Finding the right screen recorder can make all the difference when it comes to creating high-quality video content. Luckily, there are several excellent free options available for Windows 10/11 PCs and Macs.
OBS Studio is a standout choice, known for its powerful capabilities and open-source nature. This screen recorder is perfect for both beginners and professionals, offering high-quality recording and streaming features without any watermarks. Its customizable settings allow users to tailor their recording experience to their specific needs, making it a versatile tool for a variety of projects.
FlashBack Express is another user-friendly option that excels in capturing videos with added narration. It doesn’t impose any time limits or watermarks, and it supports multiple file formats for saving your recordings. This makes it an excellent choice for creating polished video content effortlessly.
For those who love customization, ShareX is a fantastic option. This screen recorder comes packed with an array of recording and editing tools, making it perfect for capturing both videos and screenshots. It also integrates seamlessly with numerous sharing options, allowing users to quickly distribute their content across various platforms.
Screencast-O-Matic offers a straightforward and easy-to-use interface, ideal for quick recordings. It features basic editing tools and allows for direct uploads to popular platforms, making it a convenient choice for users who need to share their recordings quickly.
CamStudio is a simple yet effective screen recorder that creates AVI videos. As an open-source tool, it’s lightweight and comes with basic editing tools, making it perfect for quick tasks and straightforward recording needs.
Debut Video Capture is a versatile recorder that captures everything from your screen to your webcam. It offers a range of video effects and adjustments, making it suitable for any recording need, from professional videos to casual recordings.
Finally, Loom is renowned for its simplicity and ease of use. Perfect for quick video messages and tutorials, Loom offers instant sharing options, making it great for collaborative work and feedback.
These free screen recorders cater to a variety of needs, whether you’re creating professional videos or quick tutorials, all without costing a dime.
OBS Studio is a standout choice, known for its powerful capabilities and open-source nature. This screen recorder is perfect for both beginners and professionals, offering high-quality recording and streaming features without any watermarks. Its customizable settings allow users to tailor their recording experience to their specific needs, making it a versatile tool for a variety of projects.
FlashBack Express is another user-friendly option that excels in capturing videos with added narration. It doesn’t impose any time limits or watermarks, and it supports multiple file formats for saving your recordings. This makes it an excellent choice for creating polished video content effortlessly.
For those who love customization, ShareX is a fantastic option. This screen recorder comes packed with an array of recording and editing tools, making it perfect for capturing both videos and screenshots. It also integrates seamlessly with numerous sharing options, allowing users to quickly distribute their content across various platforms.
Screencast-O-Matic offers a straightforward and easy-to-use interface, ideal for quick recordings. It features basic editing tools and allows for direct uploads to popular platforms, making it a convenient choice for users who need to share their recordings quickly.
CamStudio is a simple yet effective screen recorder that creates AVI videos. As an open-source tool, it’s lightweight and comes with basic editing tools, making it perfect for quick tasks and straightforward recording needs.
Debut Video Capture is a versatile recorder that captures everything from your screen to your webcam. It offers a range of video effects and adjustments, making it suitable for any recording need, from professional videos to casual recordings.
Finally, Loom is renowned for its simplicity and ease of use. Perfect for quick video messages and tutorials, Loom offers instant sharing options, making it great for collaborative work and feedback.
These free screen recorders cater to a variety of needs, whether you’re creating professional videos or quick tutorials, all without costing a dime.
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CreativityTranscript
00:00There's this common misconception that you need to pay a lot of money to try to get onto YouTube.
00:04There's editing software, there's recording software, and there's recording equipment.
00:08But what if I told you that you could get the recording software for free?
00:11If you like the idea of free recording software,
00:14this video is going to review the top seven providers that you don't have to pay for.
00:18In this review, you'll see providers put in one of four tiers.
00:22And while each of them are good in their own right,
00:24there can only be one free champion, even amongst these providers.
00:28So let's get started.
00:29As fellow YouTubers,
00:30we've run through the gauntlet to find the best screen recording software.
00:34I've tested several alternatives,
00:36and you'll see some of those tests in action throughout this video.
00:38And if you want a discount on any of these recorders,
00:40you can find a few special links in our video description down below.
00:44For short desktop recordings, Flashback Express is the first on our list.
