Screen recording software for windows

Let’s keep it real. There are way too many different screen recording programs floating around the internet.

Please! Can we narrow things down to the best screen recorders for Windows 10?

For all of the developers and testers needing to report bugs, clients who need to send visual feedback to designers, those who need to create video tutorials and those who are simply looking for Bandicam alternatives. This list is for you!

Here is a list of the top 10 video screen capture software.

1. ScreenRec

Screenrec is one of the easiest video screen capture tools, especially when you need to quickly and securely take a screenshots or do a screen recording with audio on Windows 10. You only need to remember one keyboard shortcut (Alt – S)

There’s no need to waste time uploading to sites because, with ScreenRec, your screen videos and screenshots are automatically uploaded to the cloud. When you’re done recording your screen on Windows 10, just press the Stop button and you’ll instantly get a private sharing link. All of this is completely free. Plus, you get 2GB of free storage.

Biggest Pro: Instant secure sharing with free cloud storage

Biggest Con: No video editing

2. FonePaw Screen Recorder

FonePaw Screen Recorder is another good option for recording screen activity on Windows 10. It provides the option to capture part of your screen, record full screen, record your webcam, take screenshots, and handles almost every screen recording related task. Simply launch the program, set up a recording mode, and click on the REC button.

Besides the basic screen recording features, this handy screen recorder also comes with advanced settings such as task scheduler for capturing live streaming videos or other live activities more flexibly and conveniently.

Biggest Pro: Save a video backup of screen recording so that you can have a chance to get back the recording session when you accidentally quit the process.

Biggest Con: Free trial version can only can save the first 3 minutes of the entire recording session.

3. FlexClip

When it comes to simplicity, FlexClip screen recorder delivers. It works right from your web browser and doesn’t require you to log into FlexClip.

It’s a free screen recorder that offers most of the features of other screen recording tools, including pause, resume, and mute. When you finish recording, the video can be directly reworked in the built-in video editor. You can cut the recording or shorten it, then add emojis, shapes, icons, text and even add a background. It is possible to add other external media (photo, video, audio, etc.), or to record a video capture again and associate it with the previous one.

Biggest Pro:No download required

Biggest Con:FlexClip watermark included in free version

4. Built-In Windows Game Recorder

If you’re on Windows 10, you can open the Game Bar or “Windows Game Recorder ” by pressing [Windows] + [Alt] + [R] and adjust its settings from the Xbox app. Unfortunately, there are a lot of complaints about this screen recorder. From lagging to reported bugs and low quality, to the inability to record in full screen, there’s a lot to dislike.

But, before we knock it too much, let’s keep in mind that there really is a recording tool on your computer, waiting to be used to record a Windows 10 screen. It may not be the greatest, but if you want to capture simple screen activities and don’t need a high-quality video, the Game Recorder will do just fine.

Biggest Pro: Built-in app so there’s no need for third-party download

Biggest Con: Can’t record in full screen

5. ShareX

ShareX is a social media lover’s best friend. After you’ve taken your screenshots or recorded your screen, you can upload them directly to nearly every sharing site on the planet. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flixr, Reddit, Google Drive, Tumblr, Pinterest, LinkedIn. The list goes on forever.

Speaking of this, long lists seem to be their major drawback for this screen recorder. The menu is quite extensive and, while that may seem like a good thing, some of the options might be overwhelming. We suppose that not too many people looking to use a screen video recorder for Windows 10 will use the hash check, DNS changer, monitor test, or the many many windows that lead to other things. To each his own, we guess.

Biggest Pro: Compatible with numerous sharing sites

Biggest Con: Far too many menu options

6. ScreenPal (Screencast-o-Matic)

When talking about ScreenPal, formerly Screencast-O-Matic, we need to break it down into two categories; free and paid. Why? Because there is a HUGE difference between the two. Advertised as a free screen recorder, the Screencast-O-Matic free plan does a great job recording video of your computer screen and can even capture your webcam. That’s pretty much where the features end with the free version. If you’re willing to toss in a bit of cash, your options open wide to scripted recordings, annotations, more than 15 minutes of recording, direct publishing to sharing sites, and more. For more information take a look at our breakdown of ScreenCast-O-Matic vs. Screencastify.

Biggest Pro: Can record via webcam

Biggest Con: Free version is barely usable

7. iSpring Free Cam

iSpring’s Free Cam is about as straightforward as they come when it comes to capturing video. This app is very simple and, dare we say, basic. There isn’t much going on here except for the fact that you can edit your videos (cut, trim, etc.) and record audio and video. Uploading is a pain, however. You’re forced to either upload to YouTube or save the file as WMV. This is convenient if it’s what you want. Otherwise, you’ll need to spend the time to upload your videos manually to sites or attach them to emails and we all know how long it takes to upload video files (Forever!).

Biggest Pro: Video editor

Biggest Con: Unless uploading to YouTube, you’ll need to upload manually in order to share

8. Icecream Screen Recorder

Icecream Screen Recorder is one of the top screen recorders available for free. They have a PRO version, but there’s quite a bit you can do for free—from recording to snapshotting and annotating. The only issue is that you only have 10 minutes of free recording time. If you’re looking to create a tutorial, forget using Icecream. You’ll need more screen video recording time.

Biggest Pro: Choose video quality

Biggest Con: Only 10 minutes of recording

9. OBS Studio

The one thing about the free open-source OBS Studio is that it is most definitely for the pros. This powerful screen capture software provides users with extensive recording features and editing options for videos and screenshots. You can, for example, add picture-in-picture effects and capture your webcam. Requiring the climb of a very steep learning curve, OBS is without a doubt the most sophisticated program on this list. So, it’s probably not the best choice if you want to start recording your screen now.

Biggest Pro: Powerful and produces high-quality videos

Biggest Con: Incredibly complex

10. GoPlay Editor

Oddly enough, GoPlay ’s greatest feature is also its greatest weakness. What makes it stand out as one of the best free screen recorders for Windows 10 is what also makes it a tad bit frustrating. Being able to quickly edit your recordings is awesome, but for this screen capture software to consider itself an editor and not a recorder, it should have more editing options. Splicing and trimming are nice and all, but a full-blown editor should have music options, lighting features, and even basic transitioning capabilities.

Biggest Pro: Quick editing

Biggest Con: Limited editing options

11. Atomi Active Presenter

The Atomi ActivePresenter is an e-learning tool that can be used to create tutorial videos, screencasts or online quizzes. With a layout very similar to PowerPoint, it doesn’t take much to understand how it works. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the app, you can revel in the multiple editing features. The only downside is that you can’t seem to get rid of the watermark (unless you’re willing to pay a nice chunk of change for the upgrade).

Biggest Pro: Familiar PowerPoint-like layout

Biggest Con: Leaves watermark

12. Showmore by Apowersoft

Showmore is a simple free screen recording software for Windows 10 that allows you to edit your video without a ton of bells and whistles. The only issue is that, if you have no internet access, you can’t record. This app works online and that is less than ideal, especially if you are creating private videos for a company.

Biggest Pro: No watermark

Biggest Con: Needs Internet to work

13. Ezvid

Designed specifically for saving time, Ezvid does its best to allow for every action to be done right within the app. No need to download secondary programs to record, edit or upload. With instantaneous uploading to YouTube plus the ability to add music, Ezvid truly ups the convenience factor and becomes a contender for the best screen recording software for Windows 10. The issue? The program itself isn’t sophisticated enough to run these awesome capabilities without hitting a few snags like lagging and crashing.

Biggest Pro: Upload directly to Youtube from the app

Biggest Con: User complaints and concerns about bugs and lags

14. Movavi Screen Recorder

Movavi Screen Recorder is another screen recording software for Windows 10 that allows you to capture any type of screen activity. With this tool, you can record video tutorials, webinars, and even live streams with ease. The small size of the program and simple interface make it a popular option among users.

In addition to basic screen recording features, Movavi also offers advanced settings such as scheduled recording, on-screen annotations, mouse effects, video trimmer, and export to YouTube and Google Drive. It also allows you to capture audio from multiple sources, including microphone and system sound.

Free Screen Recorders for Windows 10 At A Glance

So, What is the Best Screen Recorder for Windows?

We’ll leave this up to you. However, we feel that ScreenRec takes the cake for the best screen video capture software for Windows 10. Here’s why we make this bold statement: ScreenRec gives you everything you need in a screen recorder without being too complex or too simple. With it, you can grab a screenshot or a video, add annotations and send in a matter of seconds. The 2Gb of free cloud storage is also a rare bonus. If you’re looking for a free and easy but powerful screen recorder, then download ScreenRec and put it to the test.

References and Further Reading?

• Understanding OBS’s complexity
• Is Windows Game Bar worth it?
• How To Record Your Screen And Audio
• Best Free Video Editing Software
• How To Take And Edit A Screenshot
• Best Free Windows 10 Screenshot Tools

Screen recording software for Windows is very useful for anyone who needs to document their work.

