They say there is no free lunch and, more often than not, that’s the rule. Screen recording software, though, is a delightful exception — there are heaps of free tools out there.
To help you find the best free screen recorder, we have created a shortlist of the best free screen recorders in 2020 that are free. Ideal for communicating your ideas and feedback faster, recorder video tutorials, explainer videos, report bugs, etc.
To help you find the best free screen recorder, we have created a shortlist of the best free screen recorders in 2020 that are free. Ideal for communicating your ideas and feedback faster, recorder video tutorials, explainer videos, report bugs, etc.
- Free Screen Recording And Video Editing Software For Mac
- Screen Video Capture software, free download For Mac
- Free Video Recording Software Mac
- Mac Screen Video Recording Software
Aiseesoft Screen Recorder (Windows, Mac) Aiseesoft Screen Recorder is the professional but easy screen recording software without watermark for Windows and Mac computer. It is smooth to record 4K UHD and 1080p HD games, movies, and streaming videos with the audio narration. Working OS: Windows and Mac 6. Debut Video Capture and Screen Recorder Software. In the collection of MP4 recorders, we can’t miss NCH Debut Video Capture and Screen Recorder Software. Packed with standard features, Debut Video Capture ensures to screen record from available network IP camera, webcam or the VHS recorder. GoPlay is a great video recording software for Windows users. We just gave you a Mac-only application, how about a Windows video recording software next? GoPlay is a screen recording app that allows users to easily create high-definition videos, edit them in a jiffy, and then export the final product to social media with the click of a button.
Contents
What Is Screen Recording Software?
Screen recording software captures what is on your computer screen. You can either record in full screen or capture a specific area. Most of these apps can record your microphone (audio narration) and the best desktop recording software can also record your computer screen with audio (the system sound).
However, this is where the similarities end. Not all such programs are HD screen recorders. Some screen recording tools can save the recording in various file formats or export it to social media websites like YouTube. Top screen recorders, though, can upload your screen captures to the cloud in real time and give you a sharing link instantly (much more effective).
So, before you set your mind on a free screen recording software, it’s best to evaluate your own recording needs. Maybe you don’t need to upload your videos to social media or maybe you don’t need to record in HD.
How we reviewed the top screen video recorders
We took information about each of the best desktop recorders directly from their official website. In addition, we gathered insights from independent reviews published on G2Crowd and tested each tool ourselves.
What is a good screen recorder?
While our picks range from desktop apps to browser plug-ins, each one meets the following basic criteria:
- User-friendly interface
- Can record the entire screen or a specific area
- Captures both system and microphone audio
- Built-in video sharing and/or convenient exporting options
Here Are The Best Free Screen Recording Software In 2020
Screenrec | iSpring Free Cam | Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder | Screencast-O-Matic | Ezvid | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Save screencast to your hard drive | |||||
Video Hosting | |||||
Cloud Recording | |||||
Instant sharing | |||||
Sharing options | Universal sharing link. Share privately or publicly. | Upload to Youtube | Upload to Youtube, Dropbox, Vimeo or GDrive | Upload to Youtube | None. You can save the screen capture to your hard drive. |
Record computer audio and video at the same time | |||||
Record your voice | |||||
Record in full screen | |||||
Capture Screenshots | |||||
Video Library | |||||
Video Encryption | |||||
Video Analytics | |||||
Video Editing Tools | |||||
Facecam recording | |||||
Recording Time | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 minutes | Depends on how much free space you have |
Ads | Ad-free | Ad-free | Ad-free | Ads | Ad-free |
Video compression | MP4 (Universal) | WMV (Windows only) | MP4, WMV, AVI, FLV, MPEG, VOB, ASF and GIF | MP4, AVI, FLV | WMV (Windows only) |
Supported Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows | Windows and Mac | Windows and Mac | Windows |
Works when you’re offline |
1. Screenrec
Click. Record. Share instantly. If you’re looking for the quickest and easiest possible way to capture your computer screen and share the recording with someone else, this is it. No ads and limitations. You not only get a screen recorder for free but you also get business video hosting for free.
Pros
- Record computer audio
- Record your computer screen in HD
- Capture and annotate screenshots
- 2Gb of free video hosting included
- Cloud recording. Your video capture is uploaded on the fly to a secure video hosting platform — StreamingVideoProvider.
