10 PC Screen Recorders to Try [Free & Paid]

Screen recording software has become an essential tool for a wide range of purposes, from creating tutorials and gaming content to capturing webinars and video chats. Whether you’re looking for free options or are willing to invest in premium features, there’s a screen recorder out there to suit your needs. In this article, we’ll explore five free and five paid PC screen recording options, providing detailed overviews of each.

Free Screen Recorders

1. OBS Studio

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a powerful and open-source screen recording and live streaming tool favored by content creators worldwide. It offers extensive customization options and supports multiple audio and video sources. You can record your entire screen or select specific regions, making it an excellent choice for gamers, tutorial makers, and streamers.

Features:

• Streaming Capabilities: It allows for live streaming to platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
• Customizable Scenes: Users can create customizable scenes using multiple sources like window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, and more.
• Audio Mixer: Features an audio mixer with filters like noise gate, noise suppression, and gain.
• Hotkeys: Support for setting up hotkeys for almost any action such as starting/stopping streams or recordings.

Pros:

• Open-source and free.
• Supports multi-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Advanced features like scene transitions and overlays.
• High-quality recording and live streaming.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners.

2. ShareX

ShareX is a free and open-source screen capture tool that offers a comprehensive feature set. Alongside basic screen recording, it also includes image editing, annotation tools, and various capture modes. ShareX supports a wide range of formats and codecs for exporting your recordings.

Features:

• Customizable Workflows: Allows for customization to automate post-capture tasks like saving or uploading.
• Variety of Capture Methods: Supports full screen, window, monitor, freehand, or region capture.
• Annotate and Edit: Users can annotate, resize, and crop the captured images.
• Integrations: Integrates with many popular file-sharing services.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
• Highly customizable with extensive settings.
• Supports multiple capture modes (full screen, window, region).
• Built-in image editing and annotation tools.

Cons:

• User interface can be overwhelming for new users.

3. Loom

Loom is an online screen and video recording tool designed for easy sharing and collaboration. While primarily focused on quick video messages and tutorials, it’s a convenient option for capturing your screen, webcam, or both. Loom’s cloud-based platform simplifies sharing and playback.

Features:

• Free Version Available: Offers a free version with essential screen recording features.
• Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive interface makes it user-friendly.
• Cloud-Based: Videos are automatically saved to the cloud.
• Instant Sharing: Allows for instant sharing of videos with a link.
• Comments and Reactions: Viewers can leave comments and reactions on videos.

Pros:

• User-friendly, browser-based interface.
• Simplifies video sharing and collaboration.
• Real-time webcam and screen recording.
• Cloud storage for recorded content.

Cons:

• Limited to online use.
• Advanced editing features are minimal.

4. FlashBack Express

FlashBack Express is a user-friendly free screen recorder for Windows users. It offers both screen and webcam recording capabilities, making it suitable for creating presentations, tutorials, or gaming content. You can record your entire screen or a specific area, and it includes basic editing tools.

Features:

• Free Version: A free version is available with necessary screen recording functionalities.
• Capture Windows or Region: Can record full screen, a window, or a specific region.
• Webcam Recording: Supports webcam recording along with screen recording.
• Sound: Captures sound from a microphone or the system.
• No Watermarks: The free version doesn’t add watermarks to the videos.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Webcam and screen recording in one.
• Simple video editing tools.
• Supports export to various formats.

Cons:

• Watermark in the free version.
• Limited to 720p resolution in the free version.

5. Free Cam

Free Cam is a straightforward and free screen recording software for Windows. It’s designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for those who need to record basic tutorials or presentations without a learning curve.

Features:

• Completely Free: Offers free screen recording without any watermarks or time limits.
• Simple to Use: Comes with a user-friendly interface.
• Audio Settings: Provides a set of audio settings for microphone management.
• Editing: Basic editing tools available for refining the recording.
• Direct Upload: Allows for direct upload to YouTube.

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface.
• No watermarks.
• Includes basic editing tools.
• Records voice narration.

Cons:

• Limited features compared to other free options.
• Not suitable for advanced recording needs.

Paid Screen Recorders

6. Wondeshare Screen Recorder

Wondeshare Screen Recorder is a premium screen recording software available for Windows and macOS. It provides a user-friendly interface with advanced screen recording and editing capabilities. Wondeshare Screen Recorder is suitable for both beginners and professionals, offering features like multi-track editing and customizable cursors.

