- Windows 10 Game DVR. OS: Windows 10 only. This free screen recording software is automatically included in Windows 10. It is good for recording gameplay, capturing screenshots, and sharing them online. This software is exclusive to Windows 10, so it is not a good option for Mac or Windows 7 or 8.1 users.
- Screen recording has become one of the best methods to create a footage of your desktop activity with ease. There might be several occasions when you want to capture your gameplay, record streaming videos, or either make some video tutorials or software reviews on your Mac.
The software is compatible with all Mac OS versions. It is the best when it comes to recording from audio and video sources. It is worth a try if you are looking for a very powerful free screen capturing tool for Mac.
Have you ever been in such a situation that you want to record your screen but have no idea about how to record it freely and conveniently? What you need is an effective screen recorder. There are numerous screen recorders on the market, but which one is the bestfree screen recorder for Windows 10?
This post is for everyone who wants to find out the answer. It covers the top 10 best free screen recorders for Windows, and Mac users can choose from it. Read on and check them now.
| Free Screen Recorder for Windows 10 PC | Best Free Cross-platform Applications | Desktop Screen Recorder for Mac |
|---|
Top 1. EaseUS RecExperts (Editor Recommend)
Applies to: Windows 10 /8.1/8/7; Mac OS X ® 10.10 or higher
As one of the most powerful and rich-featured screen recorders, this tool is compatible with these two operating systems, macOS and Windows.
EaseUS RecExperts for Windows allows you to capture videos on your screen in various qualities and FPS. Recording a video in 4K can restore all the details on the screen, while recording in 720p allows efficient storage space utilization. Those features will all be helpful for your daily life, entertainment, or business.
On the other hand, EaseUS RecExperts for Mac can perfectly support the flexible screen recording. You can freely choose to record the full screen, specific window, or any selected area on your Mac. Along with that, you can capture the audio from different sources. For instance, you can record system sound, audio in your microphone, or both of them simultaneously.
Key Features:
- Set up the time and duration to make a scheduled screen capture
- Record streaming video in high quality
- Support online and offline recording
- Record sound from computer effortlessly
- Support more than 10 video and audio formats
Can those functions be helpful? Don't hesitate to download and try it out.
To show you how to use this best screen recording software, a tutorial is offered below. Follow the steps carefully, and you can record the screen on your Windows 10 PC successfully.
- >>Steps to Record Screen on Windows 10
- >>Steps to Record Screen on Mac
Top 2. OBS Studio
Applies to: Windows 8+/macOS 10.12+/Linux
OBS Studio is a free and open source screen recorder for video recording and live streaming. You can use this tool on Windows 8, macOS, and Linux.
Besides, this software is entirely free, with no limitations. You can immediately start recording from multiple sources at once, with a fairly nice amount of customization in terms of the options you have. What's more, the application streams with various platforms like Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Hitbox, Twitch, and more.
Pros:
- Free and Open Source
- Support multi-platform
- Support live Streaming
- It can serve as an intuitive audio mixer
Cons:
- It doesn't work on Windows XP or Windows 7
- Setup takes a little while
- No 'pause' function for recording
- Beginners may find it hard to use
OBS Studio supports streaming and recording in high definition without restrictions on your creations' number or length. If you want to record screens on different platforms, OBS is one of your best choices.
Top 3. Movavi Screen Recorder
Applies to: Windows 7/8/10; Mac OS 10.10 or higher
Movavi Screen Recorder is one of the best free screen recorders for both Windows and Mac. Thanks to its compact design, it doesn't get in the way of desktop activities when it's running.
With Movavi, you can record screen video, capture system sound or audio from your microphone, grab and edit screenshots, and share the results via social networks. You can use it to record online streaming videos, video calls, and any other desktop activity.
When you are about to start your recording, this recorder offers you the opportunity to select the recording area yourself. For example, you can choose to record the full screen or a certain part of your screen, and you can even adjust the width and height of the area according to your need.
Pros:
- Record in full-screen mode, capture a specific screen area or a separate window
- Get high-quality output video thanks to the supporting for hardware acceleration
- Record system sound and microphone simultaneously
- Capture mouse movements and highlight the cursor
Cons:
- A watermark is added to output videos
- You cannot add a description or change tags before sharing the video on YouTube
Top 4. ActivePresenter
Applies to: Windows 7+/macOS
Another best free screen recorder is ActivePresenter. It includes all the tools needed to record screens, make annotations, edits screencast videos, and create interactive eLearning content in HTML5.
Its video editing tools make it outstanding among other screen recorders that can only record videos. With those tools' help, you can easily cut, copy, delete, crop the videos recorded using its recording function.
Pros:
- Support multi-platform
- Allows creating responsive content for all types of devices
- Includes smart capture to make almost automatic image tutorials
- Allows working with Green Screen
Cons:
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- It lacks video effects that many other video editors offer
- You can only import video files created in ActivePresenter itself
- The free edition has a watermark
If you are not worried about the watermark, you can use ActivePresenter to record and edit your recordings on different platforms.
