Screen capture software is a tool that is used for capturing screen images and saving them in different file formats. Along with this, you can also add arrows and texts to the image, or crop it accordingly and make the screen-captures even cleaner. However, we tend to take the word “screen-capture” for granted without actually knowing what it means. So, let us know about this software type in detail before moving to its types and best ones.
If you want to take screenshot of a website, software, or app interface, Best Screen Capture Software Tool is definitely an option that you should consider. With the software you can effortlessly take screenshots of your entire desktop or Windows 8 start screen. The built-in image editor has tools for drawing shapes and arrows to highlight specific sections of the screenshot. The software can also record video or capture webcam. It provides real-time editing while recording videos.
Capturing screenshot is the act of saving a picture of whatever is being displayed on your computer screen. Screenshot helps in providing visual representation of what is on the computer screen. If you are dealing in some kind of business, where you have to show something to your customer, then it becomes a must for you to capture a screenshot of that.
To achieve this, you need the best screen capture software for Windows 10 in 2020. There are multiple such tools including Camtasia and Movavi. Unfortunately, these are costly and unfavorable for purchase during tough financial times. This article will inform you of the best free screen video capture software for Windows 7/8/10 and Mac, which does not require spending and that you can acquire at any moment.
Factors to be Considered While Selecting the Best Screen Recording Software
There are several screen recording software available in the market which seems to be similar at times. How would you differentiate one from another and select the best which suits your requirements?
These factors perhaps can help you in that matter.
Frame Rate Speed
The number of times the screen image captured in a second is known as the frame rate. The video output is smooth if the frame rate speed is high. An ideal screen recorder software provides 30 fps (frames per second) recording speed.
Multiple Screens Recording
For instance, if you are using a very complex financial software, you may require recording multiple screens. Ensure that the software you select provides you this facility if you require recording multiple screens at the same time.
Video Sharing
Many screen recorder tools just prepare a video and save it to your hard drive. You can then decide on where and how to share that video. But, there are some screen recording tools available which automatically share the video on the platforms you want to.
Deployment
The screen recording software can either run locally on your hard drive or can be web-based. Web-based screen recorder can be accessed online and will not take your storage space. But, you have more control over screen recording software which is downloaded and runs locally on your hard drive.
1. Free Cam
This is one of the best free screen capture software with audio that you will find quite helpful when it comes to recording your screen. The software is quite easy to download, and the developers will not ask you to provide any irrelevant details to reach the download link. The interface is also quite intuitive, and you will find all the features very easily accessible.
As soon as you open the app, a dialogue box will appear up providing you with the option of New Recording or Browse to open an old recording for some tweaks. When you click New Recording, it will give you a screen selector that you can drag according to the area that you want to capture.
You will also get to set the screen resolution, and you can record up to 1080p. The video quality that you will get will be crisp, and you will also get to set the keyboard shortcuts to start/stop the recording. The software will also allow you to record the cursor movements along with the clicks.
Features
- There will be no watermarks or ads throughout the recording.
- The video recording will not have any time limit.
- The system rounds and mic input will be recorded.
- The video quality will go all the way up to full HD.
- You can export video to your storage or upload it to YouTube right from the interface.
- Also gives you the option to reduce background noise.
- There is also a long list of audio effects to choose from.
2. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is one of the most reliable best free screen capture tool for Windows and mac since it allows people to speed up their footage. It also comes with a built-in video editor, which enables you to modify recordings to make them more attractive and entertaining. Editing features like the addition of music are great options where the video’s audio has no use. Similarly, incorporating blurs in the clips ensure that you help viewers focus and understand the most important aspects. Most professionals or entertainment fans prefer using this tool because it further allows users to share videos on YouTube, without necessarily downloading it.
Pros
- It is compatible with Mac and Windows computers
- It has varieties of editing options, such as adding images, blurs, titles, and music
- It compresses clips to desired sizes
- It stores the clips in a range of formats
- It exports screen capture to various cloud platforms like Google Drive and sites like YouTube quickly.
- It does a webcam recording too.
Cons
- It limits your screen recording time to a maximum of 15 minutes
- The quality of the video captured is always lower.
