Capturing your screen should be simple.
Maybe you’re recording a tutorial, saving a meeting for later, or showing off a clutch gaming moment. Whatever the case, the last thing you need is choppy footage, limited recording time, or clunky software slowing you down.
Some tools are basic, while others are loaded with editing features, overlays, and live-streaming options. Picking the right one depends on your needs.
To make things easier, here’s a rundown of the best Windows screen recording software options—what they do well, where they fall short, and which one fits your needs best. 🏆
10 Best Windows Screen Recording Software
- The Best Windows Screen Recording Software at a Glance
- What Should You Look for in Windows Screen Recording Software?
- The Best Windows Screen Recording Software
- 1. ClickUp (Best for project management with built-in screen recording)
- 2. OBS Studio (Best for advanced customization and streaming)
- 3. Loom (Best for quick team communication and feedback)
- 4. Camtasia (Best for creating polished instructional content)
- 5. ScreenPal (Best for simple recording with basic editing)
- 6. ShareX (Best for versatile capture options and workflows)
- 7. Snagit (Best for annotated screenshots and quick tutorials)
- 8. Movavi Screen Recorder (Best for balanced simplicity and functionality)
- 9. Icecream Screen Recorder (Best for occasional recording with minimal setup)
- 10. Bandicam (Best for high-performance gaming and multimedia recording)
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe Best Windows Screen Recording Software at a Glance
Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the top screen recorders for Windows:
| Tool name | Best for (team size) | Best features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClickUp | Individuals, small businesses, mid-market companies, enterprises | Built-in screen recording with project/task integration, AI transcription and summaries, async video sharing | Free plan available; custom pricing for enterprises |
| OBS Studio | Individuals to mid-market companies | Automated workflows, advanced capture modes, built-in image editor, and custom naming conventions | Free (open source) |
| Loom | Individuals and small teams | Timestamped comments, viewer engagement analytics, basic editing and thumbnails | Free plan available; customized pricing for enterprises |
| Camtasia | Small businesses to enterprises | Interactive quizzes and clickable elements, royalty-free media, visual effects and transitions | Free trial available |
| ScreenPal | Individuals and educators | Automatic captions, text-to-speech voiceovers, integrated video trimming and overlays | Free plan available; customized pricing for enterprises |
| ShareX | Technical users and developers | Automatic captions, text-to-speech voiceovers, integrated video trimming, and overlays | Free |
| Snagit | Individuals and documentation teams | Text extraction from screenshots, sequential step capture, custom annotations and stamps | Free trial available; customized pricing for enterprises |
| Movavi Screen Recorder | Individuals and small businesses | Scheduled recording, on-screen drawing, dual audio capture with export presets | Free trial available; customized pricing for enterprises |
| Icecream Screen Recorder | Casual users and freelancers | Pixel-precise area selection, profile-based settings, duration caps for timed recordings | Free version available; customized pricing for enterprises |
| Bandicam | Customizable recording scenes, real-time audio mixing, lossless quality, and advanced encoding | Hardware-accelerated high-FPS capture, real-time compression, chroma key for webcam overlays | Free trial available; customized pricing for enterprises |
How we review software at ClickUp
Our editorial team follows a transparent, research-backed, and vendor-neutral process, so you can trust that our recommendations are based on real product value.
Here’s a detailed rundown of how we review software at ClickUp.
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Windows Screen Recording Software?
When selecting Windows screen recording software, ensure it has these essentials:
- Recording quality: Look for resolution options up to 4K, smooth frame rates of at least 30 FPS, and clear, distortion-free audio capture for high-quality results
- User interface: Choose a straightforward layout, clearly marked controls, and easily accessible recording settings so most people can use it seamlessly
- Recording capabilities: Confirm seamless webcam integration, multiple audio source capture, system and microphone audio recording, and flexible screen selection for better control over recordings
- Performance optimization: Ensure hardware acceleration for smoother recording, minimal CPU usage to prevent lag, and real-time frame rate adjustment for system compatibility
- Editing features: Opt for built-in trimming and cropping tools, easy annotation options, text overlays, basic visual effects, transitions for seamless cuts, and noise reduction
- Export and sharing options: Select software that supports multiple file formats, including MP4 and AVI, direct uploading to platforms like YouTube, customizable resolution and frame rate settings, and cloud storage integration
🔍 Did You Know? The global screen recording software market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $2.1 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 6.5%. This rapid growth is driven by increasing demand for online learning, remote work, and gaming content.