Pricing: Starts at $19.99 for a one-year license.

Features:

• High-Quality Recording: Captures fast-paced scenes at up to 120 FPS.
• Editing Suite: Comes with a powerful editing suite for post-recording modifications.
• Annotation Tools: Equipped with annotation tools for adding text, shapes, and icons during recording.
• Multiple Export Options: Allows export in multiple formats and direct sharing to platforms like YouTube.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• High-quality screen recording.
• Advanced editing features.
• Customizable cursors and annotations.

Cons:

• Paid software with a free trial.
• Price might be considered high for some users.

7. ScreenPal

ScreenPal is a premium screen recording and video editing software for Windows and macOS. It’s a versatile tool for capturing your screen, webcam, and audio. ScreenPal offers various editing features, including transitions, filters, and animations, making it suitable for content creators and educators.

Pricing: Plans start at $8/month.

Features:

• Smart AI Technology: Incorporates AI to automate various screen recording aspects.
• One-click Recording: Simplifies the recording process with one-click functionality.
• Instant Sharing: Provides options for instant sharing and collaboration.
• Customizable: Allows customization of recordings for branding.

Pros:

• Screen, webcam, and audio recording.
• Advanced video editing features.
• User-friendly interface.
• Support for multiple formats.

Cons:

• Paid software with a free trial.
• Some features may require a learning curve.

8. Bandicam

Bandicam is a versatile screen recording software available for Windows. It’s known for its high-performance screen capture capabilities, offering options for game recording, webcam overlay, and real-time drawing while recording. Bandicam is favored by gamers and YouTubers.

Pricing: One-time purchase costs $39.95.

Features:

• High-Compression Ratio: Keeps the video quality close to the original work while achieving high compression ratios.
• 4K UHD Recording: Supports high-quality 4K recordings.
• Device Recording: Can record external gaming consoles, smartphones, and more.
• Overlay: Option to add webcam overlay to recordings.

Pros:

• Excellent performance and low system resource usage.
• High-quality game recording.
• Real-time drawing and mouse effects.
• Webcam overlay support.

Cons:

• Paid software with a limited free version.
• Lacks advanced video editing features.

9. Movavi Screen Recorder

Movavi Screen Recorder is a paid screen recording software available for Windows and macOS. It offers a straightforward interface with essential recording features and basic editing tools. It’s suitable for users who need a reliable screen recording solution with minimal complexity.

Pricing: Starts at $39.95 for a one-year subscription.

Features:

• User-friendly: Comes with an intuitive interface, making it easy to use.
• Flexible Scheduling: Allows scheduling of recordings.
• Format Choices: Offers various format choices for saving recordings.
• Editing Tools: Equipped with editing tools for refining the output.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Capture from multiple sources (screen, webcam, microphone).
• Basic video editing capabilities.
• Export to various formats.

Cons:

• Fewer advanced features compared to premium competitors.

10. ScreenFlow (Mac Only)

ScreenFlow is a premium screen recording and video editing software exclusive to macOS users. It’s popular among Mac users for its comprehensive recording and editing capabilities. ScreenFlow is especially favored by video editors, educators, and content creators.

Pricing: One-time purchase costs $129.

Features:

• Professional Editing: Provides a professional-level editing suite.
• High-Quality Recording: Supports high-resolution and Retina display recording.
• Export Options: Multiple export options including direct publishing to popular platforms.

Pros:

• Advanced screen recording and editing tools.
• Support for iOS recording.
• Professional-level video editing features.
• User-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Only available on macOS.
• Higher price point for Mac-exclusive software.

Comparing Screen Recorders

Software Name	Pricing	Key Features	Ease of Use	Support
OBS	Free	– Open-source – Streaming capabilities – Customizable scenes	Moderate	Community Forums
ShareX	Free	– Customizable workflows – Variety of capture methods – Annotate & edit	Moderate to High	Community Forums, GitHub
Loom	Free/Paid options	– Cloud-based<br>- Instant sharing<br>- Comments and reactions	High	FAQs, Contact Support
FlashBack Express	Free/Paid options	– Webcam recording – No watermarks – Sound capture	High	Knowledge Base, Forums
Free Cam	Free	– Simple to use – Audio settings – Direct upload to YouTube	High	Online Community
Wondeshare Screen Recorder	Starts at $19.99	– High-quality recording – Editing suite – Annotation tools	Moderate to High	FAQs, Email Support
ScreenPal	Starts at $8/month	– Smart AI technology – One-click recording	High	Email Support, Help Center
Bandicam	$39.95	– 4K UHD recording – Device recording – High compression	Moderate	Email Support, FAQs
Movavi Screen Recorder	Starts at $39.95	– Flexible scheduling – Format choices – Editing tools	High	Email Support, FAQs, Forums
ScreenFlow	$129	– Professional editing – High-quality recording	Moderate to High	Knowledge Base, Email Support

