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There are many reasons why you need to record a video. For example, to make a video tutorial for a better and more intuitive presentation, record a video that you can't download, record a real-time video so that you can share fun things with your friends on the social platform. All the work can be done with the best free screen recorder.
On the Internet, you can find plenty of video capture software, but they vary in functionalities. It's essential to choose the right free video recording software depending on what you intend to do. This post covers the top 12 best free video capture software. Now take a look to find the most appropriate one.
Top 12 Best Free Video Recording Software:
- 1. EaseUS RecExperts (Windows 10/8.1/7)
- 2. Xbox Game bar (Windows 10)
- 3. Flashback Express (Windows)
- 4. CamStudio (Windows)
- 5. ShareX (Windows 10/8.1/7)
- 6. Screencast-O-Matic (Windows/Mac)
- 7. EaseUS RecExperts (macOS 10.10 or later)
- 8. OBS Studio (Windows/Mac)
- 9. QuickTime Player (macOS X 10.5 or later)
- 10. Monosnap (Windows/Mac)
- 11. Jing (Windows/Mac)
- 12. VLC Media Player (Windows/Mac)
1. EaseUS RecExperts for Windows
Compatibility: Windows 10/8.1/7
If you are looking for free video capture software on Windows 10, you cannot miss EaseUS RecExperts. This Windows 10 video capture software can be regarded as the best screen recording software available for both novice and pro. It allows you to capture your screen area according to your needs, such as capture the full screen or a specific part of your screen.
With this software, you also can record streaming video, record audio from the computer, and record webcam easily and quickly. Besides, this screen recorder offers you a basic video editing tool that can help you trim the recordings.
Key Features:
- Friendly to both beginners and professionals
- Record part of screen and record full screen on Windows 10
- Allows you to record streaming audio
- Record screen and Webcam simultaneously
- Offer many different output formats, like MP4, MOV, AVI, and more
If you want to download this useful tool to capture what you need, click on the button below to get it for free.
How to Record with Free Video Capture Software Windows 10:
Step 1. Launch EaseUS RecExperts on your computer. The first option, 'Full Screen', can help you capture everything on your screen. If you play the streaming video in full-screen mode, this is suitable for you.
Step 2. If you play the streaming video in a window, it would be better to select the 'Region' option to record only the specific area.
Step 3. Make sure that you are in 'Region' mode. Then, click on the button in the bottom right-hand corner to select a suitable soundsource and adjust the volume. After that, you can click on the 'REC' button to start recording.
Step 4. There will be a floating toolbar on your screen when you are recording the video. The two buttons on it can help you pause or stop the recording.
Step 5. If you click on the red stop button, the recording will be ended, and the captured video will be saved on your computer. When the built-in media player pops up, you can view the recording and use tools to trim it, extract audio from it, or add an opening and ending part.
2. Xbox Game bar
Compatibility: Windows 10
Windows 10 has a pre-installed free video recorder named Game Bar for anyone who wants to capture their game clips and screenshots. You can use Game Bar to record apps, especially for gaming capture.
This software is a good choice if you want to record your wonderful moments of playing games or record a teaching video of playing games.
Pros:
- User-friendly, convenient to use
- Record video with audio
- No time limit for recording video, ad-free
- Record LOL gameplay or other popular games
- Edit the video after recording
Cons:
- Record apps only, not available for recording full screen or a specific region
- No pause function when recording the video
- Limited video editing features
3. Flashback Express
Compatibility: Windows
Flashback Express, released by Blueberry Software, is a free video capture software that can record screens, webcam, and sounds. It's packed with the same video recording features as the pro version.
You can use this free video recorder to capture your whole screen, a window, a selected area, or a webcam. Once the recording finishes, you can trim and crop your video with a simple editor, then export it to YouTube, an FTP server, or your PC.
Pros:
- Well designed interface
- Free video recording software without watermark
- No time limit on recording
- Record audio while capturing video
Cons:
- The free version doesn't include any video editing features
- Limited video output formats: MP4, AVI, WMV
4. CamStudio
Compatibility: Windows
CamStudio is one of the best free video capture tools to record screen objects and audio activity on your computer and create industry-standard AVI video files.
