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.
If needed, 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 quite limited capabilities; more specifically, it doesn’t allow you to record the entire desktop or File Manager.
For those who 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.
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 the user interface, whether the screen recorder is easy to use, and evaluated how closely each option meets the needs of its target audience.
Whether you’ve paid for numerous software after using trial versions and received nowhere close to the bang for your buck that was anticipated, or you’re looking to save some money, there are plenty of free screen recorders that can get the job done with satisfying results without emptying your pocket. A word of caution though: some vendors may require you to buy a paid version after you download their “free” software so you can get full access to its functionality.
We compiled the nine best free screen recorders in 2023 that successfully compete with the best paid screen recording tools:
OS: Microsoft Windows 7/8/10/11 (32- and 64-bit)
Size: 22.1 MB
Output: WMV
Free Cam is a very 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. What we most like is that even though this screen recorder is free, it doesn’t place any watermark and is ad free. Besides, it has no time limits — you can record videos that are as long as desired.
Watch this demo to see what you can do with Free Cam:
Download Free Cam now →
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 from a developer known for its free conversion software. It can record Skype conversations with no limitations and is therefore useful for Skype meetings and online conference calls. Also, different Windows applications can be singled out and captured as discrete elements. We considered the user-friendly image editor that turned out to be surprisingly helpful for attaining a polished look particularly praiseworthy.
Here’s a video on how to capture your screen with Free Screen Video Recorder:
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. But we can’t affirm that it will be a good fit for anyone. The average user might get lost in the many advanced tools and editors, so ShareX is mostly targeted toward developers and power users.
Learn more about ShareX from this video:
OS: Windows XP & above
Size: 10.9 MB
Output: AVI, SWF
CamStudio is a free desktop app that’s a good choice for onetime 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. The screen recorder also has minimal editing features, so you might need to have an additional video editing tool.
To explore how to use CamStudio, watch this video:
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 the YouTube platform 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.
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 that lets you capture images and videos from your computer screen, add comments, and share them with others within minutes. It is particularly indicated 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:
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 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. But all this can seem overkill for those who are looking for the quickest and easiest way to shoot a video. Besides, you should be ready to spend hours learning to use this recorder.
Watch this video on OBS Studio and instructions on how to screen record with it:
OS: Windows (all) on 64 bit / macOS 10.5 or above
Size: 3.15 MB
Output: AVI, WMV, FLV, MPG, MP4, MOV
Debut is among the best free screen recorders for Windows. It lets you make videos for almost any task, as well as stream videos on YouTube. The Debut interface seemed slightly odd and old-fashioned to us 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:
OS: Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android
Size: 125 MB
Output: MOV, MP4, AVI, WMV, WebM
Loom is a cool software for PCs that allows you to record quick video messages to send to your team. Thus, it’s a great alternative to emails, instant messaging, and web meetings. However, the free version has some limitations. For example, it allows the creation of 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:
Free screen recorder feature comparison
Product nameWebcam recordingAudio recordingVideo editingOutput1. Free CamNoYesYesWMV2. DVDVideoSoft’s Free Screen Video RecorderNoYesNoMP4, BMP, JPEG, PNG3. ShareXNoYesNoAVI, MP4, GIF4. CamStudioNoYesNoAVI, SWF5. EzvidNoYesYesWMV6. TinyTakeYesYesNoMP47. OBSNoYesNoLV, MP4, MOV, MKV, TS, HLS8. DebutYesYesYesAVI, WMV, FLV, MPG, MP4, MOV9. LoomYesYesYesMOV, MP4, AVI, WMV, WebMAs the Internet provides a bountiful supply of screen recording programs, one is certain to find free and low-cost options. However, when searching for high-quality performance, elaborate presentation, and expert technical support, many users are ready to invest their money in paid software.
Here are seven paid desktop screen recorders that have gained customers’ and reviewers’ trust and continue to expand their presence in the market:
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 as you can set it to automatically capture keystrokes and clicks and add hints for the actions.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
We’ve put together a list of common questions about screen capture software to take a deeper dive into the topic.
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.
Would you like to use an internal screen recorder? Here’s how you can do that, step by step:
2. Press the Windows key and G at the same time.
3. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Both free and paid tools can be effective ways 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:
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.
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