22 Best Free Screen Recording Software of 2024

By Eva Williams 20 days ago, Software reviews

Screen recording software is designed to record educational videos, presentations, capture media content and save videos in various formats.

While default Windows и Mac screen recorders have rather limited functionality, there are many other feature-rich free screen recorders with no watermarks suitable for novices and experts. Using them, you can add captions and insert a cursor in your clips.

Top 22 Free Screen Recording Software

  1. Adobe Premiere Rush - Compatible with many devices
  2. Movavi Screen Recorder - Scheduled recordings
  3. Debut Video Capture - For quick set-up at home
  4. Awesome Screenshot - Instant sharing or local saving
  5. Vidmore Screen Recorder - For YouTubers & vloggers
  6. Apeaksoft Screen Recorder - For gaming enthusiasts
  7. Scribe - Automated screen capture
  8. OBS Studio - For live streaming
  9. Aiseesoft Screen Recorder - Lock window feature
  10. iTop Screen Recorder - Integrated editor
  11. Camtasia - Multiple tracks recording
  12. Awzware - Webcam and audio capture
  13. EaseUS RecExperts - No time restrictions
  14. ScreenPal - For average users
  15. Loom - For business needs
  16. ShareX - Auto capture feature
  17. FlashBack Express - No watermark
  18. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder - For .webm exports
  19. Free Cam - For quick recordings
  20. Icecream Screen Recorder - Mobile-friendly
  21. TinyTake - Native cloud-based gallery
  22. DVDVideoSoft’s Free Screen Video Recorder - For recording Skype video calls

When determining the best free screen recording software, prioritize options that offer easy setup and a user-friendly interface. Ensure that the recording time provided in the free version is sufficient for your needs. Moreover, pay attention to resolution since top-notch programs should be able to produce high-definition output.

Besides, learn what the program is aimed at. For instance, the best YouTube streaming software for gaming isn’t a great option if you need a program capable of recording video conferences. If you also need efficient tools for post-production, you should consider this when making a choice.

1. Adobe Premiere Rush

Compatible with many devices
  • User-friendly
  • Embedded camera (on mobile)
  • Set resolution and grid lines
  • Integrates with other Adobe tools
  • Free version is limited

Verdict: Premiere Rush offers handy tools for capturing, editing, and sharing online videos. With this free screen recorder, you can capture professional-quality videos and photos directly within the application through its integrated camera.

By enabling the Pro mode, you have 2 options – automatically capture videos in the highest quality or take full manual control, including settings like white balance. You can then edit your content seamlessly across various devices, such as a phone, tablet, Mac, or PC. Thanks to automatic synchronization, you'll always have access to the latest versions of your edits.

You can use a free version or choose premium features with Adobe Express for $9.99 per month or in combination with Premiere Pro for $20.99 per month. If you don’t want to waste time on editing, address your clips to a professional video editing service.

adobe premiere rush free screen recording software interface

2. Movavi Screen Recorder

Scheduled recordings
  • Perfectly copes with capturing video calls and webinars
  • Records microphone and webcam
  • On-screen annotation
  • Great for beginners and professionals
  • A watermark in a free version
  • Trial version limits recording time to 5 minutes

Verdict: Movavi Screen Recorder is a user-friendly screen capture tool that provides various features, including desktop recording, webcam capture, audio recording, saving recordings as high-quality videos and GIFs, and taking screenshots. Once your project is complete, you can output it to platforms like YouTube or Google Drive.

This recording software for low end PC offers the option of setting up scheduled recordings, making the process fully automated. While you can try the software for free, it is necessary to spend $42.95 per year to get rid of watermarks and other restrictions.

movavi free screen recording software interface

3. Debut Video Capture

For quick set-up at home
  • Supports various video formats
  • Can record from external cameras
  • Unlimited video recording time
  • Possibility to add your own text captions
  • Tends to slow down during video importing
  • Limited editing features

Verdict: With this free screen capture software, you can record all activities on your PC screen. Moreover, it offers several cool features like mouse highlighting and the option to display keystrokes in your screen recordings. Apart from capturing video of your computer screen, it is possible to record from webcams and security cameras. Moreover, the recording time is unlimited.