You can choose to use custom cursors to record the entire screen or just a part of it. CamStudio can also add high-quality, anti-aliased (non-aliased) screen descriptions to your video recordings quickly. After recording, you can have 'best quality' ones for burning onto CD/DVD.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use
- Provides unique video annotation feature
- Record computer audio and user's voice
- 100% free for personal and commercial projects
Cons:
- No editing feature in this application
- Not available for macOS devices
5. ShareX
Compatibility: Windows 10/8.1/7
ShareX is a free open source screen recorder for capturing still screen grabs and recording videos. This free recording software can record an entire scrolling webpage, identify text via OCR, and even capture your screen according to a schedule.
You can also use this free video recorder to save your screenshot as a GIF instead of a video file, useful for sharing on forums and social media. After video recording, ShareX allows you to send your captured grabs and videos straight to a file-sharing or social media site.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use with a user-friendly interface
- Record a GIF or videos in other formats
- Support exporting videos in various formats
- Free video recording software without watermark
Cons:
- No video editing options
- It doesn't support recordings from games running in full-screen mode
6. Screencast-O-Matic
Compatibility: Windows/Mac
Screencast-O-Matic is a browser-based free video recording software on both Windows and macOS. It offers many features ranging from screen recording, video editing, video hosting, and sharing. You can use this free video recorder to capture full screen, window, region, webcam, microphone, and computer sound.
Besides, multiple video editing features are available while recording, such as zoom, trim your recorded clips, add captions, save them to your desktop, YouTube, or the cloud, or share a video link.
Pros:
- many options for recording a video: full screen, window, or region
- Provide many video editing features, such as trim, cut, change speed, annotations, etc.
- Publish videos directly to YouTube, Vimeo, and other platforms
- Available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, ChromeOS (in browser)
Cons:
- Time-limited, recordings are limited to 15 minutes in length
- Watermark added on the recorded video
- The free version offers limited functionality
7. EaseUS RecExperts for Mac
Compatibility: macOS 10.10 or later
As the most recommended software in Mac, it is featured with its Lightweight and rich functionality. You can use it to capture whatever happens on your Mac screen while customizing the recording region according to your preference. You can record the full screen, record part of screen, or a specific application window.
Besides that, you can capture the audio simultaneously. There are several optional audio sources, including system sound, audio in the microphone, and both. If you want to record your voice with more advanced equipment, it's possible to install an external microphone since EaseUS RecExperts can be compatible with external devices like microphones and cameras.
Key Features:
- No watermark
- Support capturing videos in high resolution
- Schedule recording without much effort
- Export the recordings as animated GIFs
- Record a Skype call, a Zoom meeting, and online classes
- Capture the screen of iOS devices
If those features help you, you can click on the button below to download this recording tool for free.
How to Record with Best Video Recording Software on Mac:
Step 1. Download and launch EaseUS RecExperts on your Mac. Click on the 'Screen' button in the Video tab.
Step 2. Click 'Size' to select the recording area. You can capture the full or part of the screen in 'Custom'. Also, you can set the quality of the video in advance or configure basic options, like the shortcut and location.
Step 3. To capture screen and audio simultaneously, click 'Audio Sources' to select an audio source. Besides, you can adjust the volume by hitting the sound icon at the bottom.
Step 4. Once done, click the big red circle button to begin recording. It captures anything displayed on your Mac screen. When you are done, click the stop button. Then you can watch the recorded video in the preview window. If you are satisfied with it, you can export it as an MP4 or GIF file flexibly.
8. OBS Studio
Compatibility: Windows/Mac
OBS Studio is a popular open-source and free video recording software tool that works well for live streaming games on Twitch and recording other information.
It has high performance in real-time video/audio capturing and mixing. It creates scenes made up of multiple sources, including window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, capture cards, and more.
You can immediately start recording from multiple sources at once, with a fairly nice amount of customization in terms of the options you have. What's more, the application streams with various platforms like Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Hitbox, Twitch, and more.
Pros:
- Intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters
- Easy to use configuration option on streamlined Settings panel
- Multiple platforms supported: Windows, Mac, or Linux
- Entirely free, with no limitations
Cons:
- No pause function for recording
- Not easy for beginners to use
- Not much training material included in OBS Studio
9. QuickTime Player
Compatibility: macOS X v10.5 or later
QuickTime Player is the default Mac video player, but it's more than a video player. You could also use QuickTime Player to do video recording for free.
It even has some limited editing capabilities after video captures, such as cut, copies, and pastes, adds a new soundtrack, adds annotations, rotates your video, and more. This free video recording software uses onscreen controls, which are similar to a CD or DVD player.
