Wondering how to capture your desktop and which screen recorder software is the best? Look at the list of such apps. Here you will find a ranking of very good screen recorders for Windows 10 / Windows 7 and Mac along with a comparison of the most important features: recording with a webcam, with voice, with sound (both microphone and computer). We also looked at what happens with the recording, where and for how long it can be shared/saved and when it’s lost. Whether you want to record something privately, for personal use, for a company (commercially) or you dream of capturing games to share with fans on YouTube, this article will be useful to you.
Table of Contents
Screen recording software – what you’ll find in this article?
Below you will find a comparison of 6 of the best and popular programs for recording what is happening on your screen. We have selected those which function in a free or a trial version.
We’ve based it on programs that run on Windows 10 / Windows 7, but you’ll also find apps that work on Mac.
We’ve put together the features you might find most useful and described what you might find in the paid version. You can also download a spreadsheet that will help you compare the apps.
The apps are versatile – you will find them useful if you want to record something for work using your laptop – capture what happens on the screen in the background, what you do and show on a website, what records your actions on the desktop, or if you are looking for an application to capture the screen and games (when you also need to capture sounds and audio).
In addition, we have included YouTube videos to help you become familiar with the application’ interfaces. At the end of the article, you’ll find a brief summary to help you choose if you don’t want to sort through the entire text. We also prepared an estimate of the size of 60-minute and 5-minute recordings. File size may vary depending on the number of items displayed on the screen while the program records. Our test recordings included using the Internet, watching videos, and editing graphical elements. Hopefully, this will make the answer to the question of which screen recorder to use much simpler.
Features selected for comparison:
- Can you record the entire computer/laptop screen?
- Can you record a selected portion of the screen?
- Can you record the desktop along with the voice from the microphone?
- Is it possible to edit the recording graphically live?
- Can you add graphic elements after the recording is done?
- Can the video file be exported directly by email or to Google Drive (or other platforms)?
- How long can the recording be in the free version?
- Is there a maker’s watermark in the free version?
- Can you use the free version of the app for commercial purposes?
- Does the program record sound/audio from your computer?
- Can the video file be uploaded as a link?
- How long is the link active for?
- Does it work on Windows?
- Does it work on macOS?
- How much space does a 60-minute recording take in the best quality?
- How much space does a 5-minute recording take in the best quality?
1. Icecream Screen Recorder – a screen recording app that I use and recommend
Friendly, simple and free! And the paid version is only $29.95 for two seats! A lifetime license! Using my laptop, I can’t imagine recording without this app, that’s why I recommend it. Perfect for recording your screen and what you do at work or capturing games, with a lifetime license, no time limit.
Link to Icecream Screen Recorder
Program Description:
Icecream Screen Recorder is a really easy and fun program to use. It includes features such as recording all or a part of the screen. It has two very useful options – you can edit the recording graphically while the screen is being captured and then trim the recording in a built-in editor.
Once the file is ready, you can quickly upload it to a platform like Drobpbox or Google Drive. Unfortunately, there is no way to send the recording directly as a link for playback in your browser.
The paid version allows you to make recordings without time limits, which can be useful for longer videos. The license is lifetime, and the price itself is not too high ($29.95). Especially since you can install it on two computers under one license: for example, a laptop for work and a desktop PC for gaming.
A video showing how the app works:
Features available in the free version:
- Full screen recording function: YES
- Screen fragment recording function: YES
- Video recording with sound from microphone: YES
- Video editing while recording: YES
- Video recording function together with system sound: YES
- Built-in graphics editor: YES
- Exporting videos directly to email or Google Drive (or other platforms): YES (YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Video time limit in the free version: YES (5 minutes)
- Free version recording with a watermark: YES
- Commercial use of the free version: NO
- Uploading the video as a link for a browser: NO
- Does the link from the video expire over time: No such option
- Screenshot making: YES
- Does the program run on Windows: YES
- Does the program work on macOS: YES
- Size of 60-minute recording: 2,000 MB (paid version only)
- Size of 5-minute recording: 157 MB
Additional features in the paid version:
- Price – $29.95 one-time payment. License for 2 Windows PCs
- No recording time limit
- No watermark
- Direct recording export to mp4
- You can add your own watermark
- Can be used for commercial purposes
- Lifetime license
2. EaseUS RecExperts – a recording program with interesting features and basic editing
Do you record often? EaseUS RecExperts has several unique features that will make screen/desktop recording easy and enjoyable.
