Best free screen recorders of 2024, finding a quality screen recorder that is entirely free can be a challenge with the numerous options available. To help you choose, we’ve identified the best free screen recording software for both PC and Mac that are truly worth downloading.
Free screen recorders provide an affordable way to capture your screen for presentations, videos, and live streaming. The best options come loaded with features like seamless transitions, titles, video editing tools, and even 4K capture capabilities. We reviewed top free screen recorders, evaluating their ease of use, performance, and additional production tools. We also considered any limitations and optional pricing plans. These free alternatives allow you to record desktop, window, and webcam footage without any cost.
There are many screen recorders are available but following are best for your use:
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a highly popular video recording and streaming application, especially among streamers and YouTubers who need to capture both their screens and webcams simultaneously. Our testing confirmed OBS as one of the top-performing screen recorders available, capable of producing high-quality videos with minimal effort. However, mastering OBS can take time due to its complex features, but once familiar with it, the software becomes a pleasure to use.
The main appeal of OBS Studio lies in its ease of use once set up, making it ideal for streamers who need to customize their broadcasts on the fly. Our tests highlighted the excellent functionality and user experience, although the initial learning curve can be steep due to the abundance of features and controls.
One notable limitation of OBS Studio is the absence of editing tools. Users must be well-prepared for their recording sessions since OBS does not support post-recording editing. This makes it best suited for those who aim to complete their recordings in a single take. Many professionals pair OBS with their preferred video editing software to overcome this limitation.
Despite its robust features and popularity among professional content creators, OBS Studio remains entirely free and open-source, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful, cost-free screen recording solution.
Pricing: Free
Who should use it?
Gammers and streamers
Loom
Loom offers an intriguing approach to screen recording. Unlike traditional desktop recording software, Loom functions more as a video communication app, allowing you to create, edit, and share screen captures instantly. It’s ideal for making short videos that require feedback.
Loom is versatile, available on PC, Mac, phone, or tablet, and features a user-friendly interface with straightforward controls. You can record videos in up to 720p quality, complete with system sounds and virtual backgrounds for your webcam.
What sets Loom apart is its post-recording capabilities. Although its editing tools are basic and not particularly advanced, Loom excels in sharing. After recording, you can easily share your video via a link, enabling others to view, react, and respond. Integrations with platforms like Slack make it easy to quickly record, edit, and share videos with colleagues for immediate feedback.
Loom is mostly free to use, though the free version limits you to 25 videos per person and a maximum length of 5 minutes per video. While this may seem restrictive, it’s sufficient for brief explanations, task highlights, or quick demonstrations. The app also offers a paid version at $12.50 per user per month, which includes unlimited videos and advanced features like AI-powered transcripts and editing tools. However, these advanced features are not unique to Loom and are still developing.
Overall, Loom is a convenient tool for sharing videos within a team, though it may not be essential since screen recordings can also be shared through other methods.
Pricing: Free version, Also have paid version
Apowersoft
Apowersoft stands out as our top choice for the best web-based screen recorder. Ideal for those who prefer not to download software or who frequently switch between different computers, Apowersoft offers a completely free solution.
Its simplicity is hard to beat. According to the website, you just click “Start Recording,” select the screen you want to capture, and begin. This makes Apowersoft one of the quickest and easiest ways to record your screen on Windows or Mac, especially for first-time users.
You can include your webcam in the recording, overlaying it on your screen, and capture both system sounds and microphone audio. We found the platform exceptionally easy to use, producing good-quality recordings downloadable as MP4 files. However, it lacks advanced features like cursor highlighting, annotations, and editing options.
Apowersoft is perfect for demonstrating routine tasks or showcasing websites but not ideal for capturing gameplay, as keeping a web browser tab open can hinder system performance.
For those needing more functionality, Apowersoft offers a downloadable app with additional features, such as custom area recording, offline recording, scheduling, watermarking, and a drawing tool.
The primary advantage of Apowersoft is its browser-based operation, eliminating the need for downloads. While it may not suit everyone’s needs, it’s an excellent tool for quick, no-fuss screen recording. Its simplicity and intuitive design make it especially suitable for technophobes.
If you’re reluctant to invest time, money, or disk space into a screen recorder, Apowersoft is an excellent choice. You really can’t go wrong with this one.
Pricing: Free
Screenrec
This free screen recorder will fulfil you most of the needs. You can capture your desktop and add a webcam. You can record both desktop as well as facecam.
It can record your computer sound and narrate with your microphone.
Every video you record will save on you cloud and you will get a sharing link when you stop recording. Your recording will be saved as local file if you are offline. It will uploaded on cloud when you are online again.
You can export your recording to your computer.
You can record in flawless 1080p at any frame rate from 15fps to 120fps.
You can see past recording history and get the sharing link again.
Some honourable mentions
- Screencast
- Bandicam