Pros:
- Record video on Mac
- Convert recorded video to a variety of formats
- Record audio with video simultaneously
- Record Skype videos in full screen
- Ability to save videos from the web
- Provide video editing features to create beautiful video and share it via email
Cons:
- Limited recording and editing functionality
- System audio recording is not possible
10. Monosnap
Compatibility: Windows/Mac
Monosnap is one of the best free video recording software for Mac. You can use this program to record your screen and take a screenshot if you need to use it as a powerful screen recording software. It offers the option of turning on your webcam, mic, and system's audio all before the recording.
After video recording, you can connect the cloud drives such as Dropbox, CloudApp, Yandex. Disk, Box.com, Google Drive, or FTPs upload recorded videos to share with other PCs and smartphones.
Pros:
- Totally free without feature limitation
- Record in 60fps to ensure an ultra-smooth playback
- Ideal for students and professionals with its integration with the cloud
- Highlight important details with pen, text, arrow, and shape
Cons:
- Video editing is not possible
- Cannot record mobile devices
11. Jing
Compatibility: Windows/Mac
Jing is another video recording software for Mac, released by Techsmith. Unlike all other screen-capture software, The captured video can be saved in SWF format or stored in the screencast. Besides screen video recording, you can use this tool to take screenshots and edit them right after capturing.
Pros:
- Very simple and easy to use
- Crosshair capture on the focus area is a must to record screen
- A good option for narrating the steps to solve a problem
- Allow you to suspend while recording
- Come with a movable sun icon that enables you to utilize its function easily
Cons:
- Only record up to 5 minutes
12. VLC Media Player
Compatibility: Windows/Mac
VLC is a free, open-source video capture software available on different platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It's great music and video player of any format, including WMA, AAC, AIF, MP3, and much more on your computer.
What's more, it's also good at video recording, and you can regard it as one of the best music video recorders and use it as a free video capture software with built-in screen recording features.
Pros:
- Simple and clean user interface
- Completely free and open source
- Stream media over the network or internet
- Offer various alluring customized skins
Cons:
- No audio recording options
- Only capture video playing on VLC
To Sum Up
We talked about the top 12 best screen recording software in this post. Every video recorded differs from each others in many aspects, such as the interface design, operating system, and function.
Among all those video capture programs, EaseUS RecExperts is highly recommended because of its functionality and ease of use. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, this video capture software will be appropriate for you just the same.
FAQs About Free Video Recording Software
Those FAQs are useful if you want to know more about the free video capture software on Windows and Mac.
1. What is the best video capture software or the best free screen capture software?
When it comes to free video recording software, I strongly recommend EaseUS RecExperts. This screen recorder has an intuitive workflow that is best for both beginners and professionals. It enables you to record your screen, audio, and webcam with a few simple clicks.
2. How do I record video and sound on my computer?
If you are using a Windows 10 computer, you can record a video from your computer for free with the built-in screen recorder. If you are a Mac user, you can rely on QuickTime Player. These tools have basic screen recording features.
If you need more recording features, you can try some video recording software like EaseUS RecExperts, OBS Studio, ShareX, and many more.
3. How do I record a video on Windows 10 for free?
To record a video on Windows 10 for free, you can use the built-in screen recorder called Game Bar.
Step 1. Press Win + G to open it.
Step 2. When you are ready, you can click the Start recording button to begin your recording. Once done, click Stop recording to save the recordings on your computer.
4. What is the easiest recording software?
The Top 12 Video Recording Software:
- EaseUS RecExperts for Windows
- Windows 10 Game bar
- Flashback Express
- CamStudio
- ShareX
- EaseUS RecExperts for Mac
- Screencast-O-Matic
- OBS Studio
- QuickTime Player
- Monosnap
- Jing
- VLC Media Player
Is there any method to record on-screen activities with some free screen recorders?
When you want to make some video tutorial, download your favorite movies, or just want to record what is happening on the desktop, you may need a screen recorder to help you finish these jobs.
Due to the increasing need, screen recorder is appearing more and more frequently in our views. When you have such a need, which screen recorder you may choose to use? Most users like free screen recorder, for they are easy and free to use.
This article comes with 6 best free screen recorder for you, so that you can pick up the most suitable tool for yourself.
Part 1: 3 Best Desktop Free Screen Recorder
Top 1. VLC Media Player
Key features:
- Helps you capture video clips of your entire desktop.