Program Description:
EaseUS has quite a few apps in its portfolio among which are data recovery software, backup software and partition management software for computer drives. They also offer EaseUS RecExperts screen recording software.
Its 4 main features are screen recording, camera recording, audio recording and video game recording.
EaseUS RecExperts offers you recording of the whole screen or a selected part, as well as system sound and microphone capture. During the recording you can take screenshots and draw on the screen or if needed turn on the white board, which is extremely useful if you are creating training materials.
In addition to the screen recording function, EaseUS RecExperts has some extremely useful features such as basic trimming and adding a watermark as well as personalized intro and outro to the recording.
A feature that we liked a lot is the possibility to schedule the moment when the recording starts and a feature that allows you to set, for example, that after 60-minutes (or when the recording reaches 1 GB) the rest of the recording will be stored in a new file.
The program offers a trial version for Windows computers, which allows you to make a watermarked recording of maximum length of 2 minutes. The macOS version is not watermarked, but does allow you to record in 720p max. The maker offers a 30-day refund if the program does not meet your expectations.
Video showing how the app works:
Features available in the version available for free:
- Full screen recording function: YES
- Screen fragment recording function: YES
- Video recording with sound from microphone: YES
- Video editing while recording: YES
- Video recording function together with system sound: YES
- Built-in graphics editor: YES
- Exporting videos to email or Google Drive (or other platforms): YES (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, FTP, DropBox)
- Video time limit in the free version: YES (2 minutes)
- Record in free version with a watermark: YES (no watermark on macOS)
- Commercial use of the free version: NO (the free version can however be used for YouTube videos)
- Uploading the video as a link for a browser: NO
- Does the link from the video expire over time: No such option
- Screenshot making: YES (only during recording)
- Does the program run on Windows: YES
- Does the program work on macOS: YES (due to OS X limitations, some features of the Mac version have limitations, but it can record screen, also iOS devices are supported)
- Size of 60-minute recording: 188 MB
- Size of 5-minute recording: 16 MB
Additional features in the paid version:
- No watermark
- Video editing, compression and other advanced features
- Updates and 24/7 technical support
- Monthly or yearly license with updates
- Lifetime license with updates
- 30 days money return policy
- Unlimited recording length
- Monthly license: $19.95
- Annual license: $39.95
- Lifetime license (including updates): $69.95
3. Bandicam screen recorder – great game recording software and excellent for streaming to YouTube
Bandicam is rich in useful features and the paid version is available as a one-time payment.
Program Description:
Bandicam is a simple app that allows you to record all or a selected part of your desktop. Choosing options from the menu is very easy. An interesting option that will certainly be appreciated by those who do not want to waste time on post-production of the recording is the possibility to add simple graphic elements (such as a pencil drawing) at the time of recording.
Unfortunately, the program does not allow you to directly send the file as a link. Therefore, if you want to share your recording, you can export it directly to YouTube or Vimeo, and if you are interested in another platform, it is necessary to upload the file manually from a local drive.
A video showing how the program works:
Features available in the free version:
- Full screen recording function: YES
- Screen fragment recording function: YES
- Video recording with sound from microphone: YES
- Video editing while recording: NO
- Video recording function together with system sound: YES
- Built-in graphic editor: NO (you can install Bandcut app for trimming videos)
- Exporting videos directly to email or Google Drive (or other platforms): YES
- Video time limit in the free version: YES (10 minutes) After purchasing the paid version there is no limit
- Free version recording with a watermark: YES
- Commercial use of the free version: NO
- Uploading the video as a link for a browser: NO (it can be uploaded directly to YouTube or Vimeo)
- Does the link from the video expire over time: No such option
- Screenshot making: YES
- Does the program run on Windows: YES
- Does the program work on macOS: NO
- Size of 60-minute recording: 2,046 MB (paid version only)
- Size of 5-minute recording: 170.5 MB
Additional features in the paid version:
- Price – $39.95 one-time payment. 1 PC license
- Unlimited video length
- No watermark
4. Snagit
Want to create sensational looking instructions? With Snagit, it’s going to be a real pleasure.
