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Whether you’re looking to create an online course, video tutorial, presentation or product demo, you’ll need screencast or screen recording software to capture your screen. The best screencast software makes it easy to record your computer screen, often with audio voiceover, as well.
There are both premium and free screencast software options available, so you can find one that meets your needs and budget. We’ve collected and reviewed the nine best screencast software based on,
- Video recording quality
- Editing options
- Screen recording options
- Sharing capabilities
- User-friendliness
- Customer support
Here’s our list of the best screen recording software, including free online screencasting tools.
9 best screencast software
- iSpring Cam Pro: Best for creating tutorials, video courses, and how-to videos
- Camtasia: Ideal for videographers and web designers looking for advanced features such as animations
- ShareX: Great for developers who want to share their screencasts online
- Filmora Scrn: Best for recording online streams and games
- Movavi Screen Recorder: Best for scheduled screencasts and recording webinars
- Ezvid TinyTake: Best for beginners looking to make YouTube videos
- FlashBack Pro: Best for overall online screen recording capabilities
- Screencast-O-Matic: Great for users looking for multi-platform screen recording
- ScreenFlow: Ideal for users looking for a Mac-only screen recording software
Read on for an in-depth look at the features, pros, cons and pricing of these recommendations for the best screen recording software.
1. iSpring Cam Pro
iSpring Cam Pro is a professional video studio that you can use to create several types of screencasts. Examples include picture-in-picture screencasts, screencasts with voiceovers, and video courses with annotations.
After editing your recorded screencast with this tool, you can save it on your device as an Mp4 file, export it to the iSpring Learn LMS, or publish it on video-sharing platforms such as YouTube.
Key Features of iSpring Cam Pro
iSpring Cam Pro has a range of editing features that allow users to:
- Insert media
- Delete unwanted fragments
- Add transition effects
- Remove background noise
- Apply audio effects
- Add intro slides, click sounds, and captions
Pros of iSpring Cam Pro
- Lets you record two videos simultaneously
- Allows you to record narration
- Has no time limitation for recordings
- Has powerful video editing tools
Cons of iSpring Cam Pro
- Users can only save the video in Mp4 format
- Has few animation features
iSpring Cam Pro Pricing
The software costs $227 per user for one year. You can try a 14-day free trial of iSpring Cam to figure out if it suits your needs.
2. Camtasia
Camtasia is one of the best screen recorder and video editing softwares that works on both Windows and Mac. You can use this software to record your screen and add audio.
Key Features of Camtasia
Camtasia screen recording software has the following key features:
- Allows users to add media files, annotations, transitions, animations, video effects, and audio after screen recording
- Lets users create and add quizzes in videos
- Allows user to add interactivity in videos
- Has an easy-to-use interface
Pros of Camtasia
- Offers screen recording, as well as audio and webcam recording
- Lets you edit video, audio, and other media files separately, then combine them to create a final copy
- Has powerful video editing tools such as frame-by-frame editing
- Has a vast library of royalty-free music and audio effects
Cons of Camtasia
- Expensive compared to other screen recording software
- Has a busy multi-track interface
- Some users have reported that the software lags when working on large and heavy projects
Camtasia Pricing
Camtasia screen recording software has four paid plans:
- Individual plan: Costs $249.99 per user (one-time fee) and comes with a single license.
- Business plan: Pricing depends on the number of users. For every one to four users, the price for each user is $249.99, while for every 50 to 99 users, the price for each user is $199.20.
- Education plan: Pricing again depends on the number of users. The more the number of users, the less costly it is per user. For every one to four users, the price for each user is $169.99, while for every 15 to 24 users, the price for each user is $152.10.
- Government and non-profit plan: Like the other three plans, the pricing for this plan also depends on the number of users. For every one to four users, the price for each user is $223.99 and $179.18 for every 50 to 99 users.
3. ShareX
ShareX is a free and open-source screen recording software and productivity tool for Windows. You can use this tool to record any part of your screen and share it with others with the click of a button. ShareX primarily targets developers and gamers who need to share screen recordings online.
Key Features of ShareX
- Has many advanced tools and editors
- Offers the option to screen record a specific part of the screen or the whole screen
- Allows you to annotate recordings and upload them online
- Has a built-in image editor with amazing color effects
- Supports URL sharing and image combining
- Lets you save your screencasts in GIF or video format.
