Best Free and Paid Screen Recorders for PCs and Laptops

I have searched for the Best Free and Paid Screen Recorders for PCs and Laptops and present them here. I hope this article will help you to choose the Best Free and Paid Screen Recorders for PCs and Laptops capturing video on your computer that will be the best fit for your specific needs.

Free Screen Recorders

There are plenty of free screen recorders that can get the job done with satisfying results without emptying your pocket.

I compiled the 9 best free screen recorders out of 16 Best Free and Paid Screen Recorders for PCs and Laptops in 2022 that successfully compete with the best-paid screen recording tools.

1. Free Cam

Free Cam is an uncomplicated free screen recorder with a built-in audio/video editor. The lovable and instinctive interface lets you record both the entire screen and a part of your screen. You can adjust the size of the area you need to capture. Even though this software is free, it doesn’t place any watermark and is ad-free. Apart from that, it has no time limits, you can record videos that are as long as desired.

Pros

No watermark, time limits, or ads.
Record voice-overs and computer sounds.
High-quality resolution.
Users can save videos as WMV or upload them directly to YouTube.
Easily deletes unwanted video fragments.
Removes background noise.
Wide selection of audio effects.

Cons

Saves recordings to WMV only.
No webcam recording.

2. DVDVideoSoft’s Free Screen Video Recorder

Free Screen Video Recorder is a full-featured but lightweight free screen recorder software from these Best Free and Paid Screen Recorders for PCs and Laptops. It can record Skype conversations with no limitations and is therefore useful for Skype meetings and online conference calls. A basic, user-friendly image editor is surprisingly helpful for attaining a polished look.

Pros

Offers a convenient screenshot feature.
Different modes for recording your screen and video.
Suitable for recording Skype conversations.
Step-by-step instructions are provided on the site.
Available in 10 languages.
Output formats include MP4, BMP, TGA, JPEG, PNG, and GIF.

Cons

Microphone sound recording only.
Excessive ads may interrupt your work.
Lacks a media player built-in and a clear user interface.
May install unwanted software during download.
Does not notify users if disconnection occurs.

3. ShareX

The best screen recorder for PC for those who need to share screen captures online

ShareX is an open-source ad-free tool that boasts almost as many advanced features as some paid screen recorders. ShareX is mostly targeted toward developers and power users, so an average customer might get lost in the many up-to-date tools and editors.

Pros

Record full screen, window, monitors, region, freehand, or scrolling.
Incorporates hotkeys for easier and quicker navigation.
Supports many URL-sharing services.
Imports existing videos, music, or photos.
Allows custom watermarks and colour effects.
A variety of export options.

Cons

Low video quality of game recordings.
Complicated for the average user.
No webcam recording.
Reported to fail while uploading large files.
No video editor.

4. CamStudio

CamStudio is a good choice for one-time or infrequent users with the slightest editing needs. This lightweight, open-source screen recording software creates videos in AVI format that can later be converted to SWF. While its compactness appeals to some, others call for further development and increased technical support. The tool also has minimal editing functionalities, so you might need to have additional video editing software.

Pros

Creates a screen-in-screen video.
Allows you to create small-sized files.
Custom cursor.
Quality options are available for output video.

Cons

Reported to spread harmful viruses and malware
Outputs only to AVI with a conversion to Flash
Output is incompatible with certain browsers
Audio falls out of sync
Lack of interactive and animation features

5. Ezvid

A perfect screen recording tool for making quick video clips and sharing them on YouTube

Ezvid is a free screen recording program that claims to be the world’s tool, and that may not be too far from the truth. Ezvid’s clarity is enhanced by the product’s speed: specifically designed to save users’ time, it will help you produce and upload videos directly to the YouTube platform in a couple of minutes. That’s why this tool enjoys notoriety among gamers and movie fans who are interested in making YouTube videos frequently and as quickly as possible.

Pros

Offers computer-generated speech for narrative purposes.
Automatic high-quality resolution (1280 x 720p HD).
Speed control over output videos.
Sleek and modern interface.
Instantaneous upload to YouTube.
The selection of popular music tracks included.

Cons

Reviewers report extraneous noise.
Minor bugs and inconsistencies.
The Fullscreen game is not available.

6. TinyTake

TinyTake by MangoApps is a sophisticated desktop screen recorder for Windows and Mac that lets you capture images and videos from your computer screen, add comments, and share them with others within minutes. TinyTake comes with an online cloud-based gallery where you can store all your screen captures and recorded videos.

Pros

Bulk file sharing.
Public URL available for sharing.
Built-in online file viewer for images, videos, and documents.
Ability to create custom shortcut keys.
The video player is compatible with mobile devices.