Program Description:
Snagit is definitely a lighter and cheaper version of Camtasia. Snagit software allows you to record / capture your screen and make screenshots. Basic functions such as recording video, system sound, microphone audio are available.
The program is incredibly easy to use and will appeal to people who create all kinds of manuals or guides. With the built-in screenshot editor and ready-made templates, you can create professional and understandable instructions for other employees or your customers in just a few minutes. There’s also an awesome feature, which allows you to capture the text directly from a photo, so you won’t waste time transcribing.
Unfortunately, when it comes to recording, the software doesn’t allow you to add simple graphic elements while recording the screen, and the only editing option is trimming. TechSmitch offers a 15-day trial version that provides all the features of the paid version, so you can fully experience the software before purchasing it.
A video showing how the program works:
Features available in the trial version:
- Full screen recording function: YES
- Screen fragment recording function: YES
- Video recording with sound from microphone: YES
- Video editing while recording: NO
- Video recording function together with system sound: YES
- Built-in graphic editor: YES (only for screenshots)
- Exporting videos directly to email or Google Drive (or other platforms): YES (YouTube, Slack, Dropbox, Google Drive, Camtasia and others)
- Video time limit in trial version: NO
- Record in trial version with a watermark: NO
- Commercial use of the trial version: YES
- Uploading the video as a link for a browser: NO
- Does the link from the video expire over time: No such option
- Screenshot making: YES
- Does the program run on Windows: YES
- Does the program work on macOS: YES
- Size of 60-minute recording: 577 MB
- Size of 5-minute recording: 23 MB
Additional features in the paid version:
- Paid version only. The 15-day trial allows you to test all features
- Price approx – €63.71 (approx. $72) / lifetime license (updates only for the first year)
5. Camtasia – 2 in 1: screen recording and video editing software
Camtasia is a powerful tool for creating advanced tutorials and beautiful videos on PC. Record and edit your work in one place with Camtasia. If you are looking for a comprehensive video recording and editing program – this will be your best choice.
Program Description:
Camtasia is a real combo when it comes to functionality. The software allows you to make professional recordings of your computer screen and then edit them in the built-in editor. During the recording itself, you can set where the recording should be saved and whether the recording should capture a specific application.
It is also possible to enable microphone audio recording and system sound. Those who want to emphasize something will definitely benefit from the writing directly on the screen during the recording feature. Once the recording is done, Camtasia provides a full range of editing tools such as trimming, cutting, adding sounds or adding yourself recorded with your computer’s camera.
There is also a green screen option if you don’t want to show exactly what is behind you. Camtasia is a good solution if you are looking for a comprehensive and powerful tool – not only for screen recording, but also for video editing, but it comes with a high price, because the license for a year (you get updates for 12 months, then the last current version remains active) will cost you about €303.44 (approx. $341).
However, if you do decide to buy it, you are sure to get the most out of the software, thanks to extensive tutorials that guide you step-by-step through the program.
A video showing how the program works:
Features available in the trial version:
- Full screen recording function: YES
- Screen fragment recording function: YES
- Video recording with sound from microphone: YES
- Video editing function during recording: YES (drawing)
- Video recording function together with system sound: YES
- Built-in graphics editor: YES
- Exporting videos directly to email or Google Drive (or other platforms): YES (YouTube, Screencast, Vimeo, Google Drive, Knowmia, TechSmitch Video Review
- Video time limit in trial version: NO
- Record in trial version with a watermark: YES (after buying the license the watermark is not applied)
- Commercial use of the trial version: NO
- Uploading the video as a link for a browser: NO
- Does the link from the video expire over time: No such option
- Screenshot making: NO
- Does the program run on Windows: YES
- Does the program work on macOS: YES
- Size of 60-minute recording: 150 MB
- Size of 5-minute recording: 14.6 MB
Additional features in the paid version:
- No watermark
- Price – €303,44 ($341). Lifetime license with updates for one year.