Top 5. Monosnap
Applies to: Windows/macOS
Monosnap is a lightweight, free screen recorder for PC that is great for instructors who don't need many bells and whistles. Monosnap also allows users to host videos on the Monosnap server. You can use this software to capture a selected window or just a small part of the screen. You can take benefit from hotkeys to a customized screen shooting.
This is a suitable screen recorder for people who want to make tutorial videos by recording PowerPoint on your screen. It allows you to edit your recordings and annotations to make your tutorial videos look more professional.
For example, you can highlight details and hide sensitive data with Blur Tool. Finally, you can upload your works to social websites or store them to cloud storage.
Pros:
- Totally free
- Adjust settings for higher and lower quality recording
- Export to monosnap.com, Youtube, and other cloud platforms
- Easy to operate even for beginners
Cons:
- Video editing is not possible
- Cannot connect mobile devices
If you are looking for the best free screen recorder for Windows 10/8/7 or macOS, you can choose Monosnap. It is free and easy to operate, even for beginners.
Top 6. Bandicam Screen Recorder
Applies to: Windows only
Another best free screen recorder for PC is Bandicam. This screen recorder is a video and game recording software for users, businesses, and professionals who want to produce short videos for several purposes. It can record various 2D/3D games with 4K UHD resolution at up to 144 FPS.
Bandicam can also record the full screen, part of the screen, and external video devices such as webcam and game console.
Pros:
- Three modes according to different needs
- Record full screen, region, webcam, microphone, computer sound
- Draw, add text and take screenshots while recording
- Record high fps games without lag
Cons:
- Windows only
- The watermark in the free version
- Limited video output formats: AVI, MP4
When it comes to high-quality recordings and includes any settings you might need to make your recordings top-notch, Bandicam Screen Recorder ranks top.
Top 7. Free Cam
Applies to: Windows 10/8/7 32- and 64-bit
Free Cam is a reliable and free screen recording program with a built-in audio/video editor. You can create screencasts, edit recorded videos, and upload videos to YouTube easily.
This free screen recorder provides a full set of features for creating professional video lessons and e-Learning presentations. After recording, you can save your screencast on your desktop or instantly share it on YouTube.
Pros:
- No watermark, time limits, or ads
- Records voice-overs and computer sounds
- High-quality resolution
- A wide selection of audio effects
Cons:
- The free version only supports saving recordings to WMV only
- No webcam recording for the free version
If you don't care about the WMV format, you can try Free Cam. This software is super easy to use. Besides, there's no watermark on the recordings.
Top 8. Flashback Express
Applies to: Windows only
FlashBack Express is the best screen recorder for PC, yet a powerful editor. You can capture your screen, along with a webcam and microphone, and then make the recording better with built-in editing tools by adding captions, arrows, images, and highlights.
It neither sets a time limit on recording nor stamps watermark on the output videos. To gain a better understanding of its function, you can check the picture below:
Pros:
- Well designed interface
- No time limits, watermarks
- Allows you to record from screen or webcam
- You can add distinctive and custom watermarks
Cons:
- Some tools are paid-only
- The free version only supports MP4, AVI, and WMV
- Only free for 30 days
If you are running Windows 10 on multi-monitors, this software would be your best choice. You can either record screens across multiple monitors or limit capturing to a single monitor with this screen recorder.
Top 9. QuickTime Player
Applies to: Mac only
If you are looking for the best free screen recorder on Mac, you can't miss QuickTime Player. It is the default Mac video player. But you could use QuickTime Player to do screen recording too! It uses onscreen controls that are similar to a CD or DVD player.
Pros:
- Conversion of images to different formats
- Record Skype videos in full screen
- Ability to save videos from the web
- Support a small and attractive interface
Cons:
- Limited recording and editing functionality
- Can support MOV file format only
- System audio recording is not possible
Quicktime is one of the best free screen recording programs for Mac devices to edit music or add audio to video. If you are willing to add audio to video on your own, you can try this tool.
Top 10. VLC Media Player
Applies to: Windows/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS
VLC is a free and open-source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files and DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. It is a video player and the best free screen recorder while considering the convenient and advanced extensions.
Pros:
- Completely free and open source
- Stream media over the network or internet
- A simple and efficient way to create screen recordings
Cons:
- No audio recording options
- No video editing options
- Can only capture the entire screen
Even though creating screencasts with VLC is possible, many better free screen recorders provide more screencasting and video editing tools.
Top 11. Snapz Pro X for Mac
Applies to: Mac only
This tool allows you to capture anything you want to save on the Mac screen when sharing those contents with others. Then, you can easily post the recorded videos on various video hosting platforms, like YouTube, Vimeo, and so on.
You can also use this great screen recording tool to take a screenshot on a Mac screen, and one of its fey features is 'Live Preview' of the screenshot. Sometimes you may want to know how your screenshots look like before you save them to the computer. This feature can satisfy your needs perfectly.
Pros:
- Edit video easily
- Support various image formats
- Support view the screenshots before save it
Cons:
- No timed capture
- Priced too high
Top 12. ScreenFlow
Applies to: Mac only
This is an all-in-one tool on Mac that you can use as screen recording software and video editing software. If you want to create a masterpiece by yourself, you can import the video clips and edit them or record some video footage in high quality using this recorder.