Free vs. Paid Software

Free Software

Pros

• Cost-Effective: Free software doesn’t require any financial investment, making it accessible for users on a budget.
• Trial Opportunity: Free software allows users to explore and understand the basic functionalities of a screen recorder without any commitment.
• Community Support: Many free software options, especially open-source ones, have strong community support where users can seek help, share ideas, and solve problems collectively.
• Regular Updates: Popular free tools often receive regular updates and improvements based on community feedback and contributions.

Cons

• Limited Features: Free software usually comes with limited features and capabilities, restricting advanced or professional use.
• Less Support: Free software typically comes with limited customer support. Users might have to rely on forums or community discussions for troubleshooting.
• Ad Supported: Some free software may be ad-supported, which can lead to distractions and a less enjoyable user experience.
• Less Customization: Free versions might not offer the same level of customization or flexibility as their paid counterparts, limiting the users’ control over the software.

Paid Software

Pros

• Advanced Features: Paid software typically offers a richer set of features and tools catering to professional and advanced users.
• Customer Support: Purchasing a license usually comes with dedicated customer support, ensuring that users have guidance when faced with difficulties.
• Regular Upgrades: Paid software often includes consistent and professional upgrades, maintaining high-quality user experience and up-to-date features.
• Reliability: Paid software tends to be more reliable and polished, with developers ensuring that the software operates smoothly and securely.

Cons

• Cost: The initial or subscription cost can be a barrier for individuals or small organizations with a limited budget.
• Learning Curve: Due to the plethora of features available, paid software might come with a steeper learning curve for beginners.
• Subscription Models: Some paid software operates on a subscription model, which means ongoing costs and potential changes in pricing plans.
• Overloaded Features: Sometimes, paid software may come with an overload of features that may not be necessary for all users, making the software seem complicated or cluttered.

Considering these pros and cons will help users make an informed decision based on their specific needs, budget, and the level of expertise required for their projects.

Use Cases for PC Recorders

PC screen recorders, with their versatile functionality, serve a multitude of use cases across various domains. Below are the various scenarios where PC recorders prove to be immensely beneficial:

1. Educational Tutorials and Online Courses

• Description: Educators and instructors can record lessons, lectures, or tutorials, making content easily accessible to students for future reference.
• Benefits: Enhances the learning experience by providing visual and audio insights into the topic.

2. Gaming and Entertainment

• Description: Gamers can record their gaming sessions to showcase their skills, create walkthroughs, or share gaming strategies and tips.
• Benefits: Allows gamers to build an online presence, engage with the gaming community, and potentially monetize their content.

3. Webinars and Online Conferences

• Description: Hosts can record webinars and online conferences for participants who could not attend live sessions, ensuring that no one misses out on valuable information.
• Benefits: Increases the accessibility and reach of the content, providing an opportunity for wider audience engagement.

4. Software Demonstrations and Reviews

• Description: Developers or marketers can record demonstrations of software functionalities for promotional purposes or to provide users with a guide.
• Benefits: Helps in marketing the software and providing users with helpful resources to navigate and use the software efficiently.

5. Customer Support and Troubleshooting

• Description: Customer service representatives can create how-to guides or troubleshooting videos to assist customers in resolving common issues.
• Benefits: Enhances customer service by offering visual aids and step-by-step guides, potentially reducing the workload on customer support teams.

6. Product Presentations and Demonstrations

• Description: Sales and marketing professionals can create compelling product presentations or demonstrations to engage potential customers or clients.
• Benefits: Can be a powerful tool in the sales process, helping to showcase the product’s features and benefits compellingly.

7. Internal Training and Onboarding

• Description: Companies can use screen recordings for internal training purposes, helping new employees understand workflows, software, or company procedures.
• Benefits: Facilitates smoother and more standardized onboarding processes, ensuring that employees have access to consistent training materials.

