A complete guide to the best screen recorders for PC, including OBS Studio, Camtasia, Bandicam, Snagit, Loom, and more. Find the right tool for gaming, tutorials, business, or remote work.
By @Ellie Last Updated November 26, 2025
Which Is the Best Screen Recorder for PC?
Choosing the best screen recorder for PC can be overwhelming with so many features, brands, and specs to consider. In 2025, screen recording is essential, whether you're a gamer capturing 1080p gameplay, a professional creating demos, or a teacher preparing online lessons.
The “best” screen recorder depends on your needs, but it should offer smooth performance, high-quality video and audio, easy editing, and simple sharing, without slowing your PC.
In this guide, we'll explain how screen recorders work, what features matter most, and review the top 10 screen recorders for PC in 2025. You'll get clear comparisons, expert insights, and practical recommendations to help you choose the right tool for your workflow, saving you time and trial-and-error.
Ready to find the perfect screen recorder? Let's dive in.
Key Features to Look for in the Best Screen Recorder
Choosing the right screen recorder depends on the features you need. A great recorder captures your screen smoothly and clearly, without slowing your PC.
Resolution & Frame Rate: At minimum, look for 1080p output. For professional tutorials or gaming, 2K or 4K is ideal. Frame rates should be at least 30fps for tutorials and 60fps for fast-motion content. Some recorders even support 120fps for ultra-smooth video.
Audio Capture: The best recorders capture system, microphone, and external audio, with multi-track support for separate editing. Clear audio is as important as clear video.
Built-in Editing: Recorders with editing tools let you cut mistakes, add text, highlight cursors, and remove background noise without external software. Choose based on whether you want fast, ready-to-upload videos or just raw recordings.
Export & Performance: Look for multiple export formats (MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV) and automatic compression. Hardware acceleration helps keep your PC running smoothly during high-res recording.
Sharing Options: Features like cloud saving, instant links, and direct publishing save time for teams and creators.
In short, the best screen recorder delivers clear video, smooth performance, easy editing, and hassle-free exporting, all without straining your system.
Top 10 Best Screen Recorders for PC
Choosing the best screen recorder for PC becomes much easier when you can compare the top performers side by side. In 2025, the screen recording landscape is packed with powerful tools, each with strengths, weaknesses, and target audiences. Whether you're creating tutorials, recording meetings, capturing gameplay, or preparing training materials, there's a perfect match for your workflow.
OBS Studio: Best Screen Capture Software for Streaming and Gaming
OBS Studio by OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is one of the most widely used audio and video recording and streaming apps. It's especially popular with streamers and YouTubers who need to record or stream their screens and webcams simultaneously. I found it to be one of the most high-performing and flexible desktop screen recorders available.
Available export formats: MP4, MKV, FLV, MOV, TS
Recording modes: Display capture, window capture, game capture, webcam recording
Editing capabilities: Scene composition and transitions, audio mixing with filters (noise suppression, gain, compression), real-time cropping, scaling, color correction, chroma key (green screen) effects
Key features
High-quality video delivery: OBS Studio produces crisp, high-resolution video with minimal effort. Once you get familiar with the interface and settings, recording and streaming become seamless.
Real-time editing options: Scene transitions, audio filters, and source adjustments allow you to polish recordings while capturing.
Perfect for streaming: Its customizable scenes and layouts make it ideal for live streams and audience engagement.
Zero cost: Completely free and open source, making it a go-to for both beginners and professionals.
Pros
Real-time video enhancement and customization
Multiple export formats
Extensive plugin ecosystem and community support
Free and open source
Cons
Steep learning curve for beginners.
Lacks advanced video editing; external software is needed for post-production.
Can be resource-intensive on lower-end systems.
Pricing: Free
Who it's best for: Gamers, streamers, and tech-savvy users who want full control over recording and streaming setups.
Camtasia: Best Screen Recorder for Tutorials and Professional Editing
Camtasia by TechSmith is a premium all-in-one screen recorder and video editor. It is perfect for educators, trainers, and content creators who want professional-looking videos with annotations, interactive elements, and smooth transitions.