- Files are saved in the .MP4 format which can be played on any device (free MP4 screen recorder)
- Instant private sharing. Once the recording is complete you get a private sharing link that you can send to anyone online.
- Extremely lightweight
- Video CMS to manage your recordings, e.g. tag, add descriptions, organize in folders and playlists
- Video encryption. No one can download your videos without your explicit permission.
- Video analytics
- Unlimited recording time
- No ads
Cons
- There are no video editing tools at this point
- You can’t record your webcam
2. iSpring Free Cam
iSpring Free Cam made our list of the best screen recorders because it’s easy-to-use, without ads and time limitations. It only works on Windows which can potentially be an issue but, otherwise, it’s got all the chops to help you capture the full screen or a specific area of your desktop.
Pros
![Free screen recording and video editing software for mac Free screen recording and video editing software for mac](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124845146/613883501.png)
- Record your microphone and system sounds
- Highlight your mouse
- Basic video editing tools, e.g. delete selection, remove background noise.
- Webcam recording is available but only in the Pro version
- You can upload your screencast to YouTube
- No ads
- No time limits
Cons
- Only works on Windows. No support for Linux or Mac.
- Screen captures are saved in .WMV format (OK if you’re using a Windows PC but might not play on other platforms)
- Uploading large videos might take quite some time because there is no cloud recording option. The file is compressed and uploaded after recording.
- You can’t take screenshots
- Some users report high CPU usage
3. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
A nice online screen recorder with basic video editing capabilities. This free screen capture software runs in your browser (Mac or Windows) and requires an internet connection. The Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder might be a good choice if you’re looking for a one-time solution.
Pros
- Record your webcam
- Add annotations within the video
- Capture computer audio
- Crop your video (no other editing tools, though)
- Works on Windows and Mac but not on Linux
- After recording, you can save the video file to your computer or upload it to YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
- You can save the file in a number of different formats (This can also be a con if you don’t know what you’re doing)
Cons
- Requires a browser plugin to run which may slow your browser down. There is a “Download desktop version” button on the website but this is actually the Pro version, not the free one.
- No cloud recording option. If you want to share your screencast, you will have to wait for the video to render and, then, you will have to wait for it to upload.
- Time limits and watermarks (removed when you create a free account)
- Not suitable for game recording because you can’t hide the recording widget
- Users report that it takes quite a lot of time to view the replay
- You must be online to use it
4. Screencast-O-Matic
The free version of Screencast-O-Matic is another browser-based screen recording tool. It should work for you if you don’t need to record computer audio and you only want to make very short videos.
Pros
- Narrate the video (record your computer microphone)
- Record your webcam
- After recording the video, you can upload it to YouTube or the Screencast-o-matic hosting service
- Highlight your mouse
- Available for Windows and Mac
Cons
- 15-minute recording limit
- There is a watermark
- You can’t record computer audio in the free version
- No screenshot tool
- The free version can only run in the browser which can slow your computer down
- Ads on your screencasts
- Requires Java to run
- Some users report that it crashes their browsers and slows down their computers
- No cloud recording option. If you want to share your screencast, you will have to wait for the video to render and, then, you will have to wait for it to upload.
5. Ezvid
Ezvid is on our best screen recording software list because it has some cool features like the ability to draw while recording or synthesize human speech from text. Like iSpring Free Cam, it only works on Windows and saves screencasts in the bulky WMV format.
Pros
- HD video capture
- Include computer narration with your video
- Trim videos
- Insert images and videos in your screencast
- Draw while recording
- Facecam recording
- No watermarks
- No ads
Cons
- Works on Windows only
- Recording limit — depends on how much free space you have on your hard drive
- Delayed replay — you have to wait until your video is rendered
- Some users report that it slows down their computers
- Screen captures are saved in .WMV format (OK if you’re using a Windows PC but the video might not play on other platforms)
What Is a Good Screen Recorder?
There are two important points to consider when looking for the best free screen recorder in 2020.
1. File Format & Compression
A file format is a particular way of organizing the data within the file. There are many video file formats and some screen recording tools support more than one. However, most of the time, it goes down to MP4 vs. WMV.
MP4 or WMV for screen capture?
The WMV format is a product of Microsoft. Back in the day, it was created to allow professional videos to be recorded in high quality, e.g. on DVD, Bluray. The biggest issue here is that Mac users often have trouble viewing WMV files.