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe Best Windows Screen Recording Software
Here’s our list of the best screen recording software for Windows. ✅
1. ClickUp (Best for project management with built-in screen recording)
Recording your screen is just one part of the process. You also need a way to store, share, and collaborate on those recordings without juggling multiple apps. That’s where ClickUp stands out.
ClickUp is the everything app for work that combines project management, knowledge management, and chat—all powered by AI that helps you work faster and smarter. It also includes built-in screen recording, so you can capture and share videos without bouncing between tools.
ClickUp Clips
ClickUp Clips let you record both your screen and camera to create clear, detailed explanations without typing everything out. You can add a voiceover narration, too. Every Clip connects to your work, so ideas don’t get lost in endless messages or emails.
Suppose a product manager needs to walk the development team through a bug in the latest software release. They record a Clip, replicating the error step-by-step on their screen, and explaining the issue through the voiceover. This visual walkthrough ensures the team sees exactly what’s wrong, reducing miscommunication and accelerating the fix.
Recording the issue is just the first step—solving it comes next. With ClickUp Tasks, the product manager can attach the Clip directly to a task and assign it to the engineering team. This ensures they have all the details upfront, reducing back-and-forth questions and ensuring the bug is resolved asap.
Developers can comment on the task for more context, tag teammates, and update the progress statuses in real time, ensuring seamless collaboration.
But the value of async video communication with Clips doesn’t end here. It extends to documentation, training, and knowledge sharing.
Suppose a training coordinator is creating an onboarding guide for new hires. They embed screen recordings directly into ClickUp Docs, providing step-by-step visual instructions. New employees can watch real-time demonstrations on navigating internal systems, submitting expense reports, or accessing shared files—making the learning process faster and more intuitive.
ClickUp Brain
ClickUp Brain, the integrated AI assistant, makes screen recordings even more powerful by automatically transcribing them and turning insights into action.
For example, a project manager records a Clip explaining a shift in deadlines and priorities for the product launch. The AI screen recorder transcribes key points, highlights critical updates, and helps convert them into tasks where needed. The marketing team can instantly get an updated to-do list without needing to rewatch or manually take notes from videos.
Here’s how it works:
ClickUp AI Notetaker
While Brain extracts action items, ClickUp AI Notetaker ensures that no insights from critical discussions get lost—whether it’s a brainstorming session, a game strategy review, or an online class.
It records entire discussions, transcribes every word, and highlights key takeaways—all without anyone lifting a finger. After a faculty meeting or lesson planning session, the transcript is attached to a ClickUp Task, providing a clear breakdown of action items, such as updating the syllabus, revising grading policies, or scheduling parent-teacher conferences.
Now, if you want to learn how ClickUp AI Notetaker turns meetings into instant action items, see it in action in this video!
ClickUp best features
- Auto-play Clips in Chat: Drop a Clip link in ClickUp Chat, and it instantly embeds for seamless viewing—no need to open another tab or app
- Record Clips inside conversations: Tap the video icon from any chat, comment, or task in ClickUp to capture your screen and share updates without leaving ClickUp
- Add time-stamped comments: Click anywhere in a Clip to leave precise feedback, ask questions, or highlight key moments for your team
- Find everything in a centralized hub: Access all your recordings in the ClickUp Clips Hub, keeping everything organized and easy to find
- Transcribe meetings from any platform: Capture every word from Teams, Meet, or Zoom, then store and search transcripts directly inside ClickUp
- Apply templates for consistency: Try communication plan templates to create a comprehensive strategy for async comms across the organization
ClickUp limitations
- Clips cap out at 45 minutes, so longer sessions need to be split into multiple recordings
- You can record and share Clips instantly, but there’s no way to highlight, draw, or annotate on the screen while recording
ClickUp pricing
free forever
Best for individual users
Free Free
Key Features:
60MB Storage
Unlimited Tasks
Unlimited Free Plan Members
unlimited
Best for small teams
$7 $10
Everything in Free +
Unlimited Storage
Unlimited Folders and Spaces
Unlimited Integrations
business
Best for mid-sized teams
$12 $19
Everything in Unlimited +
Google SSO
Unlimited Message History
Unlimited Mind Maps
enterprise
Best for many large teams
Get a custom demo and see how ClickUp aligns with your goals.
