If you are interested in finding the best screen recorder, you’ve come to the right place! Here, you’ll find useful information that’ll help you find the best free desktop recorder. We’ve reviewed screen-recording software, built-in tools, online services, and browser extensions.
Special pick: Movavi Screen Recorder
A special mention must go to the Movavi Screen Recorder for Windows 7/8/10, which is easily mastered thanks to its intuitive interface. It is the perfect tool for recording good quality webinars, meetings, video calls, live or streaming videos or online tutorials, and then downloading or sharing to online platforms, such as YouTube. You can record audio and video or take simple screenshots and then take advantage of the suite of editing tools. The free trial will give you access to most features, so you can test it out for yourself.
Best desktop recording software
Choosing high-quality software to record your desktop video has its ups and downs. While having a program on your PC can benefit you by providing you with the full version and working offline, it can also take up a lot of space on your computer, depending on the specific software.
OS: Windows, Mac
Best for: capturing streaming videos, webinars, and online calls
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 41 good reviews out of 44
Capture webinars, record video instructions, and grab streaming or online videos directly from your screen with Movavi Screen Recorder. You can quickly make a desktop video capture by hitting the record button.
Main features:
Intuitive interface
High-quality audio and video
Fast
Easily share online or via Google Drive
Pros:
Adjustable parameters for a recording session
Ability to record external and internal audio separately
No internet connection required to record video and audio
Cons:
Output video has a watermark with the free desktop screen recorder
No possibility to add tags to your videos with the free version
Movavi Screen Recorder
Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.
OBS Studio
OS: Windows 10, macOS, and Linux
Best for: making professional video clips
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars, 41 good review out of 44
Equipped with a powerful API, OBS Studio allows you to customize functionality to your specific needs. Native plugins to preview scenes and adjust them before you save your final recording. Switch between the scenes with custom transitions.
Main features:
Open-source freeware
Fast
Full of features
High-quality video and audio recording
Pros:
Works seamlessly with Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10
Understandable user interface
Built-in audio mixer
Cons:
Requires additional plugins to customize effects and edits
High on RAM consumption
You can download OBS Studio by following the link below:
Screencast-O-Matic
OS: Windows, Mac and iOS, Android, Chromebook
Best for: screen recording and clip mixing
G2 rating: 4 out of 5 stars, 34 good reviews out of 40
Allowing you to communicate while you record, this program is some of the best desktop recording software on the market. You can capture your screen, add a webcam, and narrate your recordings to create a high-quality video.
Main features:
User-friendly
Low cost
Packed with customizable features
Pros:
Robust video editor to overlay text, shapes, and images
Built-in stock program for all of your imaging needs
Cloud hosting so you can share your content
Cons:
Limited fonts and backgrounds
Time-consuming to build your personal content library
You can download Screencast-O-Matic by following the link below:
Icecream Screen Recorder
OS: Windows, Mac, Android
Best for: HD screen recording
G2 rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars, 18 good reviews out of 21
Record apps, video tutorials, webinars, live streams, Skype or Zoom calls, and much more with the IceCream Screen Recorder. Hotkeys are visible for you while recording but will not show up in the video, making adjustments like the frame of speed easy.
Main features:
Free version
Simple interface
Fast
Pros:
Possibility to select a previous recording area to automate parameters
Possibility to convert the format of the recorded videos easily
Cons:
Not all codecs are supported
Limited editing tools with the free download
You can download Icecream Screen Recorder by following the link below:
ActivePresenter
OS: Windows, Mac
Best for: demos and educational tutorials
Capterra rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Going above and beyond for those looking to create tutorials or guidelines, ActivePresenter is an eLearning Authoring Software that combines desktop screen recording software for Windows 10 with many other tools.
Main features:
Free
Good selection of editing tools
High-quality video
User-friendly
Pros:
Intuitive and responsive design
Interactive variables with full-motion recording
Cons:
Limited effects
Only videos created with ActivePresenter can be imported
You can download ActivePresenter by following the link below:
Flashback Express
OS: Windows, Linux
Best for: unlimited game capture
TechRadar rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Capture your PC screen without limits on movie length, add audio commentary while you record, and easily share the file by uploading it to YouTube with this Windows desktop recorder with the free download. Need to do some fine-tuning and share the result later? That's okay. Keep it for yourself by saving it directly to your desktop.
