Choose the right screen recorder for your specific needs. A word of caution though: some software companies may require a paid upgrade after you download their “free” tool. Getting Started with iSpring Cam (Standalone). Ezvid claims to be the world's easiest screen recorder, and that may not be too far from the truth.

[Updated 4/24] Choosing the best screen recorder needs you to take an in-depth look into the features. With this, you can discern all that you might need from the software. More so, you can know what the software has to offer.

Therefore, ensure that you don’t rush to downloading the best software to record screen videobefore you find out that it’s paid or it isn’t what you were looking for. Our guide makes it easier for you to pick the best screen recorder depending on your needs. Below are the best seven screencasting software to use on your Windows PC.

1. Fraps Gamer Recorder

As a streamer, it might be ideal having a screen recording software that allows you to record your content. With Fraps, you’re able to record your gameplay and any other content which is available. Through this, you can create content and edit it to make it ideal for your audience. You’re also able to capture screenshots which you can share online in no time.

More so, you’re also able to benchmark your games with Fraps. This is an additional feature which goes hand in hand with screen recording. It makes it easier for you to record content in high resolutions. More so, being able to measure the frames ensures that you can customize a game to ensure that the gameplay is smooth. With this, you get to record easily without having any glitches from time to time.

Fraps is commonly used by gamers. It allows you to benchmark your PC and ensure that it’s running in the best conditions. Attached are some of the best features;

1. benchmarking
2. video capturing
3. screen capturing

Advantages

• free to use
• easy user interface
• tracking FPS with the benchmarking tool

Javascript json deserialization. Disadvantages

• no support in terms of updates

2. TalkHelper Screen Recorder

TalkHelper screen recorder allows you to record and immediately upload content. If you want to make back ups of all the screen recordings, you can easily do so with the tons of options available. Besides recording screen video and uploading it, you’re also able to customize the resolution that you’d want your content to be in.

its ideal for tutors since you’re able to capture your screen video and also add web can and microphone. Therefore, your audience will be able to understand all that you’re sharing. With the time limits, you don’t get to have large video files on your Windows PC. All the screen captures you take will be reasonably sized. Through this, you just need a single disc in your PC and store all the content you have available. Below are some of the other features of TalkHelper Screen Recorder;

1. the ability to add commentary or music
2. high-quality video enhancer
3. ability to delete unwanted footage

Advantages

• easy user interface
• the ability to hide desktop icons when recording
• numerous output choices

Disadvantages

• not free

3. Ezvid Screen Recorder

If you’ve never tried making tutorials online, Ezvid provides you with a screen recording forum to ensure that your content is unique. The availability of slideshow recording options ensures that you don’t get to waste any time. You’ll be able to record slideshows and also make your own with Ezvid. More so, editing or drawing on the screen ensures that you can make some live video content.

Something which will affirm that you always make some detailed tutorials. More so, when streaming your video content, you’ll affirm that you can chat with the audience and ensure that they get help whenever they need. Drawing on your screen also ensures that you can have an easier time customizing your video content and ensuring that it doesn’t get re-used by other people online.

Some free screen recorders force you to use their watermarks. However, Ezvid is different; you can customize the watermarks or even annihilate them. Here are some of the best features of Ezvid;

1. making slideshows
2. webcam and audio support
3. drawing on your screen

Advantages

• directly upload to YouTube
• simple user interface
• customization options
• powerful editor

Disadvantages

• records up to 45 minutes

4. CamStudio Screen Recorder

When choosing the best screen recorder, you have to consider the output format of your videos. Through this, you’re able to ensure that with software like CamStudio, you can have multiple screen recording options thus being able to make uploads to different forums online. More so, some of the formats might be simpler to use in case your compressing and sharing the video through offline means.

On the other hand, CamStudio allows you to add webcam and microphone to your webcam video. So doing ensures that you can walk your users through all that you’re showcasing. Its an ideal solution for tutors since you can always come up with unique content.

Unlike most screen recording software, CamStudio is open source. Meaning that you have the opportunity of looking into the code and knowing some of the changes that can make it better. Besides this, here are some of the main features;

1. output formats
2. audio and webcam support

Advantages

• simple user interface
• customizable
• no file limitations

Disadvantages

• has bloatware

5. Smartpixel Screen Recorder

Unlike most recorders, Smartpixel provides you with hotkey support. This allows you to add key bids to your keyboard, thus having an easier time while recording. Besides, with custom binds, you’re able to capture screenshots or start, pause and stop recording whenever you want. It won’t necessitate for you to hover your mouse around to find these buttons on the software.

On the other hand, if you’re a streamer, you might need to capture some video streams and later upload it to YouTube, Facebook or Vimeo. With Smartpixel, you’re able to do this and ensure that all the stream video captured is in the best conditions. More so, the audio and video quality isn’t distorted, thus being able to ascertain that your audience can enjoy your content always.