Everything in Business +
White Labeling
Conditional Logic in Forms
Subtasks in Multiple Lists
* Prices when billed annually
The world's most complete work AI, starting at $9 per month
ClickUp Brain is a no Brainer. One AI to manage your work, at a fraction of the cost.
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (10,090+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about ClickUp?
📖 Also Read: Announcing Clips 3.0: The Easiest Way to Communicate
2. OBS Studio (Best for advanced customization and streaming)
OBS Studio delivers powerful functionality through its open-source platform, designed for both recording and live streaming videos. This software appeals to content creators who need complete control over their recording environment.
You can configure multiple scenes, incorporate various input sources, and apply real-time transitions. The modular interface allows extensive customization through plugins and add-ons.
Despite its robust capabilities, OBS Studio maintains a lightweight footprint and performs smoothly even on modest hardware.
OBS Studio best features
- Combine multiple screen captures, webcam feeds, and audio sources into customized scenes that switch seamlessly during recording sessions
- Configure advanced audio mixing options with individual volume controls, noise gates, and suppression filters for each source
- Record in lossless quality with custom encoding settings to preserve exact visual details for professional productions
- Schedule automated recording sessions with precise start and stop times for capturing events without manual intervention
OBS Studio limitations
- Users have reported lags, frame drops, and crashes during recording or streaming
- It lacks advanced editing features; you’ll require separate video editing software for them
OBS Studio pricing
- Free (open source)
OBS Studio ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (120+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,060+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about OBS Studio?
🧠 Fun Fact: Screen recordings can improve the transparency and reproducibility of psychological experiments by providing a clear visual demonstration of procedures. While not a perfect solution, they help researchers understand and replicate studies more accurately!
3. Loom (Best for quick team communication and feedback)
Loom simplifies asynchronous video communication through its streamlined screen recording approach. The platform automatically uploads each recording to the cloud, instantly generating a shareable link.
It integrates directly with productivity tools like Slack, Gmail, and video production project management systems. Loom excels in business environments where teams need to communicate visually without scheduling meetings or using complex software.
Loom best features
- Track viewer engagement with analytics showing watch time, viewer counts, and reaction data for each recording
- Insert comments at specific timestamps within videos to provide context or highlight important information
- Edit recordings with basic trimming tools and custom thumbnails to refine content without additional software
Loom limitations
- The free plan restricts recording quality to standard HD and offers limited cloud storage
- The mouse cursor appears small in recordings, making it difficult for viewers to follow on-screen actions
Loom pricing
- Starter: Free
- Business: $18/month per user
- Business + AI: $24/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Loom ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (2,090+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (475+ reviews)
📮 ClickUp Insight: 50% of our survey respondents report Friday as their most productive day. This could be a phenomenon unique to modern work. Fridays tend to have fewer meetings, and this, combined with the context accumulated from the workweek, could mean fewer disruptions and more time for deep, focused work.
Want to retain Friday-level productivity all week long? Embrace async communication practices with ClickUp, the everything app for work! Record your screen with ClickUp Clips, get instant transcriptions through ClickUp Brain, or ask ClickUp’s AI Notetaker to step in and summarize meeting highlights for you.
4. Camtasia (Best for creating polished instructional content)
Camtasia is a comprehensive software suite developed by TechSmith, designed for creating and editing video tutorials and presentations through screencasting. It combines screen recording with robust editing capabilities in a single integrated package.
Built-in templates ensure consistent branding across corporate videos. Camtasia’s interface balances advanced functionality with ease of use, allowing users to produce professional-quality videos without extensive editing experience. It’s ideal for educators, trainers, and marketing professionals.
Camtasia best features
- Insert interactive elements like quizzes, clickable hotspots, and table of contents markers for enhanced viewer engagement
- Access a library of royalty-free music, sound effects, icons, and motion graphics to enhance production value
- Apply visual effects, including zoom-and-pan, cursor highlighting, and animated text, to emphasize important screen elements
- Export finished projects in multiple formats, optimized for different platforms, with preset rendering configurations
Camtasia limitations
- Significant cost of investment compared to free alternatives
- Requires more system resources than simpler recording tools
Camtasia pricing
- Camtasia Essentials: $179.88/year (Billed annually)
- Camtasia Create: $249/year (Billed annually)
- Camtasia Pro: $599/year (Billed annually)
Camtasia ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (1,535+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (430+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Camtasia?