00:48What makes it worthwhile is its focus on short desktop recordings.
00:52Now, Flashback is a Windows-only product that lets you record short-form videos.
00:55And with this program, you won't find any watermarks.
00:58And after an update, the video recording limit is now unlimited.
01:01Unfortunately, Flashback doesn't allow you to record computer audio,
01:06but you can record your microphone and the webcam.
01:09It's also got a few ads.
01:10The pro version, which offers a 10-day trial, has no ads, limits, and comes with a clip editor.
01:15The free version lacks the same editor.
01:17Flashback Express excels at short-form content, which does have a lot of power.
01:21Let's take a few minutes to look at TikTok.
01:23Most of the videos have two things in common.
01:25They are short and often have audio over them.
01:27This format is also becoming popular on YouTube Shorts and Facebook Reels.
01:31So you can think of this limitation as an advantage.
01:33Other things that make Flashback solid can be found in the settings.
01:36You can hide the toolbar.
01:38You can snap the recording frame to the edges.
01:40These features can be limited to pro features under other programs.
01:43But instead, Flashback limits the video upload quality to 720p under the free version.
01:48You also don't get access to the video editor,
01:51which isn't commonly available through other platforms.
01:54Now, we identified all of these problems during testing.
01:56But despite the inconveniences, the platform is very simple to use.
02:00Recordings can be easily switched into Windows and full-screen modes
02:04with multi-window recording.
02:05The simple recording pop-up lets you manage this
02:07alongside your recording settings with absolutely no problem.
02:10Flashback is a good start, but it was mainly put on this list
02:13for its unintentional use as a training tool,
02:16which is why it's just in the alright category.
02:19Now, you're not going to want to miss the free screen recording software
02:21in our number two slot for some truly magnificent ones.
02:25For gaming, Xbox Game Bar is a pre-installed Windows PC app
02:28that allows Windows 10 and 11 PCs to record video games easily.
02:32The capture settings are built into Microsoft's Xbox system,
02:35making it easy to record Xbox video games.
02:37The Xbox Game Bar is free, with no paid version available
02:40for people who want to subscribe.
02:42Now, to control the Game Bar,
02:43you can hold Windows G to open it while playing any Xbox game.
02:47However, it doesn't work with non-Xbox games.
02:50As we tested it with RuneScape, it also doesn't work with desktop footage.
02:54So it's unsuitable for recording tutorials or how-to videos.
02:57But it is still ideal for recording gaming videos,
03:00enabling users to control when recordings happen automatically.
03:04The max recording length, audio capture, frame rate, and video quality.
03:08You can also control when the game captures the mouse.
03:11These uploads are then automatically saved to your computer
03:14and can be viewed via your Xbox profile.
03:16Automatic recording.
03:17You can see saved recordings during cool game moments,
03:20like, I don't know, whenever you earn an achievement.
03:22These recording features also expand to your Xbox,
03:25so it is super simple to use,
03:27even if it doesn't have features that you might expect from desktop recording software.
03:31Beyond being limited to Xbox app games,
03:33the Game Bar has no built-in editor or cursor highlighter.
03:36You also won't be able to live stream.
03:38So look, there are some limits.
03:39But the Xbox Game Bar is perfect for anyone
03:42wanting to start their own YouTube gaming channel,
03:44putting it firmly in the good category.
03:46So look, if you've started a gaming channel,
03:48we would love to hear from you.
03:49What have you done to build a successful gaming channel?
03:52Please let us know in the comments.
03:55Nimbus is recording software that the writer of this script
03:59actively uses to collect screenshots and record videos.
04:02As something used to make content on our channel,
04:05we highly recommend Nimbus to anyone wanting to record from various sources.
04:09Nimbus is a Windows application
04:11and a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
04:14It integrates with its internal cloud storage platform,
04:16providing an automatic backup,
04:18but the space is limited to just five gigs of storage
04:21under the free version.
04:22So you'll have to make room if you record tons of videos.
04:26Nimbus' free recording software is ideal for recording
04:29or screenshotting browser-based content.
04:31The screenshot tool includes annotations
04:33like drawing boxes, arrows, or blurring tools.
04:36You can find them on both the Chrome extension
04:38and desktop application.