You can add various filters and watermarks to your footage. A very useful feature of this no lag screen recorder is that you can export video to the most common formats. There is a free version and the Pro one for $19.99.

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  • debut video capture interface
  • debut video capture interface

    4. Awesome Screenshot

    Instant sharing or local saving
    • Direct connection with Trello, Slack, Asana, Jira, etc
    • Record screen and camera simultaneously
    • 1-Click screenshot capture
    • Annotate screenshots
    • Up to 20 recordings in free plan
    • App integration in pro plan
    awesome screenshot logo
    Awesome Screenshot

    Verdict: Awesome Screenshot emerges as a versatile screen sharing platform tailored for businesses of all sizes. This robust solution not only facilitates seamless screen recording and camera usage but also empowers users to annotate images, share screenshots, and provide valuable feedback.

    Whether for personal use, sharing with friends via social media, or collaborating with clients and teammates on platforms like Google Drive, Trello, Slack, or Asana, Awesome Screenshot delivers a user-friendly experience. Its integration with Chrome, coupled with its free accessibility, makes it a go-to choice for individuals and businesses seeking an efficient and feature-rich screen recording tool, solidifying its status among the best in the market.

    awesome screenshot best free recording software

    5. Vidmore Screen Recorder

    For YouTubers & vloggers
    • Scheduled recording
    • Real-time drawings
    • Mouse effects
    • Supports hotkeys
    • Quite demanding on system requirements
    • Not optimized for Android and iOS versions
    vidmore free screen recording software logo
    Vidmore Screen Recorder

    Verdict: Vidmore Screen Recorder is a convenient and easy-to-use screen recording software that allows you to capture any part of your screen, record HD video and audio, and take screenshots any time you like.

    Powered by industry-leading video improving tools, Vidmore Screen Recorder provides great convenience for YouTubers and vloggers to record and edit video materials before sharing. You can add text, arrows and shapes to your recording or screenshot, and add mouse click and mouse area effects. The program is available for free and by subscription for $19.95 per month.

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    • vidmore free screen recording software interface
    • vidmore free screen recording software interface

      6. Apeaksoft Screen Recorder

      For gaming enthusiasts
      • Intuitive video recorder
      • Record clear and accurate sound
      • Useful snapshots tool
      • Online and desktop version
      • The trial version adds a watermark
      • Limited recording quality options
      apeaksoft logo
      Apeaksoft Screen Recorder

      Verdict: Apeaksoft Screen Recorder allows you to record the screen of your PC. You can record games, create tutorials, take screenshots, and capture videos from the webcam. Apeaksoft Screen Recorder allows you to record high-quality sound from system audio and microphone.

      This laptop screen recorder enables you to use a text box and other tools for annotating clips. With this screen recorder, you can also record the lock window. If you are using multiple screens, you can choose which screen you want to capture. The program has a completely free version, but with limited functionality. The cost of the paid version is $12.45/mo.

      apeaksoft interface

      7. Scribe

      Automated screen capture
      • Great interface
      • Multiple delivery methods
      • AI-powered
      • Zoom functionality is clunky
      • Sharing steps seem complicated
      scribe logo
      Scribe

      Verdict: Scribe's screen recorder tool revolutionizes visual communication by simplifying screen recording for enhanced clarity. No longer confined to text explanations, users can effortlessly capture computer screen activity, creating dynamic visual guides. With a simple button touch, Scribe utilizes GPT-4 to auto-generate step-by-step guides, incorporating screen captures and text without the need for video creation.