Main features:
Free version and a free trial of the paid version
Screen capture and recording
Editing tools included
Pros:
No time limit on screen recording
Records both audio and video
Watermark-free
Cons:
Very simple in nature compared to other free desktop recording software
You can't edit your recorded file via the free program
You can download Flashback Express by following the link below:
Built-in free desktop screen recorders
Like desktop software, using the built-in tools that come with your device can provide you with advantages and disadvantages when you're looking to record content from your desktop with sound. Firstly, built-in tools save you time, don't always require a download, and they're made to be compatible with your specific device so that you have the best software. The downside to this style of Windows desktop recorders is that they can be limiting if you want features that aren't included in their programming.
Game Bar
OS: Windows
Best for: gameplay recording
PCWorld rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Xbox's Game Bar was crafted to improve workflow with Windows 10 devices. The desktop video recording software allows you to capture videos and screenshots while playing PC games. You can stream, record, and share without having to leave the comfort of your game.
Main features:
Free, built-in
User-friendly
Customizable gaming overlay
Pros:
DVR feature in Xbox app allows you to choose the duration of your video
Game Mode settings so that you can optimize video quality
Fluid recording and internal editing
Cons:
Without a video card that supports AMD VCE, Intel Quick Sync H.260, or Nvidia NVENC encoders, the app may not work
You can only record a single app, not the entire desktop
You can download Xbox Game Bar by following the link below:
QuickTime
OS: Mac
Best for: macOS users
MacUpdate rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars
Mac users lucked up with having QuickTime bundled with macOS. Unlike other options, it can play iTunes files and allows you to edit them through the pro subscription. However, it is not functional as a free desktop recorder for Windows 10 or any other version of Windows, even though you can download it.
Main features:
Pre-installed Apple app
User-friendly
Good selection of editing tools
Pros:
Automatically included with macOS
Simple interface
Full-screen recording
Cons:
Single source, macOS only
Only supports MOV file format
You can download QuickTime by following the link below:
Desktop video recorders to use online
Online desktop capture programs make it easy to record your screen without taking up a surplus of room on your computer. You can rely on them to bring you some of the most updated features while simultaneously being able to upload content directly to your favorite platforms through many of them. The biggest con to online screen recording services is that they typically function online only, which means that you can’t utilize them if you don't have Internet access.
OS: Online
Best for: quick no-download recording
Trustpilot rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Capture your desktop and save a video in HD without any trouble. Movavi's Screen Capture solution brings you cutting-edge service so that you can capture your screen in just a few clicks. No installation is needed, and you can record sound and video without having to switch between multiple tabs.
Main features:
Professional quality of audio and video
User-friendly
Eliminates background noise
Pros:
Record both screen and webcam simultaneously
Ability to add your voice while recording internal audio as needed
Supported by all major browsers
Cons:
Watermarks video
Limited features until you download the app
You can access Screencapture.com by following the link below:
Apowersoft Online Recorder
OS: Online
Best for: unlimited screen recording
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
As a smart screen recorder for a desktop, this web-based app allows you to capture video and audio without having to download screencast software. One-click recording and adjustable parameters ensure you can record anything on your screen without limitations. Additionally, you can add your webcam to the screen for tutorials, streaming, and more.
Main features:
Free
Easy-to-use
Easy to share or save
Pros:
Record both audio and video simultaneously
Edit in real-time
Cloud-based, so you never lose content again
Cons:
Download required before you can access all editing features
Cannot record on a second monitor
You can access Apowersoft Online Recorder by following the link below:
Screenapp.io
OS: Online
Best for: instant screen recording
Want to know how to record audio and video of your desktop? Record instantly with this online screen recorder. Features include quick recording so that you never have to install extensions or download heavy programming, the ability to record your entire screen with multiple windows, and more.
Main features:
Free version
Quick, easy to download recordings
Integrated storage solution
Pros:
No registration, sign up, or installation
Minimal learning curve
Works with various platforms
Cons:
Cloud storage is not included
Editing features are minimal
You can access Screenapp.io by following the link below:
Browser screen recorders for a desktop
Looking for new ways on how to record a video with sound? Browser extensions allow you a best of both worlds opportunity. Depending on which browser you use, you can quickly begin recording without the hefty fallback of using all of your PC's storage. However, when you're away from an internet connection, or you only use one specific browser, your desktop recorder with audio could be limited in use or not usable at all.
