7 Best Screen Recorders with a Timer for Windows and Mac
What do you do when you want to record a live video or presentation, but you can’t be at your computer to do the recording? A screen recorder with a timer can enable you to schedule recordings, even when you’re away from your computer – let’s explore some of the best options available today.
Our goal is to provide you with only verified information. To ensure this, Movavi Content Team does the following:
The team tests all the products mentioned in this article.
When testing, we compare the key characteristics of the products, which include selecting capture area, schedule recording, showing keystrokes and mouse, and other significant features.
The best recorders with timed capture capabilities
Best for: Scheduling automated screen recordings and audio recordings
OS: Windows, macOS
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5, 50 reviews
Movavi Screen Recorder is a robust screen recorder with basic video-editing features and timed capture capabilities. It includes a free-download trial version that allows users to get a feel for the software and see how easy it is to use. With customizable recording parameters, live drawings and annotations, audio-only recording, and webcam capture, it’s a popular choice for users who want to record and/or enhance gaming sessions, digital presentations, streaming, video tutorials, and other types of videos.
Key features:
Timed capture capabilities
System, webcam, and/or microphone audio capture
Live drawing and annotations
Keystroke and mouse highlighting
Pros:
Easy to use for beginners and pros
Includes basic video-editing tools
Simple auto screen record capabilities
Cons:
Lacks a few advanced video-editing tools
Free version has some limitations
How to schedule a recording with Movavi Screen Recorder
Download and install Movavi Screen Recorder.
Click the Preferences button and open the Scheduler tab.
Select Schedule recording.
Click the Add Task button.
Choose the date, times, and a title for your recording, and click Create.
Click the OK button to save your settings.
Bandicam
Best for: Screen recording on a PC
OS: Windows
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5, 34 reviews
Bandicam is a good option for Windows users who want to record their screen, webcam footage, or a gaming session. Users can opt for a one-PC subscription at $36.95 per year or $49.95 for a lifetime license. Both options include unlimited screen recordings, and no time limit or watermarks on recordings.
Key features:
Webcam overlay on screen recordings
Real-time drawing and outline capabilities
One-time and recurring timed screen-recording options
Pros:
Customizable recording parameters
Free updates on annual subscriptions
Cons:
Only available for Windows PCs
Lacks video-editing capabilities
How to use Bandicam’s timed video recorder:
Download and install the screen recorder.
Download BandicamSelect the Schedule icon at the top of the Bandicam window and click on Add.
In the Add window, select the time and parameters for your recording.
Click OK.
EaseUS RecExperts
Best for: Automated voice conference recording
OS: Windows
TechRadar rating: 4 out of 5
EaseUS RecExperts is automated screen capture software for Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11. Like other options, it offers webcam-recording and audio-recording capabilities, and it also includes some light video-editing capabilities. Subscription options include monthly or yearly subscriptions at $19.95 per month or $39.95 per year, or users may opt for lifetime licenses at $69.95-99.95.
Key features:
Live editing while recording
Schedule voice recorder feature
Video conference recording capabilities
Pros:
Customizable recording options
Lossless video compression capabilities
Exports to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, and others
Cons:
Expensive in comparison with other options
Editing tools are very limited
Free trial version only allows recordings up to two minutes with a watermark
How to record a video with a timer in EaseUS RecExperts:
Follow the link below to download the program. Install the recorder and launch it.
Download EaseUS RecExpertsAt the bottom of the window, click on Task Scheduler and choose New Task.
Add a name for your task and customize the time settings.
Choose the recording area and audio input, then click OK
VideoSolo Screen Recorder
Best for: Recording gaming sessions without lags
OS: Windows, macOS
VideoSolo is a screen-recording platform for Windows or macOS with monthly, annual, or lifetime license options. While VideoSolo is not the most expensive option available, it’s also not the most affordable. With a monthly subscription at $29.95/month, this is probably not the best option for anyone looking for a free screen recorder with a timer. It does include multiple audio input options, customizable recording areas, and it supports multiple video export formats.
Key features:
Real-time drawing, animation, and screenshots
Lag-free game recording
Voice, computer, and webcam audio recording
Pros:
Flexible recording area settings
Multiple video output formats
Cons:
Three-minute limit on recordings with the free version
Lacks all editing tools except video clipping
How to schedule a recording with VideoSolo:
Download the timed voice recorder and install it.
Download VideoSolo Screen RecorderOpen VideoSolo and click on Task Schedule.
Click on the + button.
Name your new task and click OK.
Set your start and stop times.
Ensure that your computer won’t be turned off or in sleep mode at the time of the recording.
Icecream Screen Recorder
Best for: Free screen recordings (five minutes or less)
OS: Windows, macOS
Capterra rating: 4.1 out of 5, 29 reviews
Icecream Screen Recorder allows users to schedule internet radio recording and video recording. Along with customizable recording areas, its capabilities also include screenshots, game capture, and audio-only capture. The program is easy to use, but it’s also fairly bare-bones, without a lot of capabilities. Also, while the app is free, users still have to pay for the premium version to record longer videos and take advantage of more features.
