Recording screen software for windows

Screen recorder, screen recording software, screencasting software, and screen capture software are different names for the same tool that allows you to record a computer screen’s output. 

If you’re using the Windows 10 operating system, you already have an internal screen recorder called Xbox Game Bar. You can find a brief guide on how to screen record on Windows 10 at the end of this article. But keep in mind that the built-in tool has limited capabilities: it doesn’t allow you to record the entire desktop or File Manager. 

So if you’re are looking for a more robust tool, we’ve compiled the 16 best screen recorders for Windows that differ in price and functionality:

We’ve also prepared a screen recording software buyer’s guide that explains how to choose a tool that will meet your specific needs. 

But if you don’t have a lot of time to read and want to avoid the lengthy process of choosing software, you can simply download iSpring Suite. It will let you create videos like a pro — even if you’ve never done it before.

How We Tested the Best Screen Recorders

To prepare this detailed review, we installed each screen capture software on the computer and test-drove it to see how well it performed. We expected to see that the best screen recording software would run smoothly on the PC and the videos we created would play perfectly.

We also explored the functionality of each tool and compared their capabilities, assessed whether the screen recorder is easy to use, and evaluated how closely each option meets the needs of its target audience.

Free Screen Recorders that Save Money

Whether you’ve paid for numerous tools and received subpar quality, or you’re looking to save some money, there are plenty of free screen recorders that can get the job done with satisfying results. A word of caution though: some vendors may ask you to buy a paid version after you download their “free” software so you can get full access to its functionality. 

We compiled the 9 best free screen recorders in 2023 that successfully compete with paid screen recording software:

1. Free Cam — The best screen recording software for making WMV screen record captures
2. DVDVideoSoft’s Free Screen Video Recorder — The best screen capture software for recording Skype video calls
3. ShareX — The best screen recording tool for PC for those who need to share screen recordings online
4. CamStudio — A great free screen recorder for creating AVI video files
5. Ezvid — A perfect screen recording software for making quick video clips and sharing them on YouTube
6. TinyTake — The best free screen recorder for PCs, with a native cloud-based gallery for storing and sharing videos
7. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) — The best free screen recorder for capturing gameplays with good video quality
8. Debut Video Capture — Great video recording software for creating demonstrations and streaming video games
9. Loom — The best free screen recording software for video messaging

The best screen recording software for making WMV screen captures

1. Free Cam

OS: Microsoft Windows 7/8/10/11 (32- and 64-bit)
Size: 22.1 MB
Output: WMV

Free Cam is a simple free screen recording software with a built-in audio and video editor. Its attractive and intuitive interface lets you record either the entire computer screen or a portion of the screen — you can adjust the size of the area you need to capture. Even though this screen recorder is free, it doesn’t place any watermark on your videos and is ad free. Besides, it has no time limits — you can record longer videos if you want.

Watch this demo to see what you can do with Free Cam:

Download Free Cam now →

Free Cam user ratings:

• Capterra: no reviews
• G2: 4.1 (17 reviews)

The best software to record
Skype calls

2. DVDVideoSoft’s Free Screen Video Recorder

OS: Windows XP SP3 / 7 / 8 / 10 / 11
Size: 34.68 MB 
Output: MP4, BMP, JPEG, PNG

Free Screen Video Recorder is a full-featured but lightweight free screen recorder. It can record Skype conversations with no limitations – a feature useful for Skype meetings and online conference calls. You can also single out and capture different Windows applications as discrete elements. The user-friendly image editor that turned out to be helpful for attaining a polished look is especially praiseworthy.

Here’s a video on how to capture your screen with Free Screen Video Recorder:

The best screen capture software for PCs to share screen recordings online

3. ShareX

OS: Windows 7 and above
Size: 7.15 MB
Output: AVI, MP4, GIF

ShareX is one of the best free screen recorders, as it boasts almost as many advanced features as some paid competitors. Yet, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. An average user might get lost in the many advanced features, so ShareX is mostly targeted toward developers and power users.

Learn more about ShareX from this video:

ShareX user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.7 (16 reviews)
• G2: 4.8 (75 reviews)

A great free screen recorder for creating AVI video files

4. CamStudio

OS: Windows XP & above
Size: 10.9 MB
Output: AVI, SWF

CamStudio is a free desktop app that’s a good choice for one-time or occasional users with minimal editing needs. This lightweight, open-source screen recording software creates videos in AVI format that can later be converted to SWF. While its compactness appeals to some, others might need further development and increased technical support.

To explore how to use CamStudio, watch this video:

A perfect screen recorder for making quick video clips and sharing them on YouTube

5. Ezvid

OS: Windows XP SP3 / Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
Size: 981 KB
Output: WMV

Ezvid is a free screen recording program that claims to be the world’s tool, and that may not be too far from the truth. Ezvid’s clarity is enhanced by the product’s speed. Specifically designed to save users’ time, it will help you produce and upload videos directly to YouTube in a matter of minutes. That’s why this tool is popular among gamers and movie fans who want to make YouTube videos quickly and easily.

