Video is the way of the future, and free video recording software is on the rise. From crazy cat videos on YouTube to in-depth training on tutorial software sold by mega corporations, our society just can't get enough of those moving pictures. But video is more than just an entertainment option or revenue channel. It can also assist you in your daily workflow and turn you into a productivity machine at work!
The eight video recording software mentioned below will help you communicate quicker, increasing the amount of work you can get done on any given day. Does that sound like something you might be interested in? Then keep reading.
Free to try Video-recorder Mac/OS X 10.6 Version 1.5 Full Specs. This is a review of the trial version of Easy Video Recorder for Mac 1.5. Best VPN Services for 2020 Curated by Cnet. OBS （Windows, Mac, Linux Free） OBS, Open Broadcaster Software, is the free 4K video recording software and live streaming tool. It creates real-time video/audio recording mixing, and creates scenes that are made up of various sources like windows capture, browse windows, webcam, images, text, etc. More than a simple video capture software, Mac Screen Recorder Studio is an advanced screencasting software that gives you the tools you need to turn anything you see on your Mac's screen into a high quality video file, record presenting yourself, edit and enhance your content with built-in video editing tools, create stunning and professionally-looking training videos, video tutorials.
In this post we'll explain what kind of video recording software we're talking about and the eight best options you should consider adding to your technology stack in 2020.
The Purpose of Video Recording Software
The video recording software we'll be talking about in this blog post is NOT the kind you would use to record and edit a Hollywood blockbuster, or even a silly home movie. You won't find Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro on this list.
Instead, we've rounded up the top eight software tools that will allow you to record your personal computer screen in 2020. These kinds of programs can be extremely useful to business professionals and boost both productivity and efficiency by giving users the ability to easily share everything they see on their computer screens.
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The most common uses of video recording software are to demonstrate tasks, troubleshoot problems, and craft intuitive tutorials.
The Top 8 Video Recording Software
The following eight pieces of video recording software have been carefully selected. You'll find both paid and free tools, but each is well designed and would be a worthy addition to your business software suite in 2020. Let's dive in!
1. CloudApp
Let's start with our absolute favorite video recording software, CloudApp. Are we biased? Sure, but after a quick look at the facts, we have no doubt that you'll agree with us in thinking that CloudApp is quite an amazing tool!
CloudApp is an all-in-one, visual collaboration platform that gives users easy access to its screen recorder and webcam recording, and GIF maker features. Once content has been recorded, CloudApp also allows its users to edit their visuals with a convenient annotations tool to add drawings, arrows, emojis.
What do you do when your content has been shot and edited to perfection? Distribute it, of course! Our cloud-based software makes it easy to share your work via links that include password protection options, expiration dates, and detailed analytics. Quickly see who has viewed your content and enable real-time notifications when your links have been opened.
CloudApp packs in a lot of features, but fortunately, all this functionality won't cost your business an arm and a leg. Plans including premium features start at just $9 a month, though our entry-level plan is free-forever and allows you to begin sharing videos, GIFs, and screenshots immediately. Become more productive and save up to 56 hours a week with CloudApp!
2. SnagIt
SnagIt is a popular video recording software that is specially designed to help users make amazing step-by-step instruction videos and how-to guides. If that will be your main goal when using this kind of tool, then you may find this app is exactly what you're looking for.
In a nutshell, SnagIt gives you the ability to capture a video of your computer screen or, using your webcam, a video of yourself, and share the result with whomever you wish.
One of SnagIt's most useful features is 'Favorites', which will allow you to add each of your favorite tools inside the app to one specific tab and group them together for easy access. This is a valuable, time-saving feature that will keep you from constantly digging through multiple menus to find what you need.
A license to use this tool costs $49.95 and can be installed on up to two different computers.
3. ShareX
When it comes to the best free video recording software on the market, you'd be hard pressed to find a better tool than ShareX. This app makes it incredibly simple to capture a video of your screen with just one (configurable) click.
One great feature included with ShareX is the ability to record just a portion of your computer screen when needed. Perhaps you don't want your entire screen visible in the video you plan to record and share. No problem, simply select the area you wish to record in ShareX and only capture that space in your video.
