Best Screen Recording Softwares

Why screen recording?

Whether you're creating a YouTube tutorial, recording a business presentation, or capturing gameplay, the right screen recorder saves time and delivers quality results.

First, ask yourself:

• Are you on Windows, Mac, or Linux?
• Do you need to record internal audio, webcam, or both?
• Is editing a priority?
• Do you want cloud storage, or is local export enough?

Let’s compare the top tools based on use case.

Top Screen Recording Software

1. OBS Studio (Free + Open Source)

• Best for: Advanced users, live streaming, long-form recording
• OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Price: Free
• Website: https://obsproject.com/

Why choose OBS?

It offers unlimited recording time, real-time audio/video mixing, and is ideal for gamers and streamers. But it’s not beginner-friendly.

Key features:

• Custom transitions
• Studio Mode for live previews
• Unlimited scenes and sources

⚠️ Steep learning curve. No built-in editor.

2. Loom (Freemium)

• Best for: Quick business videos, async team communication
• OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Chrome
• Price: Free (up to 5 mins/video), Paid from $12.50/month
• Website: https://www.loom.com/

Why use Loom?

Fast, clean UI with instant cloud sharing. Great for startups and remote teams.

Key features:

• Record screen + camera
• Automatic transcript and captions
• Viewer analytics

✅ Super easy to use.
❌ Limited features in free version.

3. Camtasia (Paid)

• Best for: Professional tutorials with built-in editing
• OS: Windows, Mac
• Price: $299.99 one-time license
• Website: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html

Why Camtasia?

It’s an all-in-one editor and recorder. Drag-and-drop timelines, animations, and quizzes make it ideal for instructional design.

Key features:

• Multi-track editing
• Cursor effects
• Library of assets and templates

✅ Excellent for polished, edited content.
❌ Expensive for casual users.

4. Snagit (Paid)

• Best for: Annotated screen captures and short videos
• OS: Windows, Mac
• Price: $62.99 one-time
• Website: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html

Why Snagit?

Think of it as Camtasia Lite. Great for creating quick tutorials with callouts and arrows.

Key features:

• Record short videos or scrolling screens
• Built-in GIF creation
• Cloud sharing (Screencast.com integration)

5. ScreenPal (formerly Screencast-O-Matic) (Freemium)

• Best for: Educators, schools, training teams
• OS: Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
• Price: Free (limited), Premium from $3/month
• Website: https://screenpal.com/

Why ScreenPal?

Simple interface, decent editing, great for asynchronous video feedback.

Key features:

• Webcam + screen recording
• Built-in stock media
• Hosting + LMS integration

✅ Ideal for education use.
❌ Basic compared to Camtasia.

6. ShareX (Free + Open Source)

• Best for: Power users, developers
• OS: Windows only
• Price: Free
• Website: https://getsharex.com/

Why ShareX?

It’s insanely powerful—for screenshots, automation, and advanced workflows.

Key features:

• Custom hotkeys
• Upload to 80+ destinations (Dropbox, FTP, etc.)
• Built-in image editor and OCR

⚙️ Not for beginners.
💥 Tons of features if you know what you're doing.

7. Bandicam (Paid)

• Best for: Lightweight recording, gamers
• OS: Windows
• Price: $39.95
• Website: https://www.bandicam.com/

Why Bandicam?

Low CPU usage, high compression, and small file size. Ideal for gaming without lag.

Key features:

• 4K UHD recording
• Game capture with DirectX/OpenGL/Vulkan
• Device recording (webcams, consoles)

8. VLC Media Player (Hidden Feature!)

• Best for: Quick, free recordings (no editing)
• OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Price: Free
• Website: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/

Yes, VLC can record your screen.
But it lacks editing, webcam overlay, and audio sync.

✅ Good in a pinch.
❌ Not built for pro use.

Quick Comparison Table

Final Questions to Guide Your Choice

1. Do you prefer cloud storage or local file saves?
2. How important is editing right inside the app?
3. Are you working with a team or solo?
4. Will you be recording games, tutorials, or presentations?

Bonus: Browser-Based Screen Recorders

Don’t want to install anything? Try these:

• Screencastify – https://www.screencastify.com/
• RecordCast – https://www.recordcast.com/
• Apowersoft Free Online Recorder – https://www.apowersoft.com/free-online-screen-recorder

These are great for lightweight work and Chromebook users.

Conclusion

There’s no “one best” screen recording software—just the one that fits your needs.
I use OBS for long-form recordings, Loom for quick updates, and Camtasia when I need serious editing.