What is the best free screen recording software?

Screen recording software has become an essential tool for professionals, gamers, educators, and content creators. Whether you want to create tutorials, record gameplay, or capture online meetings, choosing the right screen recording software can significantly enhance your productivity and content quality. Fortunately, many free screen recording tools offer powerful features without costing a dime.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best 15 free screen recording software on Windows and Mac available, discuss their features, advantages, limitations, and provide the best remote desktop software with screen recording capabilities to meet more advanced and professional needs.

Top 15 Free Screen Recording Software

To make your search easier, the table below compares all 15 open-source screen capture tools mentioned earlier, giving you a clear overview of their key features and differences.

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)

OBS Studio stands as one of the most widely trusted and feature-rich free screen recording software on Mac and Windows. It's built for users who want complete control over their recordings, offering deep customization and professional-grade capabilities. With OBS, you can record your screen, stream in real time, or capture video from multiple input sources such as webcams, images, browser windows, and more.

This free recorder includes no watermark and delivers an impressive suite of tools, custom transitions, advanced filters, color adjustments, and a long list of enhancements to elevate your final output.

Key Features:

• Multi-source capture: Record your screen, webcam, applications, and browser tabs all at once.
• Custom scenes & transitions: Create layered scenes and switch between them easily with hotkeys.
• Advanced audio mixer: Manage desktop and microphone audio separately with filters like noise gate or compression.
• Plugin support: Expand functionality using community-developed plugins such as Virtual Camera, NDI, Replay Buffer, and more.
• Cross-platform availability: Uniform performance and features across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Pros

• Completely free and watermark-free
• Supports high-quality recording, including 4K at 60fps with high-bitrate or lossless codecs
• Extremely customizable, configure hotkeys, layouts, encoding, and more
• A massive library of tutorials, plus active Discord/Reddit communities
• Built-in streaming support for Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live

Cons

• Steeper learning curve due to its complex UI and numerous settings
• Can consume significant CPU/GPU resources, especially on older hardware
• Lacks built-in trimming or basic editing tools
• No native cloud upload or sync options

ShareX

ShareX is a powerful open-source screen capture tool designed exclusively for Windows users. It excels at both screen recording and screenshot capture, making it a versatile option for everyday workflows. With ShareX, you can easily record your screen, capture YouTube livestreams with audio, annotate images or videos, and upload your content instantly, all without spending a penny.

Key Features:

• Region-based capture: Choose from freeform, window-specific, scrolling, or full-screen recording modes.
• Built-in annotation tools: Quickly edit screenshots or video frames using arrows, highlight tools, blurs, and more.
• Automated workflows: Configure tasks such as renaming, uploading, watermarking, or converting files after each capture.
• Supports multiple formats: Export in MP4, GIF, WebM, or custom codecs through FFmpeg.
• Instant cloud uploads: Send files directly to services like Imgur, Dropbox, Google Drive, and 80+ other destinations.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable with low CPU and RAM consumption
• Free of ads and completely watermark-free
• Includes advanced utilities like OCR, QR code scanning, and image combining
• Supports automation and hotkey-driven workflows
• Ideal for users who want highly customizable capture settings

Cons

• Only available for Windows
• No built-in livestreaming capability
• The interface can feel overwhelming due to its extensive menus
• No real-time preview when recording, which may lead to inaccurate captures

Loom

Loom is a straightforward screen recorder designed for quick video creation. It lets you record your screen with multiple layout options and includes webcam capture. While it doesn't offer advanced features like on-recording notes or drawing tools for free users, its simplicity makes it appealing for casual users or quick tutorials. Paid plans unlock the drawing tool and remove other limitations.

One of Loom's advantages is flexibility: it can be used as a dedicated desktop app or as a Chrome extension. Users can adjust webcam size during recordings, which is useful for shifting focus between their face and on-screen content. However, some reviews note that the desktop app can be buggy.

Key Features:

• Multiple recording layouts: Capture full screen, a window, or a custom area with various layout options.
• Webcam integration: Record webcam video alongside your screen, with adjustable size and position.
• Virtual backgrounds: Replace or blur your background during recordings (paid feature).
• Instant editing: Trim or adjust your video immediately after recording.
• Automatic sharing: Finished recordings are uploaded instantly with a shareable link.
• Audio options: Capture system audio, microphone, or both simultaneously, with background noise suppression.
• Transcriptions & viewer insights: Generate unlimited video transcriptions and track viewer engagement (paid features).
• Privacy controls: Set access permissions for videos to control who can view them.