6. Apowersoft Online Screen Recorder – cloud-based online toolIt can’t go any faster. The app records directly from your browser!
Capture your screen on any computer with a browser screen recorder.
Link to Online Screen Recorder – Apowersoft
Program Description:
Maker of Apowersoft has in its offer a lot of different types of applications to facilitate the use of your computer. The screen recorder in the free version is really easy to use. You manage the program directly from the browser. The app offers basic functions like recording of the whole screen or a selected part.
If you’re looking for an online video recorder that operates right from your browser, without the need to install and lean on your laptop or PC, this is a good choice!
It is an online screen recorder with audio and you can chose which audio source is to be recorded. It is possible to record audio from the microphone, the system sound alone, or both. A useful feature is the graphic editor that allows you to add simple elements like highlights or indicators to your video. What makes Apowrsoft’s app different is that you can edit the recording graphically live, while the app is recording. This way, for simple instructional videos, you don’t have to do anything in post-production.
The free version, however, is restricted to private use. So, if you plan to make a video of your webinar – you will need to purchase the pro version.
A video showing how the app works:
Features available in the free version:
- Full screen recording function: YES
- Screen fragment recording function: YES
- Video recording with sound from microphone: YES
- Video editing while recording: YES
- Video recording function together with system sound: YES
- Built-in graphics editor: YES
- Exporting videos directly to email or Google Drive (or other platforms): YES (YouTube, Viemo, Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Video time limit in the free version: NO
- Free version recording with a watermark: NO
- Commercial use of the free version: NO
- Uploading the video as a link for a browser: YES
- Does the link from the video expire over time: YES
- Screenshot making: NO
- Does the program run on Windows: YES
- Does the program work on macOS: NO
- Size of 60-minute recording: 253 MB
- Size of 5-minute recording: 23.8 MB
Additional features in the paid version:
- Price – $69.95 one-time payment. 2 seat license.
- No manufacturer’s watermark
- Commercial use of the app version
- Available for systems: Windows, MAC, Android, iOS
Download a spreadsheet with screen recorder software comparison
Download a table with a list of programs for recording a computer screen
Summary – what to record the screen with?
The apps in the list differ primarily in their editing capabilities, the speed of video creation, and the how the recordings may be uploaded.
Which app is used by us?
For quite a long time we were wondering what to record the screen with and looking for a solution.
We (Przemo and I) have been using Ice Cream Screen Recorder for a few years now. And it seems that of the commercial solutions, this app is one of the best.
When I started to need to create longer recordings, I first searched free licenses, installed and uninstalled apps one by one and this way I wasted time and suffered annoyance for a longer time than I spent on actual work.
I finally decided to buy a license and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in terms of expanding the software base I use.
Why?
- It’s a lifetime license, and less than $30 for a program that I will use for years is really not that much
- The license is available for commercial use – so I can record and upload videos without worrying that in a few years someone will accuse me of illegal use of the app
- The program has interesting additional features – including the ability to mark video during recording
- It records both my voice and computer sound – if I enable it in the settings
- It is trivially easy to use and has a very pleasant interface
- You can record without time limit
- It can record in HD quality
- It can be installed on two computers with a single license, so it actually costs $15 per seat- with a lifetime license!
To be honest – if you want to record a lot of videos, including long ones and use them e.g. on YouTube to promote yourself, your channel or your company – it’s a shame to waste time and nerves on crippled solutions for free. It’s better to pay (really not that much) once and have some peace of mind.
Similarly – it will be a good choice if you need a program to record audio, webcam video and your face.
Then you’ll focus on creating content and recording rather than testing another free, truncated solution that won’t meet your expectations.
I think that Icecream Screen Recorder is good to start with and use it for quick and truly professional recordings. It is perfect and should meet all your requirements. This is an easy-to-use, all-in-one program that will work well for many things: recording your desktop, presentations for work, for your YouTube channel, or recording game videos along with audio from your computer. It is worth investing in the paid version because, it will quickly earn for itself in the form of saved time.