- The free version puts a watermark on your captured videos
- The free version does not allow adjustment of the higher and lower quality recording
3. OBS Studio
This powerful and free screen video recorder with audio makes screencasting intuitive and so it is among the most reliable tools for Windows 10. Open Broadcaster Software has a clean and easy to read interface that enables the addition of images and sources, specific windows and capture cards, among other items. It also has interesting features like real-time audio and video mixing. The easy to use audio mixer ensures that you can exclude noises through suppression. Additionally, it allows streaming to websites like Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Hitbox, and Twitch. When screen capturing, the software allows you to select your monitor’s resolution.
Pros
- It is an open-source and free cross-platform
- It allows users to do real-time video streaming from majorities of the streaming video platforms
- It enhances functionality through over 20 plugins
- It supports multiple filters
- It gives users the freedom to video record, without time limitations, making it perfect for long-time recording
- It syncs webcam
Cons
- It is dysfunctional in Windows XP
- It is impossible to link the audio file as a source.
- It is not suitable for beginners since it requires some technical knowledge
- It is slow and the streaming quality is quite disappointing.
- It can drop out if the internet becomes weak.
4. Debut Video Capture
Debut Video Capture is among the best free screen capturing software that allows you to record all Windows 10 happenings. It has the ability to capture microphone sound, allowing you to make demonstration clips without audio recording. Despite having an odd interface, it is user friendly as the elements are well labelled so that new users can navigate them easily. This tool gives you unlimited recording time and does not apply watermarks to your clips. Additionally, it provides Windows screen recording options; you can choose to record full screen of the desktop, selected an area or opt under the cursor.
Pros
- It is compatible with several formats like LLV, MP4, MOV, WMV, and 3GP
- It gives users unlimited recording time
- It is effective in security systems since it also records from external cameras
- It enables users to schedule their recording
- The quality of the clips remains intact having not been compromised
- It is customizable and easy to work with
Cons
- It does not edit recording due to lack of editing features
- It cannot upload clips to platforms like YouTube for sharing
- The interface appears outdates, making it unattractive
- It is a slow software considering that uploading videos take a while
5. ShareX
Professionals consider ShareX as one of the best screen capture tools for Windows because it is a small-installation based program, making it a lightweight. Therefore, this open-source free screen capture software frees the space in your PC, enabling you to use it constructively with other matters. It has multiple capture modes feature that diversify how you quickly take screenshots of any region, window or the entire screen. Additionally, it records your screen in two forms, GIF and video. With the built-in image editor, you can make your screenshots interesting before using the automatic upload feature to upload them online instantly.
Pros
- It comes with editing tools
- It does video recording in high-quality
- All features, which are useful and important, are freely available
- It allows you to record screen video and audio and take screenshots on more than one monitor.
- It perfectly facilitates quick sharing of videos, GIFs, and screenshots through the auto-upload feature, which uploads them to your server
- It allows customization of the shortcut key to bind your command
Cons
- It is impossible for Instagram users to sync it with the site.
- The Customization of the recording settings is quite cumbersome.
- It is complicated and thus not recommended for beginners
6. Apowersoft
Apowersoft, a free screen capture software, allows you to capture your Windows 10 screen without challenges. To begin with, it does not need the installation of computer software since it is a web-based free video capture software. It has a cheerful and clear interface that is quite easy to understand, making it appropriate for beginners and learning children. Due to its multiple capabilities and tools, this software offers numerous editing and capturing features, such as timed video screen recording. The ability to share the screen in Facebook and Twitter posts and also email image files helps users in sharing crucial entertaining content.
Pros
- It does not have recording time limitations
- It supports webcam as well as screen video recording
- There are multiple video exporting options
- It allows usage of FHD and HD output formats
- It handles full image editing. You can include shapes, arrows, and text, apply effects such as pixelate, sharpen and blur, and rotate, resize, crop, and add borders.
- It allows users to share screen recordings in Facebook and Twitter, and email attached image file
Cons
- It demands a very stable internet connection
- It is not beneficial to game players since it is not appropriate for game recording
- It cannot capture on a secondary monitor
7. CamStudio
If you are looking for a free screen capture software windows 10 that can provide you with the basic functionality and you don’t have to dig in the features to find something, CamStudio can be one of the choices that you can make. It’s not very bulky software, and you can install it with some very simple steps.