As you might expect, there are quite a lot of options for a screen recorder for Windows 10 and 11 with the tool for capturing the desktop or individual areas of it. They have different features and functionality and can be divided into three major groups: free, paid, and online video recorders.

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

How we picked the screen recorders?

In order to prepare for this thorough review, we installed and tested 28 screen recording programs on a Windows computer. Our product selection is based on two key factors: popularity and availability.

All the reviewed screen recording software has been divided into three sections for you — free applications, paid products, and online services.

Then, we concentrated on the functionality of each program and compared its features:

• User interface;
• Ease of use;
• The application’s feature set;
• Pricing;
• System requirements.

Let’s take a look at the best screen recorders for Windows OS.

Free screen recording apps for Windows 10 and 11: summary table

1. Icecream Screen Recorder

An easy-to-use and free screen recorder with an intuitive interface and advanced features. Record in full-screen mode or select a specific area, use the «Around mouse» mode, zoom in and out, schedule screen recording, and more. Add a webcam, capture audio (both speakers and microphone), and add a watermark to media files.

This screen recording software for Windows 11 and 10 allows you to make video tutorials, and reviews of popular products, and create quality material for your blog, website, social network account, etc. Users also have access to trimming videos and converting, changing the speed, adding animation for the mouse cursor, and displaying the shortcuts.

This is a great video recorder for teamwork, as you can load screenshots and videos via a link. After all, it’s much more convenient to share a link than a whole heavy video. Upload the recorded videos to the cloud and access them whenever needed online.

2. Game Bar

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

On Windows 10 and 11, there is already pre-installed Windows software for screen recording that can be accessed by pressing the «Win + G» hotkey combination.

By default, the resulting file is saved to the «Captures» folder. Before the first launch of the Game Bar, the screen capture program will prompt you to configure several settings such as video quality, FPS, and so on. In addition, the program has a menu to select the audio source (microphone or system sounds), as well as adjust the sound volume.

This PC and laptop recording software is a great option for quick and occasional recordings of apps or games. However, this won’t record the desktop itself.

3. OBS Studio

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

This open-source and free screen recording software for Windows, macOS, and Linux is mainly designed for streamers. It captures a specific screen area or full desktop for broadcast to the network.

In addition, the program allows you to preview content before displaying it to the audience. Various filters and custom transitions are available for smooth content creation. You can use special effects and chroma key, as well as select the stream type (FLV, MP4, OGG, etc.) to create a better video.

Since this video recorder is open source, use it for free and even tune it up if needed. However, we do find that a post-production video editing is missing in OBS (Open Broadcaster Software).

4. NVIDIA ShadowPlay

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

This screen recording software from NVIDIA was developed especially for gamers. You can turn to it to capture video while playing a game, take screenshots, and more. The recorder does not require you to have a PC with high performance.

During the game recording the app can be easily hidden to tray. However, it might slow down the gaming experience on lower-capacity Windows computers.

The video recorder’s main features include: recording full HD (1080p) videos at 60 frames per second and easy streaming to Twitch or YouTube. It also has an in-game overlay that enables you to quickly access the recording options without interruption of your activity.

Screen recording is turned on with the Alt + Z key combination. This video recording software has many filters, and an intuitive interface and is distributed along with driver packages for GeForce graphics cards from Nvidia.

ShadowPlay is compatible with all NVIDIA GeForce cards, and it works with both DirectX 9 and DirectX 11 games. It also supports a range of resolutions from 720p up to 4K and can record audio from both internal and external sources.

5. Free Cam

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

This screen recording software for Windows 10, 8, and 7 is intended mainly for online learning. It allows you to record the full screen or a specific area. The program has a simple and convenient interface, as well as the necessary functionality.

The control panel is neatly organized and not overloaded. There’s no need to fiddle with complicated settings — just hit the record button and go.

Free Cam also has a built-in annotation tool facilitating users to add notes and annotations while recording their screen. This makes it ideal for making tutorial videos or giving presentations.

There are features to record both microphone and computer audio plus the option to upload the screen recordings right to YouTube.

In addition, Free Cam includes features like live streaming and automatic scene detection that make it even easier to record your screen activity.

6. FlashBack Express

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Nice screen recording software for Windows 11 and 10 with a built-in editor. Enables recording both full screen and specific areas, captures web camera, audio, and microphone, and doesn’t apply a watermark.

You can capture any activity on your computer’s desktop and save it as a video file. FlashBack Express supports various output formats including AVI, MP4, SWF, and FLV. You can share your recordings directly from within the application via emails or social media links.

The desktop recorder also offers the functionality to edit videos you recorded, add text and graphic content, and effects, as well as to overlay background music.

You may also utilize the software to create presentations with multiple clips from different sources. Its great advantage is that you can screen capture several monitors at a time.

7. Debut Video Capture

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Simple and handy program for recording from desktop, web, or camera, as well as other USB devices. It is used to create video tutorials, master classes, and presentations.

Debut Video Capture also offers a wide variety of features for sharing recordings online or saving them locally. It has support for popular file formats such as AVI and MP4, WMV, 3GP, MOV, and ASF.

It permits users to take photographs and videos from their display, webcam, or other source. The software also provides users with editing tools to create professional-looking videos. You can add text, and logo and apply color adjustment to your content.

This screen recording software for Windows works on all OS versions from XP to 11 and offers plenty of options for creating high-quality videos.

8. CamStudio

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Another open source free screen recorder with a narrow set of features to edit video. It captures desktop activities with audio and video and includes tools to annotate recordings with text, shapes, highlights, and more.

The interface needs an update along with the list of the supported formats: a video recording can only be saved as an AVI file.

CamStudio is undemanding to your computer hardware and is easy to operate. You can select the area of the screen you want to record, set the capture frame rate, and adjust volume levels for the microphone and speakers. It also offers a facility to record sound from your microphone or computer system independently.

9. Bandicam

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Screen capture tool for quickly recording video from the PC desktop. Bandicam allows one to capture the entire desktop, a selected area, or a space around the mouse cursor. The function of displaying the number of frames per second (FPS) will be useful for gamers when recording gameplay or letsplay.

Screen recording software for Windows offers flexible settings of the output file, e.g., its quality and compression level, providing great opportunities for using the recorded material.

Easily upload videos directly to YouTube. With Bandicam, you can film videos from games, webcams, Skype conversations, or any other activity on your computer. While shooting video, you can also capture audio.

10. TinyTake desktop recorder

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

TinyTake is the ideal choice for recording screen on a Windows device. You can record videos, take screenshots, and annotate your images with text and drawings. The software holds a selection of options for altering recordings.

You can use the app to grab anything on your screen, from full-screen videos to specific areas of the screen. You can opt to record audio either from the microphone or the system sound.

This program provides advanced tools for editing screen recordings. It is possible to trim the length of clips, add annotations, apply effects and filters, and more.

11. ShareX

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

ShareX is an open-source screen capture and file-sharing tool. It allows users to take screenshots or record screen activity and then share or save the captured content.

The free screen recorder can capture full-screen shots, specific regions, or individual windows. It also supports scrolling for capturing long web pages. Users can create GIFs to create short, looping animations for various purposes.

The program provides built-in support for uploading images, videos, and other files to various online services like Imgur, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more. It can also generate links for easy sharing.

12. Ezvid

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Ezvid is a free screen recording software for Windows. It is primarily known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to beginners who want to create and edit videos.

Some key features include the ability to capture screen activity, add voice narration, and create slideshows.

The screen recording app also includes a built-in video editor that allows users to trim and cut clips, add text and titles, and incorporate music from its royalty-free library.

While this program may not have as many advanced features as some professional editing software, it serves as a straightforward tool for basic video creation and sharing.

13. ScreenRec

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

ScreenRec is a free screen recording software for Windows PCs used for screen capturing purposes. It allows users to record their computer screen activity, including audio, and create videos of what’s happening on their screen.

The program is commonly used for creating tutorials, demonstrations, presentations, or recording gameplay. It offers features such as the ability to select specific screen areas to record, capture microphone and system audio, use annotation tools, and save clips in various formats.

This free video recording software is widely used by individuals, educators, professionals, and gamers for various purposes.

Paid screen recorders for Windows: summary table

14. Camtasia

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

This is a screen recording software for Windows and Mac, which combines a video editor and a recorder. The toolkit is overloaded with features and options.

The software has a library of royalty-free music and sound effects that users can use in their videos. Furthermore, Camtasia offers tutorials and webinars to help users get started quickly. In addition, it integrates with integration with well-known platforms like YouTube and Vimeo for easy sharing of videos.

With the help of this screen recorder, you can make recordings of webinars, lectures, presentations, and even from a webcam. However, the free version is available only for the first 30 days. Then you will have to go PRO which is pricey.

15. Movavi Video Suite

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Powerful media software package that includes a video editor, video converter, screen recording app, as well as player and other useful tools.

