- Free Recording Software For Gaming
- Free Recording Software For Music
- Free Recording Software For Youtube
Debut Screen and Video Recorder Free is an easy to use screen video recording software that can record and capture video from almost any source – your computer screen, webcam or even VHS tapes. Screen capture your entire desktop, a single window, or a selected portion.
Download REAPER below for a free, fully functional 60-day evaluation. No registration or personal details are required. Wavosaur is a free recording studio software that helps you to edit and process sound with ease. This easy to use program can be used without installing it. This free music recording software helps you to produce music, loops, and record sound. Features: You can cut, copy and paste the audio. Supported files are wav, aif, and mp3.
Don’t want to avoid writing a long email explaining what’s on your screen? Want to capture an awesome game play shot? How about recording a tutorial or how-to video?
It’s all made possible with screen recording. But who wants to fork over hard earned cash to do so? Luckily, there are free recorders out there which is great, except that… they often leave an annoying watermark on all of your videos. No worries! We rounded up the best free screen recorders with NO watermarks. See the top three in the video below or read the article if you want the full comparison.
Contents
ScreenRec
ScreenRec is a free video capture software with no watermark that packs a whole lot of punch. Small but mighty, ScreenRec gives you unlimited recording time, thoroughly secure sharing, a 2GB private cloud and high quality videos. You can record live streaming videos, screencasts, tutorials or just about anything that’s on your screen. Oh, and you can record your screen with sound!
ScreenRec saves your video files in mp4, allowing your videos to be watched on any and all devices. You’re also automatically given a private shareable link that allows you to post and share your videos to anyone, anywhere. And there is a convenient hotkey. Press Alt – S to start screen capture immediately.
Feature Highlights:
- No recording time limit
- Records in HD
- Saves in MP4
- Free private cloud storage
OBS Studio
While ScreenRec is powerful yet simple, OBS is like its big, clumsy cousin. OBS is a powerful recorder and editor that is filled with dozens of editing options which make it one tough nut to crack. This open source program allows for deep customization and thorough configuration. Developers can also use the API to create plugins and scripts.
OBS has the power, the options, and the capabilities one would expect from paid software but you can forget about simplicity. Users need to take the time to learn how to use the program before beginning to record their screens. If you have no intention of using software that requires you to watch a tutorial or two, then OBS may not be what you’re looking for. However, it is still a free screen capture tool without a watermark.
Feature Highlights:
- Open Source
- Full editing features
- Unlimited recording time
ShareX
The name pretty much tells you all you need to know. ShareX is an open source app that allows you to record your computer screen, but what makes it standout is its ability to direct upload to almost every sharing site you can think of. With literally dozens of destinations to choose from, sharing your videos couldn’t be any more simpler.
But let’s circle back to screen recording. ShareX has an extensive menu offering many recording options like customized recording regions, image effects, and several productivity tools like an FTP Client and hash check. Normally, this would be a plus, but too many options can clutter the interface as is the case with ShareX. Nonetheless, it’s a video recorder without watermarks and no recording limit.
Feature Highlights:
- Direct upload to a large array of sites
- Numerous recording/editing options
- Open source
- Unlimited recording time
VSDC Free Screen Recorder Software
Like OBS, VSDC isn’t your typical screen recorder. It’s more like a powerful video editor that happens to allow you to record your screen. You may be asking yourself, “So why is it on the list?” Well, VSDC is still a free recording option that leaves no watermark on your video and has no recording restrictions.
Your editing options are plentiful, but, like ShareX, VSDC has a confusing interface. However, its non-linear editing design helps to clean things up a bit. With cool features like 360-degree video editing and the ability to export 120fps clips, it’s worth looking at. Let’s not forget that it’s a free HD screen recorder without a watermark.
Feature Highlights:
- Save in various formats
- Draw mode during recording
- DVD authoring
- Non-Linear editing
Windows 10 Game DVR
The Windows 10 Game DVR is the underdog on our list. First and foremost, this is an app that millions of people have free access to and many don’t know about. Buried in the deep recesses of the Windows 10 operating system is the Game DVR, an easy way to capture your screen without needing to download additional software.
