10 Best Screen Recorders for PC

Finding the best screen recording software for your PC can be a challenge, with so many options available. Whether you're a gamer, educator, or professional content creator, this guide covers the 10 best screen recorders for PC—a mix of free and paid tools that meet every need. Let’s explore each one in detail, including their unique features, pros, cons, and how to use them.

What makes a good screen recorder?

Before we dive into the top screen recording software, it’s important to know what defines a good screen recorder. Here are the key factors you should look for:

1. High-quality video capture: The primary function of any screen recorder is to capture high-quality video. Look for software that supports at least 1080p resolution to ensure that your recordings are clear and professional, especially if you're creating content for tutorials or presentations. Higher resolutions like 4K may be needed for more advanced tasks, such as gameplay recording or detailed software demonstrations.
2. Multiple recording options: A good screen recorder should give you flexibility in how you capture your screen. Whether you need to record the entire screen, a specific region, or just a particular window, having these options allows you to tailor your recording to your needs. This is especially helpful if you only want to focus on a particular part of your screen or switch between windows during a recording.
3. Built-in editing: The ability to edit your recordings within the same software is a big time-saver. Basic editing features like trimming unwanted sections, adding annotations, or inserting transitions can enhance the final product without the need for third-party editing software. This is particularly useful for creating polished tutorials or professional presentations on the go.
4. Ease of use: A simple and intuitive interface is crucial, especially for beginners or those who don’t want to spend hours learning the software. A good screen recorder should have a straightforward design, enabling users to start recording with minimal setup and configuration. Easy-to-navigate settings and controls make the recording process smooth and stress-free.
5. Flexible export options: Once your recording is complete, you’ll want to export it in a format that suits your needs. A good screen recorder should support a variety of export formats, such as MP4, AVI, or GIF, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and devices. This flexibility allows you to share your content more easily, whether you're uploading it to YouTube, embedding it in a website, or using it for professional presentations.

5 must-try free screen recorders for stunning captures

Free screen recorders can deliver impressive results without costing you a dime. Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or hosting a webinar, these tools offer powerful features that make capturing your screen easy and efficient. Below are five of the best free screen recorders, each with unique features to help you get the job done.

1. DemoCreator

DemoCreator is an ideal solution for beginners who need a simple yet powerful screen recorder. It allows you to record your screen and webcam simultaneously, making it perfect for tutorials and presentations. The software includes basic editing tools, like trimming and annotations, and supports multiple export formats, including MP4 and GIF. With adjustable frame rates and integration with cloud services, DemoCreator is a versatile tool for educators and casual users alike.

Features:

• Simultaneous screen and webcam recording.
• Basic editing tools for quick adjustments.
• Adjustable frame rates for different recording needs.
• Export options in MP4, GIF, and other formats.
• Cloud integration for easy sharing.

Who it’s for: Educators, students, and tutorial creators looking for an easy-to-use tool.

Price: Free, with paid options starting at $39.99/year.

How to use DemoCreator:

Step1Download & install

Visit the official Democreator website and download the software. Follow the installation prompts to set it up.

Step2Start a new recording

Open the software, choose whether to record your screen, webcam, or both, and then select the region you want to capture.

Step3Edit & export

Once the recording is done, use the built-in editor to trim or add annotations. Export your video in the format of your choice.

2. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is the go-to screen recorder for professionals who need high-quality output and live streaming capabilities. As an open-source tool, it provides an endless amount of customization for your recordings. It’s perfect for gamers and streamers who need to broadcast live, and it supports HD video recording. OBS Studio offers powerful plugins and scene transitions, making it one of the most versatile free tools available.

Features:

• Full HD screen recording and live streaming.
• Scene and source management for professional-quality setups.
• Customizable hotkeys for quick access to features.
• Audio mixing with per-source filters.
• Plugin support for extended functionality.

Who it’s for: Streamers, gamers, and professionals needing customizable recording solutions.

Price: Free.

How to use OBS Studio:

Step1Install & configure

Download OBS Studio from the official website. Open the software and configure your settings, including the output resolution and file format.

Step2Set up scenes & sources

Create different "scenes" by adding screen regions, windows, or specific sources (such as your webcam). Customize your layout to fit your needs.

Step3Start recording or streaming

Hit the "Start Recording" button to capture your screen, or "Start Streaming" if you're broadcasting live. Use hotkeys for quick transitions.

3. Flashback Express

Flashback Express is an excellent tool for users who need to capture their screens without watermarks or time limits. It’s user-friendly and perfect for beginners who want to record tutorials or presentations. Flashback Express offers multiple capture modes, including full screen, window, or selected region, and exports in MP4, AVI, or WMV formats. The free version includes basic editing tools like trimming, and there’s no watermark, even for extended recordings.