Additionally, users can create video tutorials with the software’s step-by-step guide. This comprises splitting videos into segments, adding annotations and special effects, recording voice-overs, and more. Plus Movavi supports lots of popular video formats for exporting your recordings.

The screen recording software for Windows and Mac has an extensive library of various templates, filters, and titles. In addition to the standard kits, you can purchase a number of extra ones. Unfortunately, the trial version of the desktop recorder is very limited so the estimation process might not be sufficient.

16. Snagit

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

A simple screen recording software for Windows OS. It allows you to receive video content from varied sources, such as a browser, an active application, a player, and so on. Snagit can add supplemental content to videos, as well as share images and GIFs.

Thanks to Snagit’s editing tools, customizing your videos is a breeze. You can add callouts, arrows, text boxes, and other annotations to highlight important sections. With the built-in library of visual effects, you can easily create eye-catching videos. You can also save screenshots as GIFs or videos to share on social media.

The screen capture tool records camera, audio, and mic, and captures panoramic screenshots (the scrolling ones) and trims videos, too. The software also includes features for capturing scrolling windows and web pages, enabling you to produce tutorials or walkthroughs with ease. The free trial goes for 15 days.

17. HyperCam

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Fast and powerful Windows recording software that offers all the important features. It has a wide range of settings and features, such as:

• Screen capture with system sounds;
• Webinars, meetings, and conference recordings;
• Video processing;
• Capturing, recording, and publishing material to popular online platforms;
• Recording system audio in an MP3 format.

The utility saves the content during the screen recording. This allows you to keep the data in case of a power outage or unstable Internet.

HyperCam offers several features such as support for multiple monitors, hotkey configuration, caption overlay, mouse pointer arrows, and more. Furthermore, it is equipped with a built-in media player granting users the ability to preview their recordings before saving them.

18. AVS Video Editor

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Screen recording software for Windows and macOS with a variety of tools for working with video format files. In addition to a powerful editor, the utility is capable of capturing content from different sources. It includes a converter, utilities for burning data to DVD, and a large library of templates and filters, too.

The video recorder allows you to create content and publish it immediately to popular video hosting sites. It records videos in high quality and supports both audio and video capture. With one click of a button, you can start recording your screen activity, capturing your work or gameplay in real time.

AVS Screen Recorder also enables capturing screenshots with custom frames. You can edit the captured screenshots directly in the program or save them as JPEGs or PNGs.

19. ScreenPal

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

ScreenPal is a comprehensive video recording app for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It offers a user-friendly interface and provides different customization options to suit individual screen capture preferences.

This video recorder offers screen capturing in high definition and supports the capture of both video and audio. Furthermore, it enables users to create interactive slideshows with voice-over narration and annotate screen recordings using arrows, shapes, text boxes, and more.

Additionally, ScreenPal records a webcam or smartphone camera while simultaneously recording the desktop screen.

This is one of the best screen recording software to create engaging video tutorials and presentations. With its built-in editing tools, users can trim, add transitions, titles, music, adjust speed, and much more.

20. EaseUS RecExperts

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

EaseUS RecExperts is an intuitive, user-friendly video recorder perfect not only for screen recording but for audio capture and screenshots, too.

This video recording software allows you to record at full HD resolution and capture high-quality images with excellent color accuracy. Use the built-in audio recorder to capture sound and add voiceovers to your videos.

The intuitive interface makes it easy to customize screen recorder settings like frame rate, size, output format, and more. Access the advanced features, such as the ability to pause and resume recordings or export them directly to popular formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV, and FLV.

Videos can be turned into GIFs and audio recordings can be saved in MP3, WAV, AAC, and other formats.

EaseUS RecExperts includes a powerful video editor. Use it to trim and mute recorded content. The screen recording software for Windows’s built-in scheduler is perfect for setting up recordings in advance.

21. Loom

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

A user-friendly screen recording tool designed for Windows OS and other platforms. It enables quick video creation from various sources, including desktop screens, active applications, browser tabs, and more. It’s ideal for creating tutorials, presentations, and collaborative content.

Loom supports HD video recording and provides easy sharing via links or integrations with popular platforms like Slack and Gmail. It even offers a feature to track viewer engagement.

The app supports screen, audio, and camera recording simultaneously. It also includes trimming and other video editing tools, enabling you to refine your clips quickly.

Online screen recorders: summary table

22. Video Candy

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Video Candy is an online video processing tool that offers a web-based screen recorder. It allows users to capture their desktop, including full-screen capture, application window, or a specific area.

You can capture audio from the computer or microphone for voice narration.

The service also includes a webcam feature. This allows users to simultaneously capture their webcam feed along with the screen, providing a more engaging and personal touch to video recordings.

23. Screencapture

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Screencapture is a free online screen recorder for Windows or any other OS. It can help you quickly and easily capture anything on your screen.

It’s a great tool for professionals who need to record videos and demonstrations of complex processes, as well as for gamers, teachers, and students who might need to explain a concept or show what they’ve been working on.

Screencapture allows users to record their entire screen or specific browser tabs and applications. Before the screen recording, you can set the parameters for your video. These include a microphone, system sound, and webcam. Thus, you will be able to capture what suits all your requirements.

24. ScreenApp

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

ScreenApp is an online screen recorder and video editor that enables you to capture, edit, and share screen recordings with others.

It’s ideal for capturing and sharing tutorials, presentations, webinars, or any other content that requires recording of a device’s screen.

All the recorded videos are saved to your account and can be located by date or filename. The advantage of using ScreenApp as a video recorder is that you don’t need to install additional software as the recording and editing can be accessed directly in the browser.

25. FlexClip

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

FlexClip team has an all-in-one online screen recorder that includes a video editor.

The platform allows you to record videos and screenshots on your computer and edit them directly in your browser before downloading. You can add subtitles and annotations, highlights, and overlays to give your video content a professional view.

Free video recorder for Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone is easy to use. Moreover, you can record high-quality videos for up to 1080p resolution and make time-lapses.

The main page of the application offers the features available and has a step-by-step guide to creating your first screen recording. One can also save the videos locally or share them on other social media sites like YouTube, Twitter, or Facebook.

26. Veed.io

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

Veed.io is an online platform that combines a screen recorder and a video editor. The software makes it easy to capture screen and record video or camera simultaneously or separately with audio.

It includes all the instruments you may need to capture videos and share them for educational, business, or personal use. With one click, you get to capture high-quality video. It’s easy to record yourself giving a presentation, host a webinar, demonstrate how to use software, and much more.

Veed.io also comes with comprehensive editing tools so you can trim and cut recordings, layer on music and transitions, highlight important points with annotations and text, and more. It’s perfect for creating tutorial videos quickly without having to install the software.

27. Apowersoft

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

In addition to a cross-platform desktop screen recorder, the Apowersoft team offers an online tool to capture your screen actions.

This video recorder is an easy-to-use and free online solution that lets you capture any part of your screen, record audio, and create screencasts in real time. Whether you’re creating tutorials, software demos, game recordings, or other videos for marketing or training purposes, Apowersoft makes it fast and easy to capture whatever you need with minimal effort and preparation.

Using the intuitive interface, you can easily adjust recording settings to get the best quality video output. Some of its features include the Google Chrome browser extension, uploading video to the cloud, etc. Best of all, this screen capture service is highly reliable – it will keep the recordings secure, with no watermarks or ads.

28. Acethinker

Картинка с сайта: icecreamapps.com

When you use Acethinker Online Screen Recorder, you can record videos in both HD and 4K resolution. You can also select from multiple audio sources, allowing you to capture sound from your computer or add an external microphone.

Furthermore, you have access to progressive tools like picture-in-picture mode, schedule recordings, and more. The user interface of the video recorder is easy to use, so you’ll be able to create screencasts without any prior experience.

After screen recording, you can output the video in popular video formats and save it to local storage or even upload it directly to YouTube. With a few clicks, your recordings will be ready for everyone to watch!

How to choose screen recorder

Searching for the best screen recording software can feel like trying to solve a riddle. But in the end, you’ll find a screen capture tool for your needs if you know what you’re looking for.

• First, pay attention to which operating system you use. Some apps will only work on one type of operating system, like Windows or macOS.
• Think about the kind of content you want to record. Do you need to capture the entire screen or just the section of it? Does the chosen app allow recordings of any length?
• Then look at what features different programs offer. Not all software can record HD videos, has annotation tools or customizable hotkeys to control recording. Check the export options.
• Lastly, make sure you try the tools out yourself! That way, you’ll know for sure that the software you’ve picked has all the things you wanted – from output format to editing features and cloud storage.

Desktop vs. online screen captures

Screen recording software is becoming a standard tool for many digital professionals. However, is there much difference between a desktop solution and a web service?

Software Applications:

• Typically installed on your computer’s hard drive.
• Empower users to grab video from their computer screens, microphones, and webcams.
• Regularly employed for producing tutorial videos, taking online lectures, or making gaming walkthroughs.

