It doesn’t place time limits on recordings, unlike some other free screen recorders, and won’t add unsightly watermarks to your videos.
FlashBack Express is a great option for vlogs as well as software demonstrations, walkthroughs, let’s play videos, and tutorials because it can record audio and sound from your desktop, a webcam, and a microphone.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easy to use | Some users faced problems trying to save videos |
| High quality recordings | Has ads |
| Uses short storage to save videos | Difficulty seeing the video while exporting |
Number 10: Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
| Product | Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder |
| Website: | https://www.apowersoft.com/free-online-screen-recorder |
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There are two screen recorders made by Apowersoft. The first, which we’re examining here, is a browser-based web application, whilst the second, which can be reached on the same site by choosing “Download desktop version,” is a paid programme that you can only use for a brief free trial period before you have to pay a monthly fee.
There are no time restrictions, paywalls, or watermarks with Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder(opens in new tab). The little launcher application must still be downloaded and installed before you can use it, even though it runs in your web browser. Click “Start recording,” then adhere to the guidelines (it works for both Windows and macOS).
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Dynamic Screen Capturing Options | Mac users reported it crashes sometimes |
| Full image editing | Cannot Capture on a Secondary Monitor |
| Easy User-friendly interface | Lacks editing options |
Number 11: Loom
| Product | Loom |
| Website: | https://www.loom.com/ |
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Loom is a solution for video messaging that assists you in communicating through immediately shareable movies. You can concurrently record with your desktop, microphone, and camera using Loom. The proprietary technology of Loom makes your video immediately shareable.
The benefit of Loom is its simplicity: simply press record, create your video, and it will be instantaneously posted and available for sharing. Although it’s a good idea and a visually beautiful software, teams might not find it compelling enough to purchase it given the wide availability of similar tools that the majority of people already own.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easy to use | The transcripts feature isn’t accurate |
| Intuitive interface | Can’t edit still screenshots |
| Easy video link sharing options. | Can’t transfer videos between workspaces |
FAQ
Why should you use a screen recording software?
Screen recording software can be used to capture video and audio from your computer screen, allowing you to create tutorials, presentations, and other types of videos. It can also be used to record gameplay, capture webinars, and more. Screen recording software can be a great tool for creating content for educational, business, or personal use.
When do you need a screen recording software?
A screen recording software is useful for a variety of tasks, such as creating tutorials, recording video game footage, or capturing a live stream. It can also be used to record a presentation or lecture, or to capture a webinar. Screen recording software can also be used to capture a video of your computer screen for troubleshooting purposes.
Who should use a screen recording software?
Screen recording software can be used by anyone who needs to capture video or audio from their computer screen. This could include teachers creating instructional videos, gamers recording their gameplay, or businesses creating promotional videos.
How does a screen recording software work?
Screen recording software works by capturing the video and audio output from a computer and saving it as a video file. The software typically uses a combination of hardware and software to capture the video and audio output from the computer. The hardware component typically consists of a capture card or a USB device that is connected to the computer. The software component typically consists of a recording program that is used to control the capture card or USB device and record the video and audio output. The recorded video and audio can then be saved as a video file in a variety of formats.
What types of screen recording software exist?
There are many types of screen recording software available, including free and paid options. Some of the most popular screen recording software include:
- Camtasia
- Screencast-O-Matic
- OBS Studio
- Snagit
- ScreenFlow
- Bandicam
- ScreenRec
- FlashBack Express
- Movavi Screen Recorder
- Debut Video Capture
Which attributes does a good screen recording software have?
A good screen recording software should have the following attributes:
- Easy to use interface: The software should be easy to use and understand, with intuitive controls and options.
- High quality recordings: The recordings should be of high quality, with clear audio and visuals.
- Flexible recording options: The software should allow users to record in different formats, such as full screen, windowed, or region-specific.
- Editing capabilities: The software should allow users to edit their recordings, such as adding annotations, trimming, and adding effects.
- Compatibility: The software should be compatible with different operating systems and devices.
- Security: The software should have security features to protect recordings from unauthorized access.
- Support: The software should have good customer support, with helpful tutorials and FAQs.
What are the benefits of a screen recording software?
Screen recording software can be used to capture video and audio from a computer screen, allowing users to create tutorials, presentations, and other types of content. Benefits of using a screen recording software include:
- Increased Efficiency: Screen recording software can help streamline the process of creating content, allowing users to quickly and easily capture and edit video and audio.
- Improved Collaboration: Screen recording software can be used to share content with colleagues and clients, allowing for better collaboration and feedback.
- Increased Reach: Screen recording software can be used to create content for a variety of platforms, allowing users to reach a wider audience.
- Cost Savings: Screen recording software can help reduce costs associated with creating content, as it eliminates the need for expensive equipment and software.
Based on what criteria should you choose a screen recording software?
- Quality of the recording: Look for a software that offers high-quality recordings with clear audio and visuals.
- Ease of use: Choose a software that is easy to use and understand, with a user-friendly interface.
- Features: Look for a software that offers features such as editing tools, annotation tools, and the ability to record from multiple sources.
- Price: Consider the cost of the software and whether it is within your budget.
- Compatibility: Make sure the software is compatible with your operating system and other programs.
Is there an alternative to a screen recording software?
Yes, there are several alternatives to screen recording software. Depending on your needs, you could use a video camera to record your screen, or you could use a digital whiteboard to capture your screen. You could also use a screenshot tool to capture images of your screen, or you could use a video conferencing tool to record your screen.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying screen recording software, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. There are a variety of options available, from free to paid, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the best screen recording software for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. With the right research and comparison, you can find the perfect software to help you capture and share your screen recordings with ease.