Pros

• Available as both desktop app and Chrome extension
• Webcam video can be resized during recording
• Easy video sharing via automatic links
• Multiple recording layouts to suit different needs
• Simple and user-friendly once signed up

Cons

• Free plan limits recordings to 5 minutes
• Maximum of 50 creators and up to 25 videos per person on the lite plan
• Account creation required; signup can be time-consuming
• Cannot insert tags or notes into videos on the free plan
• Desktop app may experience bugs

ScreenPal (Formerly Screencast-O-Matic)

ScreenPal is one of the longest-standing screen recording tools on the market, recently updated with a desktop-first approach. Users now install the WebLaunchRecorder to start recording. The interface is straightforward but can feel sluggish at times.

Key Features:

• Flexible recording: Capture full screen or selected areas with ease.
• Audio recording: Record microphone input; system audio requires premium plan.
• Basic video editor: Trim clips and adjust sound waves within the app.
• Mouse cursor highlighting: Enhances viewer focus during tutorials or demos.
• Instant sharing: Upload directly to YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more.
• No signup required: Start recording immediately without creating an account.
• Resolution support: Records in native screen resolution.

Pros

• Very affordable, especially with premium plans
• 15-minute recording limit is sufficient for short tutorials
• No account needed to start recording
• Easy sharing and publishing options
• Cursor highlighting improves clarity for viewers

Cons

• Does not capture system audio on the free plan
• Recordings saved locally; manual upload required for online sharing
• Free recordings include a watermark
• Performance can be laggy on some systems
• Cannot pause recordings during capture

Bandicam

Bandicam is a versatile, feature-rich screen recorder built for gamers and content creators. While the free version limits recordings to 10 minutes, the software excels with its wide range of tools and customization options, making it ideal for recording gameplay, tutorials, or external devices like consoles and smartphones. Lightweight and intuitive, Bandicam allows users to tailor settings to their workflow without compromising performance.

Key Features:

• High-resolution recording: Supports up to 4K video at 480 FPS.
• External device recording: Capture video from PlayStation, Xbox, TV, smartphone, or webcam.
• Multiple screen recording: Record dual monitors simultaneously.
• Live annotation: Draw, add text, and insert images or logos while recording.
• Mouse click effects: Highlight clicks to guide attention.
• Scheduled recording: Automate start and stop times for recordings.
• Minimal watermark: Keeps free version branding unobtrusive.
• No account required: Begin recording immediately after installation.

Pros

• Extremely versatile with support for gaming and external device capture
• Lightweight, easy to use, and highly configurable
• Minimal watermark on free version
• Supports high-resolution and high-frame-rate recordings
• No account or signup required

Cons

• Free version limited to 10-minute recordings
• Files saved locally; manual upload required for online sharing
• No built-in video editor (trimming/splitting requires separate Bandicut software)

Screencastify

Screencastify is a feature-rich browser-based screen recorder ideal for educators and anyone creating interactive video content. It allows users to annotate in real time using pens, shapes, or emojis, with drawings that track along as you scroll, a helpful feature for long-form tutorials or presentations.

Sharing and storage are seamless, with automatic uploads to Google Drive and easy publishing to YouTube or Google Classroom. While the platform requires signing in with a Google account, the setup process is straightforward, letting users start recording quickly.

Key Features:

• Interactive annotation tools: Pens, shapes, and emojis that remain visible and scroll with content.
• Built-in video editor: Trim and adjust recordings immediately after capture.
• Webcam overlay: Resize and position your webcam feed during recording.
• Video analytics & engagement: Track viewer interaction and engagement metrics.
• Google Drive integration: Automatic saving with easy sharing options to YouTube or Google Classroom.
• Interactive questions: Add quizzes or questions to increase viewer participation.

Pros

• Intuitive interface with easy-to-use annotation tools
• Automatic saving to Google Drive simplifies file management
• Adjustable webcam overlay for tutorials or presentations
• Built-in video editor for basic trimming
• Great for educators and interactive content creation

Cons

• Free plan limits recordings to 30 minutes per video
• 10 GB video storage cap on free plan
• 30-minute export limit may not suit longer projects
• Requires Google account login to use
• Not ideal for recording high-performance applications or games

AnyMP4 Screen Recorder

AnyMP4 Screen Recorder stands out for its combination of powerful yet focused features. Unlike basic recorders, it provides advanced options tailored for professionals, gamers, or anyone needing precise control over their recordings. Users can choose from multiple frame rates, 20, 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps, and record cameras, games, windows, or phones. The tool also supports a wide variety of export formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, GIF, and more.

