12+ Best Free Screen Capture Software in 2023
In this guide, we explore the best free screen capture software and evaluate their features and functions. While many devices have some capture software inbuilt, it can be basic and limiting. For extra features, people often turn to the screen capture software on this list:
Quick summary
Desktop HD recorder with editing capabilities: Movavi Screen Recorder
Online screen capture program: Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
A simple app for browser screen capture: Screencastify
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Best screen capture software for free on a PC and Mac
Mac/Windows
Key features:
Record videos in HD and 4K
Movavi Screen Recorder provides you with a simple desktop capture tool that can also grab audio and video from a webcam and external microphone. You can create screencasts that also show your keystrokes and mouse, and you can easily annotate your videos to make them more clear and more engaging.
This screen capture program also has the capacity to capture just audio or to take videos or photos via webcam if needed without the screen.
Pros:
Grab a video from screen or webcam in 4K without interface complications
Get crisp, clear sound without unwanted background noise
Add depth to the video by drawing notes, shapes, and figures on it in real time
Cons:
Unleash your creativity with the full version of the program
Ezvid
Windows
Key features:
Works with Windows XP3, 7, 8, and 10
Includes Facecam and Voice Synthesis features
Instant slideshow maker saves time
Some annotation features
This totally free software is made for a PC, so it is only compatible with the Windows operating system.
It’s quick and easy to use and has some very good features for beginners, meaning that if you want to make a quick slideshow or video for YouTube then this could be one of the best free screen capture software Windows 10 can run, with no need to buy a license after a trial (this is a freeware download).
Pros:
Some simple editing functions included
The software makes it easy to create a slideshow
Cons:
Not the simplest layout
Not as many updates or as much support as some of the other options
No Mac version
OBS Studio
Mac/Windows/Linux
Key features:
Modular 'Dock' UI to arrange however you wish
Detailed video and audio mixer with plugin support
Free and open source
OBS Studio is one of the best screen capture software for free if you are looking to broadcast live, and it works with popular streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
OBS Studio also allows you to switch between a number of different picture and audio sources, and while it doesn’t function like a traditional desktop capture tool, it can take video from your desktop and save it to your computer as well as broadcast it.
Pros:
Lots of options for audio and video inputs
Allows streaming to some of the top platforms
Cons:
Not as much support as some other options
Not the most user-friendly for beginners
Screencast-o-Matic
Mac/Windows/iOS
Key features:
Works on Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Chromebook
Easily add captions
Uses multiple audio and video sources and capable of picture-in-picture
Screencast-o-Matic has a free plan, and while it is one of the best screen capturing software options, it is not freeware. Instead, if you want to get the most out of the tool you need to pay for an upgraded plan.
The company’s free screen capture software is more limited in its features, but still gives you a simple and easy way to start making and editing videos using both what is on your screen and other sources such as a webcam. There are also some simple editing functions included and stock footage within some of their membership plans. If you find that you get on well with the free option, you can always pay for an upgraded plan.
Pros:
Really simple for beginners to get used to
Flexible, allowing you to capture footage and edit on multiple devices
Add stock music and footage when editing
Cons:
Not all features come as part of the free plan
ShareX
Windows
Key features:
Easy sharing
Works with Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7
Technically-minded people can edit the source code, available on GitHub
Customize workflow
ShareX is simple and lightweight software for your Windows device. With this app, you can record your desktop or webcam and share it with other users.
ShareX is free screen capture software for Windows 10. It’s totally free for Windows users and gives loads of different options to quickly share the video, in a similar way to Loom or other online video sharing platforms.
The editing functions are a little bit limited which can be frustrating, but there are still some good functions to help you liven up your videos, such as capturing from a custom region on the screen, adding custom watermarks, and adding some simple text to the video.
Pros:
Contains inbuilt commands for simple actions
Lightweight and totally free with no ads
Easily upload to YouTube and other video platforms
Cons:
Only works on Windows
Editing features are limited
The layout isn’t the easiest to navigate
Free Screen Video Recorder
Windows
Key features:
Includes some basic image editing such as crop and rotate
Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, XP SP3
Capture still images or MP4 containing sound
This free screen capture software doesn't have a lot of advanced features and functions, but the flip side of this is that it is really easy to get to grips with. It’s best for capturing still images on PC, but it does also allow you to do some basic video capture including audio.
The software is lightweight, as the program is only around 33 MB to download and run on your Windows device. Videos are saved as MP4 files and with still images, you can choose between BMP, JPEG, GIF, TGA, or PNG formats. You can also print them straight from the toolbar.
This program functions as a small and efficient toolbar which can sit at the top of your desktop ready for you to start recording or make a really quick capture.
Pros:
Simple and unobtrusive layout
Capture multiple windows and objects
Lots of file formats for image capture
Cons:
Not available for Mac or Linux
Very basic editing functions, especially for video
TinyTake
Windows
Key features:
Capture videos from desktop and webcam up to 120 minutes
Easy annotation for all team members
Video annotations are saved locally
Share and backup files up to 2 GB
TinyTake has been designed for annotation and collaboration. This is perhaps one of the best options for those who want to simply share ideas in a visual way on Windows devices.
