Screen recording software is a must-have for many content creators, educators, and professionals online today. Whether you’re creating an online course, recording a software demo, or live streaming a video game, the ability to record your screen is a handy way to share your content with the world.
There is a wide range of screen recorders out there for various needs. Some are lightweight programs that offer basic functionality, while others are heftier, with more bells and whistles.
The best screen recorders really come down to a user’s individual needs, both in real-time and after the content is created. Luckily, there are many options to choose from, so let’s jump right into it.
Best Desktop Screen Recorders
Want to know some of the best screen recorders for desktop computers–both Mac and PC? We’ve gathered a few of the most popular tools for you, so let’s take a look.
1. Camtasia
Camtasia is one of the pricier screen recorders out there. It’s an all-in-one screen recorder and video editor that’s great for educating or demonstrating anything on-screen. For creators who want to help their audio sound a bit more professional, the Audiate add-on app is available for editing your sound.
Even though you’re paying more for Camtasia than some other tools on the market, you’re definitely getting what you pay for. The app includes templates you can work from, and it lets users set up presets they can use again and again.
Once you’ve created and edited your screen recording, you can easily pack it up along with templates, themes, and other production elements to send all in one file. Add transitions, annotations, and quizzes for a more interactive feel, and top it off with the perfect audio.
Price: $299.00
2. OBS Studio
OBS Studio, or Open Broadcaster Software, is a free screen recording platform that enables users to record and live stream video from their desktops.
OBS Studio is great for gamers who want to capture and share their real-time gameplay on a platform such as Twitch. If you’re a gamer, you can start out by live streaming your game, then repost the video recording on YouTube later.
You can use a tool such as Snappa to create eye-catching YouTube channel art before you post the final recordings online. Stick to brand-centric colors and design elements that align with your visuals so your content will be instantly recognizable.
Price: Free
3. DemoCreator
DemoCreator is geared toward solopreneurs, gamers, and educators. It’s a screen recording tool that enables live streaming, presentations, and demos.
Whether you’re a gamer who wants to livestream gameplay in real-time, or you’re a business consultant preparing a video pitch presentation, DemoCreator has effective and powerful tools to help. It’s perfect for marketers, sales professionals, and anyone who needs top-notch visuals for managers, sales teams, or stakeholders.
When you use DemoCreator, you’re relying on desktop software with cloud backup. That’s great news–you’ll always have backups in the cloud if something goes wrong locally. DemoCreator also lets users edit and add effects to their videos.
Price: Starts at $45.00 per year
4. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is a desktop screen recorder that enables users to record both their screen and themselves–great for online educators. If you spend time training students or employees on various aspects of a job or industry, this is a fantastic option for you. It’s also great for presenting software demonstrations.
In addition to screen recording software, Screencast-O-Matic lets users edit their videos. You can also capture and edit still images from your desktop.
There’s a stock library of images, videos, and music available for users who need additional media elements. You can also select a membership tier that includes storage space where you can host the content you create.
The new ScreenPal tool is an additional feature that lets users record short videos that are then embedded into word processing and email apps such as Gmail, Dropbox, and even social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
Price: Free tier with paid options
Best Browser Extension Screen Recorders
While desktop application screen recorders are powerful, sometimes you need a lighter tool that gets the job done quickly and easily. That’s why we decided to include a few excellent options that allow you to install a Chrome extension to record your screen.
Browser extensions free up valuable space on your hard drive since you’re not required to download and install large files. Keep in mind that you’ll need a solid internet connection to be able to successfully record video on a browser extension. As long as your connection is working as it should, you’ll be good to go!
5. Screencastify
Screencastify is a Chrome browser extension that lets users record and edit screen recordings right in their browsers. For educators and employers who need to assign screen recording and video editing projects, it includes a simple tool for setting up assignments and collecting videos.
You can opt to record yourself on webcam during your screen recordings. Toggle use of your microphone to record with or without sound. Once you’re done recording, you can perform basic edits, too.
What we love about Screencastify is the ability to quickly install and use the extension without the need to download heavy software. That saves space on your hard drive and leaves plenty of space for other important projects.
Price: Free tier with paid options
6. Loom
Loom is an easy-to-install screen recorder with a built-in browser extension that makes it super easy to capture your screen. This tool works really well if you need to create a tutorial or a video in place of a virtual video conference. It’s also perfect for onboarding new team members or cross-training your existing team.
If you want to appear on camera as you record, Loom features a small inset of the user-facing camera. That way, you can create videos that feel a bit more personal, even if you’re using Loom instead of a real-time meeting.
Loom is available in both desktop and mobile app versions, with a Chrome browser extension that’s easy to use. Once you’ve created your videos, it’s easy to send them to recipients via a hyperlink. Viewers can react to your recordings as they watch them in real-time.
Price: Free tier with paid options
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got a feel for some of the best screen recorders available to you, it’s time to choose the tool that works for you.
Creating video for social media from live streams or screen recordings? You might want to opt for downloadable software that doesn’t rely completely on the internet to get the job done.
On the other hand, if you need a lightweight tool to send quick tips, correspondence, and training videos to your team or your clients, a browser-based extension will work just fine.
If you’re creating and editing screen-recorded videos that you plan to download and repost to a social media platform like YouTube, you’ll need great-looking graphics to go with them. Having visually branded, uniform thumbnails your viewers will recognize, for example, is a fantastic way to make your channel look on-brand and organized.
What do you think? Have you ever used screen recording software? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