Available export formats: MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI, GIF
Recording modes: Full-screen, region capture, webcam + screen, system audio + microphone
All-in-one workflow: Record, edit, and export without additional software.
Professional effects: Built-in cursor effects, callouts, and transitions for polished tutorials.
Interactive content: Add quizzes, clickable hotspots, and annotations for e-learning.
AI-powered enhancements: Automatic filler word removal, captions, and audio optimization for clearer videos.
Pros
Powerful video editing built in
Easy-to-use interface with professional-grade output
Great for education and training videos
Interactive content support
Cons
Relatively expensive compared to free alternatives.
Resource-intensive; high-resolution editing requires a powerful PC.
The license model can be complex for some users.
Pricing: Subscription or one-time license (varies by plan)
Who it's best for: Educators, corporate trainers, tutorial creators, and professionals needing polished, ready-to-share videos.
Bandicam: Best Screen Recorder for High-Compression Recording
Bandicam is a lightweight, high-performance screen recorder designed for gamers, educators, and professionals who need high-quality recordings without huge file sizes. It excels at compressing videos while maintaining clarity, which makes it ideal for sharing or uploading large files.
Available export formats: MP4, AVI, WMV
Recording modes: Screen recording, game recording, device recording (webcam or HDMI)
Editing capabilities: Basic trimming and cutting; requires an external video editor for advanced features
Key features
High compression with minimal quality loss: Bandicam uses advanced codecs to reduce file sizes while keeping videos sharp.
Multiple recording modes: Capture your full screen, a selected region, or high-performance games with minimal lag.
Hardware acceleration: Uses GPU acceleration (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD) for smooth recording without straining your CPU.
Scheduled recording: Set start/stop times for unattended recording sessions.
Pros
Excellent video compression
High-performance game recording
Lightweight and fast
Scheduled recording support
Cons
Editing tools are limited; advanced post-production requires additional software.
Paid version required for unlimited recording and watermark removal.
Free version has time limits and watermarks.
Pricing: Free trial; Paid version starts at $39.95
Who it's best for: Gamers, YouTubers, and professionals needing high-quality recordings with smaller file sizes for easier sharing.
ScreenRec: Best Screen Recorder for Quick Sharing
ScreenRec is a cloud-based screen recorder focused on speed and simplicity. It's perfect for remote teams, customer support, and anyone who wants to share screen recordings instantly.
Available export formats: MP4, GIF (for short clips)
Editing capabilities: Minimal; mainly trimming and annotation
Key features
Instant cloud sharing: Recordings are uploaded to the cloud automatically, with private links for easy distribution.
Lightweight and fast: Minimal setup required; starts recording in seconds.
Screen + webcam capture: Useful for tutorials, presentations, and support videos.
Free for individual users: Cloud storage is included, making it convenient for remote collaboration.
Pros
Extremely fast setup and recording
Instant cloud sharing
Free version available
Webcam overlay support
Cons
Limited editing features
Cloud storage limitations on the free plan
Not suitable for long or highly polished video projects
Pricing: Free basic plan; Pro plan starts at $7/month
Who it's best for: Remote teams, customer support agents, educators, and anyone needing fast, shareable recordings without complex editing.
ShareX: Best Open-Source Screen Recorder
ShareX is a free, open-source screen recorder with a focus on customization and automation. It's ideal for power users, tech enthusiasts, and developers who need highly configurable recording and capture workflows.
Available export formats: MP4, GIF, AVI, WebM, MKV
Recording modes: Full screen, region, scrolling capture, window capture
Editing capabilities: Annotating screenshots, basic video trimming, automated workflows
Key features
Highly customizable: Hotkeys, workflows, and automated tasks make repetitive screen capture effortless.
Variety of capture modes: From simple screenshots to full video recordings and GIF creation.
Integrated sharing tools: Upload directly to cloud services, social media, or FTP servers.