Features:

• Records without watermarks or time limits.
• Full-screen, window, and region recording modes.
• Includes basic editing tools like trimming.
• Export options in MP4, AVI, and WMV.
• Schedule recordings to start and stop automatically.

Who it’s for: Beginners and casual users who need a no-frills screen recorder.

Price: Free.

How to use Flashback Express:

Step1Install & set up

Download Flashback Express from the official website. Install the software and open the main dashboard.

Step2Choose recording mode

Select whether you want to record your entire screen, a specific window, or a region. Configure the audio and webcam settings if necessary.

Step3Record & export

Click the "Record" button to start capturing. Once done, use the built-in editor to trim your video, then export it in your desired format.

4. ActivePresenter

ActivePresenter is a feature-rich screen recorder ideal for educators and eLearning professionals. It allows users to create interactive content, complete with quizzes, annotations, and feedback mechanisms. The tool supports full-motion video recording, making it perfect for creating detailed instructional videos. ActivePresenter’s editing suite is highly advanced for a free tool, with options for transitions, animations, and effects. It’s one of the most comprehensive free screen recorders available.

Features:

• Full-motion video recording with no watermarks.
• Create interactive eLearning content with quizzes and annotations.
• Extensive editing tools including transitions and effects.
• Support for SCORM, HTML5, and video export formats.
• PowerPoint integration for enhanced presentations.

Who it’s for: Educators, instructional designers, and eLearning content creators.

Price: Free, with a paid version starting at $199.

How to use ActivePresenter:

Step1Install & configure

Download ActivePresenter from the official website. Install and launch the software, then set up your preferences for recording and editing.

Step2Start recording

Choose to record your screen, specific window, or webcam. You can also add interactive elements during the recording process, such as quizzes or notes.

Step3Edit & export

After recording, use the powerful editing tools to add transitions, effects, or annotations. Export your video in your preferred format or share it online.

5 top paid screen recorders for professional quality

When it comes to delivering professional-grade video captures, paid screen recorders offer advanced features, seamless performance, and enhanced editing tools that free software can’t match. Whether you're a content creator, educator, or business professional, these paid tools will ensure your screen recordings stand out with top-notch quality. Below are five premium screen recorders, including their key features, pros, cons, pricing, and steps to use.

1. Camtasia
Camtasia is a well-known screen recording software designed for professionals. It combines robust screen capturing with powerful editing tools, making it perfect for creating polished instructional videos, tutorials, and presentations. With advanced features like animations, transitions, and green screen effects, Camtasia is a one-stop solution for producing high-quality videos with ease.

Features:

• High-quality screen recording with built-in editing tools.
• Animations, transitions, and effects for enhanced presentations.
• Green screen support for dynamic video creation.
• Templates and pre-made assets to streamline video production.
• Direct export to YouTube, Google Drive, and other platforms.

Who it’s for: Professional content creators, educators, and businesses requiring high-quality video editing features.

Price: Starts at $299.99 (one-time purchase).

How to use Camtasia:

Step1Install & configure

Download Camtasia from the official site. Open the software and set your recording preferences, such as screen size and audio settings.

Step2Start recording

Click "New Recording," then choose whether to record your screen, webcam, or both. Customize your recording with annotations or effects.

Step3Edit & export

Once finished, use Camtasia's editor to add animations, transitions, and other effects. Export your video in the desired format.

2. Bandicam

Bandicam is a lightweight screen recording software that excels in capturing gameplay and high-definition content. With support for 4K recording and DirectX/OpenGL, Bandicam is popular among gamers and vloggers. It offers real-time drawing tools and webcam overlay, making it ideal for creating dynamic video tutorials or gameplay captures.

Features:

• 4K Ultra HD recording with minimal system impact.
• Game recording mode optimized for DirectX and OpenGL.
• Real-time drawing and annotations during recording.
• Webcam overlay and audio recording for live commentary.
• Supports various export formats, including MP4 and AVI.

Who it’s for: Gamers, YouTubers, and tutorial creators needing high-quality screen captures with minimal system impact.

Price: $39.95 for one PC.

How to use Bandicam:

Step1Download & set up

Install Bandicam from the official website. Open the software and configure your screen or game recording settings.

Step2Record your screen or gameplay

Choose your preferred recording mode (screen or game). Adjust the capture area, and start recording by clicking the "Record" button.

Step3Save & export

Once finished, stop the recording and save it in your desired format. Bandicam allows direct uploading to YouTube or saving to your PC.