When looking for the best screen recorder, you ought to know of all the things which you can record. With such features, you’re able to ascertain that you can have a better means of recording better content and also diversifying the content. Below are some features of Smartpixel Screen Recorder;

1. hotkey support
2. capture streams
3. audio and webcam support
4. capture custom content on your screen

Advantages

• powerful video editing tool
• customizable
• a picture in picture mode
• mouse cursor customization

Disadvantages

• expensive

6. Camtasia Studio

When creating content, you always need a screen recorder which will make it easier for you to come up with the best content. These new assets allow you to edit and make your videos unique. More so, you do also find that you can become more creative with such content. It thus allows you to create intros, outros and edit some bits of the video while still recording.

More so, Camtasia offers you with better playback controls. Meaning that you can review your content more than once before you upload it online. With some screen recorders, you might not have the best reviewing capabilities. Camtasia, however, ensures that the playback is smooth, thus allowing you to identify any issues on your videos. If you love adding some themes to your content, the new theming features also make it easier for you to choose some of the best available templates.

Some screen recording software might offer you with one output format. However, Camtasia allows you to choose different output options for your videos. We have some of the best features of Camtasia listed below;

1. theming capabilities
2. enhanced performance
3. addition of new assets

Advantages

• Easy user interface
• powerful video editor
• online support

Disadvantages

• expensive

7. TinyTake

TinyTake provides you with an ideal means to recording your Windows PC screen. With TinyTake, you’re able to choose the windows which you’d like to capture. Meaning that you don’t need to close any windows that you’re not using. Besides, the ability of editing videos after recording makes it easier to know which content will be fit for uploading online. With this customization, you’ll be able to use the screen recorder even as a novice.

Nonetheless, you also can take some screenshots which can later be shared online to showcase your expertise. For example, when playing a game, you can take some screenshots to upload on Instagram and hint to your audience what you might be preparing. More so, before you upload to YouTube, you can use the screenshots as thumbnails. You can thus ensure that your followers can have an idea of what the video entails.

Not all screen recording software allows you to customize your content easily. TinyTake is amongst the few Windows screen recording software which allows the user to customize all the content they record. Some of the features which makes it amazing are listed below;

1. easily capture your screen
2. add annotations to your content
3. share easily online or offline

Advantages

• easy user interface
• easy to make online uploads
• high-quality output options

Disadvantages

• cannot be automated

See also:9 Best Skype Recorder Software For Windows 10 In 2020

Trying to accurately explain a problem that the user experience on his computer can be difficult either due to not being able to use the correct keyword or write fluently in English. A picture is worth a thousand words applies in this situation by providing a screenshot of the error which would allow the helper to understand the problem and provide a possible solution that would solve the user’s problem. Actually a screenshot is only partly helpful because it only shows the problem but not the steps to replicate the problem. The better way to show the problem is by recording the screen and provide the video to the helper.

Fortunately screen recording has been greatly simplified and made easy throughout the years of research and development that any computer user would be able to do it with just a few mouse clicks. Here we list 10 software that can be used online or offline to record your computer screen for free. Each has its own pros and cons, so make sure you check them all out to determine which best suit your screen recording needs.

1. Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic is our favorite screen recording tool which we currently use to create video demonstrations. It used to be an online application that runs on Java but it has become a hybrid where it can also be installed and run offline. The free version allows 15 minutes of recording and embeds a watermark to the video. The recordings can be published to YouTube or Screencast-O-Matic and saved as MP4, AVI, FLV or animated GIF. You can capture sound, webcam or specify the region that you want to record. Video editing tools and other extra features are enabled in the PRO version that cost $15 per year.

Visit/Download Screencast-O-Matic

2. ScreenCastle

ScreenCastle is an online application that runs on Java as well. There is no limit to the recordings and also no watermark. You can record your microphone and specify the region to be recorded. The videos are then uploaded where you can share the link to view or even a direct link to download the video. Although ScreenCastle does not come with a lot of features, but it is the most easy to use among all screencasting software.

Visit ScreenCastle

3. Screenr

Screenr targets business users with the PRO plan that starts with $19 per month but they also offer free usage with limited features. It is an online app that runs on Java and the free account allows 5 minutes of recording. You are able to specify the region to record and also your microphone. What we didn’t like about Screenr is you must sign in with either Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, LinkedIn or Windows Live ID to create your Screenr username. Although the setup of a free account is greatly simplified with this method, but not all users are willing to connect their account to Screenr. Moreover, you can only download the video as MP4 or publish to YouTube after publishing the screencast to Screenr.