Web Application:

• Web-based platforms that is accessed through the browser.
• Allows you to record video directly from your screen without having to incorporate any extra programs.
• Utilizing online screen recorders is often done for making instructional videos, seizing online meetings, or taping customer service calls.

Both desktop and online screen recorders have pros and cons when it comes to recording video from the computer’s display.

A typical screen recorder for PC is more feature-rich and offers more options for customization, but takes up more space on the hard drive of your computer.

Online recorders are usually more convenient as they don’t require installing extra software, although they might be less functional.

Tips for effective screen recording

1. Plan ahead. Prior to recording, outline what you’re going to talk about and plan out the order in which you are going to do whatever things you are going to show. This helps your recording flow smoothly.
2. Optimize settings. Adjust the recording settings according to your requirements. This includes selecting the appropriate resolution, frame rate, and audio input for optimal quality.
3. Minimize distractions. Before recording, close as many programs, notifications, email notifications, and browser tabs as possible. Doing so reduces the temptation to switch away from what you are capturing.
4. Check audio setup. Ensure that your microphone is properly set up and positioned to capture clear sound. Test the audio levels and adjust them as needed to avoid distortion or background noise.
5. Use keyboard shortcuts. Learn the keyboard shortcuts for starting, pausing, and stopping the process. This will allow you to work more efficiently without having to stop everything to use the mouse.
6. Highlight important areas. If you are giving a presentation, annotations, arrows, and highlighting help viewers follow along and know what you’re referring to.
7. Review and edit. After recording, review the footage to check for any errors, inconsistencies, or areas that need improvement. Use video editing software to trim, cut, or enhance the recording as necessary.

FAQ

What is the best way to record videos with sound?

The vast majority of screen recorders are able to capture video and audio simultaneously. Make sure that you adjust the settings in the software if you want to capture high-quality audio and video.

Is it possible to record a specific area on my screen?

You can record any part of your screen in any decent desktop capture software.

How do I record my webcam?

To record webcam you need to enable this option in the recording settings. Then make sure your webcam is connected and turned on. Adjust the needed settings for the best results.

How can I edit my recordings?

Plenty of advanced free screen recorders offer basic video editing features, such as trimming and cropping. For more professional editing, you will need to use a dedicated video editing software.

Can I record online courses?

Yes, you can record webinars, courses, or other training material. It will allow you to take a break, mute the microphone, or even annotate videos.

Can I capture a meeting with video recording software?

Yes, you can record a Teams meeting along with Skype, Zoom, and other messengers. Go with the full-screen mode and make sure your microphone is on.

Is it possible to schedule a screen recording?

Yes, some video recorders offer the ability to schedule recordings. Icecream Screen Recorder offers to define a start and end time, as well as a specific day to record the desktop area. This feature is especially useful if you’re recording something that takes place at a specific time in the future.

Best screen recorders for Windows: conclusion

In this article, we reviewed the best and most popular commercial and free screen recording software for Windows, so that you can find what’s best for your needs whether it’s game recording or just a quick snapshot now and then.

Pick the best screen recording software for desktop and browser and capture video with a microphone, audio, and webcam. Make funny content, teach lessons and tutorials, and record meetings and webinars.

There are many screen recorders on the market. Trying to find the best one can be overwhelming, but it gets easier once you determine your needs.

Read this detailed guide on the best screen recorders based on 9 common use cases, from streaming to webinar capture. Through in-depth testing, I picked the best screen recorder for PC for each category and are confident that at least one will appeal to you.

Read our buyer’s guide to get an in-depth look at the selection process.

The Best Screen Recorders for Different Use Cases:

• iSpring Suite for creating eLearning courses and instructional videos
• OBS Studio for live streaming and gaming content creation
• CleanShot X for quick and efficient screen captures on macOS
• Camtasia for extensive, professional-quality video editing
• Loom for quick screen recordings and easy sharing with teams
• Apowersoft for web-based recording without installation
• ScreenPal for casual, budget-friendly video recording projects
• Free Cam for creating free how-to videos and demonstrations
• EaseUS Screen Recorder for recording webinars and meeting captures

What Makes a Good Screen Recorder?

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While finding the best screen recorder for a PC will depend on your needs, there are definitely some aspects and features that define solid screen recorder software. Keep an eye out for these functionalities:

• The ability to record your entire computer screen, a single window, or an area of your screen
• Webcam, system audio and video, and microphone audio recording
• Useful presenting tools, such as cursor highlighter, annotations, or captions
• High-quality recordings
• No watermarks
• Suitable export or sharing options, such as MP4
• User-friendly interface
• Value for money

While some of these factors may be non-negotiable for you and others are just a nice bonus, all screen capture apps should strive to deliver on the above features. 

To identify the features that are necessary for your preferred screen recording software, you will first need to determine your use case and your target audience. Once you have those, you can narrow down the essential features.

For instance, if you’re going to get creative with your editing, then you may want to use a virtual green screen effect that’s available with some capture software.

Finally, consider your computer’s performance. If it’s older or struggling with basic operations, you might run into issues when recording resource-heavy programs like video games.

The 9 Best Screen Recorders for Desktop in 2025

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iSpring Suite is a powerful eLearning authoring tool for designing courses. It helps you create and share instructional videos and build eLearning content on a massive scale. Moreover, it’s arguably the best screen recorder for Windows.

• Available export formats: HTML5, MP4, SCORM, AICC, and others
• Recording modes: screen capture, webcam recording, audio narration, simultaneous multi-mode recording
• Editing capabilities: trim and crop, transitions and animations, overlay text and annotations, synchronization with slides, and more

Key features

I love the feature-rich screen recorder that iSpring Suite provides for educators and instructional designers.

• Audio and video quality. The tool delivers excellent audio and video quality and a range of click-and-drag effects.
• A user-friendly UI. One of my favorite aspects of the software is its simplicity – there’s virtually no learning curve with iSpring Suite.
• Video editing options. The tool offers a decent level of customization through its video editing and annotation features. I found it especially good for creating video lectures with minimal effort.
• Screen capture. This built-in screen capture tool is designed to record and edit instructional videos in a breeze. Even if you have no experience in video production, presenting, or screencasting, you’ll still be able to create professional tutorial videos with this platform. 

I tried out iSpring Suite to design instructional videos and video tutorials, create a product demo, and record a webinar. On every count, iSpring Suite met my expectations and seemed well-designed and user-friendly.

I found the annotation and transition effects to be incredibly useful and naturally intuitive, truly enhancing the quality of the recording.

Perhaps the best thing about iSpring Suite is that it’s not just screen recording software but actually a comprehensive instructional design solution jam-packed with features. On top of that, you can take advantage of the iSpring Content Library. This is a stock media library of assets designed to further enhance your course creation process.

Pricing

Starts at $770/year. A free 14-day trial is available.

Who it’s best for

It’s perfect for training, education, and corporate learning settings because it’s great for creating screencasts, multimedia-rich material, tests, and simulations. It’s super useful for those who have no time to learn how to use a new tool because it’s a PPT-based software.

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OBS Studio by OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is one of the most widely used audio and video recording and streaming apps. It’s most popular with streamers and YouTubers who need to record or stream their screens and webcams simultaneously. I found it to be one of the most high-performing desktop screen recorders available.

• Available export formats: MP4, MKV, FLV, MOV, TS
• Recording modes: display capture, window capture, game capture, webcam recording
• Editing capabilities: scene composition and transitions, audio mixing with filters (e.g., noise suppression), real-time source cropping, scaling, and color correction, chroma key for green screen effects

Key features

I tested this app and found that the overall functionality and user experience were great. The app is designed for streamers or video makers who only need one take.

• High-quality video delivery. OBS Studio can produce high-quality video files with minimal effort. Once I took the time to learn the basics and get used to some of the more complicated features, OBS Studio was a joy to use.
• Real-time editing options. These include scene transitions, audio filters, and precise control over cropping, scaling, and color correction for a polished final product.
• Perfect for streaming. What’s most attractive about it is that once you have it set up, it’s a breeze to record or stream on the go. This is what makes it so popular with streamers — the ability to customize the experience for the audience midstream.
• Zero cost. Despite being feature-rich and the mainstay of professional casters, content creators, and video producers, OBS Studio is open source and thus completely free to use. For many users and use cases, OBS is one of the best screen recording software options.

The main drawback of this screen recording software is that it can require a significant investment of time to get the most out of its features. But once you do, OBS Studio really does stand out.

Another peculiar characteristic of this tool, besides its learning curve, is a lack of editing provisions. If you want to use the software to screen record, you need to be very prepared before you begin recording – OBS doesn’t provide any video editing functionality.

Pricing

Free

Who it’s best for  

It is a perfect choice for gamers and streamers who want to engage large audiences. It’s also great for tech-savvy Windows users.

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CleanShot X is the go-to screen recorder for Mac users who demand a sleek, intuitive interface paired with robust annotation and quick editing tools. Designed exclusively for macOS, it offers full integration with the system, making screen capturing and sharing easy for professionals and everyday users alike.

