Jan 16, 2020 Blender is an free video editing software for Mac and free 3D rendering program, which features the best list of animationessentials such as modeling, rigging, interface, animation, shading, UV unwrapping, real time 3D gamecreation, and so on. This also has a pack of high-end interface that is loaded with intrinsic and usefultools. Dec 21, 2018 Screen recording has become one of the best methods to create a footage of your desktop activity with ease. There might be several occasions when you want to capture your gameplay, record streaming videos, or either make some video tutorials or software reviews on your Mac.
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.
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).
Best Free Video Editing For Mac
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
Free Screen Recording And Video Editing Software For Mac Os X
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
- 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.
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
Be it recording some tutorials from screen or doing something fun, you need best screen recording software to carry out it all. Sometimes, these programs turn out to be a real help especially when it comes to recording educational videos or even gaming sessions too.
10 Best Screen Recording Software for Windows or Mac
If you are planning to record something from your screen or from a part of your screen then you can use these amazing screen recorders for it. Not only they provide recording option but takes care of later on use too like video editing and sharing too. For complete price and description, you can check out the details given below.
1. Camtasia Studio
Website:https://www.techsmith.com/
Camtasia Studio offered by TechSmith is a very professional program used for screen/video recording, capturing and editing too. From very basic start to complete after works, this software handles it all with utmost ease and high-end features.
However, this best screen recording software is only available for free under the free license for 30 days only. Afterwards, you can purchase the single user license for $199 as lifetime fee.
Camtasia Studio supports various file formats for videos and hence not only from screen, you can choose your source videos from variety of other sources too. Once it is recorded, you can do editing with the help of built-in editor and now directly share your video through the Studio itself.
For the complete process, you are given some really great helping tools like video effects, drag and drop editing tools, video improvisation, animated backgrounds, music adding, motion graphics, full screen or region based recording of screen/webcam/pre-made videos/other sources. You can also add annotations and transitions too to give a final professional touch to your project.
Compatible with:
2. Icecream Screen Recorder
Website:https://icecreamapps.com/
It is not the first program offered by Icecream apps and they have a wide range of products to offer. One of them is this screen recorder program which is mentioned on the top of the list of best screen recording software.
Capture a part of your screen or record it or even focus on the entire screen, from recording to snapshot you can do anything with this tool. The basic version is available for free and for Icecream Screen Recorder Pro you would have to pay $29.95.
There are various features which comes handy with this program. For example, desired area selection to focus, drawing panel, project history, mouse screen recording, recording from webcam, steps tool for tutorial videos, zoom in and other handy tools etc.
Other important tools which you would not find anywhere else are file format conversion, screenshots, audio settings, trim recordings, hotkeys display in video, scheduled screen recordings and many more. This software is perfect for professional use and offers varied features on single clicks which makes it quite simple to access.
Compatible with:
3. iSpring Free Cam
Website:https://www.ispringsolutions.com/
Finally, you have an option as one of the best desktop recording software which can be used for absolutely free of cost without any upgrades or subscriptions plans policy. It is a highly admired tool used for screencast which means apart from recording you can directly stream out the video too.
In fact, the use of iSpring Free Cam is not restricted to pre-recording sessions only. The in-built editor allows you to make changes in the recording and then you can directly upload it on YouTube too.
There are no watermark associated or no time limits too on the length of the videos recorded. This means, now you can make tutorial videos and directly share them with your personalization mark and that too for absolutely free.
Apart from these features, other services associated with this best screen recording software are make professional video lessons and e-Learning presentations, record a region or entire screen, record with voice over, highlight your mouse area, video editor and many more.
Compatible with:
4. Ezvid
Website:https://www.ezvid.com/
The next option is a really good screen recorder known as Ezvid which as they claim is the easiest screen recorder as well as video maker too. It is a type of freeware program which can be used for home use for absolutely free and for commercial use you would have to purchase the GNU License.
Ezvid finds its video source from not only screens but also from games, webcams, browsers and desired region of any source too.
Apart from recording, you can use Ezvid for instant Facecam and voice synthesis, video editing, slideshow making, screen capturing and many more utilities. The cutting-edge effects and powerful features makes it a top-notch product in the market.
The tools and services which you get handy with Ezvid are screen capture with hotkey, speech synthesis, direct YouTube upload, screen drawing, speed control, recording in HD mode etc. However, there are some features which it lacks but despite that it makes a great option for the list of best screen recording software.
Compatible with:
5. TinyTake
Website:https://tinytake.com/
TinyTake is one of its kind also best free screen recording software you will ever come across. From screen capture to screen recording and video recording, TinyTake can do it all with so much ease and simplicity that you will never have to get annoyed from it.
Although the Basic Plan is available for free but you have the option to upgrade to better plans. These are 1-week pass for $9.95, Standard plan for $39.95/year, Plus for $79.95 per year, Jumbo for $149.95 per year and Business plan for $399.95 per year.