Visit Screenr

4. Jing

Jing is the smaller brother of Camtasia, one of the most powerful and popular screen recording and video editing software created by Techsmith. There is a 5 minute recording limit and video editing is not possible. As for screenshot, it comes with a very basic image editing tools to add arrow, text, frame and highlight. You can save the image or video capture on your computer or upload to screencast.com. There used to be a Pro subscription that removes the 5 minutes capture limit but has been discontinued and advices to go for Snagit. It requires to create an account so you can share your captures online.

Works on Windows with Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 and Mac OS X.

Download Jing

5. HyperCam 2

HyperCam is by the makers of the excellent screenshot tool, HyperSnap. The latest version of HyperCam 3 is currently being maintained and sold by a different company while the previous version 2 is offered for free. HyperCam 2 can record both screen and sound including layered or transparent windows. One of a very unique and useful feature is the ability to move the captured region. The video recordings are saved as AVI format and there is no video editing tools. Take note during installation because it prompts to install adware.

Download HyperCam 2

6. CamStudio

CamStudio is the most popular free desktop screen recording software but the development seems to have come to a halt which was last updated 2 years ago. It has its own unique features such as recording sound from speakers, using a custom mouse cursor, auto panning where the captured area automatically follows the mouse cursor and saving the recording to SWF by converting from AVI.

Do take note that Visual C++ 2008 runtime components are required to be installed or else you’ll get the error “The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect” when you run CamStudio.

Download CamStudio

7. SCREEN2EXE

SCREEN2EXE is a unique screen recording software compared to all because it is able to create an output file of an executable file which means you can directly play the video without relying on the media player software or codecs on the computer that you want to play. Another unique feature found in SCREEN2EXE is it can attempt to make the file size smaller by removing identical frames. There are simple editing tools such as adding annotation, image, zoom/focus, mosaic, delay, cut clip and audio-redub.

Download SCREEN2EXE

8. Bandicam

Bandicam is actually a shareware but it allows 10 minutes of free recording with watermark which is a better alternative than Fraps. The recordings are saved as AVI format only. The reason why we included Bandicam into the list is its capable of capturing video game screen through OpenGL or DirectX hooking. Moreover it is optimized to run on slow computers because it consumes very little CPU usage.

Download Bandicam

9. Webinaria

Webinaria is an open source desktop recorder that can record your computer screen, camera and sound without watermark or limitation. The output file can be either saved as AVI or FLV or publish to Webinaria’s website. It is possible to add text to the recording on the simply video editor.

Download Webinaria

10. ActivePresenter

We placed ActivePresenter as last in the list not because it is the worst but it is the most powerful one without watermark or time limit. There are 3 versions of ActivePresenter and the free one still comes with a lot of features, easily beating the other 9. Other than creating no time limit and watermark-less screen recordings, you can also capture screenshot with it. The output video file can be saved as AVI, MP4, WMV or WebM. The video editor takes a bit more effort to learn how to use because of the timeline. The video editor allows you to insert annotation such as shape, text, highlight, spotlight, feedback and even closed caption (subtitle). Interactions such as mouse clicks, text boxes, mouse hover and key strokes can also be created.

Download ActivePresenter

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Hi there, thank you for sharing this article. It helps me a lot, Its been two days now that I’m searching for an effective screen recorder. Moreover, I’m currently using an online screen recorder which is the Acethinker Online Screen Recorder. It is a simple yet powerful screen recorder wherein you can record your screen in just one click. Besides, you can add this to your list.

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Good to know these screen recording tools and thanks for the sharing. I always record webinar with a web-based software calls Acethinker Screen Recorder, It is an online tool that lets you record your screen right from the browser. You may add it to the list as well.

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I use ChrisPC Screen Recorder software which is low on resources and records to MP4: pcscreenrecorder.com

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Time to change the list. Screenr is not available now, And Java can not be compatible with Chrome browser, which means Screencastle is also out of use.

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Thanks so much. You have saved me a lot of time and work.

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Ray, glad I found your site by stumble with it on the internet.
I fill you have the same way to see useful software like me, test it, and put it on a public place to share the unique software that makes the different, and save to your friends or family wasting too much time looking for one, in ocean of web sites full of spywares. And I’m glad you got it done.
Really like your site.
About these video recording, do you see any that can run for long time, at low fps, of course recording file in a certain fix size, so it won’t grow exaggeratedly big? Or even recording only by ‘motion’ ?
Very useful tool to watch kids or employees activities, for example. Kind of DVR in your pc.
Let us know! Thanks again!

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There are much better alternatives:
1. Ocam (Free) – FLV
2. NemCap (Free) – AVI
3. ByteScout Screen Capturing (Free) – WMV

4. Extensoft Screen Capturer (Free) – WMV (Records Screen/Take ScreenShots)

With InBuilt Video Editor:
1. Bsr Screen Recorder (Trial)
2. BB Flashback Pro (Trial)
3. Camtasia Studio (Trial)

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Thanks, this is what I need!

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Screenr is better,

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Well… I totally agree with the utility of this web-resource!
;)

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