Additional professional features include adding a logo watermark to recordings, scheduling automatic recordings, and mic noise reduction to improve audio clarity. While the resolution and length of recordings are unrestricted, the free version limits video clips to 3 minutes, making it best suited for short tutorials, quick feedback videos, or explainer content.

Key Features:

• Advanced recording modes: Capture full screen, selected areas, games, webcams, or connected devices.
• Frame rate flexibility: Choose from 20, 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps.
• Multiple export formats: Save recordings in MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, F4V, TS, GIF, and various audio formats.
• Logo watermark: Add your brand logo during recording.
• Scheduled recording: Automate start times for recurring recordings.
• Mic noise reduction: Minimize background noise for clear audio.
• Preview and clip: Trim and review recordings before saving.
• GIF recorder: Convert screen captures into GIFs quickly.

Pros

• Unique features like noise reduction, scheduled recording, and watermarking
• Free version available; paid version is affordable for heavy users
• Full control over audio and video quality with multiple presets
• Record entire screen or a custom section
• Ability to draw on videos and create GIFs

Cons

• Desktop application consumes storage space on your device
• User interface has a steeper learning curve than simpler recorders
• Free version limits recordings to only 3 minutes

FlexClip Screen Recorder

FlexClip's Screen Recorder is a minimalist, web-based tool designed for ease of use. Its intuitive interface makes it perfect for beginners or anyone needing a quick way to record their screen without installing software. Users simply select the area they want to capture, enable microphone recording if needed, and start recording.

Since it lacks built-in editing features, FlexClip is best suited for basic recordings rather than professional tutorials, streaming, or educational content. After recording, videos can be downloaded and edited in a separate tool.

Key Features:

• Screen capture options: Record full screen or select specific areas.
• Web-based platform: No installation required, saves storage space.
• Microphone support: Capture audio along with your screen.
• Simple interface: Easy for beginners to navigate and use.
• Quick re-record option: Start over immediately if needed.

Pros

• Simple and straightforward to use
• Browser-based, no heavy software downloads
• Can capture full screen or custom areas

Cons

• Very basic; no editing features included
• Not suitable for professional, educational, or streaming purposes

Kazam

Kazam is a simple, lightweight screen recording utility created specifically for Linux users. It's designed for those who want a clean interface and essential recording options without complicated configurations. Kazam handles full-screen, window, and region-based captures, supports audio input, and exports videos in common formats, making it ideal for quick, hassle-free recording tasks.

Its strength lies in its minimalistic approach: efficient, user-friendly, and easy to master even for beginners.

Key Features:

• Flexible screen recording: Capture the entire screen, a chosen window, or a selected region; supports H.264, VP8, and WebM outputs.
• Live streaming: Broadcast directly to YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms.
• Built-in OCR: Extract text from screenshots for editing or documentation.
• Audio recording: Capture system sound and microphone input through PulseAudio.
• Webcam overlay: Add a movable webcam window during your recording.

Pros

• Extremely beginner-friendly with a clean, simple interface
• Low resource usage, ideal for modest hardware
• GUI-based exporting to easy-to-edit video formats
• Convenient upload option for YouTube
• Includes screenshot capturing capabilities

Cons

• Only available for Linux environments
• Slower development pace with fewer community contributions
• Occasional crashes that may result in lost recordings
• Initial installation can be unstable or require manual troubleshooting

SimpleScreenRecorder

SimpleScreenRecorder is a fast, efficient, and user-friendly screen recording program tailored specifically for Linux systems. Despite its lightweight design, it delivers powerful performance with support for full-screen, window-level, and custom-area captures. The built-in real-time preview helps users monitor recording quality, making it suitable for everything from tutorials to gameplay sessions.

With its balance of simplicity and advanced control options, it serves both newcomers and experienced users who need a reliable recording tool on Linux.

Key Features:

• Flexible capture modes: Record the entire screen, a selected area, or a single window with audio.
• OpenGL support: Ideal for smooth game recording with minimal performance impact.
• Live preview: Check the recording feed in real time to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Variety of output formats: Export videos as MKV, MP4, WebM, OGG, and more.
• Pause/resume support: Convenient for longer or segmented recording sessions.