Pros of ShareX
- Has hotkeys for easy navigation
- Supports various export options
- Allows you to import videos, music, and photos from your media storage
Cons of ShareX
- Only supports Windows
- Interface can be confusing for new users
- Does not support webcam recording
- Has no built-in video editor
- Only records online games in low quality
- Sometimes fails to upload large media files
ShareX Pricing
ShareX is a free screencasting tool.
4. FilmoraScrn
FilmoraScrn is one of the best screencast softwares for Mac users. It’s primarily used by gamers and can capture videos up to 60 frames per second (fps) while at the same time recording webcam videos.
Key features of FilmoraScrn
- Has a basic video editor
- Offers an intuitive and clean user interface
- Offers on-screen tutorials
- Allows users to add annotations, import media files, and export videos in multiple formats
- Lets you screen record a specific part of the screen or the whole screen
- Has a full editing suite that allows you to add layers of elements and audio on saved screen recordings
Pros of FilmoraScrn
- Offers screencast along with audio and webcam recording
- Allows for screen recording in picture-in-picture mode
- Supports high-definition videos of up to 120 fps
Cons of FilmoraScrn
- Doesn’t have particularly powerful video editing tools
- Sometimes videos lag or freeze while editing
FilmoraScrn Pricing
This tool has three premium plans:
- Annual plan: Costs $61.99 per year and automatically renews after expiration
- Perpetual plan: Has a one-time fee of $89.99
- Bundle subscription plan: Costs $109.99 per year and automatically renews after expiration
5. Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi Screen Recorder is great for recording video tutorials, webinars, and other online events.
Key Features of Movavi Screen Recorder
- Has an easy-to-use interface
- Allows users to save recorded videos in either GIF or video format
- Users can upload videos directly to YouTube or Google Drive
- Lets you share recordings on social media
Pros of Movavi Screen Recorder
- Offers screen recording, as well as audio and webcam recording
- Allows users to schedule video recordings
- Incorporates a mouse display in the recordings
- Supports multiple video formats such as MP4, AVI, MKV, and MOV
- Allows users to take and edit screenshots
Cons of Movavi Screen Recorder
- Lacks powerful video editing tools
- Has limitations for free users; you must upgrade to a premium plan to screen record for more than five minutes
- Some users report that the software crashes periodically
Movavi Screen Recorder Pricing
This tool has three premium plans:
- Annual plan: This plan costs $37.95 per year for one computer.
- Screen recorder perpetual plan: Comes with a one-time fee of $52.95 for one computer.
- Video suite perpetual plan: Costs $84.95 for one computer.
6. Ezvid TinyTake
Ezvid TinyTake is a free screen recording and video editing software. The developers claim the software can utilize your computer’s processing power to increase the speed and efficiency of its screen recording capabilities.
Key features of Ezvid TinyTake
- Has quick keyboard shortcuts for hands-free recording
- Includes an easy-to-use speed control feature for videos
- Has a text-to-speech tool
- Does not add a watermark when you save a recording
- Allows users to upload HD videos to YouTube
- Users can add animation effects to recorded videos
- Does not include any form of advertisement (adware); it automatically blocks spyware and malware.
Pros of Ezvid TinyTake
- Allows users to easily upload saved videos to YouTube
- Supports HD recording
- Lets you add audio, images, and text files to recorded videos.
- Doesn’t have paid subscriptions
- Has a library of popular music tracks
- Has a clean and attractive user interface
Cons of Ezvid TinyTake
- The tool records YouTube videos for a maximum of 45 minutes continuously.
- Has limited support for macOS
- Shows the recording widget on saved videos
- Users can’t export saved videos as media files
- Can’t record a game on fullscreen mode
Ezvid TinyTake Pricing
This tool is free to use.
7. FlashBack Pro
FlashBack Pro is a screencast tool mainly used to record games and capture webcam footage.
Key Features of FlashBack Pro
- Has a clean and well-designed user interface
- Does not add a watermark when you save a recording
- Has a dedicated gaming mode
Pros of FlashBack Pro
- Has no limits regarding the time or length of screen recording
- Allows users to break long recordings into small bits
- Supports multiple video formats such as WMV, AVI, and MP4
- Does not require a license key for activation
Cons FlashBack Pro
- Existing demos aren’t so easy to use, especially for beginners
- Users can only import files in FBR format
FlashBack Pro Pricing
FlashBack Pro’s pricing depend on the specific license purchased by the user. Here’s how it works.
- 1-PC license: $49 for a lifetime license.
- 2-PC license: $74 for lifetime licenses.