8. Creative Arts and Content Creation

• Description: Artists and creators can record their creative processes, like digital painting or graphic designing, sharing insights into their workflow.
• Benefits: Allows for sharing creative processes, techniques, and insights, contributing to the community and enhancing online presence.

9. Feedback and Collaboration

• Description: Teams can use screen recordings to share feedback or collaborate on projects by visually communicating ideas or modifications.
• Benefits: Enhances communication and collaboration within teams, making the exchange of ideas more dynamic and comprehensive.

10. Social Media and Content Sharing

• Description: Individuals can create content for social media platforms, like tutorials, reviews, or informational videos, enhancing their online presence.
• Benefits: Facilitates engagement with online communities and followers, and can be a foundation for building an online brand or personality.

Each of these use cases exemplifies the multifaceted utility of PC screen recorders in various sectors, proving them to be essential tools in the modern digital landscape.

How to Choose a PC Recorder

Choosing a PC screen recorder involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a guide on how to make an informed decision when selecting a PC screen recorder:

1. Define Your Purpose

• Clarify your objectives: Determine why you need a screen recorder, whether it’s for gaming, tutorials, webinars, or any other purpose.
• Specialized Features: Certain screen recorders are specialized for specific tasks, so choose one that aligns with your goals.

2. Evaluate Features and Functionality

• Recording Capabilities: Consider the various recording options available, such as full screen, window, region, webcam, and audio recording.
• Editing Tools: Look for built-in editing features like trimming, annotations, effects, and others that you might require.

3. Ease of Use

• User Interface: Choose a screen recorder with an intuitive and user-friendly interface to streamline the recording and editing process.
• Learning Curve: Ensure the software is easy to learn and use, especially if you are a beginner.

4. File Format and Quality

• Output Formats: Ensure the screen recorder supports the file formats you need, such as MP4, AVI, WMV, etc.
• Quality: Consider the quality of the recordings, including resolution, frame rate, and audio clarity.

5. Pricing and Budget

• Free vs. Paid: Evaluate whether a free screen recorder meets your needs or if investing in a paid version is worthwhile.
• Subscription Model: Check if the paid version uses a one-time purchase or subscription model and whether it aligns with your budget.

6. Support and Updates

• Customer Support: Consider the availability and quality of customer support for troubleshooting and assistance.
• Regular Updates: Look for software that is regularly updated with new features, improvements, and bug fixes.

7. Compatibility and System Requirements

• Operating System: Ensure the screen recorder is compatible with your operating system.
• Performance: Check whether the software runs smoothly on your system without causing lag or crashes.

8. Reviews and Recommendations

• User Reviews: Read user reviews to gain insights into the performance and reliability of the software.
• Expert Opinions: Look for recommendations and reviews from industry experts and trusted tech websites.

9. Security and Privacy

• Data Handling: Consider how the software handles your data, ensuring it offers adequate privacy and security features.
• Reliability: Choose software from reputable developers who prioritize user security and data integrity.

10. Customization and Flexibility

• Customization Options: Look for software that allows for customization to tailor the recording settings to your preferences.
• Scalability: Consider whether the software can adapt to different use cases and evolving needs.

Selecting a PC screen recorder involves a balance of features, usability, and cost. By taking into consideration the aspects mentioned above, you can choose a recorder that not only meets your current requirements but also adapts to your evolving needs and preferences in screen recording.

Tips for Screen Recording

Creating effective screen recordings involves more than just hitting the record button. Here are some tips to help ensure your screen recordings are clear, engaging, and professional:

1. Preparation is Key

• Plan Your Content: Outline the key points or steps you want to cover in the recording to ensure a smooth flow of content.
• Scripting: Consider creating a script or a list of talking points to keep the narration focused and coherent.

2. Choose the Right Screen Recorder

• Functionality: Choose a recorder that suits your needs, whether you require editing features, high-quality resolution, or streaming capabilities.
• Ease of Use: Select a tool that is user-friendly and doesn’t complicate the recording process.

3. Set Up Your Recording Environment

• Minimize Background Noise: Record in a quiet environment to ensure clear audio. Consider using a good quality microphone.
• Close Unnecessary Applications: Ensure that only the relevant applications are open to avoid distractions and notifications during the recording.

4. Optimize Recording Settings

• Resolution and Frame Rate: Set the resolution and frame rate to ensure your recording is clear and professional.
• Audio Settings: Ensure that the audio input is correctly configured, and the levels are adjusted for clear sound.

