Screen recording is only one part of the story in recordings, but if you want to make a screencast that’s going to get you your results, you’re going to have to have something holding the video together. What are you going to use? It comes down to free recording software or expensive on screen recording software.
People love posting YouTube videos of themselves playing video games. Whether they’re beautiful game-plays, tutorials and guides or gaming comedy videos, there’s something in your favourite video game that begs to be recorded and uploaded to a viewing audience around the world. This is one of the reasons why many people are going for some sort of online screen recording software. There are several things to take into consideration before purchasing a computer screen recorder, not least whether it’s the best on screen recording software for your needs, whether the software is compatible with your operating system and if you have backup (and editing) software when you’ve recorded.
All of us would have wanted to create a training video for ourselves or for others involved in businesses. For this purpose we need some on-screen recording software. If you are not aware of any such software, then it means you are the right person for this article. There are many reasons for making these tutorials including creating SEO Videos, Showcasing your product creation, Creating process videos and many others. Some of the above-mentioned reasons can be used as an advantage while using some added features as disadvantages. You can choose any below-mentioned screen recording software according to your requirements and convenience.
Some of the best on screen recording software is free, does not require any additional costs and can be downloaded from the internet. There are also many versions of these softwares, some of the best on screen recording software applications have advanced capabilities, but some are more basic. This article will help you decide which one fits your needs. Are you interested in the best screen recorder software for beginners or maybe intermediate users?
What is screen recording software?
In simplest terms, a screen recording software takes a video of what happens on your screen. You can record the entire display of your monitor, a specific area of the screen, or a particular window. Screen recording generally includes your microphone and computer audio, too.
So, aside from just what happens on your display, the recording software will also capture the sound of your programs or microphone.
What mainly separates screen recorders from each other are the watermarks, features, and quality. Most programs generally need to be paid to work optimally, but there are a ton of options that provide exceptional value for free.
Some programs limit a 720p resolution recording, others allow up to 1080p but add watermarks. There’s a pro and con to every product here, but that only means these free screen recorders are diverse. The programs below are the best screen recording software for PCs like Windows and Mac.
What features to look for based on your needs
Before we recommend you anything, here’s a short breakdown of every key feature you need in your video recording software.
Simplicity
Recording your screen is surprisingly intimidating. There’s pressure to record efficiently. That means no spacing out, losing track of what you’re doing, or having a cursor that’s wandering around the screen aimlessly. A video recording with lots of filler content and pauses need to be trimmed with a video editor, which is its own challenge (not a problem with VEED though!).
A simple video editor should just record and save. Done. Worrying about how to use your screen capture software is the last thing you need.
Export High-Quality Videos
The export quality is where most free screen recorders limit their features. You shouldn’t need anything more than a 1080p recording, especially if your monitor doesn’t natively support a higher resolution. Most free screen recorders add watermarks when exporting at 1080p quality, so watch out for that.
Multiple Recording
Advanced screen recorders also offer the option of recording through your webcam, microphone, and computer audio. By computer audio, I’m talking about recording the sound from your speakers too. Recording all of these at the same time is a powerful way to increase the quality of your video clips, especially if you’re making YouTube videos.
Live Streaming
Having the best screen recording software is definitely a must for live streamers reading this. You’ll want to look for programs that let you adjust your volume on the fly, switch between recording screens or apps, and efficiently stream 1080p content.
Live streaming programs need to record multiple things at once, so a powerful desktop recorder is better. This doesn’t tax too much on the internet as well, if you don’t count the live video that’s being streamed.
Case in point, different users will need to look for different features. However, we’ve taken into account your varying needs with the selection of screen capture software below.
The difference between a desktop screen recorder vs online screen recorder
There are two types of screen records: desktop and online.
Desktop recorders
Desktop screen recorders are full programs that you have to download into your computer. These are more powerful and work locally through your system. This means that you can run them even if your internet is down.
Since these are full-on applications, you can expect them to have more features as well. The only bottleneck or limit for desktop recorders is pretty much the power and speed of your computer. So, if you have a complete powerhouse PC at home, then you’re more than equipped to run these types of programs.
These recorders are commonly used by streamers and gamers. You can also use this for video tutorials or instructional videos, but the process of exporting and editing will have to be moved to a different program altogether. With this caveat, online screen recorders like VEED come in.
Online recorders
For users who want something simple, convenient, and straightforward: online recorders are the easiest ones to use.
You can use these straight from your browser, only requiring a Chrome extension to download. These recorders rely on your internet, especially to upload the finished recording. Online recorders are also light, so you don’t need a beefy computer, and you can keep your recorded files stored online.
These recorders are perfect for video tutorials, in-browser guides, or instructional videos for your employees. The beauty of some online recorders is that they also offer video editing features. So, you can easily record your screen and then edit it immediately after you’re done. The process is quick, simple, and very intuitive.