Cons

The free version has a 5-minute limit for video recording.
Video files are saved as MP4 only.
Limited editing tools.

7. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a top open-source software for live streaming. You can create scenes composed of multiple sources: images, texts, window captures, browser windows, webcams, capture cards, and more, and then switch between them seamlessly via custom transitions. Unlike many other free competitors, it is an advanced screen recorder that packs a lot of features and settings. But all this can seem overkill for those who are looking for the quickest and easiest way to shoot a video.

Pros

Allows you to set up various scenes and use various sources
Includes built-in audio mixer with per-source filters
Provides progressive configuration options
Does not add watermarks
Has no recording limit
Supports multiple streaming services

Cons

Some users find the interface quite clunky
The learning curve is steep for non-techs
Reported to crash quite often
Not suited for quick screen recordings

8. Debut Video Capture

Debut is among the best free screen recorders for Windows and lets you make videos for almost any task. It has a slightly odd and old-fashioned interface but presents cutting-edge functionality. For example, you can make mouse highlighting spotlights, show keystrokes, replace the background with images, video, or colour, add a logo or watermark to your video capture, and even schedule a recording.

Pros

Can capture from a network IP camera and other devices
Records screen, webcam, and audio
Unlimited recording time
Robust editing options
A variety of output formats
Green Screen tool
Time-lapse video recording

Cons

Limited editing features
Outdated interface
No interactive or animation features
Reported to slow down when uploading videos

9. Loom

Loom presents itself as a screen and webcam recorder that helps people record quick video messages that they can send to their team. Thus, it’s a great alternative to emails, instant messaging, and web meetings. However, the free version has some limitations. For example, it allows the creation of a maximum of 25 videos per person and restricts the duration to five minutes. Besides, it has limited editing capabilities, which means you need to use other apps to edit and share recorded messages.

Pros

Records screen, webcam, and audio
No watermark or ads
Has a team workspace for storing and sharing videos
Allows you to see who viewed the video
Can be integrated with other tools: Jira, Confluence, etc.
Video interaction capabilities like emoji reactions and comments
Has an extension for Google Chrome

Cons

Very limited editing functionality
Only 25 videos per one user
Video duration is limited to 5 minutes

Comparison of Free Screen Recorders

These were the 9 free screen recorders out of 16 Best Free and Paid Screen Recorders for PCs and Laptops.

Paid Screen Recorders

Here are Best Paid Screen Recorders that will be so helpful and will bring easiness to your life

10. iSpring Suite

iSpring Suite is an incredibly easy-to-use tool that lets you make screencasts with voiceovers, instructional videos with annotations, and screencasts complemented with a presentational video. After a screen capture is recorded, you can edit it comfortably: remove noise, trim a clip, insert media objects and annotations, and add transition effects. The tool is also perfectly suited for those who want to create software tutorials as you can set it to automatically capture keystrokes and clicks and add hints for the actions.

Pros

Can record two videos at the same time easily: a screencast and a webcam video
Records a narration
Has a multi-track timeline for video editing
Adds images, visual hints, infographics, and captions
Creates smooth scene transitions
No time limits for recording

Cons

Only mp4 video format is available
Few interactive and animation features

More than just a screen recorder!

With iSpring Suite, you can also create online courses, quizzes, role-plays, interactions, and other eLearning content. No experience or tech skills are required.

Price: $970/year for the entire toolkit.Free 14 days Trial

11. Camtasia

Camtasia is a feature-packed tool for detail-oriented enthusiasts. It allows you to record video and audio one after another, combining the results afterwards. Camtasia is quite flexible in terms of using animations and video effects and adding overlays. The best thing is that this tool constantly releases updates and receives new features on a regular basis.

Pros

Incorporates a webcam
Audio, video and cursor tracks can be edited separately
Imports existing videos, music, photos, and PowerPoint slides
Adds captions, callouts, and quizzes to your videos
Frame-by-frame editing
Has a library of royalty-free music and sound effects

Cons

One of the most expensive screen recorders
Reported to slow down on large and heavy projects
Busy multi-track interface

Price: $299. Free 30-day trial.

12. Filmora

The best video capture software for streaming and game recording

Fillmora is a trustworthy video recording software that is especially loved by gamers. It lets you capture fast-paced scenes (up to 60 fps for Mac) while simultaneously recording a webcam video. It also has a basic video editor that allows you to improve the look of the video and tutorial features, which can help direct attention to the main items on the screen.

Price: $49.99 for 1 year or $79.99 for a lifetime license. Free trial.