• Available export formats: MP4, MOV
• Recording modes: full screen recording, region-specific recording, window capture, scrolling capture
• Editing capabilities: basic video trimming, annotations, blur effects, quick markup tools

Key features

• Full macOS integration. CleanShot X features a minimalist design that aligns perfectly with macOS aesthetics, making it incredibly easy to navigate and operate. Its native integration also means quick access to system tools and notifications.
• Advanced annotation and quick editing tools. The built-in annotation options allow you to add callouts, highlights, and blur effects directly during recording, which is perfect for quickly conveying key information. This streamlined editing process eliminates the need for additional software, saving you both time and effort.
• Automatic cloud backup and sharing options. With automatic cloud backup, your recordings are securely saved in real time – no risk of data loss. The integrated sharing features make it simple to collaborate and distribute content instantly, which is a major plus for remote teams or collaborative projects.

What really makes CleanShot X stand out is its lightweight performance that minimizes system impact.

Designed to be resource-efficient, it ensures that your Mac remains responsive even during high-quality recordings. In other words, you can capture detailed content without worrying about your computer slowing down.

Pricing

• $29 as a single payment (with limited storage)
• $8 per month for the Pro subscription (unlimited storage and extra features)

Who it’s best for  

Perfect for professionals and creatives looking for quick editing and effortless cloud sharing on their Mac computers.

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If you’re looking for an app that will let you record screen and webcam footage and then freely edit your recordings, then Camtasia is the app for you. 

• Available export formats: MP4, WMV (Windows), MOV (macOS), Animated GIF
• Recording modes: full screen capture, region-specific capture, webcam recording, audio-only recording
• Editing capabilities: timeline-based editing, transitions, and animations, visual effects, annotations, callouts, cursor effects, and more

Key features

Despite its cost, it’s easy to see what makes Camtasia so popular.

• An outstanding edition studio. Once I tried out the recorder and had some footage to review, I spent hours with the Camtasia video editing tools test-driving the many advanced features available for creating intricate videos to a professional standard.Some of my favorite features included the easy addition of captions and text overlays, complete with beautiful animations. I also loved the huge asset library that allows you to add music, clips, images, audio, and video. Besides, Camtasia offers probably the best cursor effects of any app I’ve tested.
• Ease of use. The video capture software element of Camtasia is easy to use, straightforward, and effective. I experimented with full-screen mode for recording the entire screen, different windows, and also a custom area. Despite being so feature-rich, Camtasia doesn’t feel intimidating or overwhelming. Instead, it has an intuitive and simple interface and an exceptional collection of video tutorials and how-to guides that you can follow.Whereas a professional video producer or content creator might relish all the creative features it offers, a beginner is unlikely to feel out of place, as the software is a great option for all levels of ability.

I used the Camtasia 3-day free trial, which gave us plenty of time to assess its features. The full version is, however, quite expensive. Camtasia is priced at just under $180 for a yearly subscription, making it quite costly for a screen recording program, although reasonable for a screen recording app with a built-in video editor.

If you have your heart set on a single app that will fulfill all your screen recording and video editing needs, and you have the available funds, then Camtasia will not disappoint.

Pricing

Starts at $180/year. A 3-day free trial is available.

Who it’s best for

It’s a great pick for educators, small business owners, and content creators who seek a comprehensive, user-friendly solution that combines high-quality screen recording with robust video editing tools to create polished content.

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Loom is a really interesting screen recorder. Not being just desktop recording software, Loom is more of a video communication app that allows you to create your screen captures, edit, and share them instantly. I recommend it for creating short videos for quick explanations that need feedback without the hassle of holding long video meetings.

• Available export formats: MP4
• Recording modes: screen recording, webcam recording, combined screen and webcam (picture-in-picture)
• Editing capabilities: basic trimming, annotation tools, thumbnail customization, and simple callouts

Key features

Loom is a screen recorder for Mac, PC, smartphone, or tablet and works like any other screen recording software. It has a simple UI with user-friendly controls and features. Videos can be recorded at up to 720p quality with system sounds and even virtual backgrounds for your webcam feed.

• Easy sharing via a link. While the simple editing tools are slightly ahead of most other free screen recorders, they aren’t winning any awards. Where Loom truly stands out from the crowd is when you finish making your video. Once I made my video, I copied the link and shared it. With this link, other people could view, send emoji reactions, and respond to the content.
• Integrations with other platforms. Loom offers integrations with various workflow platforms, such as Slack, the concept being that you can quickly record, edit, and share videos with your colleagues to get their responses.

What you get in the free version

While it may not be the best screen recording software for all uses, Loom is easy to use and is, for the most part, free.

With the free version of Loom, you can use the main features of the service but are limited to making 25 videos per person and 5-minute time limits on videos. This might seem short, but Loom is designed for shorter videos. Five minutes is actually loads of time to quickly explain a workflow, a design feature, a single task, or highlight some code for a desperate colleague. Colleagues can then add time-stamped comments, making Loom a great tool for remote work.

They offer a paid version for $12.50 a month per user.

With the Business version, the key benefits are no time limits on videos and access to Loom’s AI and Transcript features. The auto transcript creator and editor sound like very useful features but are not exclusive to Loom, and it seems as though Loom AI has yet to develop its most useful features.

Overall, Loom is a very nice app on a desktop or a mobile device and is a great way to share audio and video files with your colleagues.

Pricing

There is a free version, and a paid one starting at $12.50 a month per user for unlimited videos and extra features.

Who it’s best for

Excellent for corporate communications using videos as tutorials and step-by-step guides.

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Apowersoft is my pick for the best entirely web-based screen recording software.

If you don’t want to download an app or you regularly use different computers for your remote work, then this solution may fit your needs exactly. It’s also completely free.

• Available export formats: WMV, AVI, MP4, MOV, MKV, FLV, MPEG, VOB, WEBM
• Recording modes: full screen recording, window recording, tab capture, audio-only recording
• Editing capabilities: basic trimming, cutting, merging clips, and simple annotation tools

Key features

While it might not be everyone’s use case, an online screen recorder that needs nothing more than a stable internet connection can be a handy tool.

• Quick and easy recording. As explained on the website, you simply click on “Start Recording,” then select the full screen you want to record, and away you go. This makes Apowersoft one of the quickest ways to record content on Windows or Mac if you haven’t used one before.You can also include your webcam video in the recording to overlay on the screen, and you can include both the system sounds and microphone for audio narration. 
• A wide range of export formats. Apowersoft supports multiple file types, ensuring compatibility with different devices and platforms without the need for additional conversion software.
• Instant online sharing. Once your recording is complete, you can quickly upload and share your content via a generated link or directly to popular platforms.

I found the platform to be exceptionally straightforward to use; the recording was of good quality and downloadable as an MP4 file. However, this app is certainly not full of features: there is no cursor highlighter, annotation tool, or editing feature.

It was especially useful for demonstrating more mundane tasks or showcasing websites. 

I would recommend against using the recorder to capture gameplay, not least because you need a web browser tab open, which limits your system performance.

While Apowersoft may not be feature rich, you can choose to download their desktop app, which allows you to record a custom area, record without an internet connection, schedule recordings, add a watermark, and add a drawing tool.

If you’re dead set against investing your time, money, or disk space in a screen recorder, then this is a great pick.

Pricing

Starts at $19.95/month.

Who it’s best for  

It’s the go-to choice for those who use multiple computers to work on their video recordings. Also, it’s a good option if you need a one-time screen recorder and don’t want to download any software.

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ScreenPal, formerly known as Screencast-O-Matic, is my pick for the best screen recorder for those on a budget.

While there are many totally free screen recording software options, regardless of whether they are simple apps, web-based programs, or open-source studios, most of them have some sort of limitation. If you’re looking for a simple, no-nonsense, and professional-looking desktop screen recorder with a generous choice of features that comes at an affordable price, then ScreenPal should be on your radar.

• Available export formats: MP4, FLV
• Recording modes: full screen recording, webcam recording, audio-only mode, combined screen and webcam recording
• Editing capabilities: essential editing functions such as trimming, splitting, captioning, and basic annotations

Key features

• Intuitive UI. I found ScreenPal to be extremely easy to set up and use.If you have used free or paid screen recording software in the past, then ScreenPal works exactly as you would expect. It records not just your screen but your webcam as well and can capture audio from your system and microphone. You can record audio and video in HD and export in MP4.
• A decent range of editing capabilities. ScreenPal has most of the features that the more expensive options boast, with solid editing options, annotation functionality, drawing tools, zooming, and custom dimensions. There is no free screen recorder that gives you anywhere near this array of features.

What you get in the free version

The free version of ScreenPal offers core screen recording features, including watermarked output and limited recording duration, making it a great choice for those on a budget. It also provides essential editing tools for basic trimming, splitting, and annotation, allowing users to produce polished content without any financial commitment.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that ScreenPal is all you could ever need from a screen recorder, as other apps offer more ease of use, features, or customization, but are other options as much as 10 times better? We’re not so sure.