      This innovative approach allows instant creation and sharing of engaging tutorials, facilitating comprehensive instructional sessions. Scribe excels in streamlining communication, transforming intricate tasks into easily digestible content for effective understanding. Emphasizing privacy, Scribe undergoes annual SOC 2 Type II audits, ensuring robust information security and user data protection. 

      screen recording software scribe

      8. OBS Studio

      For live streaming
      • Unlimited time for video recording
      • Webcam sync
      • Supports various filters
      • Real-time video streaming
      • The UI should be improved
      • Specifications are limited

      Verdict: This is an excellent free and open-source software for screen recording or video streaming. Since OBS Studio can capture video directly from your PC, you can record games in full-screen mode using customizable hotkeys. The main advantage of this free screen recorder is that you can control the recording process without worrying about the length of the video.

      With OBS Studio, you can quickly switch between scenes, as well as stream webcam or chat videos and use many other functions during the streaming. Also, it is possible to save the recorded video in MP4 format.

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      • obs studio interface
      • obs studio interface

        9. Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

        Lock window feature
        • Records mouse movements
        • Customizable shortcuts
        • Area selection feature
        • Without watermark
        • 3-minute limitation in a trial version
        • No advanced video improving features

        Verdict: If you are engaged in activities that require capturing videos, games, webinars, lectures, presentations, video calls, conferences, or webcam videos, you need Aiseesoft Screen Recorder. By utilizing this tool, you can highlight the cursor movement and easily track it.

        Aiseesoft is powered by the “Blue-light” real-time HD video encoding technology that ensures impressive image and sound quality. Thanks to the lock window capture, you may record content in a selected window. You can save captured videos in MP4, WMV, MOV, AVI, GIF, TS formats, which makes it easier to share them. The full version of this HD screen recorder costs $12.50/month.

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        • aiseesoft free screen recording software interface
        • aiseesoft free screen recording software interface

          10. iTop Screen Recorder

          Integrated editor
          • Flexibly capture of any screen area
          • Recording schedule
          • Add mouse click effects
          • Plenty of popular video & audio formats
          • Available only on Windows
          • Offer only basic features
          itop screen recorder logo
          iTop Screen Recorder

          Verdict: iTop Screen Recorder is an easy-to-use tool for recording and online broadcasting your computer activity like games, lessons, etc. With iTop Screen Recorder you can schedule recordings, set up preferences, save videos in different formats, change video formats, edit them, and more.

          Moreover, this screen recording app provides you with a user guide if you don't know how to use various features. iTop Screen Recorder is free, but if you want to get more advanced options, it is better to purchase the Pro version for $19.99/mo.

          itop free screen recording software

          11. Camtasia

          Multiple tracks recording
          • Large asset of tools
          • Compatible with Windows and Mac OS
          • Customizable cursor
          • Exports videos at 60 frames per second
          • Complicated UI
          • Requires a lot of hard drive space

          Verdict: Camtasia allows you to customize the size of the screen or window that you want to capture. It is also possible to adjust parameters for video recording.

          You can record both audio and video from a desktop computer as well as add webcam footage to your recording. Camtasia features a built-in video editor that will allow you to add a distinct touch to your videos. Camtasia is free to test, but once the trial period is over, you have to pay $179.88/year to use the program.

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          • camtasia interface
          • camtasia interface

            12. Awzware

            Webcam and audio capture
            • High-resolution webcam recorder
            • Auto region selection
            • Screen record with audio
            • Full-screen recording
            • Potential performance impact
            • Limited free version features
            awzware best free screen recording software logo
            Awzware

            Verdict: After using Awzware, I must say it's been a reliable tool for my screen recording routine. These guys offer a variety of features which I found quite useful as a streamer, namely, webcam and microphone audio capture, along with a dedicated game recording mode, making it a versatile tool for various recording scenarios.

            It also was easy to turn on the online meeting recording, handy in contemporary remote work too. The video editor streamlines the annotation process and various recording modes such as full-screen and custom prove adaptable for a variety of cases.