1. VEED Screen and Webcam Recorder + Editor
The best all-in-one tool to record, edit, and share your videos.
Pros
- Record your screen and audio for as long as you want for free
- Choose from multiple recording layouts
- Rainbow pen to annotate your video
- Add sticky notes to your videos
- Add a touch of magical confetti with the magic button
- Option to import into the VEED video editor (free and paid plans)
Cons
- Not yet able to customize the color of the sticky notes or pen color
- Not yet available for mobile
Price: Free (Includes Paid Plans for Video Editing)
Supported OS: Chrome Browser onWindows or Mac
VEED came in clutch with this extremely powerful screen recorder, even though it’s just a chrome extension.
The VEED screen and webcam recorder is a new tool on the block, but it’s already ahead in terms of features. You can record an unlimited number of videos for as long as you want. And, users also have the option to record their microphones and webcams at the same time.
For those of you who are artistic or prone to pointing out crucial points in your videos, you can also draw on top of your video. The sticky note feature is a great way to keep track of everything you’ve explained. You can even use it as a digital outline to talk to your viewers.
Since VEED is also a video editing platform, you can trim and refine your video when you’re done. It’s easy, simple, and immediately exports into the VEED editor after you’ve recorded. This lets you easily share your video with a public link, edit and trim unnecessary areas, and more. You can even annotate and add extra effects to the video to help get your message across.
This tool is ideal for educators and content creators who frequently need to record their screen. The transition to online classes and work hasn’t been kind to everyone. Thankfully, even the most beginner-level user can easily use VEED’s screen recorder.
The Final Verdict
All in all, VEED’s screen recorder is a solid choice. It’s a lightweight online recorder with tons of cool features, like the on-screen writing, sticky notes, and magic button for confetti. The icing on the cake is the fact that the screen recording automatically exports into an online video editor when you’re done. Here, you can:
- Add subtitles
- Translate subtitles
- Add music and audio visualizers
- Add progress bars
- Resize video for all major social platforms
It’s a complete package for content creators and educators, definitely one of the best free screen recorders in the market.
2. Loom
The best recording software for basic videos.
Pros
- Works as either the desktop app or chrome extension
- Option to resize your webcam video easily
- Easy-access link for viewing
- Multiple recording layouts
- Simple to use once you’ve signed up
Cons
- 5-minute recording limit
- 100 video & screenshot limits
- You need to create an account and the signing up process is lengthy
- No option to insert tags and notes in a video
- The desktop app is known to be buggy
Price: Free (Includes Paid Plans to remove limits and drawing tool)
Supported OS: Windows or Mac
Loom is one of the more famous screen recording tools, especially for corporate work.
Right off the bat, Loom is a simple screen recorder. You can choose between multiple on-screen recording layouts, and it records your webcam too. Loom isn’t the most powerful in terms of features. Unlike other screen recorders, you won’t be able to add on-recording notes. The drawing feature is limited to paid users as well, which is a bummer.
On a brighter note, you can use Loom as a dedicated desktop application or through a Chrome extension. Giving users the option to choose between both is a plus in my book, just keep in mind that some user reviews do find the desktop app buggy. Other than that, you can also adjust the size of your webcam video during the recording. This is a great way to shift the attention of your viewer from your content to your face, especially when you need to explain something through your webcam.
A couple of key things you should consider before using Loom is that they only allow a 5-minute recording limit. They also have a 100-video and screenshot limit to free accounts, but that’s more than enough for most people.
One thing that Loom does right is that it’s convenient to share your video around. The finished output is automatically uploaded when you’re done and you can just send a link to your co-workers to access the video.
However, the signing up process for Loom is quite lengthy. If you’re looking for a simple and quick screen recorder, signing up alone might be more trouble than it’s worth. Loom also asks about your work background, which should give you a specialized experience. It doesn’t really change the features though, so it’s probably asked just to track your behavior and usage.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, Loom is simple to use and has been a staple for corporate and online freelancers. It’s a convenient record-and-save screen recorder, but you’ll have to register for an account to use Loom. Unfortunately, signing up does take a bit of effort, so I don’t recommend Loom to users who are looking for quick screen recording.
Finally, Loom doesn’t support on-screen drawing and sticky notes for free users.
3. Screencast-O-Matic
The most affordable screen recorder.
Pros
- Affordable if you go premium
- 15-minute recording time limit
- No signing up necessary
- Easy sharing options once you’re done recording
- Highlights your mouse
Cons
- Does not capture computer audio, only microphone
- Finished recording is stored locally and needs to be uploaded for online viewing
- Comes with a watermark
- Quite laggy
- Can’t pause recordings
Price: Free (Paid plans are very affordable)
Supported OS: Windows or Mac
Screencast-o-matic is one of the oldest screen recorders in the market, but did it age well?
