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.
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. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. Stream to Twitch, YouTube and many other providers or record your own videos with high quality H264 / AAC encoding.
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.
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).
Best Mac Screen Recorder Free
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
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.
Do you want to record something on your Mac computer, like an online meeting, an exciting video clip, a video call, or a live streaming video? Whatever you want to capture, you need a free Mac screen recorder first.
In this article, we have rounded up the best 11 Mac video capture software to help choose. To help you select the best free screen recorder, we will introduce each software with its key feature in detail. Just read to learn more information.
#1. EaseUS RecExperts ★★★
When it comes to Mac screen recording software, EaseUS RecExperts is the best option. This software allows you to record the full screen, a selected area, or a locked window flexibly. Also, you can record screen with audio on Mac simultaneously, including the system sound, microphone, or sound from external audio devices.
Apart from capturing the screen, you can record audio or capture the screen as a GIF with one simple click. Most importantly, it won't leave a watermark on your recordings. For this screen recorder without watermark, you can miss it!
Now click the below button to try EaseUS RecExperts for free!
#2. QuickTime Player
You must be familiar with QuickTime Player. It can play, edit, and share videos on your Mac computer. But did you know it is also a screen recording app for Mac?
It lets you capture a full screen or a selected area with a few clicks. With Mac screencast software, you can easily record online meetings, streaming videos, or other activities on your Mac screen. Most importantly, it is straightforward to use even for beginners of its intuitive interface.
Key features:
- Simple and intuitive user interface
- Offer recording and editing options
- Allow you to share the recorded videos with your friends
#3. macOS Catalina
One recommended Mac's built-in screen recorder is macOS Catalina, which is also known as macOS 10.15. It is a cross-platform tool with numerous features. Using this program, you can record your entire screen or selected portion on your Mac with just a few clicks.
Key features:
- Free and easy to use
- Record full screen or a specific region
#4. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open source screen recorder for Mac users. It has powerful and easy-to-use configuration options, which lets you add new sources or adjust the properties effortlessly.
Besides, this free Mac screen recorder offers an unlimited number of scenes to switch seamlessly via custom transitions. Also, it can be used for live streaming, which means you can download and start streaming quickly on your Mac.
Key features:
- Completely free for all users
- Allow you to capture real-time activities and create great live streaming videos
- Offer intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
#5. Screenflow
Screenflow is another free Mac screen recorder with audio. This video capture is very polished and can record anything and give you many editing options once the recording is done.
Using Screenflow, you can record computer audio or microphone as well. In addition, this Mac screen capture even can monitors keystrokes and mouse movements, which can make the recording more interesting.
Key features:
- A lightweight screen recorder and video editor
- Export almost all the major formats and directly upload recorded videos to YouTube
- Provide a lot of effects
- Enable you to record video and audio simultaneously
#6. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is a versatile Mac screen recorder and editor. It is free and fast to create screencast videos with this screen recording program. When the recording is done, you can personalize your video with the built-in video editor. Here it allows you to add overlays, text, animations, visual effects, and many more to your recorded video quickly.
Key features:
- Available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chromebook users
- Offer some basic yet useful video editing tools
- Add and size your webcam for a picture in picture effect
- Share the recorded videos to YouTube with one click
#7. Snagit
Snagit is a screen recording tool, which enables you to record video and capture images. This screen recorder can capture your entire Mac screen, a region, a window, or a scrolling screen. It lets you quickly grab individual frames from the recorded videos or save your video file as an mp4 or animated GIF with ease.
In addition, this Mac screen capture enables you to remove any unwanted sections from your screen recordings by trimming after recording.
Key features:
- Allow you to record iOS screen with Snagit
- Record screen, webcam, audio, and other things on your screen
- Turn video into an animated GIF and add it to your website
#8. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is another completely free and open-source screen recording software for Mac. Like QuickTime Player, it can help you play media files, convert file formats, and capture your computer screen. It is straightforward to use. When you want to do some quick screen recording on your Mac, you cannot miss VLC Media Player.
Key features:
- A screen recorder, video converter, and media player at the same time
- Help you stream media on the internet
- 100% free and easy to use
#9. Camtasia
Camtasia can help you record and create professional-looking videos on Windows and Mac computers. This free Mac screen recorder is easy and quick to learn, and you do not need a big budget or fancy video editing skills.
With it, you can easily record anything on your computer, including an application, website, video call, or PowerPoint presentation. Apart from that, it supports iOS capturing. You can connect your iOS device directly to your Mac to record from the screen, then add some effects to your video.
Key features:
- Provide options for recording screen, webcam, and audio
- Allow you to use callouts, arrows, shapes to highlight important points in your video
- Built with many templates to reduce your editing time
- Flexibly apply device frames to your videos to make them play well on a different device screen
#10. Screenflick
As another best free screen recorder for Mac, Screenflick is popular all over the world. A simple user interface helps you be more efficient to start recording tasks. Built with a smart recording engine, it lets you capture screen and audio with the highest quality and resolution. What's more, the video, audio, keystrokes, and mouse clicks are recorded in separate tracks so that you can modify them conveniently after recording.
Key features:
- Record system audio, microphone, or external mic on your Mac
- Use a timer to stop or start recording automatically
- Create time-lapse screen recordings of long projects
- Export to multiple sizes, formats, and frame rates
Screen Recording Software For Mac
#11. Monosnap
Monosnap is a free screen capture program for Mac users. It comes with the option of recording your webcam, microphone, and system audio at the same time before starting recording. You can capture full screen, area, window, videos, or HIGs using hotkeys.
Once recorded, you can edit the video by adding annotations. Then it allows you to upload and share the link with your friends if you have connected to your Monosnap account.
Key features:
- Create pixel-perfect screenshots
- Allow you to record screen to GIF with one click
- Offer editing options to highlight details, hide sensitive data with the Blur tool
- Upload and share the recorded video directly
The Bottom Line
On this page, we have discussed the top 10 best screen recorders for Mac. Which one will one choose?
Taken together, we highly recommend EaseUS RecExperts. It allows you to capture screens in high resolution, including 4K. Besides, using it, you can easily capture the system sound without downloading any other third-party software. Don't hesitate. Just download it!