💡 Pro Tip: Recording in 4K resolution for long periods can slow down even high-end computers. Use separate capture cards to reduce the load on your PCs.
5. ScreenPal (Best for simple recording with basic editing)
ScreenPal delivers an approachable screen recording experience focused on simplicity and speed. The software emphasizes quick setup and minimal configuration before recording begins.
You can capture your full screen, specific windows, or custom regions with automatic detection of active applications. ScreenPal also includes basic editing tools accessible immediately after recording completion.
As a Chrome screen recorder extension, it supports direct uploads to various hosting services, including YouTube and Google Drive. It even features text-to-speech capabilities and automated captions for accessibility.
ScreenPal best features
- Record screen activity with automatic detection of application windows for quick selection without manual region definition
- Generate automatic captions and subtitles using speech recognition technology to improve content accessibility
- Convert text scripts into voiceovers using the built-in text-to-speech engine with multiple voice options
- Trim recordings, add basic transitions, and insert text overlays with the integrated editor immediately after capture
ScreenPal limitations
- It offers fewer image export file formats compared to some competitors, which may restrict users needing specific formats
- There are occasional audio synchronization issues during longer recording sessions
ScreenPal pricing
- Solo Deluxe: $3/month per user (Billed annually)
- Solo Max: $7.50/month per user (Billed annually)
- Team Business: $8/month per user (Billed annually)
ScreenPal ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (95+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about ScreenPal?
📖 Also Read: How to Video Record Yourself Presenting a PowerPoint
6. ShareX (Best for versatile capture options and workflows)
ShareX delivers exceptional flexibility through its comprehensive capture system and customizable workflows. This open-source tool extends beyond basic screen recording to include screenshot automation, image editing, and file conversion capabilities.
You can define automated actions that trigger after capturing content, including file renaming, format conversion, and direct uploads. ShareX supports over 80 destination services for content sharing.
The application appeals to technical users who value automation and integration rather than simplified interfaces.
ShareX best features
- Create custom capture workflows with automated sequences of actions that execute after recording completion
- Configure automated file naming conventions with variables for date, time, and content type to maintain organized recordings
- Access built-in image editing tools for annotations, blurring sensitive information, and adding watermarks without additional software
- Capture specific UI elements automatically using the region detection system that identifies buttons, windows, and scroll areas
ShareX limitations
- The interface appears technical rather than user-friendly
- It lacks dedicated features for capturing or recording gameplay
ShareX pricing
- Free
ShareX ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.8/5 (75+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
💡 Pro Tip: Before you record your screen, turn off notifications, close unnecessary apps, and hide personal files from your desktop. On Windows, use Focus Assist to disable pop-ups automatically during recordings.
7. Snagit (Best for annotated screenshots and quick tutorials)
Snagit specializes in creating visually enhanced screen captures with its robust annotation and markup tools. The tutorial video software excels at producing instructional content through its combination of recording and editing capabilities.
It includes templates for common documentation formats like how-to guides and technical specifications. Additionally, the software features text extraction capabilities that can pull text directly from captured images.
Snagit best features
- Extract text directly from screen captures using OCR technology to create editable content from visual elements
- Generate step-by-step guides automatically by capturing sequential screenshots with numbered annotations
- Create animated GIFs from short video captures to demonstrate processes without full video files
- Customize stamps, callouts, and arrows from the extensive library of pre-designed elements for consistent documentation
Snagit limitations
- The scrolling window capture feature has been reported to work inconsistently, with some users experiencing difficulties capturing full scrolling content
- Snagit does not provide a side list view of all layers within a video, which can make managing complex edits more challenging
Snagit pricing
- Snagit Individual: $39/year per user (Billed annually)
- Snagit (Business subscription): $48/year per user (Billed annually)
Snagit ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (5,430+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (485+ reviews)
🔍 Did You Know? The concept of online learning tutorials using screen recording began with Lynda.com in the late 1990s. It later became LinkedIn Learning.
8. Movavi Screen Recorder (Best for balanced simplicity and functionality)
Movavi Screen Recorder balances accessible controls with practical features for everyday recording needs. It prioritizes straightforward operation while maintaining essential functionality for quality captures.
You can schedule recordings to begin and end at specific times without manual intervention. Movavi includes a simple editing interface for trimming unwanted sections and enhancing recorded content.
