Discover the best Mac screen recording software and apps to capture, edit, and share videos effortlessly. Explore free and paid options, including advanced tools for professional-quality recordings.
A screenshot can say a lot, but a screen recording can say even more, sometimes ten times over. Recording your screen has streamlined work, reduced unnecessary meetings, and boosted productivity across the board. But if you’re a Mac user, you might be wondering: what’s the best Mac screen recording method?
Macs come with built-in, free screen recording tools, and there are also paid third-party apps with extra features. Choosing the right one depends on your needs, whether you want simple recordings, advanced editing, or professional-quality videos.
For many users, a Mac screen recorder only needs to perform a few basic tasks: start recording, capture the content, and allow sharing. However, the efficiency and quality of these tasks can differ depending on the software used.
To provide a clear comparison, the six best Mac screen recording apps were tested and evaluated. The table below offers an objective overview of their features, performance, and usability, highlighting how the top options compare in 2025.
The built-in Screenshot utility is the most accessible free best Mac screen recording software for Mac users. It comes pre-installed with macOS and provides several options for both screenshots and video recordings:
For screen recording, the last two options, Record Entire Screen and Record Selected Portion, are the ones you’ll use. You can also enable audio recording, set a timer, and highlight mouse clicks during the recording.
How to Record Video with Screenshot
Step 1. Open Screenshot from Applications > Utilities, Launchpad, or use the Shift + Command + 5 shortcut.
Step 2. Select Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion.
Step 3. Click anywhere on the screen to begin recording.
Step 4. Click Stop Recording in the menu bar when finished.
Alternatively, you can access the same recording options through QuickTime Player, another pre-installed macOS app. Open QuickTime Player and select File > New Screen Recording (or press Control + Command + N) to launch the best Mac screen recording app interface.
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For Mac users accustomed to the default screen recording tools, CleanShot X offers a significant upgrade. This best Mac screen recording software isn’t just a screen recorder; it provides a versatile workspace for capturing, editing, and sharing content with ease.
With CleanShot X, you can:
The app also integrates CleanShot Cloud, enabling quick storage and sharing. Every recording can generate a shareable link immediately, making collaboration seamless.
CleanShot X includes a built-in editing suite. You can annotate, highlight, or blur screenshots without needing additional software, making post-production fast and convenient.
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Movavi is a professional-grade best Mac screen recording app frequently compared to CleanShot X. It allows users to record the full screen or a selected area, highlight mouse clicks, display keystrokes, and capture voiceovers either simultaneously or separately.
What sets Movavi apart are its advanced features:
Movavi is available for both Mac and Windows, making it a versatile option for cross-platform users.
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Capto is a versatile Mac app that combines best Mac screen recording software and video editing in a single, user-friendly package. Unlike tools that focus solely on capturing your screen, Capto lets you edit your recordings immediately after they’re made. You can add audio tracks, annotate, crop, cut, and merge clips effortlessly. It also allows you to hide your desktop during recording for a cleaner look. Once finished, videos can be quickly shared via Dropbox, YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms.
The strength of Capto lies in its simplicity. Even users with minimal technical experience can record and edit videos without confusion.
Capto also works for basic screenshot tasks, offering editing and sharing features in the same app.
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Loom has become a familiar tool in tech and business environments for its ease of use and versatility. It allows users to record themselves, their screen, or both at the same time, then instantly share the video via a link. Loom is widely used for presentation walkthroughs, product demos, brainstorming sessions, software tutorials, and more.
Loom offers a limited free plan for casual use, while the Pro plan costs $15 per month. It’s a solid solution for professionals in sales, customer support, and remote collaboration, though the cost may be high for some users.
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If you want the ultimate combination of screen recording and remote collaboration, consider AnyViewer. While primarily a remote desktop solution, AnyViewer includes high-quality screen recording features. This is ideal if you need to record live presentations, webinars, or software tutorials directly from your Mac while interacting with another device. Unlike standard recorders, it allows simultaneous remote access and recording, making it a powerful choice for professionals who require advanced functionality without switching apps constantly.
Why choose AnyViewer for Mac screen recording?
Screen recording on a Mac has never been easier, whether you stick with built-in options like Screenshot or QuickTime, or opt for advanced third-party apps like CleanShot X, Movavi, Capto, or Loom. Your choice depends on your needs: for simple, free recordings, macOS utilities suffice. For professional editing, annotation, and sharing features, investing in best Mac screen recording software like CleanShot X, Movavi, or Capto is worthwhile.
And if you want an all-in-one solution combining remote access and recording, AnyViewer offers unmatched flexibility. With the right tool, Mac screen recording can enhance productivity, streamline communication, and make sharing information effortless.