To discover how to use Ezvid, watch this video:

The best free screen recorder with a native cloud-based gallery to store and share videos

6. TinyTake

OS: Windows 7 & above / Mac OS X 10.13 & above
Size: 53.6 MB
Output: MP4

TinyTake by MangoApps is a sophisticated desktop screen recording software for Windows or Mac. It lets you capture images and videos from your computer screen, add comments, and share them within minutes. It is especially useful for those looking for compound tools that come with an online cloud-based gallery where you can store all your screen captures and recorded videos.

Here’s a video on how to use TinyTake to create screen recordings:

TinyTake user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.6/5 (7 reviews)
• G2: 4.3/5 (17 reviews)

The best free screen recorder to capture gameplays

7. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)

OS: Windows 10 and 11, Mac, Linux
Size: 117 MB
Output: LV, MP4, MOV, MKV, TS, HLS

OBS Studio is among the best free screen recorders for livestreaming on Twitch (or any streaming platform). You can create scenes composed with multiple sources: images, texts, window captures, browser windows, webcams, capture cards, and more, and then switch between them seamlessly via custom transitions. Unlike many other free competitors, it’s an advanced screen recording software that includes a lot of features and settings. However, the extended feature set can be too much for those who are looking for the quickest and easiest way to shoot a video. Besides, this recorder takes a lot of time to fully master.

Watch this video on OBS Studio and instructions on how to screen record with it:

OBS user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (948 reviews)
• G2: 4.6/5 (17 reviews)

The best screen recording software to create demonstrations and stream video games

8. Debut Video Capture

OS: Windows (all) on 64 bit / macOS 10.5 or above
Size: 3.15 MB
Output: AVI, WMV, FLV, MPG, MP4, MOV

Debut is another free screen recorder for Windows 10 that lets you make videos for almost any task, as well as stream videos on YouTube. The Debut interface may seem a bit odd and old-fashioned but it offers advanced functionality. For example, you can make mouse highlighting spotlights, show keystrokes, replace the background with images, video, or color, add a logo or watermark to your video capture, and even schedule a recording.

Here’s a video on how to screen record with Debut:

Debut Video Capture user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (16 reviews)
• G2: 3.6/5 (5 reviews)

The best screen recording software for video messaging

9. Loom

OS: Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android
Size: 125 MB
Output: MOV, MP4, AVI, WMV, WebM

Loom is a great tool for PCs that allows you to record quick video messages to send to your team. It’s an interactive alternative to emails, instant messaging, and web meetings. However, the free version has some limitations. For example, it allows you to create a maximum of 25 videos per person and restricts the duration to five minutes. Besides, it has limited editing capabilities, which means you need to use other apps to edit and share recorded messages.

Take a look at this brief video tutorial on how to use LOOM:

Loom user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (385 reviews)
• G2: 4.7/5 (1,738 reviews)

Comparison Chart of Free Screen Recorders

Paid Screen Recording Tools We Love

The Internet offers numerous screen recording programs so you’re sure to find free and low-cost options. However, when searching for high-quality performance, elaborate presentation, and expert technical support, you might want to invest in paid software.

Here are 7 paid desktop screen recorders that have gained customers’ and reviewers’ trust and continue to expand their presence in the market:

1. iSpring Suite — A perfect solution for creating screencasts, software tutorials, and complete video courses
2. Camtasia — The best screen recording software with quiz and interactivity options
3. Filmora Scrn — The best screen capture software for streaming and game recording
4. Movavi Screen Recorder — The best screen recording software for capturing video calls, webinars, and other online events
5. My Screen Recorder Pro — Good screencasting software for those who need to distribute videos to their website
6. FlashBack — A simple paid screen recording software with basic editing features
7. ScreenPal — A reliable video capture tool with a built-in stock library and secure video hosting

A perfect solution for creating screencasts, software tutorials, and complete video courses

10. iSpring Suite

OS: Windows
Size: 6.16 MB
Output: MP4, HTML5

iSpring Suite is an extremely easy-to-use tool that lets you make screencasts with voiceovers, instructional videos with annotations, and screencasts complemented with a presenter video. After a screen capture is recorded, you can edit it effortlessly: remove noise, trim a clip, insert media objects and annotations, and add transition effects. The tool is also perfectly suited for those who want to create software tutorials. The recorder can automatically capture keystrokes and clicks and add hints for the actions.

More than just a screen recorder!

With iSpring Suite, you can also create online courses, quizzes, role-plays, interactions, and other eLearning content. No experience or tech skills are required.

Take a feature tour →

To get a complete sense of iSpring Suite and its options, watch this video:

Price: $970/year for the entire toolkit. Free 14-day trial → (no credit card required)

iSpring Suite user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.6/5 (1,541 reviews)
• G2: 4.7/5 (522 reviews)

The best screen recording software with quiz and interactivity options

11. Camtasia

OS: Windows and Mac
Size: 293 MB
Output: MP4, HTML5, WMV, AVI, PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, WAV, MP3, MP4

Camtasia is a feature-packed tool for detail-oriented enthusiasts. It allows you to record video and audio one after another, combining the results afterward. What we liked most about Camtasia is that it is quite flexible in terms of using animations and video effects and adding overlays. Another great thing is that this tool constantly releases updates and receives new features on a regular basis.