            The webcam recording feature especially when I use it with the background blurred or virtual images is good in terms of privacy. And noise reduction is perfect, exactly what I usually want for fast videos.

            awzware best free screen recording software image

            13. EaseUS RecExperts

            No time restrictions
            • Auto-detects connected devices
            • Up to 4K/60fps capture
            • Records audio and webcam video
            • Allows for automated recording
            • Limited editing features
            • Somewhat expensive
            easeus free screen recording software logo
            EaseUS RecExperts

            Verdict: EaseUS RecExperts makes screen recording a breeze by capturing your screen, webcam, system sounds, and audio from both built-in and USB microphones. With support for up to 4K/60fps captures, this streaming video recorder is highly versatile and perfect for conducting webinars, presentations, and even recording gaming sessions.

            After recording a clip with RecExperts, you can utilize essential functions such as trimming, watermarking, and incorporating intros and outros. However, without a subscription, RecExperts restricts recordings to one minute. Besides, advanced tools like the excellent recording scheduler are not available in the screen recording software free version. To get them, you have to pay $19.95 per month.

            easeus free screen recording software interface

            14. ScreenPal

            For average users
            • Internal stock library
            • Secure video hosting
            • Auto Speech-to-Text option
            • Collaborative video management tools
            • Watermarking in a free version
            • Screen recording time is limited to 15 minutes in a free version
            screenpal free screen recording software logo
            ScreenPal

            Verdict: ScreenPal, previously known as Screencast-O-Matic, stands out as one of the best free screen recording software that can be installed on a variety of devices, ranging from PCs and laptops to tablets and smartphones. Its speed and user-friendly interface make it easy to use, and the added benefit of a clip editor allows you to customize and personalize your screen recordings to your liking.

            Unlike similar programs, ScreenPal has a built-in stock library replete with videos, images, and audio files. You can use the software for free, albeit with limited functionality. To access the full range of features, you have to pay $3 per month for the subscription (billed annually).

            screenpal free screen recording software interface

            15. Loom

            For business needs
            • Can record both screen and webcam videos
            • High-quality video
            • Possibility to export videos in different formats
            • Compatible with all operating systems
            • Lacks video editor
            • Video duration is limited to 5 minutes
            loom free screen recording software logo
            Loom

            Verdict: It is easy-to-use software for quick video recording and file sharing. This free screen recorder allows you to record your camera and screen with audio and upload your clips on social media sites.

            Loom is suitable for creating simple videos. Also, beginners can use this tool to practice working with video. The distinctive feature of this software is that it works on Windows, Mac OS and iOS. The program is free to use for quick video messages.

            To access more advanced features, subscribe for $12.50/mo. If you need help with many raw clips you've recorded for your YouTube channel, you can address the vlog editing service.

            loom free screen recording software interface

            16. ShareX

            Auto capture feature
            • Open-source software
            • Features tools for video enhancing
            • High-quality video recording
            • Hotkeys
            • May seem difficult to customize recording settings
            • Can’t sync with Instagram
            sharex logo
            ShareX

            Verdict: This freeware screen recorder has an open-source code. It allows you to capture screenshots and screen videos. ShareX is a rather user-friendly and convenient software due to its intuitive interface. All the main functions are located on the left panel.

            One of the strongest benefits of this free snipping tool is the ability to send captured images and videos directly to social media. The downside of this free screen capture software is that it does not support recording games in full-screen mode.

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            • sharex interface
            • sharex interface

              17. FlashBack Express

              No watermark
              • Possibility to select the output format
              • Webcam sync
              • Intuitive interface
              • Enhance recordings with captions, arrows & images
              • Some tools are paid
              • Max export in a free version is 720p
              flashback express logo
              FlashBack Express

              Verdict: Using this YouTube recording software, you can perform more than simply capture a screen or webcam. You can also create a video for popular streaming platform since it is possible to edit footage in a special movie editor.

              Due to its simple interface, FlashBack Express will be a great choice for beginners. Besides, testing the program is possible without paying anything. The license for 1 PC is $49.