The software is also quite needed by the users who aren’t going to edit their videos intensely. Like some previous ones on this list, CamStudio is also an open-source application, and you will get all the features free.
As you will open the application, the dialogue box will show you all the options right upfront. If you are looking for a screen recorder that can also provide editing capabilities, this one is not for you.
There is one thing that you need to take care of, and it’s that before the setup file is downloaded, it will ask you for some surveys, you should deny everything as it may download some malware on your system.
Features
- The videos that you are created will primarily be in AVI format. However, later you can convert them into SWF.
- This software will allow you to record screen-in-screen videos.
- The files/videos that you will render using CamStudio can be saved in small sizes.
- You will also get to set a custom cursor/pointer, and it will be very helpful in recording tutorials.
- The animation/transition effects are present but are very limited.
- You will also get to record your audio.
8. ScreenRec
The screen recording can’t get simpler than this. The interface that ScreenRec is offering you will be very intuitive, and you will get to understand all of it without any problem easily. It is also free software, and you will not need to pay a single penny to access all the features.
There will be no ads or restricted access, and you will get to record the screen quite easily. If you are looking for a recorder for your professional needs, i.e., to host business meetings, this one offers that functionality as well. You should note one thing that ScreenRec doesn’t offer you any editing tools whatsoever.
The recorder will also allow you to add separate audio input so that you can add crisp voice-overs for the tutorial or presentation that you are recording. ScreenRec will be available for all the operating systems, including Linux. Apart from not providing any editing tools, you will also not be able to record your webcam footage.
Features
- The video that will be recorded will be in full HD, providing you with all the details intact.
- You will also be able to take the screenshots and annotate them to clear what you are saying.
- The format will be MP4, and it will allow you to play the footage on any device.
- System sounds will also be recorded along with the mic.
- The application will also allow you to share the video with your team by creating a link. You will also get 2GB of cloud storage included.
- The recorder is free, and you will also not get any ads using any feature.
9. Ezvid
It is also one of the applications that come with a very user-friendly interface, and all the features are easily accessible. If you are wondering if it’s supported on your operating system, we are sorry to disappoint you, but it’s supported only on Windows. The features that are offered here will allow you to record & upload videos in no time, and it’s the reason that Ezvid is quite popular among gamers and YouTube creators.
The feature set this application has to offer will allow you to draw while you are recording. It will be a very helpful feature for all the teachers out there.
The final video will be exported in the WMV format, which will be a bit bulkier, but you will get to maintain the original quality that you have recorded. Before you ask, yes, this one is also absolutely free, and you will not need to spend a single penny to access all the features.
Features
- The video can be captured up to 1080p.
- The interface is designed in a very sleek design that you will be able to understand quite easily.
- The application also includes a wide range of audio tracks.
- You can increase or decrease the speed of the recorded footage.
- The editor will also allow you to add videos & pictures from your device to the recorded video.
- There will be no watermark or ads, and you will also get to record the webcam footage.
From the above analysis of the 5 best screen capture software for Windows, the most basic similarities are that they are all free for use and need a reliable internet connection for full functionality. So, you do not have to spend money to use them so long as you have good internet. Four of the 5 free video capture software, namely Screencast-O-Matic, OBS, Debut Video Capture, and Apowersoft, sync webcam and screen recording allowing users to make webcam recordings as well. However, they lack recommendable built-in editors and limit users’ recording time, making them unsuitable for game recording and professional use by teachers and office personnel. Eventually, the only best free screen capture software that you should consider is Wondershare DemoCreator.
Powerful Screen Capturing Tool – DemoCreator
DemoCreator Recorder Software is considered the best screen capture and recording software for Windows and Mac because it is designed to record any desktop activities, including motivational and educational videos, and presentations. Once it captures that media content it saves the videos in various formats, making them suitable for playback in multiple players.