MP4, on the other hard, helps you produce video files that can be opened on any platform. And, when it comes to video quality, MP4 is actually better than WMV.
So,MP4 is more suitable for publishing your screen captures on the web and sharing them with others. The best free video capture software allows you to save your videos in MP4.
2. Video Hosting & Uploading
When looking for a screen capture software, you’d probably look at the recording features like — recording time, ability to record the computer audio, and so on.
But what happens after you record your screencast?
Most of the time, video files are very big and can’t be attached to emails. This means that, to share a video, you have to upload it somewhere in the cloud. In other words, you need video hosting.
![Screen Video Recording Software For Mac Screen Video Recording Software For Mac](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124845146/520091103.png)
This is a book-worthy topic but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Hosting on YouTube. Some screen recorders allow you to post your videos on YouTube. That’s great when you want to share your videos publicly but not recommended if the screencast contains sensitive information.
- Proprietary video hosting. Some screen recorders like Screenrec, Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder and Screencast-O-Matic come with video hosting. When storing your videos on these platforms, it would be wise to research if the platform is free and what level of security it offers.
- Cloud Recording. If there is no Cloud Recording option, you will have to wait for the video to upload until you can share it. The best free screen capture tools come with this option.
Conclusion
Even the best free screen recording software has advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, the recording features — what you can do with the tool, are just as important as the effectiveness — how quickly you can record your computer screen and share it with others.
So, before you set your mind on a free screen recording software, it’s best to evaluate your own recording needs. Maybe you don’t need to upload your videos to social media or maybe you don’t need to record in HD.
Based on this criteria, the top screen recording software for us is the free screen recorder by ScreenRec. The final decision is, of course, yours to make.
What's the difference between a desktop screen recorder vs. online screen recorder?
As the names suggest, the biggest difference is that a desktop screen recorder can capture your screen while you're offline or on a poor internet connection. An online screen recorder requires stable Internet. For this reason, an online screen recorder isn't the best option when it comes to game capture. It may be a viable option when you're recording a tutorial, though.
What is the best alternative to Screencast-O-Matic?
Screencast-O-Matic is a popular screencasting tool. Many people use it to record tutorials, training videos and other educational content. The biggest advantage of Screencast-O-Matic is, perhaps, the ability to share the recording to a number of platforms like Vimeo, YouTube and Screencast-o-Matic's own video hosting platform. One downside, however, is the fact that you have to wait for the recording to upload and, if you've been recording for, say, 1 hour, this can be a huge pain. That's why, as an alternative, we'll suggest ScreenRec. It's quick and lightweight, allows you to capture both your computer audio and microphone audio and, finally, it's got instant private sharing--your screen recordings are uploaded in real time which means that you never have to wait. You get a sharing link as soon as you press 'Stop'.
How do I record my computer screen?
It depends on the screen capture tool you're using and your platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc). With ScreenRec, for example, you have to press Alt + S to start recording your desktop. This works on all platforms.
References & Further Reading
If you’re creating an instructional video, then using a screen recording software will definitely make things easier. Moreover, recording and sharing of videos have become more common and popular than you think. You must have seen hundreds of videos with step by step guides on YouTube for troubleshooting a device. Surprisingly, most Youtubers use screen recorder apps to accomplish the task.
Here we have discussed much best screen recorder for Mac. So, let’s check out them.
Best Mac Screen Recorder 2020
1. Capto
Capto is another one of the best screen recording software for Mac that is developed by Global Delight Technologies Pvt. Ltd. It is all-in-one software that not only allows you to capture your computer screen but also allows to record your screen, edit it and share at the press of a button.
Free Screen Recording And Video Editing Software For Mac
The app provides a broad range of pictures and video editing tools as well as an easily navigable folder-based organizer for your screen captures. Moreover, you can also share your videos and screenshots on popular platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Evernote and Dropbox.
2. Monosnap
Monosnap is the easiest way to capture screenshots, share files, record video and gifs. The app allows you to capture your screen in any direction whether it is a circle, rectangle, square or full screen during the recording. You can highlight vital details with pen, text, arrows, and different shapes and crop the area for a pixel perfect image with 8x magnifier. The best part about this software is, it allows you to hide your private and personal information with the blur tool.
You can use Facebook, Twitter, Evernote, Dropbox, and Monosnap’s web sharing space to share your screen recording with your friends and family in one click.