Pricing

Starts at $36/year per user. A free version is available.

Who it’s best for

This tool works well for anyone who needs to educate and engage with videos and images, but has a limited budget for their projects.

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Free Cam is my pick for the best free recording software for making simple yet beautiful screencasts.

• Available export formats: WMV (with an option to convert to MP4)
• Recording modes: full screen recording, screen area recording, audio narration, and optional system sound capture
• Editing capabilities: a built-in editor for basic trimming, cutting, and adding background music; simple noise reduction tools

Key features

Most free screen recording tools come with so many limitations that it makes them unfit for most screen capture tasks and uses, but Free Cam is a desktop screen recorder that actually has its uses while also being totally free.

• Solid recording capabilities. This software lets you record your entire screen or just a specific window or area, record both microphone and system sound, and it comes with a handy cursor highlight.
• Post-recording enhancements. Free Cam also has some useful post-recording features. Using this screen recorder, you can not only trim your videos but also adjust the audio recording volume, apply a noise reduction tool, and add narration. After your edits, you can export your final product as a WMV file.
• A more advanced Pro version. While Free Cam is a good option as free screencast software, the paid Cam Pro version is a great option too. Those with a modest budget can benefit from some great additional features.The Pro Version comes with MP4 exports and 1080p resolution, along with webcam recording, multitrack timelines, and the ability to record separate voice-overs with ease. You can also add music, arrows, and other images, shapes, and annotations, making Cam Pro a tool that’s both powerful and robust.

Pricing

Free

Who it’s best for  

With its core features and intuitive user interface, Free Cam is an excellent choice for screencasters or those who want to start making videos quickly at no cost.

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The EaseUS screen recorder is my pick for the best screen recording software for capturing webinars and online meetings.

• Available export formats: MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, MOV, M4V, WEBM or FLV
• Recording modes: full screen, region-specific, window capture, webcam overlay, audio-only recording
• Editing capabilities: trimming, cropping, merging clips, adding annotations, filters and transitions, and more

Key features

• High resolution videos. This screen recording software is attractive because of its ability to make UHD screen recordings with 4K or 8K resolution to give you the highest quality recordings imaginable. EaseUS delivers crisp, clear video and audio capture, ensuring every detail of your presentation is recorded accurately.
• Solid yet straightforward editing. With essential tools like trimming, cropping, and annotation, you can quickly refine your recordings into polished meeting recaps or webinar highlights without unnecessary complexity. Its advanced capabilities are great for working on streams or creative videos.
• An intuitive but powerful UI. The app is surprisingly easy to use and is supported by some strong design and user interface choices.

What you get in the free version

The EaseUS screen recorder offers a pretty usable free version but lacks some of the core features like advanced editing tools, scheduled recording options, and full export format support. Keep in mind that watermark-free videos are not available in the free version either.

Go for the free version if you need a straightforward tool for capturing webinars and meetings with crisp audio-video and basic editing options like trimming and cropping.

Pricing

• $19.95/month per user
• $39.95/year per user
• $69.95 (lifetime) per user
• $99.95 (lifetime) for Business subscription per user

Who it’s best for  

Those with a focus on capturing professional webinars and meetings who value high-quality recordings over extensive editing features.

How I Tested the Best Screen Recorders

To get useful insights into the best screen recording software, I had to try out all of the features available to us. For the paid apps, I was limited to the free trials, but this didn’t limit my access to their list of features. For the free apps, I gave myself plenty of time to experiment with them.

I made sure to test the basic functionality of each option’s screen capture software.

Here, I looked at how easy they are to set up and use, how straightforward the recording process is, and how easy or difficult it is to maneuver through the various settings.

I recorded some footage of my screen and webcam, including system sounds and microphone input. Then I explored the post-recording options, such as editing videos (if present).

Finally, I made sure to check the exporting and sharing processes, and, of course, I assessed the quality of my final products.

Final Word

I hope this guide has helped you save time and effort when choosing the best screen recorders for a PC. If you’re still undecided between several platforms, hop on their free trials to get the feel of the UI and core capabilities. Nothing beats a firsthand experience, and you’ll see which screen recorder fulfills your needs best. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I have gathered and answered some of the most commonly asked questions about Mac and PC video recording software.

What is screen recording?

Screen recording, or screen capture, means creating a video recording of exactly what your computer screen is displaying. This can include the sounds that your computer is making. 

Most video recording software options will also give you the choice of recording your webcam and your microphone in order to create a single video recording of the three combined. There are many computer video recorders available, and some have these functionalities built in.

You can also find screen recording programs for your smartphone or tablet.

Screen recording software is incredibly useful to show others what you’re doing as you do it, or to record a tutorial, educational video, or display a product. Screen recording is also a great way to communicate important information in certain situations.

Lastly, desktop recording software has become an incredibly popular way of making entertaining videos to share online.

How can you record your screen in Windows 10?

Windows 10 now comes with two built-in screen recording tools that you may not have heard of. Neither of these options needs an internet connection to be used. These are the Windows Game Bar and the Snippet Tool. We’ll walk you through how to use both of these screen capture tools.

Game Bar

1. Start by pressing the Windows key and G key at the same time — this will launch the game bar.
2. Once the game bar overlay appears on your screen, you can select Capture from the options at the top of the screen.

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1. The Capture window will open, and you can select Start Recording.

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4. While recording, a window will open with a button that allows you to end the recording session.

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1. After you finish your recording session, a window will appear on the screen. Click on it to view your recordings.

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Snipping Tool

1. Start by opening the Screen snip tool; you can find it by searching for it in the Windows Start menu bar.
2. By default, the Snipping Tool is set to take a screenshot. Select the record tab.

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1. Select your recording window and click on Start Recording.

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1. After you finish your recording, hit Stop Recording, and then you can view your video.

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1. Windows will then give you the option to edit your video in the built-in editor.
   Please note that both of these Windows recording software only record your screen and do not record your webcam. They both come installed on all Windows systems and are used to take screenshots.

What equipment do I need for screencasting?

The answer is not a lot.

To simply record your screen, all you need is the computer itself, as many computers have built-in screen recording apps. 

If you want to include a video of yourself with the recording, then you’ll need a webcam. If you also want to record your voice, you’ll need a microphone. Luckily, almost every laptop and many desktops come with both of these as standard equipment.

Lastly, you just need an app to do the actual recording, so check out my list.

What is the best free screen recorder for PC?

The best free screen recording software for PC is probably OBS — but that depends on what I mean by ‘best.’

If you’re planning to make a lot of recordings and are happy to learn how to get the most out of your recording app, then OBS is definitely the best. Also, if you’re willing to purchase a really good video editing app, then you have circumvented OBS Studio’s only shortfall.

If you only intend to make a one-off recording, then I recommend using Apowersoft, because it’s not only free to use but is also the fastest way to get your recording ready to go.

What is the best paid screen recorder for PC?

If you’re creating instructional material, then I highly recommend iSpring Suite for its huge array of instructional design features.

If you want an all-around recorder with amazing and easy-to-use editing tools and can afford the $180 price tag, then I suggest Camtasia.

For everyone else, I highly recommend ScreenPal. Not only does it have just about all the features you’re likely to want from a screen recorder, but it is also so reasonably priced that it makes other paid screen capture tools seem very expensive.

Screen Recorder Buyer’s Guide

In this handy guide, I go through the steps you should take when choosing the ideal screen recording app for PC or Mac for your use case.

How can I choose the best screen recorder?

Here are some steps to help you choose the best video recorder to capture your computer screen.

Identify your use case

• What do you need your screen recorder to do?
• How often will you use it?
• Is it just for you, or an entire team of people?

These are just some of the questions you need to ask in order to understand what functionalities you need your computer video recorder to have.

Decide which features are a must

All video capture software comes with many standard features, but some miss out on specific capacities, whereas others boast unique ones. You need to decide which features are non-negotiable for you.

Ease of Use

Understand your limitations. If you aren’t very tech-savvy, then you might find some screen recording software overwhelming, and you won’t be able to get the desired result, let alone make the most of the available features.

Editing capabilities

Some recorders have a built-in video editor, while others don’t. This is something you need to decide early on. Perhaps you don’t need to edit your videos; maybe you already have a video editor. Unless either of these is true, you’ll need a recorder with some degree of editing power.

Your budget

Sometimes budget is the easiest way to narrow down a choice.

If you absolutely need free screen recording software, then your decision-making process becomes a lot easier. If price is of little concern to you, then you have some good options in the higher price range. But if value for money is the determining factor, then it won’t take you long to decide.

Export options

This last one is very important.

Depending on what you need to do with your final product, you’ll need your video to be in a certain format. These days, MP4 is the gold standard, and HD videos are the norm. Check your requirements, and then use this information to narrow down your choices.