- 3-PC license: $111 for lifetime licenses.
- 4-PC license: $148 for lifetime licenses.
- 5-PC license: $185 for lifetime licenses.
If you need more than five licenses, you can visit Flashback Pro’s store or contact its customer support.
8. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is a great screen recording software for users looking for cross-platform capabilities. This screen recorder is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chromebook. It’s ideal for demos, marketing, training, and coaching.
Key Features of Screencast-O-Matic
- Advanced video recording and editing
- Captures screenshots instantly
- Offers video and content hosting
- Provides a huge library of stock videos and images
- Comes with secure backup for videos
- Integrates with other video management tools
Pros of Screencast-O-Matic
- Can be used on multiple computers.
- Their storage means you won’t lose your files even if you lose your device
- Comes with a free trial
- Paid plans offer multi-platform payment options, such as VISA, Discover, American Express, and PayPal.
Cons of Screencast-O-Matic
- Does not appear to issue refunds for processed payments
Screencast-O-Matic Pricing
Screencast-O-Matic comes with two plans: Solo Plans and Team Plans. The Deluxe version of the Solo Plans costs $1.65 per month billed yearly, while the Premier version costs $4.00 monthly and is also billed yearly.
Screencast-O-Matic also has Team Plans. Team Deluxe costs $9.50 per month, while Team Premier costs $17.50 per month. Both are billed annually and support up to 10 computers.
9. ScreenFlow
A product of Telestream, ScreenFlow allows you to produce professional video for your audience. It’s currently only available for iOS (Macs).
Features of ScreenFlow
- Lets you publish on social media
- Comes with video filters and multi-app recording
- Allows users to record their screen, microphone and webcam simultaneously
- Includes over 500,000 stock media, which include video, images and audio
- Supports iOS recording
- Is easy to use and learn
- Offers powerful video editing tools
- Comes with animations and motions graphics for pro users
- Offers closed caption support
Pros of ScreenFlow
- Comes with a detailed user tutorial, online manuals and premium support
- Has a community forum
- Regularly updated (the latest version is ScreenFlow 10)
- Works great for marketing, education, corporate, online training, and even gaming
Cons of ScreenFlow
- Relatively expensive
- Only compatible with Mac
ScreenFlow Pricing
ScreenFlow is one of the more expensive screen recording software in the industry. Its basic plan starts at $149, the Super Pak plan costs $209 while the Super Pak with Premium Support costs $239.
Screencast and Screen Recording Software FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about screencast and screen recording software.
What is screencast software?
Screen recording software is a tool used to capture and record a computer’s screen. Most screen recording software allow users to record the screen along with audio and webcam. This software is great if you want to create an online course, video tutorials, webinars, live streams, or social media content. Some of the best screencast software also lets you do advanced editing, animation and closed captions on your recordings.
What’s the best free screencast software?
There are several free screencast software options, so the best one will be the one that meets your needs. Developers, for instance, can get a lot out of ShareX.
Ezvid is also a great choice for editing recorded videos and inserting media files. In addition, you can directly upload your saved screen recordings on YouTube using this tool.
Mac users might also have QuickTime already installed on their computers and can use this free tool for screen and audio recordings.
Is screen recording illegal?
Realistically speaking, screen recording is a grey area, and there’s no straightforward answer to whether it’s illegal or not.
But here’s are two things to bear in mind.
If a user has no permission from a copyright holder to screen record copyrighted content and share it with others, doing so may be considered illegal.
If a user screen records a video licensed under Creative Commons or the public domain and shares it with others, doing so is not considered illegal.
However, this only applies to independent media content. But, the rules might change when it comes to content hosted on video-sharing platforms such as YouTube.
Firstly, screen recording a video on YouTube is against its terms of service.
For this reason, if the platform has reasonable suspicion or evidence that you recorded any of its content, they have the authority to terminate your account or seek legal action against you.
If you’re recording your own screen and sharing original content, you shouldn’t run into any problems.
Choosing the best screencast software for your business
Screen recording can play an integral part in a business. You can use screencast software to,
- Record and sell an online course
- Create online presentations
- Record online meetings for future use
- Train employees
- Market your business or products to clients online, increasing sales and conversions.
Choosing the best screencast software is essential for any success-oriented business. While both free and premium screencast software have screen recording functionalities, premium tools typically come with more features, such as editing, animation and advanced audio settings. Fortunately, many tools come with free trials so you can try out a premium screen recording tool before deciding whether it’s the right fit for your business.