What’s more, it features hardware acceleration options to maintain performance during resource-intensive recordings.
Movavi Screen Recorder best features
- Schedule recordings to start and stop automatically at designated times for capturing events without manual monitoring
- Draw directly on the screen during recording sessions to highlight important elements or demonstrate interactions
- Record computer sounds and microphone input simultaneously with separate volume controls for each audio channel
- Export recordings in multiple formats with preset configurations optimized for different platforms and use cases
Movavi Screen Recorder limitations
- Watermarks applied to videos in the trial version restrict evaluation capabilities
- It does not support live streaming, limiting its functionality for users who need to broadcast content in real time
Movavi Screen Recorder pricing
- Screen Recorder: $19.95/month per user
- Screen Recorder + Video Editor: $133.95/year (Billed annually)
Movavi Screen Recorder ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (50+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (20+ reviews)
🔍 Did You Know? Windows 10 and 11 have a hidden screen recorder. It’s called Xbox Game Bar, and you can activate it by pressing Win + G.
9. Icecream Screen Recorder (Best for occasional recording with minimal setup)
Icecream Screen Recorder focuses on accessibility for users who need straightforward recording capabilities. It features a minimalist interface that emphasizes essential controls while hiding advanced options in secondary menus.
The tool targets casual users who need occasional screen captures without investing time in learning complex software or configuring detailed settings.
Icecream Screen Recorder best features
- Define custom recording areas with precise pixel dimensions using the adjustable selection tool with snap-to-window functionality
- Configure maximum recording duration settings to automatically stop captures after reaching specified time limits
- Save frequently used recording configurations as profiles for consistent settings across multiple recording sessions
Icecream Screen Recorder limitations
- The free version restricts recordings to a maximum of 5 minutes and includes a watermark, which can hinder usability for extended projects
- It doesn’t scale well on 4K monitors, leading to usability challenges on high-resolution screens
Icecream Screen Recorder pricing
- 1-year license: $29.95 (Billed annually)
- Lifetime license: $59.95 (One-time payment)
- Video PRO package: $78 (One-time payment)
Icecream Screen Recorder ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.1/5 (25+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4/5 (30+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Icecream Screen Recorder?
📖 Also Read: Best Screen Recorder Software Apps for Mac
10. Bandicam (Best for high-performance gaming and multimedia recording)
Bandicam specializes in high-performance recording for gaming and multimedia applications with minimal impact on system resources. It uses hardware acceleration technologies to maintain smooth frame rates during intensive recording sessions.
Even better? It features scheduled recording capabilities with automatic file splitting for long sessions. Bandicam serves content creators focused on gaming, software demonstrations, and multimedia tutorials requiring high-quality video with efficient file sizes.
Bandicam best features
- Record gameplay and graphics-intensive applications with optimized performance using hardware acceleration technology
- Capture specific rectangular regions or full-screen content at frame rates up to 480 FPS for detailed slow-motion analysis
- Compress videos during recording with customizable compression settings to maintain quality while reducing file sizes
- Configure chroma key settings for webcam overlay to create professional-looking recordings with transparent backgrounds
Bandicam limitations
- Some users have reported inconsistencies with audio synchronization during recordings
- You need to purchase the Bandicut editing software for more advanced editing capabilities
Bandicam pricing
- Personal license: $2.78/month per user (Billed annually)
- Personal license: $44.96 (Lifetime)
- Business and education license: $49.46/month per user (Billed annually)
Bandicam ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (40+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (115+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Bandicam?
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re recording gameplay or fast-moving content, set your screen recorder to at least 60 FPS to avoid choppy videos. For tutorials and presentations, 30 FPS is enough to save storage space.
Summarize this article for me pleaseSay ‘Screen!’—ClickUp Makes Recording Picture-Perfect
Finding the right screen recording software for Windows doesn’t have to be a complex task.
The perfect tool depends on your specific needs—whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, hosting virtual meetings, or documenting processes. Each option we’ve covered offers unique capabilities to enhance your recording experience.
ClickUp stands out from the crowd by seamlessly integrating screen recording into your project management workflow.
ClickUp Clips let you capture, share, and collaborate on recordings without switching apps. Plus, AI Notetaker transcribes and turns recordings into tasks, keeping your team aligned effortlessly.
Sign up for ClickUp today!
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