Pros

• Optimized exclusively for Linux with excellent performance
• Low CPU usage makes it great for older or mid-range hardware
• Offers advanced settings for bitrate, codecs, and output customization
• Can save partial recordings if the software unexpectedly crashes
• Records microphone and system audio at the same time

Cons

• Linux-only not available for Windows or macOS
• Interface is functional but dated compared to modern tools
• Occasional crashes may still lead to recording loss
• No built-in editing, requires third-party editors
• Lacks native streaming capabilities for platforms like YouTube or Twitch

Captura

Captura is a lightweight, Windows-exclusive screen recording tool that once gained popularity for its simplicity and versatility. Built in C# and released under the MIT License, it allows users to capture desktop activity, streaming video, webcam footage, audio, mouse clicks, and even keystrokes. Although it was widely appreciated for its efficient performance, development officially stopped in April 2023, meaning no future updates or fixes will be released.

Key Features:

• Screen + audio capture: Record the entire screen, a selected window, or a custom region along with system and microphone audio.
• Webcam overlay: Add webcam footage directly into your recordings.
• Input visualization: Display keystrokes and highlight mouse clicks, perfect for tutorials or demonstrations.
• Command-line functionality: Supports automation and scripted recordings for advanced workflows.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight, making it ideal for lower-end machines
• Delivers sharp recordings with adjustable frame rates and codec options
• Offers multiple output formats, including MP4, AVI, and GIF
• Open-source under the MIT License, free for personal and commercial use
• Simple, intuitive interface suitable for beginners

Cons

• Development ended in April 2023, so no updates or patches are expected
• Does not include built-in editing or livestreaming features
• Existing bugs or issues may remain unresolved
• Available only for Windows
• Limited hardware acceleration capabilities

recordMyDesktop

recordMyDesktop is a long-standing free screen recording software built for Linux users who prefer a simple, resource-efficient tool. It focuses on capturing your desktop and audio without unnecessary complexities or heavy system demands. Recordings are saved in the Ogg Theora/Vorbis format, making it a dependable option for fast, straightforward screen capture tasks such as demos, tutorials, and documentation.

Although it hasn't seen modern updates or added features in recent years, it remains a favorite among users who value minimalism and reliability.

Key Features:

• CLI + GUI support: Offers both command-line functionality and GTK/QT graphical interfaces for different user preferences.
• Desktop or window capture: Record the entire desktop or only selected windows.
• Audio recording via ALSA or JACK: Integrates smoothly with Linux-native audio systems for mic and system sound capture.
• Performance adjustments: Fine-tune frame rates, encoding quality, and performance settings.
• Ogg-based output: Saves videos in .ogv using Theora video and Vorbis audio codecs.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight and performs well on older Linux hardware
• No reliance on third-party libraries like FFmpeg
• Strong command-line capabilities for scripting or automation
• Fully open-source under the GPL license
• Simple graphical interfaces are available for GNOME and KDE

Cons

• Doesn't support MP4 or other modern video formats
• Outdated interface with limited current development
• No webcam overlay or built-in editing tools
• Occasional audio synchronization issues on certain systems
• Lacks advanced functions such as annotation tools or live streaming

VokoscreenNG

VokoscreenNG is a versatile open-source screen recording tool built for both Linux and Windows users. Known for its stability and ease of use, it's a strong choice for educators, trainers, and anyone who needs to create clear, professional-looking tutorials or demonstrations. With features like webcam overlay, flexible audio options, and multiple output formats, it delivers a reliable recording experience without any cost.

Key Features:

• Flexible recording modes: Capture your entire screen, a selected window, or a custom region, with or without audio.
• Webcam overlay: Add your webcam feed to your recordings and adjust its placement as needed.
• Audio input variety: Record system audio, microphone input, or both at the same time.
• Multiple export formats: Save recordings in MKV, MP4, WebM, or AVI with customizable resolution and frame rates.
• Countdown timer: Built-in delay options help you prepare before the recording starts.