Once a video is recorded, users are able to edit it, though the editing features aren't as extensive as other apps on this list. But for a completely free tool, the functionality is impressive and ideal for those on a tight budget, or those who only need basic video recording features.
4. Debut Video Capture
Debut Video Capture (DVC) is a powerful and free (for personal use only) video recording software that can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, DVC can be used to capture video of your computer screen as you work, which is great for explaining processes.
But this app also allows video to be recorded from external devices, such as a high-end video recorder or network IP camera (surveillance camera). This is a unique and useful feature for those looking to record higher quality videos than their webcam can provide, or those who need to set up a security system at their place of business.
While the interface is unattractive and dated, the functionality of this app is great and the main reason why it's secured a place on our list. It should be noted, however, that use of this tool for non-personal related reasons will cost your company $39.95.
5. ScreenFlow
Apple user? Then consider using, ScreenFlow, an intuitive, Mac-only video recording software. This app has many of the standard screen recording features we've talked about in this article already, such as GIF creation and image annotation abilities.
But there are two features we especially like about ScreenFlow:
- This app allows users to record the screens of the iOS devices. Looking to demonstrate how to use a specific mobile app? Simply connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer, ensure the device is recognized, and click 'record iOS device'.
- ScreenFlow gives its users access to a stock media library of over half a million media clips that can be used in their own videos. This includes visual clips, background music, and more. Just find what you need and drag it into the ScreenFlow timeline.
When your video is done, save time and export it directly to YouTube, Wistia, Facebook, DropBox, or Google Drive.
Does ScreenFlow sound intriguing? You can buy the program for $129. It should be noted that the media library is an additional cost and will run you $60 a year. Premium support is also not included in the price of the software, but can be had for $39 a year.
6. GoPlay
We just gave you a Mac-only application, how about a Windows video recording software next? GoPlay is a screen recording app that allows users to easily create high-definition videos, edit them in a jiffy, and then export the final product to social media with the click of a button.
Some might find the picture in picture (PIP) option especially useful. This feature will let you record both your computer screen and yourself (via a webcam) at the same time. Once your video has been created, editing options include trimming, cropping and various filters.
Finally, we should mention the captioning feature. Add subtitles to every video so that the information your sharing is never lost or misinterpreted.
GoPlay is mainly geared towards those who plan to publish their work on YouTube and other social media channels. But if you use a Windows computer, there's no reason why this app can't also be used for more traditional business video projects. Prices start at $4.90 a month.
7. Camtasia
Camtasia is known for being very easy to use. It combines screen recording features with more traditional video editing options (much like the ScreenFlow and GoPlay apps that we mentioned earlier) to give its users a comprehensive video recording software suite.
A typical workflow using this app might look something like this:
- First, record your screen. You can choose to capture the entire thing or just part of it, whatever suits your video-making needs best.
- Second, edit your footage. Cut out sections; combine multiple takes into one seamless shot; and add in external videos, images, and presentation slides as you see fit.
- Third, add effects and give your video a professional, polished feel. Effects include annotations, titles, music, and more.
As you can see, working with Camtasia is a straightforward process. And while this app doesn't have as many screen recording features as other tools on this list, or the editing options of a fully-featured video editing software, it strikes a good middle ground between the two.
For those looking for basic screen recording functionality and a few higher-end video editing options, Camtasia is a good bet and can be had for $249.
8. Screencastify
Finally, we have Screencastify, a unique option because this tool is actually a Google Chrome extension rather than a stand-alone app. It's perfect for those using the Chrome web browser and looking for a basic video recording software — especially if they're on a tight budget.
Screencastify gives users a few different options when recording. Do you want to capture your entire desktop, one specific browser tab, or yourself via a webcam? Each option is available. In fact, you can record your screen and yourself at the same time and embed the webcam feed in the screen recording.
Finished recordings can be edited with annotations and mouse highlights (so viewers always know what you're clicking on), and then cropped and trimmed to perfection.
When it comes to cheap video capture software, Screencastify is a solid option at only $49 a year. Can't justify the price tag? Use the app for free. Just know that you'll only be able to record up to 5 minute long videos.