Here’s a brief overview of Camtasia:

Price: $299. Free 30-day trial.

Camtasia user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.6/5 (302 reviews)
• G2: 4.6/5 (958 reviews)

The best screen recording software for streaming and game recording

12. Filmora Scrn

OS: Windows and Mac
Size: 1.91 MB
Output: MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, MP3, GIF, etc.

Filmora Scrn is a trustworthy video recording software that is especially loved by gamers. It lets you capture fast-paced scenes (up to 60 fps for Mac) while simultaneously recording a webcam video. It also has a basic video editing tool that allows you to improve the look of the video, as well as tutorial features, which can help direct attention to the key items on the screen.

Watch this video tutorial on how to use Filmora Scrn:

Price: $49.99 for 1 year or $79.99 for a lifetime license. Free trial.

Fillmore Scrn user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.5/5 (631 reviews)
• G2: 4.4/5 (289 reviews)

The best screen recording software for capturing video calls, webinars, and other online events

13. Movavi Screen Recorder

OS: Windows and Mac
Size: 1.81 MB
Output: MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, GIF, MP3, PNG, BMP, JPG

Movavi Screen Recorder is an easy-to-use screen capture tool that allows you to perform desktop recording, capture the webcam, record audio, save recordings as high-quality videos and GIFs, and take screenshots. You can upload your final video file to YouTube or Google Drive and share them with your audience via social media. When we installed it on our computer, it worked well but some users report that it crashes periodically.

See how to create screen recordings with the Movavi screen recorder in this video:

Price: $42.95 for 1 PC. Free 7-day trial.

Movavi Screen Recorder user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.6/5 (26 reviews)
• G2: 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Good screencasting software for those who need to distribute videos to their website

14. My Screen Recorder Pro

OS: Windows

My Screen Recorder Pro is a feature-packed screen capture tool that enables you to record a specific area of the computer screen, including the entire desktop, menus, cursors, and video with sound. It also lets you record your webcam or the screen of your mobile device in high-definition quality simultaneously with the desktop screen. Besides the industry-standard AVI, WMV, and MP4, this screen recording software can save the video in WebM, which is perfect for distribution or uploading to your website or blog.

To learn more about this software’s options and settings, watch this video:

Price: $129.95. Free feature limited trial.

My Screen Recorder Pro user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.6/5 (7 reviews)
• G2: no reviews

Simple screen recording software with basic editing features

15. FlashBack

OS: Windows
Size: 50.5 MB
Output: MP4, AVI, GIF

FlashBack is a full-motion-based screen capture software with a simple, handy interface. You can create video recordings by capturing your computer screen, along with a webcam and mic. Once the video is recorded, you can improve it with a built-in video editor to add captions, arrows, images, and highlights.

Price: $49 for 1 PC. Free 30-day trial.

Flash Back user ratings:

• Capterra: 4.6/5 (7 reviews)
• G2: no reviews

A reliable video recorder for PC with a built-in stock library and secure video hosting

16. ScreenPal (formerly Screencast-O-Matic)

OS: Windows, Mac and iOS, Android, and Chromebook
Size: 411 KB
Output: MP4, AVI, FLV

ScreenPal is considered to be one of the best screen recording tools that can be installed on different devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It’s fast, fairly easy to use, and comes with a video editor that lets you personalize screen recordings and make them more attractive and entertaining. 

Unlike many other screen recording software solutions, it comes with a built-in stock library full of videos, images, and music tracks. It also provides cloud hosting for storing and sharing videos, and even collaboration and team management tools. However, this advanced functionality is available only for premium plan users. It lets you upload your videos to YouTube, Google Drive, Vimeo, and Dropbox. What we liked most is that it has a mobile app for both Android and iOS.

Get more details about Screencast-O-Matic from this video:

Price: Pricing starts at $4.00/month. There’s also a free version with limited functionality.

ScreenPal user ratings:
Capterra: 4.4/5 (56 reviews)
G2: 4.3/5 (80 reviews)

Comparison Chart of Paid Screen
Recording Software

Honorable Mentions

In addition to paid and free screen recorders for Windows, there’s a variety of screen capture software for Mac, as well as web-based screen recording platforms. Here are a few solutions we consider worth mentioning.

The best screen recorder for Mac designed for remote teams

Zappy

OS: Mac
Size: 1.81 MB

Zappy is software produced by Zapier, a company that provides workflows to automate the use of web applications together, specifically to improve communication and productivity within the company. This screen recorder for Mac allows employees to create screencasts, screenshots, and GIFs easily, upload files to the cloud, and share each file with colleagues by embedding a link to Google Workspace tools, Slack, and other services. The screen recorder doesn’t have a video editor but lets you place colorful text, add arrows, or draw, so you can communicate with your peers visually.

Watch this 20-second video on how this tool works:

Price: Free for paid Zapier users

Zappy User ratings:
Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,737 reviews)
G2: 4.5/5 (1,160 reviews)

Free screen recording software that doesn’t require installation

Apowersoft’s Free Online Screen Recorder

OS: any
Size: 16 MB

The Apowersoft free screen recorder is one of the few online screen recorders that exist. It uses a robust cloud technology and lets you record your screen and combine it with audio and webcam video footage online. While recording, you can add shapes, notes, colors, and icons to your videos and then export them to various formats. When you’re done with the screencast, you can save the video to a local drive or upload it to RecCloud.