Pros

• Clean, user-friendly interface that's easy for beginners
• Consistent performance across Windows and Linux
• Great for presentations, educational content, and software tutorials
• Active development with multilingual support
• Fully open-source, no ads, and watermark-free

Cons

• No integrated tools for trimming, editing, or annotation
• Some users report issues when using multiple monitors
• Not ideal for high-FPS game recording
• Occasional audio synchronization problems on older computers
• Interface may feel simplistic for users seeking a more modern design

Green Recorder

Green Recorder was a simple, lightweight open-source screen recording tool tailored for Linux, particularly GNOME and Wayland environments. Though the project has been discontinued, it earned a strong following for its ease of use and quick setup. It supported basic desktop recording with audio and offered several common output formats, making it a convenient option for straightforward screencasts. As one of the first recorders to support Wayland, it played a notable role in early Linux desktop recording.

Key Features:

• Wayland & Xorg support: One of the earliest tools compatible with Wayland sessions on GNOME.
• Minimalist interface: Simple design ideal for beginners and non-technical users.
• Audio capture: Records system sound or microphone input.
• Multi-format support: Outputs in MKV, AVI, MP4, WMV, and WebM.
• Auto-save naming: Automatically timestamps and saves recordings for easy organization.

Pros

• Very lightweight and launches quickly
• Excellent option for GNOME and Wayland users
• Supports widely used output formats without extra configuration
• Extremely beginner-friendly with minimal settings
• Open-source and once easily installable via PPA

Cons

• No longer actively maintained or updated
• Missing advanced features like webcam overlays or built-in editing
• Compatibility issues with many Linux distributions after 2020
• Occasional audio synchronization problems
• Not designed for professional or high-performance recording scenarios

CamStudio

CamStudio is a free, open-source screen recorder for Windows, designed to capture both screen activity and audio, producing AVI video files. Its straightforward design makes it ideal for creating basic tutorials, walkthroughs, or educational content. Lightweight and simple, it's easy to pick up for beginners.

However, CamStudio is outdated compared to modern recorders, lacking advanced features and support for newer codecs. Users should also be cautious with unofficial downloads, which may contain malware.

Key Features:

• Basic screen capture: Record the full screen, specific windows, or custom regions.
• Audio recording: Capture microphone and system audio simultaneously.
• Annotation tools: Add text captions directly while recording.
• Cursor effects: Highlight mouse movements and clicks for clarity.
• SWF conversion: Convert AVI recordings into Flash (SWF) format.

Pros

• Completely free and open-source for Windows users
• Lightweight and runs well even on older machines
• Simple interface with a minimal learning curve
• Suitable for quick tutorials or educational videos
• No watermarks or recording time limits

Cons

• Outdated interface and limited codec support (e.g., MP4 not natively supported)
• Development has slowed, with no major updates in years
• Unofficial download sources may include adware or malware
• Lacks webcam overlay, editing, or trimming features
• Can be unstable on Windows 10 and newer systems

Bonus tip: Best free remote desktop software with screen recording

For seamless remote access combined with screen recording, AnyViewer is an exceptional free option. Unlike standard screen recorders that only capture your local screen, AnyViewer allows you to access and record a remote computer effortlessly. This makes it ideal for remote IT support services, team collaboration, online tutorials, or monitoring tasks from anywhere.

Key Features:

• Remote access & control: Connect to any Windows device securely over the internet or LAN.
• Real-time screen recording: Capture everything on the remote screen, including system audio and microphone input.
• Multi-device support: Manage and access multiple computers with a single account.
• High-quality recording: Record in HD resolution with smooth frame rates for clear video output.
• Easy file sharing: Transfer recordings and files directly between local and remote devices.
• Security-focused: End-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication ensure safe remote sessions.

Why AnyViewer?

• Completely free for personal use with generous features
• Combines remote desktop access and screen recording in one tool
• Supports audio recording and high-quality video capture
• Lightweight and easy to use, even for beginners
• No need for complex setup; works over LAN or the internet

For anyone who needs to record a remote session or provide visual guidance from afar, AnyViewer eliminates the need for multiple apps. It's a convenient, secure, and high-quality solution that bridges the gap between remote desktop control and screen recording.

Conclusion

There are many free screen recording software, each suited for different needs. OBS Studio and ShareX are great for advanced users who want full control, while Loom, FlexClip, and Kazam are easy to use for quick recordings. Linux users can try SimpleScreenRecorder or VokoscreenNG for lightweight options.

Additionally, AnyViewer stands out as a unique choice for anyone needing remote screen recording combined with secure remote access. By carefully selecting the software that aligns with your workflow, you can create high-quality, engaging content efficiently, all without spending a cent.