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

A screen recording software is a program that helps to turn computer screen output into a digital recording (video) to demonstrate features, capture gameplay, record video calls, make a tutorial, just to mention a few. Screen recorders are known to be highly concomitant with webinar creators and attendees, gamers, live-streamers, tutorial makers, and others, as they make the process of sharing information so much streamlined and convenient. Of course, the market is laden with lots of screen recorders, free and paid, and therefore comes the need to settle for the best one, which inspires this article.

The best screen recorder for Windows offers multiple and reliable ways to record the computer screen, possibly feature video editing options, and most importantly deliver high-quality output at all times.

In the subsequent section, we have a plethora of go-to programs lined up for you to choose from based on your feature and price preferences, not forgetting the pros and cons of each screen capture software. Time to dig in!

The Best Screen Recorder: What to Consider?

While different screen recording software prioritizes an assortment of features, it is advisable to establish a baseline of arriving at the best choice at all times. Of course, most users will go for free programs even when they do not bring enough and worthwhile features to the table. Therefore, here are the most important factors to consider when picking the best screen recorder for Windows 10 and other versions.

Having the factors above at the back of your mind, here are the various top screen capture app for Windows PC that you are opened up to;

16 Great Screen Recording Software in Windows

1. TalkHelper Screen Recorder (Recommended)

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

TalkHelper Screen Recorder lets you record any part of the screen in either a screenshot or video format. It is best suited when you need to capture video tutorials, webinars, gameplay, streaming games, all with the option to include audio. Audio can be captured from the microphone (as narration) and system audio too to make the video pass the intended information even better.

Apart from the screen, TalkHelper Screen Recorder also lets you capture video footage from the webcam which comes in handy for personalization purposes, especially using the picture-in-picture mode. Also, you are open to real-time drawing, annotations, mouse effects, scheduled recordings, Around-Mouse recording, and the option to include a logo or watermark of choice to the screencast.

Price: TalkHelper Screen Recorder offers a free trial period after which you have to purchase a one-time license priced as below. Keep in mind that the license is lifetime with free lifetime technical support and upgrades.

Pros:

• Suitable for personal and business use
• Supports multiple output formats
• Takes screenshots
• Offers PiP mode
• Can schedule screen captures
• Offers real-time drawing

Cons:

• Has only one pre-installed recording codec

2. VideoSolo Screen Recorder

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

VideoSolo Screen Recorder is highlighted to boast a wide range of recording features that make it stand out as a screen capturing program. With this recorder, you can capture the screen, the webcam, the sound of the computer system and the microphone simultaneously or respectively. What to record can be the full screen, a customized area, or a selected window. You can even exclude several windows that you don’t expect to record.

More than that, this recorder is available for adding annotations or drawings during the recording process, and you are free to clip the video after capturing. In case you have a need, this versatile screen recorder also inserts functions like mouse tracking, record scheduling, shortcut setting, etc. For the output quality, it can vary from lowest to lossless. There are also multiple formats to choose from, including MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, and more for you to discover.

Price: VideoSolo Screen Recorder provides you a lifetime free trial version (with a recording time limited to 3 mins and no clipping function). The full version is available for 3 types of purchase plans as below:

Pros:

• Supports webcam, audio, and screenshots
• Specializes a game recording function
• Real-time annotating and editing
• Multiple output formats and qualities
• Can be highly personalized

Cons:

• 3-min time length for the free version

3. Movavi Screen Recorder

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

Movavi Screen Recorder offers to capture webinars, instructional videos, tutorials, online calls/events, streaming videos, and more, all at the click of a button with support for up to 4K quality. The best feature about this program is that you can set up the recording parameters including the region to record, and adjust parameters like mouse highlighting audio recording, and more.

Also, you get to capture the microphone audio, the webcam video, and system sounds, either simultaneously with the video or separately too. Besides, you have a dedicated webcam-only mode that also allows you to take photos.

When the need arises, you can schedule recordings with user-defined time limits, draw on videos to make them more engaging, show mouse and keyboard strokes, to help the user understand better. Better yet, a video editor is available to tweak the final video even further.

Price: Movavi Screen Recorder gives you a free trial period to explore the features and once you are satisfied with the features, grab one of the licenses below for an unlimited experience.

Pros:

• Offers webcam capture
• Can schedule screen recordings
• Supports multiple video formats
• Supports 4K quality
• Easy to use

Cons:

• The free version is pretty limited

4. Joyoshare VidiKit

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

Joyoshare VidiKit is a wonderful video toolkit that provides one-stop solution for multimedia users. Its built-in screen recorder can ideally record class lectures, presentations, meetings, online videos, games, video chats, and more. It gives you freedom to decide where to record, either in full screen or in customized area. The videos it captures can be saved and output with high resolution and frame rate, such as 1080p 60FPS. Also, you can personally set format parameters based on your preference.

More than that, Joyoshare VidiKit can be an independent audio recorder to help grab sounds from different sources, including the computer system and external microphone. You can record screen and audio at the same time, adding your own voiceover if necessary.

There is a task scheduler this screen recorder software for Windows offers, letting you to create recording assignment in advance. Better yet, you can add image watermark to your video, preset shortcuts, take snapshots, show click effect and highlight cursor. To handily keep your desired screen activities, it’s even available to trim out recorded files and rename as you wish.

Price: Joyoshare VidiKit, a complete video toolkit, has a free trial to let you comprehensively test main features. To make it a full version, you can also select one plan below:

Pros:

• Records in full screen and specific area.
• Captures audio from types of available sound sources.
• Outputs videos in high resolution and configures parameters flexibly.
• With tools to schedule recording, take screenshots, watermark, effect, trim, etc.
• No recording time limit and no lag.
• A video toolkit to repair, compress, convert, cut, merge and more.

Cons:

• Free version adds watermarks to video by default.

5. OBS Studio

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that also doubles as an avid live streaming app. It is characterized by real-time, high-performance video/audio capture and mixing. The highlight feature is that you can work with an unlimited number of scenes comprising multiple sources like app windows, text, images, capture cards, webcams, and more.

You also get full audio control with nifty features like noise gate, noise suppression and gain, for that crisp clear audio output. Switching between scenes is also very seamless, thanks to the inclusion of custom transitions.

Better yet, you are opened up to hotkeys and a wizard-like configuration for the ultimate convenience. The Multiview feature lets you capture up to 8 scenes while the Studio Mode lets you preview scenes before going live.

Price: OBS Studio is completely free to download, install, and use all the features without any limitations whatsoever.

Pros:

• Supports HD recording and streaming
• No video length restrictions
• Best for video games
• Free and open-source
• Real-time high performance
• Customizable hotkeys

Cons:

• Does not supports screenshots
• No video editing options

6. Screencast-O-Matic

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

Screencast-O-Matic doubles as both a screen recorder and video editor to give you a reliable way to communicate via screenshots and videos. You get to capture the screen and webcam together in PiP mode or just separately depending on your needs. You can also specify how long the recording should run and define your preferred resolution like 720P. Because audio forms an integral part of a video, you can grab that using the microphone (narration/voiceover) and/or the computer audio.

Screencast-O-Matic is perfect in education, work, and personal environments with guaranteed reliability. When it comes to editing, you can personalize the video with text, video, shape and image overlays, animations, transitions, and the much-coveted green screen feature.

Besides, you have access to an automated captioning feature, annotations, and a rich built-in stock media library to help enhance the screen recordings.

Price: Screencast-O-Matic is generous enough to offer you a free version tool besides the paid plans below that are billed yearly.

Pros:

• Offers basic editing options
• Offers green screen feature
• Supports picture-in-picture mode
• Features automated captioning
• Lets you define the quality and length of a screen recording

Cons:

• Limited free version

7. Screencastify

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

Screencastify is an offline Chrome extension that offers ways to record, edit, and share screencasts in Full HD without the need for a fully-fledged screen recorder app. To be specific, you can capture a specific browser tab, the entire screen, or the webcam only. To achieve personalization purposes, the webcam can be embedded on the main footage via the picture-in-picture mode, not forgetting narration from the microphone.

This screen recording app also lets you keep the audience focused using various annotation options like a drawing pen, mouse spotlights, and highlighting mouse clicks. Amazingly, Screencastify autosaves recordings for you in Google Drive and offers direct sharing to YouTube or as a link, besides letting you export the recording MP4, GIF, or MP3 formats.

Price: You are opened up to a lifetime free version though with limitations of 5-minute recordings only. For unlimited recording, consider the premium options below:

Pros:

• Autosaves recordings
• Easy to set up
• Allows for webcam personalization
• Lets you add annotations
• Autosaves recordings in the cloud

Cons:

• Chrome-only app
• A 5-minute video length limit on the free version

8. Bandicam

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

Bandicam is considered to be one of the best screen recorder software for Windows, thanks to the several recording modes concomitant to it. It is also very lightweight and is capable of capturing anything on the Windows PC screen in the highest quality possible and save in MP4, AVI, or image formats.

