Up until about version 3.34.1.0 it was great. I just now installed version 4.3.1.2550 I could not get it to configure the same way that I did before. I used to have it send screenshots to Paint.Net but with the new version I can't no matter what I do. It seems a lot more unnecessarily complex to setup and it doesn't seem to be working correctly. Download Screen Recorder 1.3.5564: Screen Recorder is a free open-source screen recorder software for Windows. Screen Recorder couples the easy-to-use editing features of PowerDirector – The No.1 Choice for Video Editors – with responsive, high-quality screen casting and capturing technology, making it the all-in-one solution for recording or streaming gameplay, vlogging, or sharing screen content with an online audience. Video Camera with Microphone, FHD 1080P 30FPS 24MP Camcorder YouTube Vlogging Cameras 16X Digital Zoom 3.0 Inch 270° Rotation Screen Webcam Video Camera Recorder with Hood, Remote and 2 Batteries 4.0 out of 5 stars 229.
Windows 10 Screen Recorders
5 professional screen recorders for Windows 10
- ApowerREC
The first tool you can use to record your Windows 10 screen is ApowerREC. ApowerREC is a screen recorder application that can capture live streaming videos, video calls and other activities on your desktop even if they are being processed real-time. With its support, you can create tutorials and record videos you like on Windows.
This tool is capable of recording webcam alone in case your need arises, and it can also create a picture in picture effect by recording your screen and webcam at the same time. Meanwhile you are doing the recording, you can add annotations to your video for explanation, such as arrows, highlights, texts, as well as other interesting features. Besides, you can simply edit the recording by cropping it or adding a watermark to it. Once you finish the recording, you can upload it to YouTube to share with your subscribers or upload it to ShowMore cloud storage for saving computer space.
PROS Scherlokk 3 1 5 – find and compare files download.
- It has a user friendly interface.
- It has an advanced screen recording feature readily available for selected situations.
- It can record screen automatically when you are away from your computer.
- It supports the uploading of recorded videos on YouTube, ShowMore, Google Drive, DropBox, FTP etc.
CONS
- It occupies higher CPU compared to other recorders.
- Camtasia Studio
Another candidate for becoming the best Windows 10 screen recorder is Camtasia Studio. This program has been created and published by TechSmith. This fact allows it to have you edit video after recording the screen of your computer in a natural way, including combining, trimming, splitting and adjusting the speed of video clips. Also, you are allowed to add animations, titles, transitions, highlights, images, audio files and effects, voice narration, and many more. Besides, recorded videos can be used for marketing, advertising, business presentation, and educational purposes according to the need and interest of the buyer.
PROS
- It has a 30-day free trial.
CONS
- It doesn't support scheduled automatic screen recording.
- It is more expensive compared to other tools.
- Flashback
An alternative desktop screen recorder is Flashback developed by Blueberry Software. It can capture all the area on your computer screen without any hesitation. While recording, you can also draw lines, shapes, figures, and add images and notes to it. What's more, videos can be converted into many other formats and can be shared on YouTube or Flashback Connect. This software allows users to try in 30 days for free.
PROS
- This tool supports to record multiple monitors.
CONS
- It only permits you to import FBR format.
- Fraps
Fraps is a video and screen capture tool for Windows 10 that has become the part of many Huawei owner's part. This software is known for gamers who record their gameplay since it can capture outstanding video game quality. Users can download the free version for use. However, it can only record a 30 seconds video and it leaves a watermark on the top of the video.
PROS
- It has a maximum resolution of 7680×4800.
CONS
- Take a large portion on your disk in a 2 minute recording video.
- MadCap Mimic
The next best screen recording software for Windows 10 is MadCap Mimic. This is a multimedia software that can record the screen activities on your computer. In addition to that, you can record your PC in three methods, including manual, automatic and full-motion recording. If you want to try it before purchasing, you can install it for a 30-day free trial.
PROS
- It provides some video and visual effects.
CONS
- It's too complicated to make configurations.
5 best free Windows 10 screen recorders
- Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
In case you want to save money, then try Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder. This is a free web-based tool that can record your Windows 10 computer screen without any trouble. With the support of it, you can record your computer screen in few clicks. In addition to that, it supports several output formats like MP4, AVI, WMV, FLV, MPEG, GIF, VOB, and ASF, etc. Also, it lets you capture audio while you are recording your desktop screen. Users can use their webcam when they are video chatting with their family, friends and other colleagues.