Also Read: 5 Best Duplicate Photo Cleaner Tools for Mac
3. ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is one of the best screen recorder software for Mac. It has a user-friendly easy to edit interface that allows you to creatively edit your video, text, music, animations, and transitions for a professional-looking screencast. The app allows you to record your computer screen while capturing a video camera, iOS device, microphone, multi-channel audio device and computer audio.
ScreenFlow is a professional level screen recording software that not only helps you to combine your screen recorded content, keynote & PowerPoint presentations but also helps you to add in animations, images, text, a soundtrack in the video. You can also create picture-in-picture video with your screen recording and a video camera in no time.
4. Camtasia 3
Camtasia 3 is the best all-in-one video editor and screen recorder software which makes amazing videos and screen recordings in no time. The app allows you to record a video of your screen or bring in your own video footage. It helps you to build your videos quickly with multiple tracks for image, video, text, and audio. Best part of this software is, you don’t need a separate audio program when recording a narration for your video.
Also Read: 10 Best Backup Software For Mac In 2017
You can not only record a video on your computer screen but also bring the video in your own footage. You can also design and edit animated text, images and icons to give a crisp, polished look to your video without being a professional video editor. Camtasia 3 software allows you to share your videos to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Apple devices, your website, blog, and many more.
5. Snagit
Snagit is one of the best screen recording software for Mac and is used for screen capture and recording. It allows you to take a screenshot or capture a video of what you see on your computer screen and resize the captured area right down to the pixel. Snagit provides annotation varieties like arrows, speech bubbles, so that you can to easily customize your capture.
It is an excellent tool for business that helps to capture a website, record an online meeting, or send someone feedback in an email. In other words, it simply brings clarity to the information. Snagit is a professional and time-saving tool at many levels.
The app allows to take a full-page screenshot in different ways such as horizontal, vertical, or entire scrolling area with just a click. It helps you to quickly get rid of any unwanted sections from your screen recordings.
6. Jing
Jing is a screen capture software that allows you to capture any parts of your screen and save that area as a static image or even a video. In fact, it allows you to add text and draw further attention to the area you want to highlight. Like other programs, this program also allows you to share the image or video with friends and family. However, you’ll have to be logged in to screencast.com to make it work.
Screen Video Capture software, free download For Mac
Thanks to its mind-blowing interface, that makes you feel like you’re working on a web application instead of a real program. The built-in feature allows you to edit the captured images and videos in your style. In short, Jing is really easy to use a program and just as good as Snagit but it is free.
7. Screen Record Studio
Screen Record Studio is a professional screen record software for Mac. Like other software, this software also allows you to easily record your computer audio, video and game. You can record single window or customize your screen for recording. The app allows you to use system build-in microphone or audio input device.
Also Read: How to Manage Your Music Library: Pro Tips
The app has an amazing feature that allows you to add text and logos on the recording. You can compress and trim recorded video on this software. Screen Record Studio allows you to share your screen recording with your friends, family, and colleagues.
8. Snapz Pro X
Free Video Recording Software Mac
Snapz Pro X is a simple and easy software that allows you record anything on the computer screen. This tool is designed in such a way that you can capture your whole screen or any part of your screen. The app shows you exactly how your captured image will look like before you save it. This app has “Live Preview” features that allow you to change drop shadow, scaling, cropping and many other things.
9. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is one of the best screen recording software for Mac which is also an open source software for video recording and lives streaming. It captures real time video/audio capturing and mixing, with unlimited scenes you can switch between seamlessly via custom transitions. OBS Studio provides hundreds of filters to give a professional look to your recording.
The software provides powerful and easy to use configuration option that helps to find add new videos, duplicate existing ones, and adjust their properties effortlessly. You can also use light or dark themes as per your preferences.
10. LightShot
Mac Screen Video Recording Software
LightShot software is available for both Windows and Mac. The app helps you to select the area on your desktop to take a screenshot. The software also helps you to search for similar images and edit your captured images anytime. LightShot also allows you to share your screen captures and recording via Facebook and Twitter with your Macintosh. You can add effects in recording with the software before uploading it the Facebook or Twitter.
Also Read: 10 Best Video Converter Software for Mac
These are 10 best screen recording software for Mac to record your favorite videos and games in no time. Do not forget to let us know which one is your favorite in the comment section below.
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