In fact, Bandicam performs screen capture with a high compression ratio while still keeping the original quality intact as much as possible. The dedicated game recording mode lets you capture 2D/3D games at 4K UHD quality and framerates of up to 480 FPS – gamers love this feature.

With the device recording mode, you get to record external devices like smartphones, webcams, PlayStation, Xbox, and others, without the need for extra software. Also, you get to enjoy real-time drawing, PiP mode, scheduled recordings, mouse effects, Chroma Key, and audio capture (system or narration).

Price: After you have exhausted the free trial period, Bandicam is available for a one-time purchase as outlined below;

Pros:

• Offers hardware-accelerated recording
• Features video editing options
• Supports 4K UHD quality
• Offers real-time drawing
• Features several recording modes

Cons:

• Limited recording length
• Output is watermarked

9. Icecream Screen Recorder

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

Icecream Screen Recorder brings you a convenient way to capture any part of the computer screen and save it as a video or screenshot. Specifically, you can record webinars, apps, tutorials, games, Skype calls, live streams, and more. Using this Windows program, you have the option to record the main screen together with audio and the webcam when the need arises.

It is also possible to add a custom logo/watermark, apply annotations, record the last area, and top that with convenient sharing to YouTube, Google Drive, and Dropbox. During the screen recording process, you can use hotkeys, mouse effects, schedule recordings, adjust the speed, and hide/show the mouse cursor when the need arises. Also, you have video trimming and convert options to ensure that the video is shared in the right way and for at.

Price: Icecream Screen Recorder is available for a free download ( limited to 5-minute recordings) while the PRO version goes for $29.95.

Pros:

• Simple and fast
• Offers webcam capture
• Features a video converter and editor
• Offers a sharing feature
• Features annotation options

Cons:

• Limited trial version
• Supports a few video and audio codecs

10. Flashback Express

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

Flashback Express delivers an intuitive screen recorder and a powerful editor to ensure that all your short clips are not only engaging but also very informative. At the core level, this screen capture program lets you record the screen, and webcam together with accompanying sounds if any.

Besides, recordings can be enhanced further through the implementation of arrows, captions, images and, others. You are also opened up to video trimming options to remove any unwanted parts before sharing. Even better, you can add commentary using the microphone or include external music to make the screencasting more enticing.

Not forgetting that you can apply video effects, and use annotations, all in the full video editing suite of Flashback Express. You get to save the output in MP4, WMV, and AVI – upgrade to the Pro version for all formats.

Price: Flashback Express can be used as a free trial with limitations of course. To get rid of the limitations, you need to purchase any of the available one-time licenses starting at $49, with possible discounts.

Pros:

• Offers annotations options
• Includes editing features
• Fast screen recorder
• No watermarks
• Offers HD recording

Cons:

• Supports only 3 output formats

11. Camtasia

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

Camtasia is an all-in-one screen recorder and video editor for any user looking to capture and create professional-looking screencasts. With it, you can record the entire screen, a region, an application window, and specific dimensions to suit your requirements.

You can also add a personal touch to the main video by incorporating crisp audio and video capture using the webcam. In regards to the audio, you have the chance to record from the microphone or computer sounds like in the case of a game.

Also, you are open to a ton of other features like cursor FX, audio effects, themes, device frames, green screen, annotations, interactive quizzing, and a general simplified editing experience to help tweak the output. Not forgetting the instant upload to websites like YouTube. This is just the tip of the iceberg when you consider the plethora of extra features delivered.

Price: Camtasia provides a free trial version to let you explore the features but for a comprehensive and uninterrupted experience, here are the various one-time licenses you can purchase;

Pros:

• Picture-in-picture mode available
• High-quality output
• No video length limits
• Features advanced editing functions
• Reliable customer support
• Offers direct upload options

Cons:

• Way pricey
• Slow to export videos

12. ActivePresenter

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

ActivePresenter is another all-in-one screen recording software, a video editor that also doubles as an eLearning authoring tool. You can choose to record the screen and webcam together or separately depending on your needs. Using the microphone, you get to add narration or voice-overs to the video and also include the computer system audio like for instance when playing games.

ActivePresenter features a Smart Capture mode that automatically starts recording when the mouse is clicked or key is pressed, each action is saved separately and the viewer gets a detailed explanation. Better yet, videos can be exported in popular formats like MP4, AVI, WebM, WMV, and MKV with the option to tinker with various parameters including the output size, quality, frame rate, keyframe among others. You also have the green screen effect and a built-in video editor at your disposal.

Price: On top of a free trial download, ActivePresenter is available at $199 for the ActivePresenter Standard license and $399 for the ActivePresenter Pro license.

Pros:

• Offers a dynamic screen capture process
• Built-in video editor
• Real-time editing
• Lets you add interactive quizzes
• Offers green screen effect

Cons:

• Can only be launched from the web

13. Apowersoft Screen Recorder

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

Apowersoft Screen Recorder is a fully-featured screen recording software with a ton of amazing features. You are opened to flexible recording modes which let you capture the entire screen, a specific area, Around-mouse, an application window, and even the webcam for picture-in-picture implementation.

Besides, audio from the microphone or system can be recorded synchronously with the video and be in total sync. The built-in editor comes in handy to annotate videos in real-time and still lets you polish the videos further later on. It lets you capture screen and audio simultaneously in a professional way and save in standard MP4 format.

Better yet, using the built-in converter, the MP4 files can be changed to WMV, SWF, AVI, FLV, and more, with no quality loss. Other than that, you can schedule recordings and have a heaven of a time making uploads to share the captured video.

Price: Besides offering a free trial version for download, Apowersoft Screen Recorder is available in the following pro pricing plans.

Pros:

• Offers cloud storage
• One-click recording
• Built-in converter and editor
• Lets you schedule recordings
• Features PiP mode

Cons:

• Not the best for gaming

14. TinyTake

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

TinyTake offers the fastest way to record videos and screenshots of your computer screen. This can be a selected region, the entire screen, an application window, or the webcam. Amazingly, this software records for up to 120 minutes which is way more than what most tools can offer.

It is best suited for making demos, product reviews, and bug reporting thanks to the rich annotation features on both videos and screenshots. Instead of seeking external software, TinyTake features a built-in viewer to help you view the captured images, audio, and videos.

You are also provided with an online gallery to store your files and facilitate fast viewing and re-sharing. To communicate better, lots of annotations (highlighter, blur, etc) are at your disposal and apparently very easy to use.

Price: TinyTake comes in a basic free, fully functional variant in addition to the paid versions below;

Pros:

• Offers a quick screen capture
• Supports online saving and sharing
• Lets you save screenshots to the clipboard
• Has a built-in viewer
• Comes with annotation tools

Cons:

• The free version is limited
• Can be slow on large videos

15. ShareX

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

ShareX is a free and open-source screenshot and screencast software for Windows 10 and previous versions. It boasts of a plethora of capture modes including full screen, active window, active monitor, window menu, monitor menu, region, last region, custom region, scrolling capture, and more.

Even after capturing, you are opened up to editing options to help tweak the screenshot to your liking. It happens to be one of the screen recorder tools that come with a built-in OCR feature.

Just like the capture modes, you have lots of upload and sharing destinations to choose from at the click of a button. The good thing is that the output is delivered in the highest quality possible at all times.

Price: ShareX is free to download, install, and use.

Pros:

• Features lots of sharing options
• Offers scroll capture
• Very good at screenshots
• Feature a built-in OCR mode
• Free and open-source
• Built-in editor

Cons:

• The user interface can be intimidating
• Scroll capture can be buggy

16. Xbox Game Bar (Windows 10 only)

Картинка с сайта: www.talkhelper.com

The Windows Xbox Game Bar is a reputable tool that lets you a screenshot, screen capture, and stream video content without the need for external programs. While it is best suited to work with games, the Windows 10 Game Bar can also be used to capture other content on the screen.

You get one-click capture controls like the dedicated screenshot button or the mute and unmute depicted by the mic symbol. You are also opened up to a sound mixer depending on which devices and apps you have active.

Whether you are screen recording or taking snapshots, there are various options to tinker with like the saving directory, background settings, adjust audio recording settings, change video quality/resolution/frame rate, or choose to enable/disable mouse cursor capture. By just pressing WindowsKey+G, the Xbox Game Bar is ready for use.

Price: the Xbox Game Bar is free to download and use.

Pros:

• No additional software required
• Lets you stream games on Windows PC
• Supports hotkeys
• Built into Windows 10
• Free

Cons:

• Does not support hardware acceleration
• No video upload options to sites like YouTube

Conclusion

The best screen recorder software for Windows is a must-have app for that fluid and convenient screen capture process. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for a go-to program as this review article has presented the top tools that guaranteed reliable results. You have a comprehensive breakdown of each screen recorder’s features, price, pro, and cons. This way, you can settle for your best program effortlessly.