PROS
- This tool is available online, free of charge.
- It has a user friendly interface.
- There is no length or size limits of the recording on the free version.
CONS
- Launching this tool needs stable internet connection.
2. OBS Studio
An alternative free screen recording software for windows 10 is OBS Studio. This tool can be characterized as a live screen recorder and live streaming program. Just like the tools mentioned above, this program can be used to record microphone and webcam directly while capturing desktop screen. Aside from that feature, you can also try some other relevant features such as audio mixer, themes, filters and many more.
PROS
- Live streaming is supported.
- Games can be recorded freely.
CONS
- The interface is complicated.
- It is difficult to set the configuration.
3. Ezvid
Ezvid is a screen recorder and video editor for your Windows 10 PC. This program has keyboard shortcuts in the aim of giving users the ability quickly record their screen. Moreover, there is a widget displayed on your screen that makes it also possible to easily stop the recording. However, there is no way to hide the widget on your computer while recording your computer screen.
PROS
- It has a built-in video editor.
- It allows users to add effects to sound while recording.
CONS
- The saving process takes a long time.
4. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is one of the best free screen recorder for Windows 10 and a great screen capturing program. It is an online tool that can be used by Youtubers, students, teachers, and businessman, and many other diverse groups of users. You can utilize the tool even without signing up or signing in to it that is a unique feature for your ease and rapid usage. You just need your computer browser in order to use this tool. Apart from that, it allows you to record both screen and webcam at the same time or record your webcam alone if you want.
PROS
- No need to register.
- Easy to be configured.
CONS
- The free version cannot record system sound.
5. Icecream Screen Recorder
Last but not least, the Icecream Screen Recorder also takes a place on the list. This program enables you to record or take screenshots of any part of your screen no matter what activities you are doing. In this way you can start recording while playing games, video chatting, live streaming, and other activities of your choice without hesitation. Besides, it enables you to draw shapes, lines and figures, add watermark and a lot more during the recording process.
PROS
- It supports to zoom in and zoom out while recording.
CONS
- It only allows you to record up to 10 minutes.
Conclusion
To sum up, both paid and free screen recorders are available for Windows 10 with a great diversity. All of these best Windows 10 screen recorders are effective and efficient for creating recordings. However, you need to always remember that there are some limitations for the free version of screen recorders when it comes to comparison with the paid tools. Meanwhile, if you are into practicality, you can choose ApowerREC for the advanced version and Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder for free use. These two both have advanced screen recording functions as well as some features that can help you with your other tasks.
Related posts:
They say there is no free lunch and, more often than not, that's the rule. Screen recording software, though, is a delightful exception — there are heaps of free tools out there.
To help you find the best free screen recorder, we have created a shortlist of the best free screen recorders in 2020 that are free. Ideal for communicating your ideas and feedback faster, recorder video tutorials, explainer videos, report bugs, etc.
Contents
What Is Screen Recording Software?
Screen recording software captures what is on your computer screen. Hdr projects professional 7 231. You can either record in full screen or capture a specific area. Most of these apps can record your microphone (audio narration) and the best desktop recording software can also record your computer screen with audio (the system sound).
However, this is where the similarities end. Not all such programs are HD screen recorders. Some screen recording tools can save the recording in various file formats or export it to social media websites like YouTube. Top screen recorders, though, can upload your screen captures to the cloud in real time and give you a sharing link instantly (much more effective).
So, before you set your mind on a free screen recording software, it's best to evaluate your own recording needs. Maybe you don't need to upload your videos to social media or maybe you don't need to record in HD.
How we reviewed the top screen video recorders
We took information about each of the best desktop recorders directly from their official website. In addition, we gathered insights from independent reviews published on G2Crowd and tested each tool ourselves.
What is a good screen recorder?
