5 Best Free Screen Recorders for Windows & Mac

Looking for a free screen recorder on PC? Whether you want to record tutorials, film gameplay, or capture webinars, a free screen recorder can let you do the task without hard work. In this article, we'll look at the 5 best free screen recorders for Windows and Mac. Let's get into the top picks.

5 Best Free Screen Recorders for Windows & Mac

1. Leawo Free Screen Recorder (for Windows)

Leawo Free Screen Recorder is a highly rated software for recording screens on Windows. It offers an effective solution for you to record tutorials, gameplay, or online meetings, with options like recording in full-screen or in selected areas.

This best Windows screen recorder supports multiple input sources that allow users to record from the screen, microphone, system audio, or webcam. More than that, due to its user-friendly interface, beginners can start recording with ease. It also features handy functions like real-time drawing, task scheduling, and mouse-click effects, etc. So, from the overall features, it is a good choice for both professionals and normal users alike.

Pros:

• 100% free without any watermark

• Supports recording from screen, audio, and webcam

• HD MP4 formatted records (up to 4K)

• Features an auto-recording task scheduler

Cons:

• Only accessible on Windows

2. OBS Studio (for Windows and Mac)

OBS Studio is also widely accepted as one of the best screen recorders and is most commonly used by gamers, YouTubers, and experts. It is an open-source tool, so you can use it for free. OBS Studio, with up to 4K quality recording, customizable overlays, and a powerful live streaming feature, has become a great tool to capture actions like games, tutorials, presentations, etc.

You can capture several sources simultaneously, including screen, webcam, and audio, and apply live filters and transitions. Though its versatility and advanced features are loved by many users, newcomers may find the interface confusing to work with initially. However, after learning, OBS Studio will be an exceptional tool for both streaming and recording needs.

Pros:

• Free and entirely open-source

• No watermarks and recording time limits

• Multi-source recording (webcam, screen, audio) support

• Great for live streaming and complex configurations, up to 4K quality

Cons:

• The steep learning curve for new users

3. Xbox Game Bar (for Windows)

If you want an effortless and trouble-free way to record screens on Windows without anything being installed, then you may consider Xbox Game Bar. It is a built-in app on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It was originally designed for gaming purposes, but you can use it for other recording types like applications, browser windows, and some system activities.

Also, it gives an easy way to record your screen without complicated settings. You just press Ctrl+G to launch it and click the button to start. Hence, it is best for quick recording. However, it lacks advanced editing options, multi-source recording, and customization, which may be less appropriate for professionals or content creators who prefer more manipulation over their recordings.

Pros:

• Already present on Windows 10 and 11; no download is necessary.

• Easy to use, with quick controls.

• Quiet, with minimal system interference.

Cons:

• Support for recording only apps and games, not for desktop recording.

• No webcam support.

4. QuickTime Player (for Mac)

For Mac users, there is a built-in free screen recording software called QuickTime Player that provides an easy way to make quality screen recordings without additional software. It can record the whole screen or a specific region with the feature of adding system audio or external mic audio. That's perfect for recording tutorials and presentations with ease on Mac.

Also, QuickTime Player has simple video trimming functions that are useful for quick edits. However, it lacks advanced features such as annotations or multi-source recording, so it is not suitable for professional video editing. Despite these limitations, its simplicity and availability make it a suitable choice for casual users.

Pros:

• In-built on macOS

• Easily understandable, simple interface

• Exports screen and sound

Cons:

• Limited recording resolutions and output types

• No internal webcam recording capability

5. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder (for Windows and Mac)

Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder is a free online screen recorder for anyone looking to screen record on Windows or Mac without having to install software. It runs directly in a web browser, which makes it perfect for real-time recording of tutorials, online meetings, and live streams. Users can record their screen, webcam, and system audio with seamless synchronization.

In addition, the desktop version for Windows and Mac has more advanced options like scheduled recording, higher quality export, and more customization. Though the online version is handy, those who would need to use it offline may find the desktop software preferable.

Pros:

• Free with no watermark and recording limitations on the online version

• Cloud storage feature to easily share videos

• Picture-in-picture mode support for tutorial videos

• Simple to use with minimal setup required

Cons:

• Some advanced features are exclusive to the desktop version

• It can lag at times based on your internet speed

FAQs

Q1: How Do I Record My Screen in HD or 4K on Windows?

Some programs like OBS Studio and Leawo Free Screen Recorder feature high-definition recording with the option to record in 4K or HD if your hardware can handle it.

Q2: What is the Best Free Screen Recorder for Windows?

For complete features such as a hassle-free option without watermarks or time limits with 4K quality, Leawo Free Screen Recorder is the ideal option. It offers high-quality recordings, audio recording, and webcam support, making it perfect for any task.

Q3: Can I Record YouTube Videos on Windows and Mac?

Yes. You can use screen recorders like Leawo Free Screen Recorder or OBS Studio, but realize that you could be violating the terms of service of YouTube if you record their copyrighted material for commercial use. Make sure that you check whether recording some material is lawful.