8 Free Screen Recording Software Options
Screen capture software allows you to record part (or all) of your computer screen, along with audio from a microphone. Some software will even capture video from a webcam too so you can insert it into the finished video as a window. Some software packages include editing capabilities to allow you to refine your screen captures before publishing. There are other options out there if you like hunting, but you are sure to find an option that meets your needs in this list.
There is a notable omission from my list, CamStudio. Many people recommend this OpenSource option, but I have found it to be buggy and prone to crashing. It was last updated in 2013 and does not seem to have a strong development team. It is missing many features available in other software packages and I found myself wasting a lot of time trying to work around its limitations.
Web-Based Options
Screencast-O-Matic
Price: Basic version FREE, Pro Verion$15/year
Record on-screen activity for short tutorials, visual presentations, and communicate while you demonstrate. Free version allows recordings up to 15 minutes each and adds a watermark to the recorded video. Video files can be saved to your computer or published directly to YouTube.
Downloadable Software
EZVid Screen Recorder
Price: FREE
With one click, Ezvid for Windows can record your screen and capture whatever appears on it: Web pages, games, applications, paint programs, maps, etc. Edit your recorded video and then save it for later, or upload it to YouTube. Screen drawing functionality allows you to draw directly on your screen while recording to make notations. EZVid can also record webcams, audio, and includes voice synthesis technology to convert text to speech.
FlashBack Express
Price: FREE, Plus $89 and Pro $199
Flashback Express is a full featured screen capture solution that does not time-limit your recordings. Export options are limited and there are no editing features in the FREE version. If you decide to upgrade, there are often discounts available on the site. You do have to request a free license key to activate the software.
TinyTake
Price: Personal Version FREE, Paid Options Start At $29.95/Year
TinyTake is a 100% free screen capture tool for windows. Capture the screen, add annotations and callouts, and then export your video. The FREE personal use version limits recordings to 5 minutes. The paid options permit commercial use and offer additional options at each pricing level.
Jing
Price: FREE
Jing is a free and simple way to start sharing images and short videos of your computer screen. It’s the free ‘little sister’ to Camtasia. Jing gives you the ability to add basic visual elements to your captures and share them fast. The major benefit of Jing is that you can use TechCrunch’s ScreenCast.com website to host and share your videos.
Icecream Screen Recorder
Price: FREE Personal Use, Pro Version $29.95
Icecream Screen Recorder, is a cross-platform software tool that enables you to capture any area of your screen either as a screenshot or a video file. It is intuitive and easy-to-use software with a complete suite of tools and options for professional screen capture with audio. The FREE version has a recording time limit of 10 minutes and fewer options for output formats.
Free Trial Versions
Camtasia/Studio (for PC)Â – This is the solution I use personally.
Price:Â Mac $99 and Studio for PC $299
Camtasia is a powerful, yet easy-to-use screen recorder that also functions as a feature-rich video editor. It helps you create professional videos without having to be a video pro. Easily record your screen movements and actions, or import HD video from a camera or other source. Add annotations, callouts, and other customizations. Then, edit your content on Mac or Windows, and share your finished videos with viewers on nearly any device. Camtasia isn’t cheap, but there is a fully functional 30-day trial version available as well so you can test it out. If you are producing a course or product for sale, you can use the trial version to create the course and then use the proceeds from selling your course to purchase the full version once your trial ends (that’s what I did!)
Movavi
Price: Basic $29.95 and Studio $49.95
Movavi Screen Capture is a lightweight screen recorder for Windows and Mac that can capture anything on your computer screen as a high-quality video. Record smooth footage of program activities, online events, and Skype chats. Save your video in the format you want: choose from MP4, AVI, MOV, and more. Download the free trial and try before you buy.