5. Focus on Visual Clarity

• Maximize Important Windows: Make sure the main content is prominently displayed on the screen.
• Use Zoom and Highlight: Utilize features like zooming and highlighting to draw attention to important areas of the screen.

6. Engage Your Audience

• Narration: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace to make the content easy to follow.
• Interactive Elements: Consider adding annotations, arrows, or other visual aids to make the content more engaging.

7. Edit for Precision and Clarity

• Trim Unnecessary Parts: Edit out parts that don’t add value, like long pauses or off-topic segments.
• Add Transitions: Use smooth transitions between different sections for a more polished look.

8. Consider Accessibility

• Captions and Subtitles: Add captions or subtitles to make the content accessible to a wider audience.
• Descriptive Narration: Ensure that the narration describes the visual content for those who might rely on auditory information.

9. Test Before Recording

• Do a Test Run: Conduct a short test recording to ensure that both visual and audio aspects are up to par.
• Check Technical Aspects: Make sure there are no technical glitches, such as lag or synchronization issues.

10. Save and Backup Your Work

• Choose the Right Format: Save the recording in a format that suits your sharing or editing needs.
• Backup: Ensure your recordings are saved in a secure location to prevent loss of data.

11. Sharing and Distribution

• Choose the Right Platform: Share your recording on a platform that reaches your target audience effectively.
• Optimize for Web: Ensure the file size and format are optimized for online viewing or downloading.

Conclusion

Screen recording has evolved into an essential tool in the digital era, bridging gaps in communication, enhancing learning, and providing a versatile platform for sharing and collaboration. The multitude of PC screen recorders available today, each with its unique set of features and functionalities, underscores the significance of this technology in various sectors such as education, business, gaming, and content creation.

Choosing the right screen recorder is a nuanced process that requires a careful evaluation of one’s specific needs and objectives. Whether opting for a free or paid version, users must consider aspects such as usability, feature set, support, and compatibility to make an informed decision. Armed with the right tool, users can unlock a plethora of opportunities, from creating engaging tutorials and webinars to producing compelling product demonstrations and artistic presentations.

The journey doesn’t end with selecting a tool; mastering the art of screen recording is pivotal. Tips shared within this article, such as planning, optimizing recording settings, engaging narration, and thoughtful editing, are instrumental in creating content that resonates with the audience, ensuring that the message is conveyed with clarity and precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the main features to look for in a PC screen recorder?

Essential features to consider include the ability to record the full screen, specific windows, or select areas, as well as capturing audio and webcam input. Additional functionalities like editing tools, various output formats, and customizable hotkeys can also be beneficial.

Q2: Can I use a PC screen recorder to record streaming videos or movies?

While technically possible, recording streaming videos or movies may violate copyright laws or service terms and conditions. Always ensure you have the right to record content and that it is for personal and non-commercial use.

Q3: Is it necessary to have a powerful computer to use screen recording software?

It depends on the software and the recording settings. Higher resolution and frame rate recordings typically require more processing power. However, many screen recorders are optimized to run efficiently on a variety of systems.

Q4: What’s the difference between free and paid screen recording software?

Free screen recorders often offer basic recording functionalities, while paid versions may include advanced features like editing tools, additional output formats, customer support, and more.

Q5: Can I edit my screen recordings within the screen recording software?

Many screen recorders come with built-in editing tools that allow you to trim, cut, annotate, and add effects to your recordings. The complexity of these tools can vary from basic to advanced, depending on the software.

Q6: Are screen recordings secure? Can they be used for sensitive or confidential information?

Security varies by software. Ensure the software you choose has reliable security features and consider avoiding recording sensitive or confidential information unless necessary.

Q7: How can I reduce background noise in my screen recordings?

Record in a quiet environment, use a good quality microphone, and consider using noise-cancellation features if available in your software or during post-editing.

Q8: In which formats are screen recordings usually saved?

Common output formats include MP4, AVI, WMV, and FLV. Different software may offer various output formats, so choose one that suits your needs and compatibility.

Q9: Can I use screen recording software to live stream?

Some screen recording software, like OBS Studio, also supports live streaming. This feature allows you to broadcast your screen contents in real-time to platforms like YouTube or Twitch.

Q10: How can I improve the quality of my screen recordings?

To improve quality, consider using higher resolution and frame rate settings, ensuring good audio quality, using a script or outline for clear narration, and taking advantage of editing tools for a polished final product.