- Allows you to save the recording files wherever you want.
- Lets you to add external audio to your screen recording.
- You can also capture and record video from the webcam on your computer.
How to use VLC Media Player to record screen:
Step 1. Download the setup file from VLC official website and then install it. After that, launch VLC Media Player on your computer.
Step 2. Click Media button which is on the top tool bar, and then click on Convert/Save option from Media menu.
Step 3. Now switch to the Capture Device tab. Under the Capture mode section, select Capture mode as Desktop. Then choose the frame rate as you want.
Step 4. Just click on Convert/Save button to open Convert dialog. Here you need to click on Browser button to choose the destination where to save the recording files.
Step 5. All things are done. Just click on Start to begin recording screen with this free screen recorder.
When you want to finish the recording, click the Stop button and save the file.
Top 2. OBS Studio
OBS is the short of Open Broadcaster Software, so you can know it is an open source software. Besides, OBS Studio is also one of the best free screen recorder for Windows 10, as well as Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
It is a free screen recorder for Mac now. If you are familiar with different kinds of screen recorders, you should know OBS Studio has taken place of the defunct OBS Classic screen recorder, and became one of the most popular screen recorders.
Key features:
- Allows you to record everything on your desktop, including apps, games, webcam and more.
- Lets you add various images and text during the recording process using the Studio mode.
- Offers various scene transition options to make your screen recording much more perfect.
- Although it is not very easy to master and use this free screen recorder, it still provides a professional way to help you record what you want.
How to use OBS Studio to record screen:
Step 1. Download OBS Studio from https://obsproject.com/download, and then install it according the instructions for your OS.
Step 2. Launch OBS, and you can see there is already a scene added in by default. And you need to click the + button at the bottom of the panel labeled Sources. Then select Display Capture.
Step 3. When a new window pops up, click OK button. Click on OK on the next popup as well. Then click the Settings button at the bottom right the interface.
Step 4. Now you need to choose the Output tab and take note of the Recording Path, where you can choose the destination to save the recording files.
Step 5. When you are ready to start recording, just click on Start Recording button, which is at the bottom right. Click on Stop Recording when you are done. You can find the video in the destination folder you set.
Top 3. FlashBack Express
If you think OBS Studio feel a bit techy, the FlashBack Express might be the best free screen recorder you want. It comes with a simply interface and usage, if you are the first time to use this software, you still can master it quickly.
Key features:
- There is no limit on video recording or a watermark. (Remove watermark from video)
- Allows you to record audio from desktop screen and webcam while recording videos.
- Enables you to configure this free screen recorder to start and stop recording at a specified time.
- Offers the functions of synchronizing audio, crop video clip, take screenshots and more.
How to use FlashBack Express to record screen:
Step 1. Download FlashBack Express on your computer and then finish the installation.
Step 2. Click on Record your screen and then you can select customizable settings. Here you can choose whether to record your entire screen, a specific window, a custom area and more. You can also specify whether the recording should include sound or not.
Step 3. When you have done these settings, you are able to click on the red button to begin recording your screen. When it is finished, you can save it and make some small adjustments.
Part 2: 2 Free Online Screen Recorder
Top 1. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
For those who don't want to download some third-party screen recorder on computers, it is better to use free online screen recorders. The first free screen recorder online you can't miss is Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder. It allows you to record what you want just on webpage directly. Furthermore, it also has desktop version you can download to use.
Key features:
- Records all types of activities on your screen including video stream, self-demonstration, live chat and more.
- Enables you to record any screen activities within a click of a button.
- Allows you to record as many as you want and as long as you desire, for there is no limitation.
- Lets you record what you want without troublesome watermark.
- Helps you to export videos to MP4, WMV, AVI, FLV, MPEG, VOB, ASF and GIF.
How to use Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder to record screen online
Step 1. Visit https://www.apowersoft.com/free-online-screen-recorder with your browser. Then click on Start Recording to launch Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder. (If you are the first time to use it, you need to download a simple launcher.)
Step 2. When you see the window pops up, preset the options as you like, and then you need to choose the record input based on your needs.
Step 3. After you have done all settings, you are able to click on Rec button to start recording. And the recorder will begin after three seconds.
Step 4. When it is finished, just click on Pause to stop it. It will automatically play the recorded file and you can trim the video as you want.