04:39To get started with the recording,
04:41you'll need to set up some shortcuts to make it easy.
04:43Otherwise, you can just simply double-click the N icon
04:46and you can find it in the add-on section of your browser
04:48or on your Windows.
04:50My recording shortcut, for example, is Ctrl-Alt-4.
04:53Now, these shortcuts can conflict
04:54if you have both the desktop and browser apps simultaneously.
04:58Now, Nimbus is great
04:58because it does have a five-minute recording limit
05:01and no watermark.
05:02You can easily record short tutorial videos
05:04in a few different chunks.
05:05For browser recording, much easier than Flashback Express.
05:09And with this in mind, it is a great tool,
05:11which is exactly where it belongs on our tier list.
05:14For recording multiple sources,
05:16Zoom isn't an obvious platform for recording.
05:19However, as a video conferencing platform,
05:21Zoom does have some interesting features
05:22that work for recording videos.
05:24Specifically, it's used as a video conferencing platform,
05:27which makes it easy to record content
05:29from multiple computers.
05:31Now, to get started from your computer,
05:33click the New Meeting button.
05:35From there, you can play with the interface
05:37to get a better idea of how it all works.
05:39The Share Screen button
05:41is what allows you to share your desktop.
05:43You can also invite others to the meeting
05:45to share their screens,
05:46which is how you get those multiple sources.
05:49Pretty clever.
05:49If you actually want to save this meeting,
05:51you'll need to click the three dot menu
05:52in the bottom right corner.
05:54Then you can click the Record button to get started.
05:57Unlike software you get
05:58that is built to record desktop screens specifically,
06:00you can't easily put your webcam in the corner.
06:03Instead, you'll have to insert this during editing,
06:05which isn't included with Zoom.
06:07The problem with this is that Zoom's recording quality
06:09isn't adjustable when you have the free version.
06:11While you can record specific screen locations and apps,
06:14adjusting it is a bit more difficult
06:16than with these other apps.
06:17In addition, if you want to sell these videos later,
06:20Zoom only supports commercial use if you pay.
06:23The other apps on this list
06:24do not have the same limitations.
06:26Still, as far as free screen recorders go,
06:29Zoom is great if you want to create
06:31a free long form tutorial using multiple computers.
06:34There are no time limits,
06:35so Zoom easily gets into the good tier on our list.
06:38So now is a great time to pause
06:40for a brainstorming session.
06:41How would you use Zoom screen recording
06:43to create videos with two computers?
06:45Please let us know in the comments.
06:47ScreenPearl was once known as ScreenCast-O-Matic.
06:50After the clear improvement through a name change,
06:52ScreenPearl released a better free version
06:54than what you get through Flashback.
06:56ScreenPearl improves upon the recording interfaces
06:59of tools like Flashback Express
07:00by allowing users to access annotations
07:03that include highlights, a pencil,
07:05an eraser, text, and boxes.
07:08But what puts it above most free tools
07:10is the ability to zoom in.
07:12This is a feature not even available with some pro tools.
07:15Another free feature you get with ScreenPearl
07:17is a built-in video editor.
07:18While the editor isn't as detailed
07:21as what you get with Adobe,
07:22it is enough to create simple videos.
07:24The editor starts you off by simply enabling
07:27text-to-speech closed captions
07:28and the ability to access a stock music library.
07:31But these two features are hidden behind,
07:33yeah, you guessed it, a paywall.
07:36Other editing features like cutting
07:37and adding narration are available.
07:39And when you're done with editing,
07:40you can save the changes to your computer
07:42or just simply create a shareable link
07:45when finished, you'll find it on your account dashboard.
07:48Although ScreenPearl is easy to use,
07:49it does take up a lot more system memory.
07:52Alongside our other recording software,
07:54it slows down some weaker computers.
07:56It's also got a weaker recording length of 15 minutes,
07:58which is still better than Nimbus.
08:00Some users have also reported garbled audio,
08:02which didn't show in our tests.
08:04But if you have a computer that can handle it,
08:05ScreenPearl easily hits our great tier.
08:09But now look, if you're willing to pay less
08:10than the cost of a Starbucks
08:12and even a McDonald's coffee per month,
08:13you can find a special link
08:15to get the pro version of ScreenPearl
08:16in our video description.