The image capture software allows you to record your screen before annotating images and video yourself by importing images, highlighting, adding text comments, and more. You can even blur parts of your screenshots for hiding content or blur faces if required.
It’s a good way to share instructions among a team or give feedback on video and other visual projects. For personal use, it is free, but for commercial use, there are paid plans for this capture software.
Pros:
Easy sharing with annotations
Keep your videos in the cloud
Make simple backups, share, and upload to YouTube from TinyTake
Cons:
Only works on Windows
Free plan is very limiting in terms of features
SimpleScreenRecorder
Linux
Key features:
Choose to record the entire screen or part of it
Shows a preview and statistics during recording (file size, bit rate, total recording time, frame rate)
Intelligent synchronizing for video and audio
Easy to save presets for recording settings
This program was made by one individual, Maarten Baert, who set out to create free screen capture software for Linux due to the options out there being less-than-satisfactory. It’s totally free and distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License.
SimpleScreenRecorder is a free download and though the layout has a lot of text and drop-down options rather than visual controls, it doesn’t take too long to get used to the controls.
It gives you the option to capture all of a window or desktop on your computer and has some cool features to keep the software lightweight in its operation. For instance, if your computer is slowing, it will drop the frame rate of the recording rather than using too much RAM.
Pros:
Simple controls for Linux users
Easy to see what you are recording at all times with the preview function
Lots of settings including frame rate and video size
Tooltips in the software help you to use all of the settings
Cons:
Only available for Linux
The layout can be intimidating for beginners
Icecream Screen Recorder
Mac/Android/Windows
Key features:
Easily capture the whole screen or a section of the screen
Simple annotation
Integrates well with cloud backup
Some simple editing functions including speeding and slowing
Schedule recordings for a later time
Icecream Screen Recorder is a clever and lightweight piece of software that allows you to record a part of your screen or the whole screen, and easily share and backup on Dropbox, Drive, YouTube, Skype, and more.
There are a variety of recording settings you can choose between and this even lets you get rid of desktop icons or disable your screensaver while you’re recording so that you don’t ruin your video.
Once recorded, there are some simple editing effects including cutting the video, speeding up and slowing down recordings, and displaying your mouse clicks and hotkeys.
Pros:
Allows you lots of options for effects and video settings, such as hiding or showing your cursor
Compatible with a lot of devices
Easily copy and share recordings, you can even copy them to your Clipboard
Cons:
Limited file types and size unless you upgrade to PRO
Free videos are watermarked
Debut Video Capture
Mac/Windows
Key features:
File types including AVI, WMV, FLV, MPG, MP4, and MOV supported
Capture from multiple inputs including webcams
Simple effects and color correction
Green screen functionality, change your background image
Debut Video Capture has many of the same features as other screen capture software free to download today.
This tool allows for simple capture of stills and video from either a part of the screen or the whole screen and also has a good webcam overlay feature so you can record video and audio from multiple sources. You can also use other network devices. For example, you could input a VHS recorder with the right connections.
It also allows you to record in a variety of different video formats and quickly and easily add effects including easy color correction and simple annotation. You can then upload the video in a variety of different places including YouTube, with ease.
Pros:
Simple to use for both Mac and Windows users
Flexible, allowing you to record at scheduled times and from various video sources
Cons:
Only free for personal use
Free version restricts some of the features
Free Cam
Windows
Key features:
Simple audio editing with a visual cursor
Includes effects and background noise removal
Easy to share videos to YouTube or save as WMV files
Free Cam is a great piece of free screen capture software that allows you to easily add and edit audio, and make some simple edits at the click of a button, including removing unwanted sections and getting rid of background noise.
Free Cam can allow you to capture and cast your screen for free, with mouse highlighting and other simple annotation options in real-time.
Pros:
Simple to make audio edits and reduce background noise
Easy to select a recording area on the screen
Straightforward interface is good for beginners
Cons:
Lots of features are restricted unless you pay for the PRO version
Only records up to 720p without PRO upgrade
Best apps to create online screen capture for free
Any (web-based)
Key features:
Capture your whole screen or a part of your screen
Totally secure online capture via a private site
Add audio sources and webcam video
This is a really simple and effective way to capture your screen online with no need to download any additional software or take up extra space on your computer or device.
Screencapture.com lets you capture from multiple sources including your webcam and multiple audio sources. Record directly on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera browsers. This is a totally private and secure way to capture your screen.
Pros:
Super simple layout
Include sound from a variety of different sources
Save and download the video to your computer
Cons:
Watermarked videos unless you pay for a subscription
AceThinker Online Screen Recorder
Any (web-based)
Key features:
Download in AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, MP4 formats
Simple browser capture with the download of a launcher program
Resize and schedule video recordings
AceThinker gives you the option to record and download videos from online sources in a variety of different formats. The online screen recorder can function easily within your browser, but it does require you to download a simple piece of software first.
It is really easy to set the parameters for download and choose which part of the screen you want to record and schedule a time for the recording to start.