The Right Video Recording Software For You
If you're hoping to become more productive in 2020, any of the video recording software mentioned in this blog post will help you reach that goal. Visual communication is on the rise and is, in our humble opinion, a worthy investment for just about every business.
CloudApp is the best option when it comes to video recording software. Our tool's powerful screen and webcam recording, snipping tool for Windows and Mac, GIF creation, and image annotation features will help you boost productivity immediately. Learn more about the CloudApp solution here.
Video resolution is always making improvement. From 240p SD, to 720p HD, 1080p HD, even to the UHD 4K, people's special desire of visual feast is burning.
If you are left the option to watch the movie in 4K resolution, you are not willing to watch it in 1080p HD, if the network is smooth.
Whether you want to make a 4K video tutorial for sharing on YouTube, or wish to save a UHD streaming movie from Vimeo, you will rely on the 4K screen recorder.
What is the best 4K screen recorder for the computer?
Here is the top-10 list for Windows and Mac computer, including free and paid.
Read the review and download the 4K screen recording software to decide the best one.
Top-10 List of 4K Screen Recorders for Windows and Mac:
AnyMP4 Screen Recorder (Windows, Mac | $11.97)
AnyMP4 Video Recorder is the best combination of 4K screen recorder and editor.
It records 4K videos from streaming sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Vevo, Netflix, etc., with audio. Moreover, it also captures your 4K screen from the desktop, window and even webcam with the 4K display or camera. Whether you want to record 4K gameplay or UHD movies playback on your computer, it also can do it.
Pros
- 1. Record any 4K videos from online conferences, gameplay, etc.
- 2. Record the specific window and webcam screen.
- 3. Edit video while recording the computer screen.
- 4. Customize the various settings lie output, schedule task, mouse cursor, etc.
Cons
- 1. Free version records the video unlimitedly but only saves the maximum 5 minutes.
Bandicam (Windows | $39)
Bandicam is the 4K game recording software using the DirectX/OpenGL/Vulkan graphics technologies for Windows users.
It records anything on your computer screen, even the 3D games, and captures external video devices from a webcam, Xbox/PlayStation, smartphone, IPTV, etc. With customizable settings, you are able to create a video tutorial with editing it at the same time.
Pros
- 1. Real-time drawing.
- 2. Set a schedule task for recording without sitting in front of the computer.
- 3. Select any area for screen capturing.
Cons
- 1. Difficult to remember the audio and video recording settings.
- 2. Constant skipping problem from the final recording file from users.
Download Bandicam here.
Snagit (Windows, Mac | $49.95)
Snagit is the 4K video recording software working with various apps like Microsoft Office, Google Drive, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, etc.
It is easy to capture images and record videos from your full-screen desktop, region, window, and scrolling screen. Built-in image editing features can create your screenshots with arrows, text, highlights and more.
Pros
- 1. Capture 4K screen via region, window, and scrolling screen.
- 2. Edit and annotate screenshots with few clicks.
- 3. Share the screen recording easily with Google Drive, YouTube, etc.
Cons
- 1. It is very expensive.
- 2. There a couple of instances where users record a video but result to a black screen.
Download Snagit here.
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ShareX （Windows | Free）
ShareX is the free 4K screen recorder for Windows 10, 8.1 and 7 without ads.
The easy screen capture software has been for over 11 years. Similar to Snagit, but it offers you more capture modes, like full-screen, active window, region, scrolling capture, auto capture, etc. Another feature of this screen capture software is capturing text, images, and edit the image files with various effects.
Pros
- 1. Customize workflows.
- 2. Various capture modes.
- 3. Edit images and share easily.
Cons
- 1. The shareable links to the images uploaded by you, have the expiration time.
- 2. It is not suitable for game recording.
Download ShareX here.
Action! (Windows | $19.77)
Action! is the professional 4K and 8K gameplaying recording software on Windows 7, 8., 8.1 and 10.
It records streaming and real-time gameplay on Windows desktop in superb UHD quality. Various recording modes allow you to record from a gaming console, TV broadcasts, camcorders, etc., with USB/HDMI devices. Moreover, it also records music, capture screenshots, microphone narration, etc.