Pros

Can record from your computer and webcam simultaneously
Imports over 50 file formats and exports in multiple formats
Picture-in-picture mode
Frame rate from 15 to 120 FPS
HD and even 4k recording are supported

Cons

Lacks advanced editing features
Noticeable performance impact in games
Reported to lag and freeze when editing

13. Movavi Screen Recorder

Movavi Screen Recorder is an easy-to-use screen capture tool that allows you to perform desktop recording, record the webcam, capture audio, save recordings as high-quality videos and GIFs, and take screenshots. You can upload your final video to YouTube or Google Drive and share them with your audience via social media.

Pros

Incorporates webcam
Can record screen and audio simultaneously or separately
Saves video in HD and supports multiple formats: AVI, MP4, MOV, and MKV
Takes screenshots and edits them
Allows scheduled recording
Mouse display in the recording

Cons

Very few editing tools
Trial version limits recording time to 5 minutes
Reported to have periodic crash issues

Price: $42.95 for 1 PC. Free 7-day trial.

14. My Screen Recorder Pro

My Screen Recorder Pro is a feature-packed screen capturing tool that enables you to record a specific area of the computer screen, including the entire desktop, menus, cursors, and video with sound. It also lets you record your webcam or mobile screen in high-definition quality simultaneously with the desktop screen. Besides industry-standard AVI, WMV, and MP4, the screen recorder can save the video in WebM, perfect for distribution or uploading to your website or blog.

Pros

Can record webcam or mobile screen, along with desktop screen recording
Video output to AVI, WMV, MP4, and WebM formats
Allows scheduled recording
Auto-upload recordings to any FTP account
Can securely monitor the screen in hide mode

Cons

Has limited editing options
No animations and transitions

Price: $129.95. Free feature limited trial.

15. FlashBack

FlashBack is a full-motion-based screen recorder with a simple, handy interface. You can record your computer screen, along with a webcam and mic, and then improve the recording with a built-in video editor by adding captions, arrows, images, and highlights.

Pros

Records multiple monitors
Incorporates webcam
Allows you to add distinctive and custom watermarks
Quick upload to Youtube, FlashBack Connect or export as MP4, GIF, WMV, QuickTime, AVI, and Flash
Can zoom in/out and add blurs

Cons

Difficult to modify existing demos
Import files only in FBR format
Does not track the movement of windows in use

Price: $49 for 1 PC. Free 30-day trial.

16. Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic is considered one of the best screen recorders that can be installed on different devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It’s fast, fairly easy to use, and comes with a video editor that lets you personalize screen recordings and make them more attractive and entertaining. Unlike its many competitors, Screencast-O-Matic comes with a built-in stock library full of videos, images, and music tracks, cloud hosting for storing and sharing videos, and even collaboration and team management tools. However, this advanced functionality is available only for premium plan users. It lets you upload your videos to YouTube, Google Drive, Vimeo, and Dropbox. There’s also a mobile app for Android and iOS.

Pros

Does webcam and audio narration recordings
Comprehensive video-editing options
Automated Speech-to-Text option
Built-in stock library
Secure and private online backup
Collaborative video management tools

Cons

The free version embeds a watermark in videos
The free version limits screen recording time to 15 minutes

Price: Pricing starts at $4.00/month. There’s also a free version with limited functionality.

Comparison of Paid Screen Recorders

Comparison Chart of Paid Screen Recorders

Special Mentions

In addition to paid and free screen recorders for Windows, there’s a combination of screen capture software for Mac, as well as web-based tools. Here are a few solutions we consider valuable to mention.

Zappy

The best screen recorder for Mac is designed for remote teams

Zappy is software produced by Zapier, a company that equips workflows to automate the use of web applications together, specifically to improve communication and productivity within the company. It allows employees to create screencasts, screenshots, and GIFs easily, upload files to the cloud, and share each file with colleagues by embedding a link to G-Suite tools, Slack, and other services. The software doesn’t have a video editor, but lets you place colourful text, add arrows, or draw, so you can communicate with your peers visually.

Pros

Makes screencasts, screenshots, and GIFs quickly.
Allows you to make annotations instantly.
Enables you to add audio and a selfie view.
Free cloud hosting with a paid Zapier account.
You can highlight what’s important with an annotation or drawing.

Cons

No animations and effects.
Only available on macOS.
In the early access phase.
Uploading captures to the cloud is a paid feature.

Price: Free for paid Zapier users

Apowersoft’s Free Online Screen Recorder

Free screen recording software that doesn’t require installation

This tool is one of the few online video recorders. It lets you record your screen and combine it with audio and webcam video. While recording, you can add shapes, notes, colours, and icons to your videos and then export them to various formats. When you’re done with the screencast, you can save the video to a local drive or upload it to RecCloud. its my choice from Best Free and Paid Screen Recorders for PCs and Laptops