While our picks range from desktop apps to browser plug-ins, each one meets the following basic criteria:
- User-friendly interface
- Can record the entire screen or a specific area
- Captures both system and microphone audio
- Built-in video sharing and/or convenient exporting options
Here Are The Best Free Screen Recording Software In 2020
Screenrec | iSpring Free Cam | Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder | Screencast-O-Matic | Ezvid | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Save screencast to your hard drive | |||||
Video Hosting | |||||
Cloud Recording | |||||
Instant sharing | |||||
Sharing options | Universal sharing link. Share privately or publicly. | Upload to Youtube | Upload to Youtube, Dropbox, Vimeo or GDrive | Upload to Youtube | None. You can save the screen capture to your hard drive. |
Record computer audio and video at the same time | |||||
Record your voice | |||||
Record in full screen | |||||
Capture Screenshots | |||||
Video Library | |||||
Video Encryption | |||||
Video Analytics | |||||
Video Editing Tools | |||||
Facecam recording | |||||
Recording Time | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 minutes | Depends on how much free space you have |
Ads | Ad-free | Ad-free | Ad-free | Ads | Ad-free |
Video compression | MP4 (Universal) | WMV (Windows only) | MP4, WMV, AVI, FLV, MPEG, VOB, ASF and GIF | MP4, AVI, FLV | WMV (Windows only) |
Supported Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows | Windows and Mac | Windows and Mac | Windows |
Works when you're offline |
1. Screenrec
Click. Record. Share instantly. If you're looking for the quickest and easiest possible way to capture your computer screen and share the recording with someone else, this is it. No ads and limitations. You not only get a screen recorder for free but you also get business video hosting for free.
Pros
- Record computer audio
- Record your computer screen in HD
- Capture and annotate screenshots
- 2Gb of free video hosting included
- Cloud recording. Your video capture is uploaded on the fly to a secure video hosting platform — StreamingVideoProvider.
- Files are saved in the .MP4 format which can be played on any device (free MP4 screen recorder)
- Instant private sharing. Once the recording is complete you get a private sharing link that you can send to anyone online.
- Extremely lightweight
- Video CMS to manage your recordings, e.g. tag, add descriptions, organize in folders and playlists
- Video encryption. No one can download your videos without your explicit permission.
- Video analytics
- Unlimited recording time
- No ads
Cons
- There are no video editing tools at this point
- You can't record your webcam
2. iSpring Free Cam
iSpring Free Cam made our list of the best screen recorders because it's easy-to-use, without ads and time limitations. It only works on Windows which can potentially be an issue but, otherwise, it's got all the chops to help you capture the full screen or a specific area of your desktop.
Pros
- Record your microphone and system sounds
- Highlight your mouse
- Basic video editing tools, e.g. delete selection, remove background noise.
- Webcam recording is available but only in the Pro version
- You can upload your screencast to YouTube
- No ads
- No time limits
Cons
- Only works on Windows. No support for Linux or Mac.
- Screen captures are saved in .WMV format (OK if you're using a Windows PC but might not play on other platforms)
- Uploading large videos might take quite some time because there is no cloud recording option. The file is compressed and uploaded after recording.
- You can't take screenshots
- Some users report high CPU usage
3. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
A nice online screen recorder with basic video editing capabilities. This free screen capture software runs in your browser (Mac or Windows) and requires an internet connection. The Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder might be a good choice if you're looking for a one-time solution.
Easy Screen Recorder 4 0 0 3002
Pros
- Record your webcam
- Add annotations within the video
- Capture computer audio
- Crop your video (no other editing tools, though)
- Works on Windows and Mac but not on Linux
- After recording, you can save the video file to your computer or upload it to YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
- You can save the file in a number of different formats (This can also be a con if you don't know what you're doing)
Cons
- Requires a browser plugin to run which may slow your browser down. There is a 'Download desktop version' button on the website but this is actually the Pro version, not the free one.
- No cloud recording option. If you want to share your screencast, you will have to wait for the video to render and, then, you will have to wait for it to upload.
- Time limits and watermarks (removed when you create a free account)
- Not suitable for game recording because you can't hide the recording widget
- Users report that it takes quite a lot of time to view the replay
- You must be online to use it
4. Screencast-O-Matic
The free version of Screencast-O-Matic is another browser-based screen recording tool. It should work for you if you don't need to record computer audio and you only want to make very short videos.
Pros
- Narrate the video (record your computer microphone)
- Record your webcam
- After recording the video, you can upload it to YouTube or the Screencast-o-matic hosting service
- Highlight your mouse
- Available for Windows and Mac
Cons
- 15-minute recording limit
- There is a watermark
- You can't record computer audio in the free version
- No screenshot tool
- The free version can only run in the browser which can slow your computer down
- Ads on your screencasts
- Requires Java to run
- Some users report that it crashes their browsers and slows down their computers
- No cloud recording option. If you want to share your screencast, you will have to wait for the video to render and, then, you will have to wait for it to upload.