Although highly used for screen capture purposes, but TinyTake is still useful for screen recording sessions too. It also provides processing tools too like adding texts, annotations, direct sharing from the software, make videos of up to 120 minutes (free plan) and many more.
Apart from recording the whole screen, you can also focus on one particular region too. The handiness of this program makes it even better to use especially for the people looking for such best screen recording software which are for novice.
Compatible with:
6. CamStudio
Website:http://camstudio.org/
The reason of listing down CamStudio as one of the best screen recorder windows is because it is an open source and free to use program. This is a combination of screen recorder and video streaming software which offers every desired features to support these functions.
You can use CamStudio for making tutorials for schools/colleges, FAQ answering videos, professional learning programs and many more.
The features you get with this software which aids above stated applications of this program are adding screen captions, video annotations features, picture in picture feature, smaller file size, full screen of region based recording, quality recording, simple interface with effective functions etc.
CamStudio is worth of being in the list of best screen recording software and pricing on the cake is the fact that you can use it for commercial purposes too without even having to pay a single penny for it. Still, if you are looking for professional grade features then you would have to opt for other programs.
Compatible with:
7. FlashBack Express
Website:https://www.flashbackrecorder.com/
FlashBack Express is the next option we have in the list of best screen recording software. You can use this program to make awesome videos, tutorials, recording video chat sessions etc. just with a simple and only one solution. From recording to basic editing and then to direct sharing on YouTube, you can do it all with the help of FlashBack Express.
FlashBakc Express is a completely free program but with limited features only. So, you can upgrade to the pro version which is going to cost you FlashBack Pro home use for $49 and FlashBack Pro Business use for $99.
FlashBack Express is very fast in terms of processing and offer features like no watermark on videos/recordings, audio commentary addition, screen recording/webcam recording, no time limits on the length of the videos recorded, schedule recording time, screen capture, add annotations etc.
However, despite offering so many interesting features, the Express Edition does not come with the video editing features and for this you would have to upgrade to the pro feature eventually.
Compatible with:
8. GoPlay Editor
Website:http://www.goplayeditor.com/
GoPlay Editor is known as one of the best windows screen recorder which is also available in the form of mobile applications too. It is a combination of screen recorder and video editor offering some really high-end tools and services. You can use it for gameplay and webcam recording sessions too.
The basic version of GoPlay Editor is available for free and for advanced features you can subscribe to the GoPlay Editor Pro version which costs $15.90 per PC per year.
It is a type of best screen recording software especially from the point of view of great quality recording. It records in HD quality captures up to 60 FPS. One thing which you will mainly love is the multi-track video editing where you can edit each picture and frame independently.
Other features associated with GoPlay Editor are dubbing and multi-track audio mixing, various sound effects, quick video editing, picture in picture effects, animations, transitions, text effects, annotations, speed variations etc. You can also use it for directly uploading your work on YouTube with just a single click.
Compatible with:
9. Screencast-o-Matic
Website:https://screencast-o-matic.com/
Free Screen Recording And Video Editing Software For Mac 10 9 5
It is the time to mention a really simple yet effect program under the list of best webcam recording software called Screencast-o-Matic. As the name say, it is used for both screen recording as well as streaming purposes and you do not need two different software for it too.
Screencast-o-Matic can be downloaded for free or can be used online too. But for the better professional grade features you can upgrade to Pro version for just $18 per year.
As the free plan offers only 15 minutes of recording at a time, you would have to upgrade anyway. The features you get with this program are no watermark, editing tools, screenshot tool, draw and zoom options, direct sharing on Google Drive, Vimeo etc.
Screencast-o-Matic supports both screen as well as webcam recording and also support computer audio in it too. As compared to the web based service, it is better utilized when downloaded on Windows platform. This tool is perfect for making short tutorials, on-screen activities, demonstrations, visual presentations etc.
Compatible with:
10. Xsplit Broadcaster
Website:https://www.xsplit.com/
And finally as the last option for the list of screen recorder for windows we have Xsplit Broadcaster in this list. Xsplit offers both Gamecaster as well as Broadcaster which are used for game recordings and screen recording respectively and can be downloaded under the same license too.
Xsplit Broadcaster comes for free but it has some limitations for usage so you can upgrade to the Premium license for $199 as lifetime fee anytime you want or there are monthly subscription packs available too.
Talking about the features associated with the Xsplit Broadcaster then these are recording from any source like desktop, screen, part of screen, games, webcam etc. support for all capture cards, live streaming to various popular platforms, professional production features etc.
You can make this best screen recording software even better with the help of various plugins and add-ons and customize its features according to your requirements. This broadcaster also comes with a built-in recorder too from where you can directly edit videos before streaming them further.
Compatible with:
Conclusion
Screen recording is the most viable and easiest solution to explain a certain task to someone. And once you have created a video file out of it, you can use it for later too. All thanks to the technology, most of these best screen recording software are available for free too.
However, I personally think that premium plans provide you better services like broadcasting, sharing, editing and many more. Having a program suit eliminates the need of having so many different software for one single purpose. However, if I have skipped some programs then you can try them out too as the options are uncountable.