To learn more about the Apowersoft screen recorder and see how to use it, check out this comprehensive video guide:

Price: free

Apowersoft’s Free Online Screen Recorder User ratings:
Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,737 reviews)
G2: 4.5/5 (1,160 reviews)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section

We’ve put together a list of common questions about screen capture software to take a deeper dive into the topic.

– What is screen recording?

Screen recording, also known as screen capture, refers to recording anything that’s happening on your screen. It can be used for different purposes. For example, learning professionals can demonstrate to their employees how to use the software they need to perform their job. Software development companies can record videos on how to use their tool for their customers, and gamers can share their gameplay with the whole world.

– How to record your screen in Windows 10

Would you like to use an internal Windows screen recorder? Here’s how you can do that,
step by step:

1. Open the program you wish to record.

1. Press the Windows key and G at the same time.
2. You’ll now see the Xbox Game Bar menu. Click on Start Recording at the upper left-hand corner of your screen. You can also capture your voice by clicking on the Microphone button.

4. Once you’ve finished recording, open the menu again and click on Stop Recording.

Congratulations! You’ve made your screen recording. You can find it in the Captures subfolder of the Videos folder.

– What equipment do I need for screencasting?

To make a screen recording, you need:

• A laptop or desktop computer that can run all recommended options for recording your screen
• A webcam for your desktop if you’re planning to combine screencasts with presenter videos. 
• A headset with a microphone to record high-quality audio. 

– What is the best free screen recorder for PC?

As we have seen, free screen recording apps have limited functionality and clunky interfaces, for the most part. But among all the abovementioned free screen recorders, we would single out Debut. It offers advanced functionality and allows you to create videos for almost any task. So, if an old-fashioned interface doesn’t bother you, it could be a good choice.

– What is the best paid screen recording software for PC?

With so many solid options on the market, it’s fairly difficult to answer this question. But your choice should definitely depend on your tasks. For details, check out the buyer’s guide below.

Screen Recording Software Buyer’s Guide 

What do you really need from a screener recorder? Here, you’ll learn how to confidently select a solution that will help you meet your vital goals.

How to choose the best screen recording software? 

Both free and paid screen recording software can be effective tools to capture the work-related or entertainment activities on your PC. But depending on your specific needs, your choice may vary. 

Here’s a list of things you need to consider when selecting a screen recorder for PC:

• Features. Do you want to shoot fairly simple video clips or are you going to create, let’s say, scenes composed with content from multiple sources? Opt for screen recording software that offers the features you require. 
• Ease of use. If you’re a tech geek who can work with complex software, a sophisticated tool won’t be a problem. However, there are lots of handy tools on the market that will let you perform all the necessary tasks easily. See which one you like best. 
• Compatibility. Ensure that the screen recorder of your choice is compatible with your operating system (Windows, Mac, etc.) and any other devices you’re going to use.
• Editing capabilities. Consider software that includes basic editing features like trimming, cropping, and removing noise. You might also want to get a screen recorder that will let you add visuals, make annotations, mix tracks, and more. It all depends on your needs. 
• Export options. Check to see if a video recorder supports the file formats you require. Do you need to create professional HD videos and save them as MP4 files, or will WMV videos work for your needs? It may also be important for you to choose a tool that allows you to share videos directly to popular platforms like YouTube or social media.
• Tech support and updates. It’s always good to select software that provides customer support and regular updates. This ensures that a tool is up to date with new features and that you can get help at the moment of need.
• Pricing. Along with completely free screen recorders, there are tools that offer free versions with limited features and software that have subscription-based models or one-time purchase options. Compare pricing and choose the solution that fits your budget.
• User reviews and ratings. Check out user reviews and ratings to learn about other people’s experiences with the software. This will let you judge how reliable they are and whether they perform well. 

Finding the best screen recording software

Now let’s return to the idea about the nature of your tasks. The best solution is the one that will help you perform them completely. Professionals working on an eLearning video project and looking to make video tutorials may benefit the most from iSpring Suite. Experienced users with advanced technical skills might select the free ShareX screen recording tool. Those looking for a simple and reliable screen recording app for simpler tasks might be satisfied with Free Cam.

Did you like this article or have something to add to our review? Feel free to share your personal feedback and ask questions in the comment section.