Top 2. Apeaksoft Free Online Screen Recorder
Another online, free screen recorder strongly recommended to you is called Apeaksoft Free Online Screen Recorder. With this free and easy-to-use screen recorder, you can capture any area of your screen with the option add narration from your microphone, or video from your webcam.
Key features:
- Record streaming videos, capture gameplay, presentation and e-Learning courses.
- Select system sound or microphone voice, or select both audio sources for recording.
- It provides a picture-in-picture screen recording while enabling webcam option.
- Users can select to choose full screen, fixed region, or a free-hand rectangle area.
How to use Free Online Screen Recorder to record screen:
Step 1. Go to the official website of Apeaksoft Free Online Screen Recorder.
Step 2. Click Start Recording button, and follow the on-screen instruction to download and launch the launcher.
Video Recording Software Free Mac
Step 3. Click the computer icon to select the recording area. If you want to record with webcam, you can enable it by clicking webcam icon (in dark red status).
Step 4. Then click the Horn icon or Microphone icon to choose to record audio from System sound or Microphone.
Step 5. Now you are able to click the REC button to start recording your computer screen. After recording, you can click the stop button to save the recorded file.
Part 3: The Most Professional Screen Recorder
Apart from these best free screen recorders, we also want to recommend another one free screen recorder for you. This recorder called Apeaksoft Screen Recorder, is one of the most professional recording software downloaded and used by a large amount of users.
You can use this comprehensive software to record your screen and audio.
You can also capture your computer's screen as well.
You can know more key features and the detailed usage in what follows.
Key features:
- Compatible with popular Windows and Mac computer.
- Helps you easily get online movies and radio, record games, make video tutorials, capture webcam videos, take screenshot, etc.
- Allows you add some drawings, annotate your recording with a text box, arrow, highlight and more.
- Enables you to make the settings you prefer in advance.
- Supports you set recording area with full screen or customized screen size based on your needs.
- Record smoothly and in high quality.
Before recording your screen or audio, or capture your computer's screen, you need to download Apeaksoft Screen Recorder on your computer firstly.
Here two different versions are for you to download, including Windows version and Mac version. You need to choose the suitable version based on your computer's platform and download it. After that, finish the installation.
How to record screen with best free screen recorder alternative
Step 1. Choose Video Recorder
Launch Apeaksoft Screen Recorder, and then you can see its main interface. Here you need to select Video Recorder to enter in video recording mode.
Step 2. Make recording settings
Now you need to adjust the recording area according the screen you want record.
You can record on-screen activities with full screen, custom region or preset region.
In addition, it allows you to record any window you want without any other task disturbing. After that, you need to make audio settings. It supports choose one of System Sound or Microphone, or both of them.
Step 3. Begin recording screen
After setting the recording area and audio, you are able to click on REC button and begin to record your screen. During the recording process, you are able to make drawing or add annotations based on your needs.
Once the recording has done, you can preview the video and then save it. You are also allowed to share it on different kinds of social websites.
How to record audio with best free screen recorder alternative
Step 1. Choose Audio Recorder
To record audio with this professional screen recorder, you need to choose Audio Recorder from the main interface firstly.
Step 2. Make audio settings
Now you need to do some audio settings to make your recording more perfect. For recording online audio, music or radios, you need to turn on System audio while turn off Microphone. Otherwise, you need to turn on Microphone to record someone's voice.
Step 3. Begin audio recording
You can also adjust the volume as you like. When you finish the settings adjustment, you are able to begin your audio recording. Once it is finished, you are able to preview it. After saving it on your computer, you can share it on Facebook, Google+, etc.
How to capture screen with best free screen recorder alternative
Step 1. Choose Snapshot
If you just want to capture your screen and do some editing, you can click on Snapshot option, and then you are able to capture whatever you want to snapshot on the computer.
Step 2. Edit capture
Mac Audio Recording Software
Currently, you can add some drawing or annotate the capture with the lines, arrows, step tools, text and more. Don't forget to save it on your computer.
Conclusion
It is not so difficult to find a great free screen recorder. As we mentioned above, there are 5 free screen recorder recommended to you. Some of them are free screen recorders for Windows, while others are free screen recorder for Mac. All of them are best free screen recorders that provides a professional yet easy way. We also recommend a paid way for you. The software called Apeaksoft Screen Recorder is one of the most professional screen recorder which can be your best helper. Hope you can gain what you want from this article.