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              • flashback express interface
              • flashback express interface

                18. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder

                For .webm exports
                • Unlimited recording time
                • Webcam recording
                • Various video exporting options
                • HD and FHD output formats
                • Not suitable for game recording
                • Requires stable internet connection
                apowersoft free online screen recorder logo
                Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder

                Verdict: Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder will let you capture your PC screen activity without any hassle. Since it is a web-based free screen recorder, you can use it without installing the software on your computer.

                All you need is one click of a button to capture the entire screen or its specific area. Also, Apowersoft has a feature that allows you to add your webcam into screen recording.

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                • apowersoft free online screen recorder interface
                • apowersoft free online screen recorder interface

                  19. Free Cam

                  For quick recordings
                  • It is possible to get WMV screen captures
                  • Records voice-overs and computer audio
                  • Quick removal of unwanted video fragments
                  • Eliminates background noise
                  • Poor format support
                  • No webcam recording
                  free cam screen recording software logo
                  Free Cam

                  Verdict: Free Cam is a straightforward and free screen recording software equipped with a built-in video and audio editor. With a neat and understandable interface, you can record either the entire computer screen or a specific portion and adjust the size of the capture area as needed.

                  The best part is that despite being free, this screen recorder doesn’t add any watermarks. Moreover, you won’t be distracted by ads. Furthermore, there are no time limits, so you can record videos as long as you want.

                  free cam screen recording software interface

                  20. Icecream Screen Recorder

                  Mobile-friendly
                  • User-friendly interface
                  • Records videos from a webcam
                  • Possibility to zoom in the video during the screen capture process
                  • Has a timer
                  • Video recording lasts no more than 10 minutes
                  • Free version has few editing options
                  icecream screen recorder logo
                  Icecream Screen Recorder

                  Verdict: Using Icecream Screen Recorder, you can choose which part of the screen you need to capture as a screenshot or video. You can record games, video conferences or any other application and process. Another great feature of Icecream is that you can use keyboard shortcuts for different commands, including starting and pausing the recording.

                  This software possesses many features typically available in video editors for YouTube, such as drawing tools and real-time note-taking in a separate area of the screen. Users have access to both a free version and a Pro version priced at $29.95 per year.

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                  • icecream screen recorder interface
                  • icecream screen recorder interface

                    21. TinyTake

                    Native cloud-based gallery
                    • Customizable hotkeys
                    • Direct export of video captures to YouTube
                    • You can choose screen area for recording
                    • Supports creating custom keys
                    • Offers only 5 minutes of recording
                    • MP4 video export only
                    tinytake logo
                    TinyTake

                    Verdict: TinyTake enables you to capture videos from your computer screen, add comments and share them. The intuitive and simple interface of this free screen recorder allows you to achieve the desired result without much effort.

                    This software lets you record both the webcam and screen videos as well as edit images and footage. However, it offers only up to 5 minutes of video recording. Paying $29.95/year, you can increase the recording time to 15 minutes.

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                    • tinytake interface
                    • tinytake interface

                      22. DVDVideoSoft’s Free Screen Video Recorder

                      For recording Skype video calls
                      • Convenient screenshot feature
                      • Different modes for recording screen and video
                      • Detailed instructions on the site
                      • Available in 10 languages
                      • Mic audio recording only
                      • Distracting ads
                      dvdvideosoft screen recording software logo
                      DVDVideoSoft’s Free Screen Video Recorder

                      Verdict: DVDVideoSoft's Free Screen Video Recorder is an invaluable tool for Skype meetings and online conference calls as it allows unrestricted recording of conversations. Moreover, this free screen capture software allows you to isolate and capture specific elements of various Windows applications individually.

                      The video recordings are limited to MP4 format, but you have the option to save screenshot images. Furthermore, this Skype call recorder is exclusively available for PC users.

                      dvdvideosoft screen recording software interface
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