Mastering Video Screen Recording:
A Comprehensive Tutorials

Here are some more articles on this topic that you might find useful:

• How to Make a How-To Video in a Breeze
• How to Make a Tutorial Video: A Complete Guide
• The 38 Best Training Video Software for 2023
• The 21 Best Video Tutorial Software: Free and Paid
• How to Create an Employee Training Video
• A Complete Guide to Creating Talking Head Videos
• The 20 Best Explainer Video Software for Every Budget
• How to Make a Screencast: Tips and Tricks
• A Complete Guide on How to Create an Instructional Video
• How to Add Narration to a PowerPoint Presentation

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;

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16 Great Screen Recording Software in Windows

Software Name	Supported OS	Offline Version	Download Link
1. TalkHelper Screen Recorder	Windows	Full Version	Free Download
2. VideoSolo Screen Recorder	Windows/Mac	Free Trial	Free Download
3. Movavi Screen Recorder	Windows/Mac	Free Trial	Free Download
4. Joyoshare VidiKit	Windows/Mac	Free Trial	Free Download
5. OBS Studio	Windows/Mac/Linux	Free Version	Free Download
6. Screencast-O-Matic	Windows	Free Demo	Free Download
7. Screencastify	Windows/Mac/Linux	Free Trial	Free Download
8. Bandicam	Windows	Free Demo	Free Download
9. Icecream Screen Recorder	Windows	Free Trial	Free Download
10. Flashback Express	Windows	Free Version	Free Download
11. Camtasia	Windows/Mac	Free Trial	Free Download
12. ActivePresenter	Windows/Mac	Free Demo	Free Download
13. Apowersoft Screen Recorder	Windows/Mac/Linux	Free Demo	Free Download
14. TinyTake	Windows	Full Version	Free Download
15. ShareX	Windows/Mac	Full Version	Free Download
16. Xbox Game Bar	Windows	Free Version	Free Download

1. TalkHelper Screen Recorder (Recommended)

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.

License/Plan	Price ($)
1 User / Lifetime	49.95

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

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2. VideoSolo Screen Recorder

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:

License/Plan	Price
1 Year/ 1 PC	$29.95
Lifetime/ 1 PC	$39.95
Lifetime/ 2-5 PCs	$69.95

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

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.

Package	Plan	Price ($)
Screen Recorder	1 Year / 1 PC	34.95
Lifetime / 1 PC	49.95
Video Suite	1 Year / 1 PC	79.95

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

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4. Joyoshare VidiKit

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:

Plan	Price
1-Month Plan	$19.95
1-Year Plan	$39.95
Perpetual Plan	$55.95

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

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

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6. Screencast-O-Matic

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.

Plan	Price ($) / Month
Solo Deluxe	1.65
Solo Premier	4.00
Team Deluxe	Starting at 9.50 for 10 PCs
Team Premier	Starting at 17.50 for 10 PCs

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

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7. Screencastify

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:

Feature/Component	Price ($)
Record	49
Edit	49
Submit	99

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

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8. Bandicam

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;

Plan	Price ($)
1-PC Licence	39.95
2-PC Licence	59.96
Bandicam + Bandicut	60.95
Upgrade the license	27.79

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

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9. Icecream Screen Recorder

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

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10. Flashback Express

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

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11. Camtasia

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;

Plan	Price ($)
Single License Pricing	249.99
Business Pricing	249.99
Education Pricing	169.99
Government Pricing	223.99
Upgrade	139.99

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

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12. ActivePresenter

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

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.

License	Plan	Price ($)
Personal	Lifetime	59.95
Annual	39.95
Monthly	29.95
Business	Lifetime	159.9
Annual	79.95
Lifetime (Team)	159.9

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

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;

Package	Price ($) / Year
Standard	29.95
Plus	59.95
Jumbo	99.95

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

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)

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.

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Whether you’re a student or a gamer, you appreciate Screen Recording and the tools that help you record your screen in great quality. There are tons of great screen recorders out there but choosing the right one for your needs can be a tough job. Hence, in order to save you the trouble of scouring the internet and Subreddits and lengthy discussions on online communities, we have compiled a list of the 15 best screen recording software for Windows. This list includes both paid and free options for you to find the perfect match. Although, if you’re searching for a screen recorder to record on Chrome, you could use these useful Chrome screen recording extensions.

1. OBS Studio

High-quality screen recording? Check. Multi-platform streaming? Check. Pro-level editing and control tools? Check. OBS Studio is one of the most decked-out screen recording software in the domain. It brings a vast set of video editing tools to the table, which is what makes it a favorite among the gaming community and professionals who know their way around the software.

Unlike a host of other options in the domain, OBS does not impose a restriction on the length of videos one can record or stream, despite being absolutely free and open source. You can choose from various resolutions (HD, FullHD, etc.) and video formats (flv, mp4, mkv, etc.) and stream them on popular streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live, and DailyMotion to name just a few.

And yes, OBS Studio can stream games in full-screen mode and record videos at frame rates of up to 60FPS. All in all, you won’t be left wanting more options if you jump on the OBS Studio bandwagon, provided you manage to ace its UI.

The sheer diversity of tools available in OBS Studio makes it an intimidating option for newbies, not to mention the fact that it takes a lot of time to customize and tweak the settings to one’s liking and comfort. Having said all of that, OBS Studio still remains the best screen recorder for PC.

Pros	Cons
Feature-packed	None
Records in 60fps
Best for intermediate and advanced users
Streaming support for Twitch and other popular platforms
Free and open-source

Download OBS Studio (Free)

2. ShareX

Sure, OBS Studio is feature-packed and has lots of add-ons and utilities, but it’s not for everyone. General users might find it overwhelming. That’s why we bring you the best screen recording software for Windows 10 that is easy to use, lightweight, open-source, and completely free. ShareX is one of the popular screenshot tools on Windows 10, but not many are aware that it can also record your screen on Windows 10.