5. Ezvid
Ezvid is on our best screen recording software list because it has some cool features like the ability to draw while recording or synthesize human speech from text. Like iSpring Free Cam, it only works on Windows and saves screencasts in the bulky WMV format.
Pros
- HD video capture
- Include computer narration with your video
- Trim videos
- Insert images and videos in your screencast
- Draw while recording
- Facecam recording
- No watermarks
- No ads
Cons
- Works on Windows only
- Recording limit — depends on how much free space you have on your hard drive
- Delayed replay — you have to wait until your video is rendered
- Some users report that it slows down their computers
- Screen captures are saved in .WMV format (OK if you're using a Windows PC but the video might not play on other platforms)
What Is a Good Screen Recorder?
There are two important points to consider when looking for the best free screen recorder in 2020.
1. File Format & Compression
A file format is a particular way of organizing the data within the file. There are many video file formats and some screen recording tools support more than one. However, most of the time, it goes down to MP4 vs. WMV.
MP4 or WMV for screen capture?
The WMV format is a product of Microsoft. Back in the day, it was created to allow professional videos to be recorded in high quality, e.g. on DVD, Bluray. The biggest issue here is that Mac users often have trouble viewing WMV files.
MP4, on the other hard, helps you produce video files that can be opened on any platform. And, when it comes to video quality, MP4 is actually better than WMV.
So,MP4 is more suitable for publishing your screen captures on the web and sharing them with others. The best free video capture software allows you to save your videos in MP4.
2. Video Hosting & Uploading
When looking for a screen capture software, you'd probably look at the recording features like — recording time, ability to record the computer audio, and so on.
But what happens after you record your screencast?
Most of the time, video files are very big and can't be attached to emails. This means that, to share a video, you have to upload it somewhere in the cloud. In other words, you need video hosting.
This is a book-worthy topic but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Hosting on YouTube. Some screen recorders allow you to post your videos on YouTube. That's great when you want to share your videos publicly but not recommended if the screencast contains sensitive information.
- Proprietary video hosting. Some screen recorders like Screenrec, Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder and Screencast-O-Matic come with video hosting. When storing your videos on these platforms, it would be wise to research if the platform is free and what level of security it offers.
- Cloud Recording. If there is no Cloud Recording option, you will have to wait for the video to upload until you can share it. The best free screen capture tools come with this option.
Conclusion
Easy Screen Recorder 4 0 0 3
Even the best free screen recording software has advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, the recording features — what you can do with the tool, are just as important as the effectiveness — how quickly you can record your computer screen and share it with others.
Microsoft Screen Recorder 4
So, before you set your mind on a free screen recording software, it's best to evaluate your own recording needs. Maybe you don't need to upload your videos to social media or maybe you don't need to record in HD.
Based on this criteria, the top screen recording software for us is the free screen recorder by ScreenRec. The final decision is, of course, yours to make.
What's the difference between a desktop screen recorder vs. online screen recorder?As the names suggest, the biggest difference is that a desktop screen recorder can capture your screen while you're offline or on a poor internet connection. An online screen recorder requires stable Internet. For this reason, an online screen recorder isn't the best option when it comes to game capture. It may be a viable option when you're recording a tutorial, though.
What is the best alternative to Screencast-O-Matic?Screencast-O-Matic is a popular screencasting tool. Many people use it to record tutorials, training videos and other educational content. The biggest advantage of Screencast-O-Matic is, perhaps, the ability to share the recording to a number of platforms like Vimeo, YouTube and Screencast-o-Matic's own video hosting platform. One downside, however, is the fact that you have to wait for the recording to upload and, if you've been recording for, say, 1 hour, this can be a huge pain. That's why, as an alternative, we'll suggest ScreenRec. It's quick and lightweight, allows you to capture both your computer audio and microphone audio and, finally, it's got instant private sharing--your screen recordings are uploaded in real time which means that you never have to wait. You get a sharing link as soon as you press 'Stop'.
How do I record my computer screen?It depends on the screen capture tool you're using and your platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc). With ScreenRec, for example, you have to press Alt + S to start recording your desktop. This works on all platforms.