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The best free screen recorder helps you capture your screen or webcam - without any payment needed.

As always, we double-check all featured software is completely free to use and optional payment is clearly highlighted.

ScreenPal screen recorder during our review

(Image credit: OBS)

During our tests, we compare capture options, format support.

and performance, alongside extra features like video and image editing across free screen recorders for Windows and macOS.

Best free screen recorder overall

1.

OBS Studio during our review

(Image credit: OBS)

Read our fullOBS Studio review.

Best free screen recorder for annotations

2.

ShareX

ShareX is a PC-only open source screenshot software that delivers more than most.

OBS Studio during our review

(Image credit: OBS)

You even have the ability of customising the apps many keyboard shortcuts.

Read our fullShareX review.

Best free screen recorder for beginners

3.

OBS Studio during our review

(Image credit: OBS)

Debut Video Capture

NCH Software has a multi-platform video capture tool named Debut.

The latter offers you the advantage of granting you future upgrades as well.

Recording was fluid and easy, and worked well… on the PC.

OBS Studio during our review

(Image credit: OBS)

The Mac was another matter as we still couldnt get the computers onboard audio to record.

Read our fullNCH Software Debut Video Capture review.

Best free screen recorder for editing

4.

ShareX during our review

(Image credit: ShareX)

Youll find the interface is very sparse yet full featured.

Read our fullScreenPal review.

Best free screen recorder for small businesses

5.

ShareX during our review

(Image credit: ShareX)

EaseUS RecExperts

EaseUS RecExperts is one of the best screen recorders for Windows and Mac on the market.

Its quick, its easy to use, and its full to the brim with professional screen-capture features.

And its simple to select what youre recording during set-up.

ShareX during our review

(Image credit: ShareX)

However, while we highly rated the features and tools, we found the editing abilities were lacking.

Once youve recorded your clip, basic options include trimming and watermarking clips, and adding intros and outros.

In this area, its not unlike FlashBack Express.

ShareX during our review

(Image credit: ShareX)

The big issue is the limitation imposed on the free version.

Without a subscription or perpetual license, RecExperts recordings are capped at one minute.

Useful tools like the excellent recording scheduler are locked behind that paywall.

ShareX during our review

(Image credit: ShareX)

Read our fullEaseUS RecExperts review.

Best free screen recorder for live footage

6.

FlashBack Express

FlashBack Express offers users a free screen recorder for PC without a watermark.

ShareX during our review

(Image credit: ShareX)

We found the tools work exactly as youd expect.

You even have the ability to crop what youd like to record, or just choose a specific window.

you could also save the file to your machine.

Debut Video Capture

(Image credit: NCH Software)

Read our fullFlashBack Express review.

Best free screen recorder for Mac

7.

You have the option of recording your entire screen, or selecting a chosen portion.

NCH Software Debut Video Capture during our review

(Image credit: NCH Software)

Its a good tool but has limitations, which could be deal-breakers for some.

Dont let it get in the way of your workflow.

  • Resolution- the best free screen recorder software will output in high-definition.

NCH Software Debut Video Capture during our review

(Image credit: NCH Software)

  • Recording- not all screen recorders are equal.

For example, thebest free streaming softwarefor gaming might not work as thebest video conferencingtools.

Start by understanding what it is youre going to capture.

NCH Software Debut Video Capture during our review

(Image credit: NCH Software)

Some of the best free screen recorders effortlessly capture webcam footage, too.

Ideal for streamers and webinar hosts.

Finally, think about long-term use.

NCH Software Debut Video Capture during our review

(Image credit: NCH Software)

What is the best free screen recorder?

OBS Studio is our pick for best free screen recorder and streaming software overall.

Free screen recording software must be unambiguously free.

NCH Software Debut Video Capture during our review

(Image credit: NCH Software)

Users shouldnt have to navigate complex charges and hidden fees.

The very best screen recorders are versatile tools, letting you capture and record everything from meetings to gaming.

Get in touch

ScreenPal screen recorder during our review

(Image credit: ScreenPal)

ScreenPal screen recorder during our review

(Image credit: ScreenPal)

ScreenPal screen recorder during our review

(Image credit: ScreenPal)

ScreenPal screen recorder during our review

(Image credit: ScreenPal)

ScreenPal screen recorder during our review

(Image credit: ScreenPal)

EaseUS RecExperts

(Image credit: EaseUS)

EaseUS RecExperts

(Image credit: EaseUS)

EaseUS RecExperts review

(Image credit: EaseUS)

EaseUS RecExperts review

(Image credit: EaseUS)

FlashBack Express

(Image credit: FlashBack)

Screenshot of screen recorder FlashBack Express in action

(Image credit: Blueberry)

Screenshot of screen recorder FlashBack Express in action

(Image credit: Blueberry)

Screenshot of screen recorder FlashBack Express in action

(Image credit: Blueberry)

Screenshot of screen recorder FlashBack Express in action

(Image credit: Blueberry)

Screenshot of screen recorder FlashBack Express in action

(Image credit: Blueberry)

Apple QuickTime Player being used to record our screen during review