It has a simple UI/UX, just press Shift+Print Screen to start and stop screen recording. The best part is that it also supports audio recording. Move to Task Settings -> Screen Recorder under Capture -> Screen Recording Options -> choose your microphone as the audio source. That’s it. What’s more, you can also create a GIF quickly using its dedicated tool. I find ShareX exceptionally good at what it does and you must use it for both screen recording and taking screenshots on Windows 10.

Pros	Cons
Free and open-source	None
Records in 60fps	
Lightweight and easy to use	
Supports intelligent regional capture	
Supports GIF and other popular media formats	

Download ShareX (Free)

3. ScreenToGIF

If you are someone who wants to create a high-quality GIF from a screen recording on Windows 10 then let me present you the ScreentoGIF tool. It’s simply an indispensable tool on Windows 10 which works flawlessly well. The app is entirely free and open-source and does not show any ads either. Just choose your region and click on the Record button to get started. Within seconds, you can save the recording as a high-quality GIF without any reduction in resolution.

In case, you want to save screen recording in MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, WEBM, and more, you can do that as well. Apart from that, it also supports a lot of popular encoders which is great. Not to mention, the lightweight 3.5MB tool comes with a GIF editor as well where you can add your own watermark, change the background, add webcam recording, board recording, media, and annotate as well. Basically, you are getting an advanced yet simple-to-use screen recording software for Windows 10 — all for free. What more can you ask for?

Pros	Cons
Best tool to create high-quality GIFs	None
Free and open-source	
Simple and easy to use	
Supports multiple frame rates	
Supports multiple media formats	

Download ScreenToGIF (Free)

4. Free Cam

Yes, the name is pretty generic but believe me, Free Cam is one of the most simple screen recording software for Windows 10. It’s free, does not feature any kind of ads, has a lightweight profile, and works superbly well. The UI is particularly clean which makes things even better for general users. You can select a window, full screen, a partial region and start recording the screen with audio support.

Do note that Free Cam does not support webcams and MP4 format in the free version. If you want this flexibility then you will have to get Cam Pro which starts at $227 per year which is very expensive. I would not suggest you get the Pro version of this software. If you want basic software for screen recording then Free Cam is more than enough. Apart from that, I must mention that Free Cam comes with a built-in editor which is surprisingly good. It also has the option to remove background noise from the audio recording. I think Free Cam offers plenty enough and you should give it a shot.

Pros	Cons
Free and easy to use with no ads	Saves in WMV and not MP4
Support for audio recording	No webcam support
Built-in editor	Premium version is too expensive
Records up to 720P	

Download Free Cam (Free, Premium version starts at $227 per year)

5. Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic is a new screen recorder that has gotten quite popular for its feature set. It offers screen and partial window recording and screen + webcam recording along with the audio as well. You can also trim the video with its basic editor, and change the file format from the Settings page. Overall, it’s a simple screen recorder that does the job well.

That said, Screencast-O-Matic requires you to sign up for a free account. In addition, the free version only lets you record the screen for 15 minutes. If you want no restrictions then you can opt for the Deluxe plan that starts with $1.65 per month. I think, its free version will suffice many users’ needs. So if you are looking for a screen recording app on Windows 10 that supports webcam, sound effects, drawing, captions, etc. then Screencast-O-Matic is a good choice.

Pros	Cons
Easy to use	Requires sign up
Webcam and audio supported	15 minute restriction for free users
Captions available	
Built-in editor to edit recordings on the fly	
Sound effects available	

Download Screencast-O-Matic (Free, Paid plan starts at $1.65 per month)

6. Bandicam

Bandicam is one of the most popular screen recorders for Windows PC that has a slew of features yet it’s pretty easy to use. The software has a great ability to record screens at high bitrates and frames. In fact, it doubles up as a great screen recording software for games as well. You can record videos at customizable frame rates and 4K Ultra HD resolution too.

Even at such a high-quality capture configuration, it offers small-size video recordings due to its built-in compression feature that makes sure there is no sacrifice on quality and you get the smallest file size. The recordings can be adjusted for the current window, whole desktop, capture area, and more. To sum up, Bandicam is among the best screen recorders for PC and you must give it a try.

Pros	Cons
Two capture modes	Expensive
Ability to resize the capture area	Laggy video recording
Support fr various codecs and formats	
Built-in compression features	
Small file size	

Download Bandicam (Free, $39.95 for 1 license)

7. TinyTake

TinyTake is to screen recording what MS Paint is to draw. The way MS Paint lets you perform basic image editing tasks like cropping and adding a splash of color, TinyTake will let you record short videos and capture screenshots with the same level of ease.

If you want a simple tool to record your screen activity that won’t confuse you with a complicated UI, loads of commands and hidden tools, TinyTake is the ideal option for you. The software is really fast when it comes to recording screen activity and taking screenshots.

Moreover, all the necessary tools are neatly laid out on the software’s home screen, from where you can choose to capture a still or record the complete screen’s activity (or just a section of it by manually adjusting the focus area). Furthermore, you also have the option to save them locally or on the 2GB free cloud storage that comes bundled with the free version.