Key features:
Schedule screen recordings
Annotate and edit while recording
Game screen capture
Pros:
Simple user interface
Quick snapshots while recording
Cons:
Lacks video-editing capabilities
Free version limited to five-minute recordings
How to use Icecream’s screen capture timer:
Download the screen recorder and install it on your computer.
Download Icecream Screen RecorderIn the program window, select Tasks at the top.
Click on the + icon to create a new scheduled task.
Select your preferred time and settings, then click Save.
FlashBack Screen Recorder
Best for: Screen recording and sharing for professional teams
OS: Windows
Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5, 6 reviews
FlashBack Screen Recorder was designed with remote work and professional presentations in mind. With it, teams can record and share quick clips, create demo videos, and digital training sessions quickly and easily. If you’re a single user, FlashBack can be fairly affordable, at $49 for a lifetime license. However, a two-computer license is $99, and prices for larger teams range from $148-247 and higher.
Key features:
Multi-screen recording capabilities
Quick exports in multiple formats
Direct upload capability to YouTube
Pros:
Live video effects during recording
Video-editing capabilities
Cons:
Watermark on the free version
Exports can be slow
Editing tools are very basic
How to record a video with the timer function in FlashBack:
Download the recorder and install it.
Download FlashBack Screen RecorderGo to the Scheduling menu and click on Scheduled/Unattended Recording.
Select Use scheduling for the next recording.
Input your start and end times.
In the main window, click Record. The recording won’t start until your specified time.
Debut Video Capture
Best for: Recording videos with captions and video effects
OS: Windows
Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5
Debut Video Capture is a paid screen recorder with a free version available for non-commercial use. The full version includes multiple features, such as webcam recording, screen capture from multiple sources, customizable recording areas, captions, and video effects. The software is relatively affordable at $60 for a lifetime license, and it can be bundled with other Debut programs for users looking for more capabilities.
Key features:
Webcam recording options
Text overlays, filters, and video effects
Flexible capture source options
Pros:
Supports most video export formats
Includes multiple video-editing tools and features
Offers customizable recording settings
Cons:
Free version is very limited
Interface is not very user-friendly
How to use Debut Screen Recorder’s screen capture timer:
Follow the link below to download the program. After the download is complete, install the recorder.
Download Debut Video CaptureIn Debut’s main window, click on Options.
Input your recording times and other recording parameters.
The program will let you know that it’s recording with a message at the set time for your recording.
How to schedule a recording with Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi Screen Recorder makes scheduling recordings ahead of time easy. Just follow these simple steps.
Step 1. Download and install the program
Download the installation file and install the program on your PC or Mac.
Step 2. Go to the scheduler
Click the Preferences button on the sidebar. In the Preferences dialog box, open the Scheduler tab and then select Schedule recording.
Step 3. Add a scheduled task
Click on Add Task, and you’ll be given options for setting the date, times, and title for your automated recording. When you’re done, click Create. Next, click the OK button, and your recording will run at the scheduled time.
Tips for choosing a screen recorder
Features: compare the features and tools that come with different screen recorders. Will you need to get another third-party video editor to finish editing and producing your recordings?
Video formats: what video file formats does the program support? If a screen recorder can’t export the right video format, it will be useless to you without a video converter program.
Price: most of the top-performing screen recorders available are not free, but users should compare pricing before making a decision. You may find that a more affordable program has all the features and capabilities that you need.
User interface: try the free versions of a few screen-recording programs, or read our reviews above to see which ones have the most user-friendly interfaces – and which ones are the most difficult to navigate.
Customer support: while you hope that you’ll never have an issue with a piece of software, it’s always good to know that you’ll have support if something does go wrong. Check out which companies have responsive customer service teams, as well as a lot of resources to help users learn their software. For example, Movavi has a huge library of video tutorials and articles, and their customer support team are very attentive and helpful.
Summary: Get started with automated screen recordings
Now you should have all the info you need to choose the best screen recorder for your needs. Whether you need to record your screen ahead of time automatically, add live annotations while presenting online, or edit your recorded videos when they’re done, we recommend trying out Movavi Screen Recorder. See how quick and easy it can be to create professional-level presentations, webinars, demos, tutorials, and other videos today.
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
What is a screen recorder with a timer?
A screen recorder with a timer is a program that allows users to pre-schedule and automate their screen recordings.
What does schedule recording mean?
“Schedule recording” means that a user can set up a recording ahead of time – so they don’t have to do it manually at a specific time.
Can you set a timer for a screen recording?
Yes. With Movavi Screen Recorder, you can easily set a timer for a screen recording. With just a few clicks, you can schedule the date, time, duration, and parameters for your video. This way, you don’t have to manually start and stop recording.
How can I record my screen with a timer?
Use Movavi Screen Recorder to schedule your recordings:
Download and open Movavi Screen Recorder.
Download Movavi Screen Recorder for Windows
Download Movavi Screen Recorder for MacClick the Preferences button.
Open the Scheduler tab and then select Schedule recording.
Click Add Task and choose the date, times, and settings for your video.
Click Create and then OK to automate your recording.
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