08:18Go get it, go now.
08:19If you've been thinking about the Xbox Game Bar
08:22and thought, you know,
08:23I wish there was a recording software
08:25for games beyond Xbox.
08:26Well, there is.
08:28The best answer to that question is OBS
08:30or Open Broadcast Software.
08:32OBS Studio or OBS Studio is available
08:34through Windows, Macs and Linux
08:36as a free open source software.
08:38No ads, no watermarks,
08:40and it offers deep scene control
08:41that's ideal for live streaming
08:42to platforms like YouTube or Twitch
08:44and recording video and audio
08:46from your microphone and computer.
08:49Now, because it's not focused
08:50as a desktop recorder,
08:52it's not as easy to control
08:53if you want to add annotations.
08:55The add scene button creates different layers,
08:58while the sources tab
09:00lets you add different displays,
09:02text, images and other sources,
09:04depending on what OBS is connected to.
09:06It is an incredibly powerful interface
09:08that makes it easy to control audio,
09:11record video and stream
09:13across multiple platforms simultaneously.
09:16The problem with OBS
09:17comes from its complexity.
09:19If you're unfamiliar with recording software,
09:21OBS will feel like open heart surgery.
09:22There are also no pre-built shortcuts,
09:24so you must insert them manually.
09:26Now, this is great for customization,
09:28but not excellent for ease of use.
09:29For most desktop recording situations,
09:31it is a bit too much,
09:32resulting in a resource intensive platform.
09:35But if you're looking for the best
09:36in recording gameplay videos
09:37to share on YouTube,
09:38OBS is the best free software for that,
09:41which is why it deserves its amazing rating.
09:44For our next stop,
09:44we're going to take a look at Movavi.
09:46Now, Movavi is a great tool
09:48for easily and quickly recording videos.
09:50But look, if we're being honest,
09:51it's not ideal as a free tool
09:53because it leaves a massively big watermark
09:55in the middle of the screen.
09:57But if you want the best desktop
09:58screen recording system,
09:59that's basically free,
10:00then you only have to pay once for Movavi.
10:03Movavi's lifetime plan
10:04comes with a photo editing platform,
10:06a video editor,
10:08a video recorder
10:09and several AI features
10:10that include image enhancement,
10:12photo restoration,
10:13color correction
10:14and AI background and object removal.
10:17This permanent access to these tools
10:18is an investment in your future.
10:20It's the next big YouTube thing.
10:22The dashboard features
10:23all of these tools in one place.
10:24To use the screen recording tool,
10:26you can install it from the dashboard.
10:27After installing it,
10:28you'll see the screen recorder available.
10:30The recording system is relatively simple.
10:32You won't find any annotations
10:34complicating the interface.
10:35And this means that Movavi
10:37is faster in exchange
10:38for some limited features.
10:39Now those features are
10:41more than supplemented
10:42through the built-in video editing platform.
10:44It rivals tools like Premiere Pro
10:46in its combination of depth and simplicity.
10:48The video editor includes
10:49various stock videos,
10:51transitions,
10:52music and other tools.
10:53There's a wide range of free options
10:55and a store for additional purchases.
10:57There are also some built-in AI features.
10:59Now many of those tools
11:01are available under the free version,
11:03giving you full access
11:04to the editors and tools.
11:06However,
11:06the large watermark on these videos
11:09makes them unusable in most cases.
11:11While we have to put Movavi
11:12under the amazing tier,
11:14we recommend that you go
11:15and click on the link
11:16in our description
11:17to get a discount
11:18on this inexpensive video software.
11:20So while having free stuff is great,
11:22YouTubers who are serious
11:23about getting into the platform
11:25should consider paying.
11:26But rather than pay for a tool
11:27that's built entirely on its name,
11:29use a tool like Movavi
11:30that you can rely on for years
11:32without emptying out your bank account.
11:34Hey, if you found this video helpful,
11:35you can do us a free favor
11:37of liking the video
11:38and subscribing to the channel.
11:40We truly appreciate your time
11:42and your interest,
11:42and we really do hope
11:44that this video has helped.
11:45You can also go and watch
11:46our related video
11:47on the best remote desktop tools.
11:48We'll see you there.
11:49Bye bye for now.