While basic editing options like annotations and text addition are available for screenshots, you can not do the same with videos. All you can do is record videos of up to 5 minutes in the free version, which essentially means recording a gaming session is far beyond its reach.

In order to use the software’s video editing tools and enable direct YouTube upload, you have to shell out $29.95/year, which also brings facilities like an increased video recording limit, more cloud storage, etc.

Pros	Cons
Best for basic users	Expensive
Choose your capture window	Free version is limited to 5 minutes of recording
Annotation support	
Cloud storage	
Webcam integration	

Download TinyTake (Free version, Premium version starts at $29.95/year) 

8. Active Presenter

Active Presenter is a screen recording software tailor-made for folks who want to create content like software tutorials, video demonstrations, and training videos to name a few. Aside from that, Active Presenter is quite easy to use with an easily navigable UI and a host of tools to edit the captured screenshots and videos.

When it comes to making software simulations, Active Presenter transforms the daunting task into a breeze, as it automatically segregates the video into multiple slides, much like MS PowerPoint. If you seek to record reaction videos, shoot live commentary videos, etc., then Active Presenter can prove to be one of the better options.

Its sheer ease of recording such videos and the wide selection of editing tools like Smart Capture, Audio/Video Overlay, multi-format export, and object highlight among others. And the best thing is, there is no time limit on the length of videos you can record.

Active Presenter appears to have been designed with a niche audience in mind, and as such, it is not a particularly good option for gamers to record their virtual action and dope combos.

Also, the controls and editing tools can be quite confusing for folks who want to use the tool just for basic screen recording tasks. Moreover, the majority of editing tools, especially for videos, are exclusive to the software’s premium versions.

Pros	Cons
Best for recording tutorials	Editing tools are limited to premium users
Multi-window recording	
Integrated office apps	
No time limit for recordings	
Support for multiple file formats	

Download Active Presenter (Free version, Premium version starts at $199) 

9. Camtasia

One of the most popular screen recorder software out there, Camtasia lives up to its name with a huge set of editing tools neatly arranged in an interface that makes it relatively easy to find and use. Annotations, transitions, animations, you name it, Camtasia has it.

One of the most appealing aspects of Camtasia is the placement of beautification tools in its UI, which are easy to locate and even easier to use as they follow a simple drag-and-drop mechanism to apply them.

The software has virtually every tool in the book (custom dimension, caption effects, cursor effects, timeline quizzes, etc.)  to help you make that perfect video which can be shared on platforms like Vimeo and YouTube.

Moreover, you can choose to save the edited videos either locally or on Google Drive straight from Camtasia. Despite being free, there is no time limit on the length of videos one can record, which is a huge bonus.

The rich array of goodies offered by Camtasia places it in a class of its own, but they come at a steep price. Even though you get a free trial period of one month, you’ll have to shell out $99.50 just to upgrade and $199 to purchase a single-user license of Camtasia’s Mac and Windows versions in a single bundle.

So, unless you are deeply invested in the ecosystem and can fully utilize its vast toolkit, going for the app’s premium version won’t be a good idea, as there are other options available that are free. And also, Camtasia takes a lot of time (and apparently, resources too) to load, so if you install the software on a not-so-powerful system, be patient.

Pros	Cons
Built-in editing features	Expensive
Online backup	Not intended for basic users
Resizable capture area	
Multi-window recording	
Customizable	

Download Camtasia (Free trial for 30 days, Full version at $249.99)

10. Movavi Screen Capture Studio

The Movavi Screen Capture Studio is a relatively lesser-known screen recording software for Windows. But don’t let its obscurity in the domain mislead you, as the Movavi offering is packed with all the core screen recording and video editing tools. Movavi Screen Capture Studio is equipped with some of the best video editing tools that are rarely found bundled with any other software in the segment.

First things first, there is no time limit on the length of videos you can record with Movavi Screen Capture Studio. Aside from the core editing tools, the software also brings some novel beautification tools to the table such as mosaic, noise reduction, focus adjustment lenses, artistic blur tools, scenic filters, and stickers to name just a few.

Text addition in various styles, stabilization, pan/zoom, and frame-by-frame editing are some other options that make this software truly unique and totally worth a try.

Although Movavi Screen Capture Studio’s UI is pretty clean and is loaded with features, the short free trial period of just 7 days is a bummer, plus, the exported videos have a big watermark slapped on them.

Furthermore, whatever audio is recorded by users, only half of each audio file is saved in the trial mode. So, like it or not, if you want to use Movavi Screen Capture Studio for the long term, buying a premium version is the only option.

Pros	Cons
Record and edit in the same app	Free version has watermark
Annotate freely	
Zoom in and out during the recording	
Filters and animations	
Noise reduction in video	

Download Movavi Screen Capture Studio (Free trial for 7 days, Premium version starts at $34.95 per year)

11. Screen Capture Recorder

Screen Capture Recorder is a free and open-source screen recorder that works very well. For starters, it requires you to have Java installed, or else will guide you to the installation page and the process. Once Java’s installed, launching the software will open the command prompt and the overlay where you can start recording.