Pros:
Simple layout and easy to click and drag the area you want to record
Save recordings in a variety of formats
Cons:
No editing functions inbuilt
Requires a download in spite of offering browser-based capture
Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
Any (web-based)
Key features:
Exports to MP4, WMV, AVI, FLV, MPEG, VOB, ASF, and GIF
Captures long videos without restrictions
Save to device or upload to cloud storage
This free online screen recorder video is quick and simple to use, but it also gives you the option to download long videos without worrying about tiny limits on file size and timing.
Apowersoft is another online screen capture app that needs you to download a launcher, but it still does the recording within the browser itself.
It’s a free option for capturing video from a variety of sources including your browser window, games, and even from your webcam.
You can also make screencast videos and edit and annotate them in real time. This includes annotating with lines, text, highlights, and more within the video itself, before you upload or send it on. This is great for teaching or demonstration.
Pros:
Great for recording lectures and classes
Easy to start recording with a simple layout
Choose to record one area of the screen
Cons:
You need a launcher to start using the capture features
Watermarked video
Best screen capture freeware for browsers
Loom
Windows/Mac/iOS/Android
Key features:
Record from multiple inputs including internal audio, screen, camera, and mic
Notifications on the video and the option to share and control who sees it
Totally secure
Edit the video using the Loom web application
Loom works as an app as well as a browser extension, and it is fantastic for those who want to create screen captures for free and share them within their organization or as another communication tool. It lets you annotate short videos, and share them all within Loom’s secure platform.
Loom is used by over 14 million different organizations around the world, and this means that it has become commonplace. This means it is often convenient to share videos with people and leave comments, as so many people already have the app.
Loom lets you record from a variety of sources in your browser and instantly share via cloud, you also get notified if someone reacts or comments so it is great for collaborative work.
Pros:
Easy sharing, and lots of people are already familiar with the format
Download videos if you need to
Relatively simple editing and you can add annotations and even links in videos
Cons:
The free plan restricts you to 5 mins per video
Not as easy to share if people don’t have Loom accounts
Movavi Screen Recorder for Chrome
Windows/Mac
Key features:
Simple settings with no need for technical knowledge
No launchers needed other than the chrome extension
No limits on screen capture volume and length
No need to register
Movavi Screen Recorder for Chrome extension makes it simple to grab video directly from a webpage, from your desktop, or from any program that is running on your computer. Like Loom, you can also embed your webcam image so that you can talk people through what is on screen.
There are options for a variety of inputs, both for video and audio and the controls are simple and intuitive.
Pros:
Quick and easy way to start grabbing a video from your browser
Captures from your desktop if needed
Cons:
Watermarked videos unless you pay for membership
Screencastify
Windows/Mac
Key features:
Easy to share via Screencastify and ask questions and see who has viewed the video
Share via Google Drive
Export to your device as MP4, GIF, or MP3
Screencastify makes it really easy to edit the videos within your browser as well as capture them. In real time, you can annotate the videos using mouse effects, a pen tool, and even some stickers.
You can choose from a variety of different videos and audio sources to make your video, and narrate what is on screen using your mic. There is a watermark on videos by default, but this is not unusual for browser-based capture.
The editing is simple, and you can merge videos, trim, and even add effects like zoom and blur. Easy sharing and simple analytics are also incorporated.
Pros:
Simple editing features and functions, even for beginners
Capture from a variety of sources
Simple analytics and ways to help you to engage the audience, such as questions
Cons:
Audio capture is not the best quality
Watermarked unless you pay for a membership
How to choose a screen capture program
There are a lot of options for screen recording both within your browser and on your computer. Make sure you consider the following when looking for screen capture freeware:
Usability: you should make sure that the capture software is simple for you to use, even if you are a beginner. Many free screen capture options are simple and straightforward, but some need some further knowledge.
Compatibility: is the screen capture option suitable for your device? Make sure you can download and install the software.
Features: what kind of features are included, and do they suit your needs? For example, you might need a screen capture option that includes webcam capture.
Upgrade price: is there a price to upgrade the software? For example to be able to get rid of the Watermark that some screen capture apps include by default, or to unlock more features.
Support: it’s a good idea to check if support is available – for example, live chat or email support.
Summary
In this article, we’ve reviewed free desktop and online recorders, as well as extensions. Hopefully, it’ll be easier for you to make an informed decision on what screen capture tool to use.
Movavi Screen Recorder
Frequently asked questions
There are many free screen recorders out there, many of them described in the article above. We recommend trying Movavi Screen Recorder before making a final choice.
Here are some good options for screen recording:
Movavi Screen Recorder
OBS Studio
Screencapture.com
Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
Loom
As you can see from our list of the best free screen capture software, there are many ways of doing this. A lot of people choose to use a specific desktop program downloaded to their computer. There are also options to record directly in your browser using an online tool for screen capture or by adding a specific browser extension.
Movavi Screen Recorder
The perfect way to record anything from your screen
An easy way to record from your screen in HD. Make video footage of any application, record online streaming video, webinars, even Skype calls, and save clips in all popular formats.
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