Free and open-source: No licensing fees or restrictions.
Pros
Open-source and free
Extensive customization and automation
Multiple export and sharing options
Supports screenshots and GIFs along with videos
Cons
Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
Lacks advanced video editing features
Some features require technical knowledge to set up
Pricing: Free
Who it's best for: Power users, developers, and tech-savvy individuals who want flexible, automated screen capture solutions.
Snagit: Best Screen Recorder for Tutorials & Documentation
Snagit by TechSmith is designed for educators, trainers, and business professionals who need to create polished tutorials, documentation, and visual guides. Its strength lies in combining screenshot capture, screen recording, and quick editing in one tool.
Available export formats: MP4, GIF, PNG, JPG
Recording modes: Full screen, custom region, window capture, webcam overlay
All-in-one screen capture: Record video, take screenshots, and annotate instantly.
Quick editing tools: Add arrows, text, blur sensitive info, and trim videos without external software.
Simplified workflow: Perfect for tutorials, guides, and documentation where clarity and speed are essential.
Sharing options: Export to cloud services, email, or local storage easily.
Pros
Quick and easy annotations
Combines screenshots and video capture
Clean and intuitive interface
Ideal for documentation and tutorials
Cons
Lacks advanced video editing features like transitions or multi-track audio.
Not suitable for professional video production.
Paid software with no fully free version.
Pricing: One-time license starting at $49.95; subscription options available
Who it's best for: Educators, business professionals, and anyone creating tutorials or documentation that requires annotated visuals.
Xbox Game Bar: Best Built-In Screen Recorder for Windows
Xbox Game Bar is a built-in Windows 10/11 screen recorder designed primarily for gamers but usable for other basic screen recording needs. It's convenient because it requires no installation and integrates seamlessly with Windows.
Available export formats: MP4
Recording modes: Full screen, active window, microphone and system audio capture
Editing capabilities: Minimal; trimming requires separate software
Key features
Built-in convenience: No download required; starts quickly with Windows + G shortcut.
Game optimization: Low CPU usage while recording gameplay.
Audio capture: Capture system and microphone audio simultaneously.
Performance overlays: Monitor FPS, CPU, and GPU usage while recording.
Pros
Pre-installed and free
Simple, fast setup
Low resource usage
Game-focused features
Cons
Very limited editing capabilities.
Only basic recording; not suitable for professional tutorials.
Lacks multi-track audio or advanced export options.
Pricing: Free (built into Windows)
Who it's best for: Casual gamers, Windows users, and anyone needing quick screen capture without installing software.
NVIDIA ShadowPlay: Best GPU-Accelerated Screen Recorder for Gamers
NVIDIA ShadowPlay is optimized for gamers using NVIDIA GPUs. It provides high-performance game recording with minimal impact on framerates. Its instant replay feature is ideal for capturing unexpected gaming moments.
Available export formats: MP4
Recording modes: Full-screen, windowed game recording, instant replay
Editing capabilities: Very basic; external editing software recommended
Key features
GPU acceleration: Uses NVIDIA GPU for smooth, high-quality recording without major CPU load.
Instant replay: Automatically saves the last few minutes of gameplay, perfect for highlights.
Streaming integration: Supports live streaming directly to Twitch or YouTube.
High frame rate support: Up to 4K at 60fps depending on hardware.
Pros
Minimal performance impact
Instant replay and live streaming
High-quality GPU-accelerated recording
Free for NVIDIA GPU owners
Cons
Only available for NVIDIA GPU users.
Limited editing options; requires external software for advanced editing.
Not ideal for tutorials or professional video creation.
Pricing: Free with NVIDIA GPUs
Who it's best for: PC gamers using NVIDIA graphics cards who want seamless, high-quality gameplay recording.
Loom: Best Screen Recorder for Quick Video Messaging
Loom is a cloud-based screen recorder designed for fast video messaging, presentations, and team communication. It's perfect for remote work, online teaching, and collaboration where you need to record and share quickly.