Recording simultaneously through 2 devices, the webcam, and the camera, is also interesting. You can also perfectly record fast-paced games using this free video recorder software, due to 15-120 FPS in Windows and up to 60FPS when using Mac. Using screen drawing tools and spotlight to highlight the key point from your screen will definitely express your ideas better. DemoCreator further gives you the option to record part or all of the screen. You may also export your recording to multiple formats such that sharing on social media and with friends will not be a problem.
DemoCreator stands out because it is suitable for professionals and beginners and comes with pleasant beneficial features. The most interesting feature is the powerful built-in editor that helps with the manipulation of recordings to make them attractive. The editing tools include changeable cursor effects that allow adjustment of cursor size, shape, and color. The annotations enable the addition of multiple elements such as texts. With the tutorial features, you can draw circles or use arrows to explain your recording content.
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You can use this tool to record videos without time limitations, but there will be a watermark on the clips. To remove that, you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, this should not discourage you because the price is pocket-friendly and gives you access to all corners of the software, as well as the privilege of acquiring a non-watermarked clip. These features are very important for screen recording as well as office use. Generally, getting DemoCreator will benefit you both at home and at work.
10. Camtasia
A robust screen recorder with quizzes and interactivity options
OS: Windows and Mac
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. Camtasia is quite flexible in terms of using animations and video effects and adding overlays. The best thing is that the tool is constantly being updated and receives new features on a regular basis.
Pros
- Incorporates a webcam
- Audio, video, and cursor tracks can be edited separately
- Imports existing videos, music, photos, and PowerPoint slides
- Adds captions, callouts, and quizzes to your videos
- Frame-by-frame editing
- Has a library of royalty-free music and sound effects
Cons
- One of the most expensive screen recorders
- Reported to slow down on large and heavy projects
- Busy multi-track interface
Here’s a brief overview of Camtasia:
Price: $249. Free 30-day trial.
11. Filmora Scrn
The best video capturing software for streaming and game recording
OS: Windows and Mac
Filmora Scrn is a trustworthy video recording software that is especially loved by gamers. It allows you to capture fast-paced scenes (up to 60 fps for Mac) while simultaneously recording a webcam video. It also has a basic video editor that allows you to improve the look of the video and tutorial features, which can help direct attention to the main items on the screen.
Pros
- Can record from your computer and webcam simultaneously
- Imports over 50 file formats and exports in multiple formats
- Picture-шn-picture mode
- Frame rate from 15 to 120 FPS
- Supports HD and even 4k recording
Cons
- Lacks advanced editing features
- Noticeable performance impact in games
- Reported to lag and freeze when editing
Watch this video tutorial on how to use Filmora Scrn:
Price: $19.99 for 1 year or $29.99 for a lifetime license. Free trial.
12. Movavi Screen Recorder
The best Windows screen recorder for capturing video calls, webinars, and other online events
OS: Windows and Mac
Movavi Screen Recorder is an easy-to-use screen capture tool that allows you to perform desktop recording, capture webcam and audio, save recordings as high-quality videos and GIFs, and take screenshots. You can upload your final video to Google Drive or YouTube and share them with your audience via social media.
Pros
- Incorporates webcam
- Can record screen and audio simultaneously or separately
- Saves video in HD and supports multiple formats: AVI, MP4, MOV, and MKV
- Takes screenshots and edits them
- Allows scheduled recording
- Mouse display in the recording
Cons
- Very few editing tools
- Trial version limits recording time to 5 minutes
- Reported to have periodic crash issues
See how to use Movavi Screen Recorder in this video:
Price: $39.95 for 1 PC. Free 7-day trial.
13. My Screen Recorder Pro
Good screen recording software for those who need to distribute videos to their website
OS: Windows
My Screen Recorder Pro is a feature-packed screen capturing tool that records anything on the computer screen, including the entire desktop, menus, cursors, and video with sound. It also lets you record your webcam or mobile screen in high-definition quality simultaneously with the desktop screen. Besides industry-standard AVI, WMV, and MP4, the screen recorder can save video in WebM, perfect for distribution or uploading to your website or blog.
