Best Software to record screen on Windows PC and Mac [Free and Paid] 2020

Do you have a computer and would you like to record your PC or Mac screen to share on Internet? Now a days this is very easy to do: there are both native options of both systems (available at the end of the text), as well as a series of third-party applications with simple tools (first options). So you can record gameplay or tutorial on your computer screen and show it to everyone.

We’ve listed some popular, easy-to-use programs for both systems and have also included tips on how to use native macOS and Windows 10 solutions.

Best Software to record screen on Windows PC and Mac


1. Apowersoft Online Screen Recorder (Windows and MacOS)

The Apowersoft Online Screen Recorder is free (unlike the desktop version) and is compatible with both MacOS as with Windows. To be used, however, depends on the installation of a launcher. But, done that, it’s even very practical.

Once installed, the Apowersoft Screen Recorder offers simple controls for adjusting screen size, resolution, microphone usage and folder where files will be saved, but has its limitations: the watermark can not be removed, reserved feature only to the Pro version (that, for desktop). If used without a VIP account, it also limits recording in just three minutes. But it is useful in emergencies.

2. Ezvid (Windows)

The Ezvid, exclusively for Windows is a screen recorder with built-in video editor. The software has a good point in relation to the other, especially if you play on the PC: it has a simplified Gamer mode, designed to make life easier for those who want to share their gameplays on the internet on channels like YouTube and Twitch.

The big negative of Ezvid, however is not to make the recordings available on file; at most, you can send the video straight to YouTube.

3. Movavi Video Editor (Windows and MacOS)

The Movavi Video Editor is a powerful tool, with a series of video and totally free editing features, and also has the ability to record desktop screen. Although it seems a little complex, it has a soft learning curve.

It is possible to record the computer screen and edit videos directly on the platform. No need to buy the paid version, thanks to the large amount of resources available immediately. Compatible with Windows and MacOS.

4. CamStudio (Windows)

The CamStudio is perhaps one of the simplest programs in this list, and one of the open source tools available for most popular Windows.

You can easily record your computer screen and overlay it with your webcam video, creating ideal projects for videos with comments. However, being a rather old and spartan program, it has received few significant updates over the years. It is capable of saving videos only in .avi or .swf.

Still, it’s one of the easiest to use.

5. QuickTime Player (macOS)

For those who do not have a Mac that supports MacOS Mojave, using QuickTime Player, the standard Apple video player ever, is an excellent choice. It has simple full-screen recording settings, or just a selected portion, and allows you to use the microphone to make narration and commentary.

Using QuickTime Player as a screen recorder is a breeze:

  1. Open QuickTime Player;
  2. Click File, and then click New Screen Record;
  3. Click the arrow next to the record button and adjust options such as turning on the microphone or displaying mouse clicks on the screen;
  4. Click the burn button and then anywhere on the screen to burn it;
  5. To save a part of the screen, hold and drag the mouse to select the area of interest, and click Start Recording to begin;
  6. Click the Stop button on the Menu Bar or hit the Command + Control + Esc key combination (on a non-Apple keyboard, Windows key + Ctrl + Esc ).

And that’s it. To save the video, click File, and then click Save.

How to record screen without using any 3rd party software using native solutions

Both MacOS and Windows 10 have their own screen-savvy desktop solutions, which are quite simple to use and have many features that often require the use of more elaborate software. In the case of Windows 10, it is even possible to stream your screen online natively. See how it works.

In Mojave MacOS

The latest version of macOS has introduced a complete commands to allow easy capture of the system screen, either in the form of images or a video.

The steps are very simple:

  1. Press the Shift + Command + 5 key combination (on a non-Apple keyboard, Shift + Windows key + 5 ).
  2. To save the entire screen, click the Save Full Screen button, and then click anywhere on the screen.
  3. To save only a selected area, click the Record Selected Area button (circled in blue), adjust the region of the screen you want to capture and click Save.
  4. To stop recording, click the Stop button.

And ready.

In the Options menu, the tool offers settings such as recording time, location where the video will be saved and possibility to connect the microphone.

In Windows 10

Windows 10 was the first version of Microsoft’s operating system to rely on a native solution for screen recording, mainly to allow gamers to share their gameplays easily. However, it only works in the active window.

  1. Press the key combination Windows + G.
  2. Windows will ask if what you want to record is a game.
  3. Click the box next to Yes, this is a game to confirm.
  4. The control panel offers options for turning on the microphone.
  5. You can even start a broadcast.
  6. Once the adjustments have been made, click the record button; to stop, click the Stop button.

And ready.

The captures will be saved in your Videos folder.

Conclusion

All these programs allow you to record screen. If you have to create tutorials or video guides, then, these programs are perfect for your needs! If you have any question or suggestions please let us know if comments.

Tarun Pandit: Tarun Pandit an entrepreneur and blogger by passion, created Tech Khiladi to help with people with Technical stuff.