Available export formats: MP4, GIF
Recording modes: Full screen, custom region, webcam overlay
Editing capabilities: Basic trimming, callouts, and annotations
Key features
Instant cloud sharing: Loom uploads videos directly to your account, providing private links for easy distribution.
Ease of use: Record in just a few clicks; minimal setup required.
Screen + webcam: Perfect for presentations, tutorials, and personalized messages.
Cross-platform support: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and as a Chrome extension.
Pros
Extremely fast and easy to use
Built-in cloud sharing
Multi-platform support
Ideal for team communication and tutorials
Cons
Limited advanced editing options; not for professional video production.
Free version has recording limits and fewer analytics features.
Dependent on an internet connection for cloud features.
Pricing: Free basic plan; paid plans start at $8/month
Who it's best for: Remote teams, educators, and professionals who need quick, shareable recordings for collaboration and communication.
Movavi Screen Recorder: Best User-Friendly Screen Recorder for Windows & Mac
Movavi Screen Recorder is designed for beginners and intermediate users who want a simple yet reliable recording tool. It's great for recording webinars, video calls, tutorials, and streaming content.
Available export formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, GIF
Recording modes: Full screen, region, webcam overlay, system and microphone audio
Editing capabilities: Basic trimming, cropping, and text overlay; advanced editing requires Movavi Video Editor
Key features
Intuitive interface: Simple, beginner-friendly design that makes recording straightforward.
Flexible capture options: Record full screen, specific regions, or add webcam overlay for presentations.
Audio capture: Record system audio, microphone, or both simultaneously.
Scheduled recording: Automatically start and stop recordings at specified times.
Pros
Easy to use and beginner-friendly
Multiple recording modes and audio support
Scheduled recording available
Lightweight and smooth performance
Cons
Full editing features require an additional Movavi app.
Paid software; free version has limitations like watermarking.
Not ideal for professional video production requiring multi-track editing.
Pricing: Free trial; Paid version starts at $39.95/year
Who it's best for: Beginners, educators, and professionals who need a simple, reliable screen recorder without a steep learning curve.
Bonus Tip: Free Remote Screen Recorder for PC
Traditional screen recorders only capture your local PC, but in today's remote work and online learning environments, the ability to record a screen from anywhere is essential. AnyViewer offers a complete solution for secure, high-quality remote screen recording.
Key Features:
Remote Access & Recording: Connect to any Windows or Mac PC remotely and record its screen in real time. This is perfect for IT support, online training, and collaborative projects.
High-Definition Recording: Capture smooth, HD video and clear audio simultaneously, ensuring professional-quality tutorials, product demos, or meeting recordings.
Cross-Platform Support: Works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, so you can access and record any device from virtually anywhere.
End-to-End Security: All sessions are encrypted, protecting sensitive information during remote access and recording.
Easy Sharing & Collaboration: Recorded sessions can be saved locally or shared instantly with team members via cloud links or direct file transfer.
User-Friendly Interface: No steep learning curve—AnyViewer is designed for both beginners and advanced users, making remote recording simple and efficient.
Who it's best for: Educators creating online courses, IT professionals providing remote support, remote teams collaborating on projects, or anyone who needs reliable, high-quality remote screen recording without complicated setups.
Why choose AnyViewer: Unlike standard screen recorders, AnyViewer combines remote access, secure recording, and easy sharing into a single free tool. It's perfect for modern workflows where recording a PC that's not physically accessible is crucial.
Conclusion
The best screen recorder for PC depends on your needs and experience level. Gamers and streamers can rely on OBS Studio or NVIDIA ShadowPlay, while professionals and educators benefit from Camtasia or Snagit. Beginners or casual users can use Movavi Screen Recorder or Xbox Game Bar. For quick sharing and collaboration, Loom and ScreenRec are ideal, and power users who want full customization should consider ShareX.
For remote recording, AnyViewer lets you capture high-quality video from any PC securely. Knowing each recorder's features, strengths, and limitations helps you save time and create professional videos efficiently.