Simply press the Window key and G to open up the Game DVR. Sure, there are a lot of complaints floating around the net about lagging and bugs. But, since this free screen recorder for Windows 10 has no watermark and is built into the operating system, we can’t complain too much.
Feature Highlights:
- Built-in
- Upload directly to Mixer
- No recording limitations
Apple’s Screen Capture Tool for Mojave
This is the only app on our list that is just for Mac and, given it’s ease of use, it’s worth a spot on this list. With a simple hotkey (Shift-Command-5) you can take a screenshot or record a video. Choose to record the full screen or a specific recording area and, after it’s been captured, you can trim, cut, or save your file.
Unfortunately, you can only share by directly uploading the file as an attachment in your email. It would be better to offer something simpler, like a shareable link, similar to ScreenRec. You also will run into an issue if you haven’t upgraded to Mojave.
This built-in app is not available in any of the earlier Mac operating systems and you’ll need to use QuickTime to record your screen. Another drawback is its inability to record sound from your computer. Let’s not knock it too much, though, it still is a free built-in app that requires no additional downloads and allows you to record your screen free with no watermark.
Feature Highlights:
- Built-in
- Basic editing options
- Can copy to clipboard
- No recording restrictions
Ezvid
Ezvid is all about convenience. Recording, editing, uploading, it’s all done within this simple app that also has a well designed interface. Equipped with free music, drawing tools and a slideshow maker, it has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, there is a 45 minute recording limit and you cannot save the file to your computer as you are forced to upload directly to YouTube.
Nonetheless, there are added bonuses with the inclusion of text-to speech software and voice recording. While there are no watermarks left on your videos, there is an animation placed at the beginning of each project, but you needn’t worry, as they can be easily deleted. In the end, if you’re willing to deal with the few drawbacks of Ezvid, then by all means, give it a shot.
Feature Highlights:
- Upload your own watermark
- Ability to delete beginning animation
- Free music
- Easy video editing
Screen Recorders That Didn’t Make the List
Believe it or not, there are quite a few more screen recorders without a watermark, but not all were good enough to make our list.
Apowersoft
This is a good app, however, there is a major flaw that keeps it from holding down a spot on our list. Apowersoft is an online screen recorder and requires you to download a plug-in to use. We don’t know about you, but what’s the purpose of an online app if you have to download plugins to use it?
ShowMore
Created by Apowersoft, ShowMore is like a mini version of its creator. It has less editing features but still requires that pesky plug-in. Technically, you can use ShowMore and not be bugged by a watermark, but you need to sign up for an Apowersoft account first. For that reason, it lost a spot on our coveted list.
TinyTake
TinyTake is a free app that doesn’t have a watermark, but that’s just about where the awesomeness ends. It’s a fine app, but it has a ridiculously short recording limit of five minutes.
IceCream Screen Recorder
Taking a terrible hint from TinyTake, IceCream implements that same crazy restriction of allowing only 5 minutes of recording time.
ActivePresenter
This is a popular screen recorder and is often listed as not having a watermark. However, it DOES have a watermark. Use at your own risk.
GoPlay Editor
Like ActivePresenter, this screen recorder is often listed as having no watermark. THIS IS UNTRUE. GoPlay does leave a watermark behind.
Wrap Up
Best Features | Drawbacks | Platform | |
ScreenRec | Free 2GB cloud storage Secure sharing with shareable link HD recording | No editing | PC |
OBS Studio | Open source Powerful editor HD recording | Very complex | PC, Mac, Linux |
ShareX | Multiple sharing options Open source | Messy interface | PC |
VSDC Free | Multiple save options Draw during recording DVD authoring | Messy interface | PC |
Windows 10 Game DVR | Built-in Basic editing | Lack luster with lagging | PC |
Apple’s Screen Capture | Built-in Basic editing | Only for Mojave | Mac |
Ezvid | Upload customized watermark Free music Extensive editing options | Recording limit | PC |
Conclusion
Finding a free screen recorder with no watermark isn’t a difficult task. SImply compare the best of them in the table above and choose the app that works for you. In our opinion, you’ll want a recorder that can easily record video and audio while offering you security, privacy, and ease of use. ScreenRec offers all of this without implementing restrictions. It’s one of the best screen recorders for PC, free without watermarks. Check it out for yourself!