Which screen recorder to start with (cheapest)?
The cheapest screen recording software on our list is IceCream Screen Recorder. The paid version offers unlimited recording length, commercial use and videos can be saved in popular formats such as AVI, MP4, MOV, WEBM. And all this for $29.95 with a license for two computers (so about $15 per workstation). This really is a ridiculously low price for a good screen recording app – that’s because this app, despite its low price, has everything you need.
Which software is best for recording webinars?
If you are conducting online courses or webinars and you want to record your presentation and webcam images for future selling or archiving, you need a program that allows you to record a specific part of the screen, allows you to record the screen along with computer sound and microphone sound, and provides long enough recording time.
Camtasia provides you with both desktop recording and video editing software. It is often chosen by people who record and edit webinars. That is, in one environment you can record, trim, add effects and export the finished file. It is a great convenience, but Camtasia is also the most expensive solution – €253 (approx. $285,89).
Also, remember that some webinar recording software allows you to record your presentation online right away.
Which software is best for both screen recording and video editing?
If you want to record screen and then edit the recording – you can use two options: choose two separate apps for each of these activities or opt for a “combo”, which within one application will allow you to both record and immediately edit the recorded material.
Consider the number of features you need and the price.
1. The cheapest package – ideal for simple and short films
IceCream Screen Recorder + IceCream Video Editor – the cheapest solution, suitable for short and simple videos without many cuts and special effects.
- IceCream Screen Recorder – consumer and business license $29.95 (approx. €26)
- IceCream Video Editor – consumer and enterprise license $29.95 (approx. €26). The price of the bundle is $59.90 (approx. €52)
2. Comprehensive multi-function software – unfortunately the most expensive
Camtasia – a complete solution when it comes to screen editing and recording. All in one place. That is, we record, edit and export in one program. The downside is the high price.
- Licenses for individual customers and companies at a price of €252,86 (approx. $285,90)
- Renewal price if you want to get access to the new version €50,58 (approx. $57,16)
Which is the best game recorder software for YouTube?
If you’re looking to stream a computer game smoothly then the top choice for gamers is Bandicam. It can record gameplay at up to 480 FPS and allows simultaneous recording of video from the camera, which is an option often used by streamers.
Which cloud-based screen recording software (available online)?
You need to record a short instruction and urgently send it to your colleagues, but you are away and do not have your computer? No problem. With online screen recording programs, you are saved. This is what the Online Screen Recorder from Apowersoft offers.
I usually use the program from Apowersoft so I can confidently recommend it. It also has a paid version that will allow you to record the screen on your computer without Internet connection, thanks to the installed application.
Which of these apps should you choose?
Each of the listed programs offers similar functionalities, but we wanted to present the easiest ones to use when recording the screen. So, if you don’t want to spend a lot of time getting to know the program or give special training to your employees on how to use it, we recommend IceCream Screen Recorder. It have really intuitive menus and allow you to create good quality videos almost instantly.
Which screen recorder is best for MacBook users?
If you are using a MacBook then we recommend IceCream Screen Recorder, EasuUS RecExperts. They have the same features as their Windows PC counterparts. However, we would like to emphasize that we did not test them on MacBooks as none of us uses them.
Free screen recording software
If you need to create a small, short video and need a free solution – check out Online Screen Recorder from Apowersoft.
Links to all programs in the list:
- Icecream Screen Recorder
- EaseUS RecExperts
- Bandicam Screen Recorder
- Snagit Screen Recorder
- Camtasia Screen Recorder
- Online Screen Recorder – Apowersoft
Be sure to also check out other useful list of application programs:
- Best video editing software for Windows and MAC – simple video editors for beginners and proffesionals
- Automated marketing tools – create marketing campaigns with emailing services
Which app is the easiest to record with? Leave a comment!
If you use a different app or have chosen your favorite from the list above. Which one worked well on a company laptop? Let us know in the comments. We are very curious to know which program you like best. Which ones you like and dislike? Or can you recommend any other application to record your desktop and what is happening on your screen?
This article contains affiliate links – if you click on them and decide to make a purchase, we will receive a small commission (it does not cost you anything).
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