Loom
OS: Chrome browser extension
Best for: educational tutorials
Chrome web store rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Created as an extension that provides video messaging, Loom allows you to record your screen quickly and share the video with others via a link. You can trim and edit your recordings, as well as track who watches your videos and see when they watched them.
Main features:
User-friendly
Feature-rich
Professional quality results
Pros:
Quickshare videos and recordings
Fast processing
Notifications when somebody views your video
Cons:
Disruptive recording if you lose internet
Limit of 5 minutes recording time without the full version
Screencastify
OS: Chrome browser extension
Best for: HD screen recording
Chrome web store rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Designed to be simple, Screencastify allows you to record, edit and share HD videos without hassle. The Chrome extension automatically syncs with your Google Drive and uploads your content so that you never lose your recordings.
Main features:
Free
User-friendly
Good quality audio and video production
Pros:
Syncs with Google Drive
Ability to record a single tab or your entire screen
Live screen options
Cons:
Can't add a webcam while recording
Limited to Google Chrome
OS: Chrome browser extension
Best for: recording all screen activity with minimal effort
Chrome web store rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
This is another user-friendly software offering from Movavi. The intuitive interface of this desktop video recorder makes it simple and quick to capture screen activity with professional audio and video results. Create slick demos or webinars by recording full screen, selecting areas of the screen, using the webcam, via a microphone, or the computer’s audio. You don’t need to be an expert to record and edit your video production using the built-in editing tools. All experience levels can take advantage of the features to create quick, quality screen recordings.
Main features:
Record all desktop activity including websites, Zoom calls, webinars, podcasts, etc.
Can record audio only
Pros:
Intuitive interface
Lightweight
Built-in video editor
Fast
Cons:
Free trial lacks full functionality
Webcam options are limited
Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder
OS: Chrome browser extension
Best for: making screencasts and educational demos
Chrome web store rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
For full webpage compatibility, you can use Nimbus to capture, screenshot, edit, and annotate video conveniently.
Main features:
Easy-to-use
Good selection of editing tools
Easy sharing across platforms
Pros:
Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam all at once
Interactive interface
Integrates directly with Google Drive
Cons:
Limited to browser
You must review updated notes in the extension before using new tools
Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder
OS: Chrome/Edge browser extension
Best for: product demo or how-to tutorials
Chrome web store rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Compared to other Google Chrome extensions, this screen recorder is loaded with powerful tools and even allows you to edit content while offline. The browser extension will enable you to choose video dimensions, share or save content files, and annotate recordings with ease.
Main features:
Free for personal use
Annotation tools
Instant sharing of screenshots and videos
Pros:
Runs offline
Quick switch between screen capture and screen recording features
Instantly sharable content
Cons:
Limited to recording your desktop, current tab, or camera only
Not cross-platform supported
What to look for in a screen recorder
It can be tricky choosing the best screen recorder to fit your individual needs when you are starting out. Here are some important points to keep in mind while doing your research and before you make your ultimate selection.
User-friendly or not: you don’t want to spend too long mastering your software, so check out how intuitive the interface is.
Free or paid: either opt for free software or a program with a free trial, so you can try before you buy to avoid any nasty surprises.
Ability to easily share or download and save: consider how you want to use your video creations – share them on online platforms, via email, or download and store them on your computer.
User reviews: do your research online and find user feedback.
Customer/technical support: make sure someone is available to answer your questions.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve reviewed several solutions for recording a video of your desktop, their features and pros and cons. We hope it’s been helpful in your choice of an ideal screen recorder for your personal needs.
Movavi Screen Recorder
Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best desktop recording software?
Depending on your specific needs, what device you're using to record, and what tools you'll need to edit and share your recordings, you may find that one desktop recorder fits your list of necessities more. Below is a list of the best desktop programs, online services, browser extensions, and built-in software for you.
Movavi Screen Recorder
OBS Studio
Apowersoft Online Recorder
Xbox Game Bar
Loom
Read the article above for more programs.
Does Windows 10 have a desktop recorder?
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a built-in screen recorder. Xbox Game Bar, despite its name, isn’t limited to recording your gaming activity and is extremely easy to use.
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