Pros
- 1. Various recording modes.
- 2. Record gameplay in HD, UHD benchmark games performances.
- 3. Live stream game recording to Twitch.tv, YouTube, Smashcast (hitbox), Ustream, Livestream, Facebook, Aliez, and more.
Cons
- 1. The loading time is very slow.
- 2. The setup is tedious sometimes.
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Download Action! here.
Movavi Screen Capture Studio (Windows, Mac | $64.95)
Movavi Screen Capture Studio is another one 2-in-1 4K video recorder and editor like a pro.
This software is simple to use and can meet almost all your demands to record a screen on computer like streaming audio, Skype video calls, webinars, YouTube movies, TV series, etc. Editing effects like slow motion, picture-in-picture, trim, color filter, and more are great to help your vlog.
Pros
- 1. Capture screen in various modes.
- 2. Fantastic video editing effects.
- 3. Output video recording formats as MP4, MOV, AVI, and more for easy playback.
Cons
- 1. Recording task slows down your computer process.
- 2. Cannot upload the video recording directly to YouTube, etc.
- 3. The price is expensive.
Download Movavi Screen Capture Studio here.
OBS （Windows, Mac, Linux | Free）
OBS, Open Broadcaster Software, is the free 4K video recording software and live streaming tool.
It creates real-time video/audio recording mixing, and creates scenes that are made up of various sources like windows capture, browse windows, webcam, images, text, etc. You could switch among the scenes seamlessly via transition effects. It also allows you to record the game screen among the multiple-screen and optimize your setup for recording.
Pros
- 1. Broadcast your game streams to Twitch, YouTube, etc.
- 2. Offer amazing flexibility for advanced users.
- 3. Modular 'Dock' UI allows you to rearrange the layout exactly as you like.
Cons
- 1. Do not support an in-game overlay recording.
- 2. Settings are a little finicky.
Download OBS here.
Camtasia (Windows, Mac | $249.00)
Camtasia is the professional 4K video recording software and editor for professional users.
Like other screen recorders, it records your computer screen from the browser, video calls, desktop, and more. Powerfully, it provides you with various pre-made animation effects to polish your video recording. It also gives you the library of royalty-free music and sound effects to add background music for your video recording.
Pros
- 1. Great animation effects, like text, transitions, annotations, etc.
- 2. Its library provides you with a list of music and sound effects.
- 3. Create quizzes to interact with your audiences.
Cons
- 1. The price puts the users off.
- 2. It is a little difficult for beginners to use.
Download Camtasia here.
QuickTime （Windows, Mac | Free）
QuickTime is the built-in 4K screen recorder for Mac users with simple recording features.
Actually, it works mostly as the media player on Mac. However, you could use its simple recording features to capture screen and movie windows on Mac. No more features mentioned here, it is just the easy and simple screen recorder for beginners.
Pros
- 1. Very simple to record any screen on Mac.
- 2. Share the video recording to YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo, etc.
Cons
- 1. Lack of customizable settings.
- 2. The exported formats are limited to MOV.
XSplit Gamecaster (Windows | $59.95/Year)
XSplit Gamecaster is the professional 4K gameplay recording software and streaming utility.
It can detect game automatically on your computer and record the in-game overlay. After the recording, it lets you edit the video recording with its editor efficiently. Integrating with Twitch, it lets you directly chat, and receive the follower and subscriber notifications.
Pros
- 1. Support various capture cards like Logitech, Elgato, AVerMedia, Razer and more.
- 2. Support image and game recording overlay.
- 3. Stream live to Twitch and chat directly via Twitch.
Cons
- 1. Fixed Frame rates.
- 2. Incompatibility with other add-ons.
- 3. Slow down your computer while running it.
- 4. Very expensive.
Download XSplit Gamecaster here.
Conclusion
The above is the top-10 list of 4K screen recorders for Windows and Mac computer. Among the tools, they are free and paid. If you are seeking a simple 4K screen recorder without more features, one of them can be added in your list. If you are looking for the screen recorder with editing features, the paid ones should be your considerations.
Which one is your number one video recorder?
Let me know by leaving your comments below.