Screencast has taken a lot of drastic changes lately. First off, they’re no longer a browser editor. You have to download a program called the WebLaunchRecorder to get started. The interface is very straightforward, and while that’s good to see, it’s lackluster because of how laggy it can get.
Considering that this is the first desktop recorder on this list, Screencast-o-matic does give a lot of flexible recording options on your computer. You can pick between specific areas on your screen or your full resolution. I wouldn’t recommend this recorder for streamers and gamers though. The free plan doesn’t record your computer audio, so your viewers wouldn’t be able to hear the video game during your stream.
Once you’re done recording, Screencast shows you a preview and playback of your video. If you’re happy with everything, saving it will move the video to a simple editor. Here, you see the sound waves and trim the video. The editor controls are very limited, so you might be better off with a dedicated video editing program.
The sharing is simple though. You can immediately upload it on Dropbox, YouTube, Google Drive, and more. Key praises for the recording is that Screencast highlights your mouse cursor on the screen. Aside from supporting native resolution quality, you also don’t have to sign up for an account. I always give plus points for convenience.
The Final Verdict
Screencast-o-matic has been one of the best screen recorders for a long time. The company itself was founded way back in 2005, so they catered to the very early days of YouTube and online content creation. That being said though, the software and features don’t seem to have aged well. There’s a limit to the editing, and no screenshot, pauses or on-screen drawing.
If you’re looking for a simple screen recorder that has been in the market for years, the Screencast-o-matic is a reliable choice.
4. CamStudio
The best free screen recorder for creating AVI video files
OS: Windows
CamStudio is 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 call for further development and increased technical support.
Pros
- Creates a screen-in-screen video
- Allows you to create small-sized files
- Custom cursor
- Quality options available for output video
Cons
- Reported to spread harmful viruses and malware
- Outputs only to AVI with a conversion to Flash
- Output is incompatible with certain browsers
- Audio falls out of sync
- Lack of interactive and animation features
To explore how to use CamStudio, watch this video:
5. Ezvid
A perfect screen recording tool for making quick video clips and sharing them on YouTube
OS: Windows
Ezvid is free screen recording software 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. And that’s why this tool enjoys notoriety among gamers and movie fans who are interested in making YouTube videos frequently and as quickly as possible.
Pros
- Offers computer-generated speech for narrative purposes
- Automatic high-quality resolution (1280 x 720p HD)
- Speed control over output videos
- Sleek and modern interface
- Instantaneous upload to YouTube
- Selection of popular music tracks included
Cons
- Reviewers report extraneous noise
- Minor bugs and inconsistencies
- Fullscreen game is not available
6. TinyTake
A screen recorder with a native cloud-based gallery for storing and sharing videos
OS: Windows and Mac
TinyTake by MangoApps is a sophisticated free screen recorder for Windows and Mac that allows you to capture images and videos from your computer screen, add comments, and share them with others within minutes. TinyTake comes with an online cloud-based gallery where you can store all your screen captures and recorded videos.
Pros
- Bulk file sharing
- Public URL available for sharing
- Built-in online file viewer for images, videos, and documents
- Ability to create custom shortcut keys
- Video player is compatible with mobile devices
Cons
- Free version has a 5-minute limit for video recording
- Video files are saved as MP4 only
- Limited editing features
Here’s a video on how to use TinyTake for recording videos:
7. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)
The best free screen recorder for capturing gameplays
OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
OBS Studio is a top open-source software for live streaming. 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, OBS Studio packs a lot of features and settings. But all this can seem overkill for those who are looking for the quickest and easiest way to shoot a video.
Pros
- Allows you to set up multiple scenes and use various sources
- Includes built-in audio mixer with per-source filters
- Provides advanced configuration options
- Does not add watermarks
- Has no recording limit
- Supports multiple streaming services
Cons
- Some users find the interface quite clunky
- Learning curve is steep for non-techs
- Reported to crash quite often
- Not suited for quick screen recording
Watch this video on OBS Studio and how to use it:
What Makes for Excellent Screen Recording Software?
Every screen recording software offers several features such as:
- Creating a screencast
- Recording system sounds
- Adding voice-overs
But how do you know if it’s the one?
Start by checking if the recording or screen capture software:
- Has a built-in sharing option, so you don’t need to share videos as email attachments
- Easy to use. You don’t want to waste time watching YouTube video tutorials to understand how to use the tool!
- Can do more than just recording videos. This way, you don’t end up hoarding apps for different purposes
Conclusion
Screen recording software allows you to create video tutorials as well as record a sequence of your desktop, which can be helpful for instance when you want to help someone to use a particular software or need proof that you performed an activity and that it worked properly. There are many such softwares available today but there are only a few that are the best and offer everything that is needed.
There are a variety of software systems that can be used to record your computer screen. This is called screen recording software. The screen recording software will then record your movements and actions for later playing back and review. Screen recording software can be incredibly powerful for training purposes and also for production purposes.