Pros
- Can record webcam or mobile screen, along with desktop screen recording
- Video output to AVI, WMV, MP4, and WebM formats
- Allows scheduled recording
- Auto-upload recordings to any FTP account
- Can securely monitor the screen in hide mode
Cons
- Has limited editing options
- No animations and transitions
To learn more about My Screen Recorder options and settings, watch this video:
10. Camtasia
A robust screen recorder with quizzes and interactivity options
OS: Windows and Mac
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. Camtasia is quite flexible in terms of using animations and video effects and adding overlays. The best thing is that the tool is constantly being updated and receives new features on a regular basis.
Pros
- Incorporates a webcam
- Audio, video, and cursor tracks can be edited separately
- Imports existing videos, music, photos, and PowerPoint slides
- Adds captions, callouts, and quizzes to your videos
- Frame-by-frame editing
- Has a library of royalty-free music and sound effects
Cons
- One of the most expensive screen recorders
- Reported to slow down on large and heavy projects
- Busy multi-track interface
Here’s a brief overview of Camtasia:
Price: $249. Free 30-day trial.
11. Filmora Scrn
The best video capturing software for streaming and game recording
OS: Windows and Mac
Filmora Scrn is a trustworthy video recording software that is especially loved by gamers. It allows you to capture fast-paced scenes (up to 60 fps for Mac) while simultaneously recording a webcam video. It also has a basic video editor that allows you to improve the look of the video and tutorial features, which can help direct attention to the main items on the screen.
Pros
- Can record from your computer and webcam simultaneously
- Imports over 50 file formats and exports in multiple formats
- Picture-шn-picture mode
- Frame rate from 15 to 120 FPS
- Supports HD and even 4k recording
Cons
- Lacks advanced editing features
- Noticeable performance impact in games
- Reported to lag and freeze when editing
Watch this video tutorial on how to use Filmora Scrn:
Price: $19.99 for 1 year or $29.99 for a lifetime license. Free trial.
12. Movavi Screen Recorder
The best Windows screen recorder for capturing video calls, webinars, and other online events
OS: Windows and Mac
Movavi Screen Recorder is an easy-to-use screen capture tool that allows you to perform desktop recording, capture webcam and audio, save recordings as high-quality videos and GIFs, and take screenshots. You can upload your final video to Google Drive or YouTube and share them with your audience via social media.
Pros
- Incorporates webcam
- Can record screen and audio simultaneously or separately
- Saves video in HD and supports multiple formats: AVI, MP4, MOV, and MKV
- Takes screenshots and edits them
- Allows scheduled recording
- Mouse display in the recording
Cons
- Very few editing tools
- Trial version limits recording time to 5 minutes
- Reported to have periodic crash issues
See how to use Movavi Screen Recorder in this video:
Price: $39.95 for 1 PC. Free 7-day trial.
13. My Screen Recorder Pro
Good screen recording software for those who need to distribute videos to their website
OS: Windows
My Screen Recorder Pro is a feature-packed screen capturing tool that records anything on the computer screen, including the entire desktop, menus, cursors, and video with sound. It also lets you record your webcam or mobile screen in high-definition quality simultaneously with the desktop screen. Besides industry-standard AVI, WMV, and MP4, the screen recorder can save video in WebM, perfect for distribution or uploading to your website or blog.
Pros
- Can record webcam or mobile screen, along with desktop screen recording
- Video output to AVI, WMV, MP4, and WebM formats
- Allows scheduled recording
- Auto-upload recordings to any FTP account
- Can securely monitor the screen in hide mode
Cons
- Has limited editing options
- No animations and transitions
What is Screen Recording Software?
A Screen Recording software is an application or a tool that helps you to record your Computer and Laptop screen and save the recorded video file in different formats like MOV, MP4, GIF, etc. Some Screen Recording softwares also allow you to record audio while recording the screen.
Conclusion
This app is great for capturing images and sharing them with your colleagues or friends. It’s easy to use and makes every image look professional. It works well whether you are using Windows or MacOS. You can capture screen shots of your desktop, specific applications, web pages, games etc.
One of the most popular ways to get whiteboard animations these days is with screen captures of real browsers. But how does one go about making a screen capture? This can be a somewhat complex process, as you need to ensure that each capture session is exactly the same, which requires a lot of attention to detail from the user. In addition you also need software to automate things and make it easier for you.