As for the recording options and settings, the app comes with options to choose audio and video devices, configure screen recorder bounds, allow you to configure the window size before recording, an option to configure the FPS (max 30), where the recordings are saved, and streaming on a URL. You can also change the scaling resolution. All in all, for a free and open-source screen recorder, the Screen Capture Recorder does a decent job.

Pros	Cons
Decent UI	Requires you to separately install Java
Easy to use and setup	A bit too basic and UI needs work
Best for basic users	Can only record in up to 30 fps
Free and open source	
Support for streaming via url	

Download Screen Capture Recorder for free

12. Xbox Game Bar (Windows’ Built-in Screen Recorder)

If you are looking for a free screen recorder for PC then you are better off with the native one that comes pre-installed on Windows 10. To record games on Windows 10, Microsoft has brought the screen recording feature as part of the Xbox Game Bar.

The best part is that this feature has been extended to all apps and it’s no longer just limited to games. It basically means that now you can record any app or window on Windows 10 without any external software. The built-screen recorder on Windows 10 has support for audio recording, high bitrate, resolution, and more.

So, if you want to record the screen on Windows 10, just hit Windows + Alt + R and screen recording will start then and there. You will find the recorded video under User Profile -> Videos -> Captures.

And if you want to customize all sorts of video capture settings then move to Windows Settings -> Gaming -> Captures. That’s it. Having said that, bear in mind, the built-in screen recorder does not record the desktop or file explorer. But apart from that, it’s a solid way to record the screen on Windows 10.

Pros	Cons
Built-in recorder	Does not record desktop and file explorer
Easy to use	
Supports microphone recording	
High bitrate and resolution	
Free to use	

Comes pre-installed on Windows 10

13. Fluent Screen Recorder

Fluent Screen Recorder markets itself as a minimalistic screen recorder for Windows and that’s true to all extent. The app is free and open-source and can be downloaded from GitHub and Microsoft Store. It gets a lot of things right, such as giving users the ability to select the framerate, bitrate, resolution, and window that they want to record.

Besides, users can also choose if they want to record their screens with audio and microphones. It also has a quick shortcut to select a microphone you want to record with and to set an overlay for recordings. Overall, Fluent may not be the most feature-rich screen recorder for Windows (because it was never intended to be), but is a great nifty screen recording application.

Pros	Cons
Minimalistic yet packed with decent amount of features	A bit too basic for intermediate and advanced users
Records in 60fps and high bitrate	
Best for beginners	
Minimalistic yet packed with a decent amount of features	
Can record a particular Window

Download Fluent Screen Recorder for free

14. Samsung Screen Recorder

Yes, we couldn’t believe it when we first saw this app on the Windows store. If you remember, Samsung still sells Windows notebooks in the form of Galaxy Books, and the Samsung Screen Recorder is specifically made for them. However, since it’s published on the Windows store, you can try it out on any PC and it should work.

The app itself isn’t very futuristic but basic at best. It doesn’t take much space, the overlay is decent. There’s an option to record yourself which makes it easy to record lectures and presentations with you on the camera. If you have multiple monitors, you could select which screen to record from the settings, which webcam or microphone to use, and more importantly, set the resolution at which you want to record. The fps is set to 60 by default but you could move it to 30 using the low fps toggle. As you begin the recording, you could also annotate, and use markup tools. Overall, it’s a pretty good screen recorder, especially great if you’re a student or a lecturer.

Pros	Cons
Good overall package	A bit too basic
Records in 60fps and can also record your face	Doesn’t support window recording
Best for beginners	No streaming support
Annotations via text and hand	
Free on the Microsoft Store	

Download Samsung Screen Recorder for free

15. Simple Screen Recorder

Simple Screen Recorder is also an open-source app that can easily capture your screen without any issues. It’s a fairly simple tool that doesn’t require much knowledge or experience using screen recorders and works out of the box without any tweaks.

It’s a basic tool and can only record your entire screen and not app windows, but it does allow you to choose which screen to record if you have multiple displays. The tool records at 60fps by default but you could bring it down to 30 if you want to. Besides, it also allows you to choose which mic and speaker to use to record and playback the recording. Overall, it’s a decent option if all you want to do is record your entire screen for gameplay.

Pros	Cons
Free and open-source	None
Records in 60fps	
Best for beginners and intermediate users	
Choose mic and speakers for input and output	

Download Simple Screen Recorder for free

What makes a Good Screen Recorder?

Regardless of if you’re an advanced or basic user, a good screen recorder should have a hotkey for quick access. It should also give you quick toggles to activate voice recording, annotation tools, the option to zoom in/out, and more. On top of that, screen recorders should offer you the ability to change the frame rate, resolution, bitrate, output file format, etc., for added flexibility

It’s an added bonus if a screen recorder comes with a small set of video editing tools like cropping and trimming. Not to mention, the ability to convert video recordings to GIF (so you can use it with your favorite GIF keyboards) or other file formats would be nice. However, it’s hard to find all these features in one room, but there are a few apps that try to bring most of them together.

Best Screen Recorder for Windows FAQs