References and Further Reading
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 2021 that are free. Ideal for communicating your ideas and feedback faster, recorder video tutorials, explainer videos, report bugs, etc.
To help you find the best free screen recorder, we have created a shortlist of the best free screen recorders in 2021 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. 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
Free Recording Software For Gaming
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
See this video for more information.
Here Are The Best Free Screen Recording Software In 2021
Screenrec | iSpring Free Cam | Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder | Screencast-O-Matic | Ezvid | Prezi Video | Veed | Movavi Screen Recorder | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Steam to web conferencing apps | None, You can save the screen capture to your hard drive. | Upload to the cloud, Google Drive, or YouTube; share via WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram, or email |
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 | Basic editing option (removing extra fragments) | |||||||
Facecam recording | ||||||||
Recording Time | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 minutes | Depends on how much free space you have | 15 minutes | 10 minutes | Depends on how much free space you have on your hard drive |
Ads | Ad-free | Ad-free | Ad-free | Ads | Ad-free | Ad-free | Ad-free | Ad-free |
Video compression | MP4 (Universal) | WMV (Windows only) | MP4, WMV, AVI, FLV, MPEG, VOB, ASF and GIF | MP4, AVI, FLV | WMV (Windows only) | MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, WEBM, GIF, and MP3 | ||
Supported Platforms | Windows, Mac and Linux | Windows | Windows and Mac | Windows and Mac | Windows | Windows, Mac and Chrom | Windows and Mac | Windows and Mac |
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:
Free Recording Software For Music
- There are no video editing tools at this point
- You can’t record your webcam
Free Download For:
- Windows, Mac and Linux: https://screenrec.com/download-screenrec/
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
Available for:
- Windows
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.
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
Available for:
- Windows and Mac
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
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.
Available for:
- Windows and Mac
![Recording Recording](/uploads/1/3/4/7/134730521/392599230.png)
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)
Available for:
- Windows
6. Prezi Video
Prezi Video gives you the opportunity to record a presentation from your Prezi slideshow using the desktop app. This app lets you record, edit, and download your presentations and even stream them to conference apps.
Pros:
- Connects with Prezi or other Powerpoint presentations.
- Powerful editing right within the app
- Offers templates to customize videos
- Have the option to show either webcam with presentation in background or just the presentation content
- Downloads in mp4 format
- Can live stream to Zoom, Webex, and GoToWebinar
- Can pause and resume recording
Cons:
- 15 minute recording limit
- Only records up to 720p
Available for:
- Windows, Mac and Chrom
7. Veed
Veed is an online screen recorder and video editor. If you can’t install new apps on your computer, this may be a good solution. Works on Windows and Mac, no software download or plugin required.
Pros:
- Screen capture with a click
- Unique layout options
- Fast and simple review
- Full video editing
- Auto-generated subtitles
- 2 GB of free storage
- No need for downloading
Cons:
- Has watermark
- 10-minute recording limit
- No customer support
Available for:
- Windows and Mac
8. Movavi Screen Recorder
Screen recorder by Movavi is a simple but functional program. It will work perfectly if you need to record a screencast with the sound, webcam, and highlighting of your mouse and keyboard clicks, or make a screenshot. The program is suitable for Windows and Mac users, and it does not require an internet connection.
Pros:
- Record both the system sound and the microphone. Disable one or both of them if you do not need to record it
- Record your screen and your webcam
- Highlight the cursor and keystrokes
- Make screenshots
- Save recordings to the hard drive or the Google Drive
- Save videos in MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, WEBM, GIF, or MP3 formats
- Instant sharing: you can share a video on a cloud, on WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram, or via email directly from the program
- No time limitations for recordings
- No ads
Cons:
- There are no opportunities to edit a recording; you can only cut extra fragments
- No support for Linux
Available for:
- Windows and Mac
What Is a Good Screen Recorder?
There are two important points to consider when looking for the best free screen recorder in 2021.
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 hand, 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
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.
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.
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