3. Screencast-O-Matic

ScreenPal formally Screencast-O-Matic is a versatile screen recorder offering both free and paid versions. The premium plan unlocks powerful features such as video editing, drawing tools, and stock music, making it an excellent choice for educators and small business owners. With its easy-to-use interface, you can record your screen or webcam and quickly edit your videos for professional results.

Features:

• Record your screen or webcam with built-in editing features.
• Draw on your screen or zoom in during recordings.
• Add stock music or voice-over to your recordings.
• Direct upload to YouTube, Google Drive, or Screencast-O-Matic cloud.
• Built-in video editor with trimming and transitions.

Who it’s for: Educators, small business owners, and users needing an affordable and easy-to-use screen recording solution.

Price: Free, premium starts at $1.65/month.

How to use Screencast-O-Matic:

Step1Install & configure

Download and install Screencast-O-Matic. Set up your recording preferences, including screen, webcam, or both.

Step2Record your screen

Select the area of your screen to record, then press the "Record" button. Use the built-in drawing tools or zoom functions to enhance your recording.

Step3Edit & share

After recording, trim or edit your video using the built-in editor. Upload directly to YouTube or save the file locally.

4. Icecream Screen Recorder

Icecream Screen Recorder is a simple yet effective screen recording tool that allows users to record webinars, games, and desktop activities with ease. With a user-friendly interface, it’s perfect for freelancers and professionals looking to capture high-quality videos. Icecream Screen Recorder supports area selection, drawing tools, and scheduled recording options, making it a versatile choice for various use cases.

Features:

• Scheduled recordings and custom screen capture areas.
• Real-time drawing tools and annotations.
• Records screen, webcam, and audio simultaneously.
• Export in MP4, AVI, or WebM formats.
• Built-in task manager to automatically stop recordings.

Who it’s for: Freelancers, remote workers, and casual users needing quick, reliable screen recording.

Price: $29.95 one-time payment.

How to use Icecream Screen Recorder:

Step3Download & install

 Install Icecream Screen Recorder from the official site. Open the software and choose your preferred screen recording options.

Step3Start recording

Select the area of the screen you want to capture and click "Record." Use the drawing tools to annotate during the recording.

Step3Save & export

Once finished, save your recording in your preferred format, and use the task manager to schedule future recordings.

5. ShareX (Paid features section)

ShareX is an open-source screen recorder that’s free to use, but certain premium features, such as enhanced cloud storage options and priority support, come with paid upgrades. Known for its extensive customization and powerful features, ShareX is ideal for developers and advanced users who need more control over their screen captures. The software supports a wide variety of capture methods and integrates with external editors for further processing.

Features:

• Open-source with extensive customization options.
• Multiple capture methods, including full screen, window, and region.
• Built-in editor for annotations and effects.
• Supports hotkeys for quick access to recording functions.
• Automatic uploads to cloud storage or FTP servers.

Who it's for: Developers, designers, and advanced users who need control over detailed screen captures.

Price: Free with premium upgrades for enhanced features.

How to use ShareX:

Step3Install & configure

Download ShareX from the official site and install it. Customize your screen capture preferences and hotkeys.

Step3Capture your screen

Select the capture method (region, window, or full screen) and hit the hotkey to start recording. You can also use the built-in editor for basic adjustments.

Step3Upload & share

After recording, ShareX automatically saves the file and uploads it to your preferred cloud service or saves it locally.

10 Best screen recorders for pc: A comprehensive comparison

In the sections above, we’ve explored the top screen recording tools in detail, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and pricing. To make it easier for you to choose the right tool based on your specific needs, we’ve compiled a quick comparison table. This table provides a side-by-side view of the key points discussed, allowing you to make an informed decision quickly and easily. As Democreator is our recommended tool, we’ve placed it at the top of the list.

Why DemoCreator is on top of our list

DemoCreator leads our list of the best screen recorders because of its perfect balance between powerful features and ease of use. It is ideal for a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals, offering seamless screen and webcam recording with basic editing tools, such as trimming and annotations. Its user-friendly interface makes it simple to capture high-quality content without a steep learning curve, and it supports various export formats like MP4 and GIF. Moreover, Democreator provides great value at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for both personal and professional use.

Conclusion:

With this comprehensive comparison table, you can quickly see how each tool stacks up. Whether you need basic screen recording or professional-level editing and exporting, this table allows you to weigh the options and select the one that fits your requirements. For most users, Democreator stands out for its ease of use and feature set, making it a great all-around solution for screen recording. Its balance of intuitive design and powerful editing tools makes it ideal for both beginners and professionals. No matter what your screen recording needs are, there’s a tool on this list that will help you create high-quality content effortlessly.