When it comes to screen recording, there are many helpful functions you can use. For instance, you can change the default background color as a preset. You can capture your mouse's movements, which is very useful if you are a teacher who needs to emphasize some key points when you are recording video classes for your students.
Pros:
- Powerful video editing function
- Support clip preview
- Support recording multiple screens simultaneously
Cons:
- Only Mac version
How to Record Screen on Windows/Mac
As an all-in-one screen recorder, both Windows users and Mac users can utilize it to record what happens on their screen without much effort.
Steps to Record Screen on Windows
Windows users can follow the guide below to capture the contents they need.
Step 1. Launch EaseUS RecExperts. There are two different options for screen recording, i.e., 'Full Screen' and 'Region'. If you select 'Full Screen', you will capture the whole screen.
Step 2. If you select the 'Region' option, this software will ask you to customize the recording area. Make sure that everything you want to capture is within the bounds of the select box.
Step 3. Tap on the buttonat the bottom left side of the main interface, and there will be many options you can select. This recorder supports recording microphone and system sound separately or simultaneously. The 'Options' button is for you to adjust the volume and microphone device.
Step 4. If you want to record the webcam simultaneously, click on the 'Webcam' icon at the bottom of the interface. Tap on the button to enable the webcam recording, and there will be a drop-down menu to select the recording device. Click on 'OK' to confirm your settings.
Step 5. When you turn back to the main interface, click on the 'REC' button to start recording. A floating toolbar offers you buttons to pause or stop the recording during the recording process. In addition, the camera icon can be used to take screenshots, and the timer icon can help you stop recording automatically.
Step 6. The recorded video clips will be saved on your computer. When the media player appears, you will see a set of tools you can use to trim the recordings, extract audio, and add opening title & closing credits to the recorded video.
Steps to Record Screen on Mac
If you are using a Macbook, the following tutorial is for you. Try to record your screen now.
Step 1. Download and launch EaseUS RecExperts on your Mac. Click on the 'Screen' button in the Video tab.
Step 2. Click 'Size' to select the recording area. You can capture the full or part of the screen in 'Custom'. Also, you can set the quality of the video in advance or configure basic options, like the shortcut and location.
Step 3. To capture screen and audio simultaneously, click 'Audio Sources' to select an audio source. Besides, you can adjust the volume by hitting the sound icon at the bottom.
Step 4. Once done, click the big red circle button to begin recording. It captures anything displayed on your Mac screen. When you are done, click the stop button. Then you can watch the recorded video in the preview window. If you are satisfied with it, you can export it as an MP4 or GIF file flexibly.
Conclusion
These are some of the best free screen recorder software available for Windows and Mac. Whether you are a professional video recorder or a hobbyist, having the right set of tools to record your video is necessary to grow your audience.
We strongly recommend you to download EaseUS RecExperts since it is full-featured, lightweight, and easy to use in the meantime.
FAQs About Best Free Screen Recorder Windows 10
There are hot topics on the internet. Here, I have listed some popular ones about screen recording and video editing. You can read on to solve your problems.
1. What is the best free screen recorder?
Top 10 Best Free Screen Recorders for Windows and Mac in 2021:
2. Does Windows have a screen recorder?
Yes. Windows 10 has a secret screen recording tool - Xbox Game Bar. You can use it to capture the screen. It is convenient to use without installing any software.
3. How can I record my screen without background noise?
You can use free screen recorders without an audio recording feature. Like QuickTime Player, it enables you to record your Mac screen without audio.
They say there is no free lunch and, more often than not, that’s the rule. Screen recording software, though, is a delightful exception — there are heaps of free tools out there.
To help you find the best free screen recorder, we have created a shortlist of the best free screen recorders in 2021 that are free. Ideal for communicating your ideas and feedback faster, recorder video tutorials, explainer videos, report bugs, etc.
What Is Screen Recording Software?
Screen recording software captures what is on your computer screen. You can either record in full screen or capture a specific area. Most of these apps can record your microphone (audio narration) and the best desktop recording software can also record your computer screen with audio (the system sound).
However, this is where the similarities end. Not all such programs are HD screen recorders . Some screen recording tools can save the recording in various file formats or export it to social media websites like YouTube. Top screen recorders, though, can upload your screen captures to the cloud in real-time and give you a sharing link instantly (much more effective).
So, before you set your mind on a free screen recording software, it’s best to evaluate your own recording needs. Maybe you don’t need to upload your videos to social media or maybe you don’t need to record in HD.
How we reviewed the top screen video recorders
We took information about each of the best desktop recorders directly from their official website. In addition, we gathered insights from independent reviews published on G2Crowd and tested each tool ourselves.
What is a good screen recorder?
While our picks range from desktop apps to browser plug-ins, each one meets the following basic criteria:
- User-friendly interface
- Can record the entire screen or a specific area
- Captures both system and microphone audio
- Built-in video sharing and/or convenient exporting options
See this video for more information.