Best Free Screen Recording Software for Windows and Mac
Looking for a free screen recording software for Windows and Mac? Look no further! This guide highlights the best options available for all your recording needs.
We wear multiple hats – storytellers, educators, creators, and the family tech wiz. Whether you’re showcasing your gaming adventures, guiding your grandma through a software glitch or capturing hilarious online conversations, screen recording software is your sidekick.
The good thing is that you don’t need a Holywood budget for this superhero tool. You can use a screen recorder. Whether you’re team Windows or a die-hard Mac enthusiast, we’ve done the treasure hunting for you.
Cross-Platform Options
We’ll start off with the options that are available on both platforms and make pretty decent screen recording software for both beginners and professionals. Let’s dive into their features and what they’re all about.
1. Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi Screen recorder is a versatile screen recording software available for both Windows and macOS. This free screen recorder offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features for capturing and editing screen recordings.
Key Features:
- Screen recording: Capture your screen, webcam, or both simultaneously.
- Editing tools: Edit your recordings with easy-to-use tools, including trimming and adding captions.
- Audio recording: Record system audio, microphone, or both.
- Scheduled recording: Set up recording tasks to capture screen activity at specific times.
- Export options: Save recordings in various formats, including MP4, AVI, and more.
Why We Love It
Movavi Screen Recorder balances functionality and ease of use, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures you can use it on both Windows and macOS.
Limitations
While it offers robust features, it may not have the advanced video editing capabilities found in dedicated video editing software.
2. ShareX
ShareX, previously mentioned as a Windows option, is known for its screen capture capabilities, and it has community-supported ports for Linux and macOs. While it may not offer as extensive functionality on macOS as it does on Windows, it’s a free and open-source option.
Key Features
- Screen recording: Capture your screen or specific regions with customizable settings.
- Annotation tools: Add text, shapes, and highlights to your recordings.
- Multi-platform: It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Direct sharing: Easily share your captures to various platforms and cloud services.
Why We Love It
ShareX is a versatile and free option for screen recording, making it suitable for users who require cross-platform compatibility without spending on commercial software.
Limitations
On macOS and Linux, ShareX may not offer as many features as on Windows. Users may need to explore other options if they require more advanced editing capabilities.
Screen Recorder Windows
When we talk about mainstream software, we’re speaking about Windows. So, let’s look at screen recording software to record video on a PC on Windows. Here are our top picks for Windows.
1. Microsoft Expression Encoder 4
Microsoft Expression Encoder 4 is a Windows-exclusive screen recording and video encoding software. It’s particularly well-suited for creating high-quality screen captures and converting them into various video formats.
Key Features
- Screen capture: Easily record your screen activity, making it suitable for tutorials and presentations.
- Professional encoding: Microsoft Expression Encoder 4 provides robust video encoding capabilities for high-quality output.
- Web streaming: It supports live streaming to Microsoft Silverlight and IIS Smooth Streaming.
Why We Love It
As a Windows-native application, Expression Encoder 4 integrates well with the operating system, and the encoding features are handy for producing polished videos.
Limitations
It’s worth nothing that Microsoft has discontinued the development of Expression Encoder, so it may not receive future updates or support.
2. Debut Video Capture Software
Debut Video Capture Software is a Windows-exclusive screen recording tool that offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface. It’s ideal for capturing video from your screen, webcam, or external devices.
Key Features
- Screen recording: Capture your screen activity, including full screen or specific regions.
- Webcam recording: Simultaneously record your webcam feed alongside screen captures.
- Scheduling: Schedule recordings at specific times or intervals.
- Editing tools: Basic editing features like adding captions and watermarks.
- Output formats: Export recordings in various video formats.
Why We Love It
Debut Video Capture Software is perfect for users who want a simple, no-frills screen recording solution with a focus on ease of use.
Limitations
It may lack some advanced features found in more complex screen recording software.
Screen Recorder Mac
There are tons of ways to record your screen on Mac. So, we’ve also listed the top three picks for MacOS only. Hopefully, this helps the die-hard MacOS supporters. They’re pretty decent software as well. Let’s get to it.
1. QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player comes pre-installed on macOS and is a versatile media player with built-in screen recording capabilities. It’s an excellent choice for Mac users who want a simple and easy-to-use screen recording tool.
Key Features
- Screen recording: Capture your entire screen or select a specific area.
- Audio recording: Record system audio or use an external microphone.
- Basic editing: Trim and make simple edits to your recordings.
- Export options: Export recordings in various formats, including high-quality MOV files.
Why We Love It
QuickTime Player is readily available on macOS and is incredibly straightforward to use, making it an ideal choice for quick screen captures and basic recording needs.
Limitations
It lacks advanced editing features and may not be suitable for complex recording projects.
2. Screencastify
Screencastify is a powerful screen recording and video editing software designed for online work on macOS +Windows. It’s favored by content creators, educators, and professionals for its comprehensive feature set.
Key Features
- Screen recording: Capture your screen with multiple recording options, including full screen, specific regions, and iOS device screens.
- Video editing: Edit and enhance your recordings with a robust set of editing tools.
- Animations and effects: Add animations, text, and effects to your videos.
- Export options: Export to various formats, including high-quality MP4 and ProRes.
Why We Love It
Screencastify is an all-in-one solution for recording, editing, and producing professional-quality videos on macOS, making it a top choice for those looking to create polished content.
Limitations
While Screencastify is feature-rich, it comes with a price tag, and its advanced features may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
Conclusion: Free Screen Recording Software
We have highlighted six options that fit the needs of users and supporters of any operating system. Hopefully, you’ll make a quick decision based on the info we provided, and decide based on the platform you use.
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