Aug 05, 2024Posted by Brittany Garcia to Record Video
Screen recording tools are essential for users who want to produce videos captured from their computers. This is essential for recording virtual meetings such as online classes, company discussions, online interviews, and other similar scenarios. With that in mind, multiple screen recording tools are available online, and the option has a wide variety to choose from. In this article, we will feature a total of 10 software that can be used to screen record for Windows computers. With five of them being free options and the other half being paid tools. Please continue reading to learn more.
- Part 1. How to Pick the Best Screen Recorder for Windows
- Part 2. Best 5 Free Screen Record for Windows (Review)
- Part 3. Best 5 Paid Screen Record for Windows (Review)
- Part 4. Which One is the Best Screen Recorder for Windows?
- Part 5. FAQs About Screen Record for Windows
Part 1. How to Pick the Best Screen Recorder for Windows
To provide a detailed background about how each tool was selected, we provided multiple measurements that are used in assessing the featured screen recording tools. First, we provided five specific criteria that are considered when choosing each software. Next, we elaborated on the processes used when testing each tool. Finally, we provided five specific points to assure our readers that each piece of information provided in this article was carefully considered and selected objectively.
Selection Criteria for Picking the Best Screen Recorder for Windows
Watermark is the first selected criteria since this factor is important in terms of screen recording tools. When screen recordings are shared online, branding watermarks may affect the overall looks and appeal of the video. With that in mind, free recording tools with no watermark are strong indications of the quality of the software.
HD/4K Recording Output
Because screen recording tools are saved in video format, the quality of these video recordings should be watchable at least and high definition at best. With that in mind, the recording output of each tool presented in this article will be considered as well. This is even more important when screen recording websites with small texts in them. A high quality screen recording should have good video quality.
Recording Modes
Recording modes refer to the multiple types of screen recording available in each software. This usually refers to which section of the screen will be captured during the recording process. For example, video recorder mode is the default option for each software since this is the default mode that can record screen footage. Another common recording modes are audio recording and webcam recording. All these essential modes will be considered when choosing each article together with more practical and bonus recording modes.
Audio Recording
Since audio in screen recordings are important to make a whole video become worth watching. The audio quality of each screen recording should be a factor that should also be considered. If screen recordings have bad audio, people who will watch will not enjoy it.
Additional Features
This is a criteria that can be considered as a wildcard for each software. Since most screen recording software can provide the essential purposes that they serve which are typically screen recording, audio recording, and webcam recording. Bonus features such as built-in game recorder and screen capture feature could add points in their practicality and convenience.
| How We Test | |
| Each tools’ main interface was examined thoroughly. | We examined each tools’ main interface in order to discover its features including the settings, recording modes, and additional practical features. |
| We used the tools to capture screen recordings for about 5 hours. | To test whether each tool is capable of screen recording, we made sure that each software recorded for about 5 hours. |
| We tested the efficiency of the screen recording and file exporting process. | The efficiency of each tool was tested by assessing its performance during screen recording up to the file exporting process. |
| Assessed the results. | Finally, the results and performance of each tool based on the above measurements were considered to assess their overall performance. |
Why Blu-ray Master Review is Trusted:
- The featured products in this article were chosen based on their market popularity and demand.
- The Bluraycopys Team made sure to test each product presented in the article.
- We made sure to test the important parameters when reviewing each software, including recording watermark, output quality, recording modes, audio recording availability, and editing features.
- The results of our reviews were cross-referenced with other reputable review sites and first-hand user experience.
- We analyzed the feedback about the screen recording tools featured in this article to provide an objective review.
Part 2. Best 5 Free Screen Record for Windows (Review)
CamStudio
Supported Platforms: Windows XP, Vista, 7
Main Features:
- Built-in video annotation feature.
- Added text on screen recording has smooth edges.
- Highly compressed screen recordings.
- Customizable video quality.
- Beginner-friendly interface.
CamStudio might be the best option for users with older Windows computers. This is because the tool is one of the classic screen recorder tools that can be considered dated by modern standards. Because of that, modern users should consider more modern options, but it is still a good option for older PCs.
Pros
- Free to download.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Dated software.
- It is not optimized for modern Windows computers.
Bandicam
Supported Platforms: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11
Main Features:
- Screen recorder.
- Game recorder.
- Webcam recorder.
- Scheduled recording.
- Audio-only recording.
Bandicam is another option for users familiar with classic Windows screen recording software. Unlike the previously mentioned CamStudio, this option has modernized over the years, making it still a good tool even for modern Windows hardware.
Pros
- Practical additional features.
- Highly compressed video recordings with preserved high quality.
Cons
- Its free version has limited features.
- Pricey premium upgrades.
SmartRecorder
Supported Platforms: Windows Vista 8, 10, 11
Main Features:
- High-quality audio recorder.
- Adjustable playback speed.
- Has a portable version for iOS devices.
- Exclusive audio recording tool.
- Easily adjustable playback marker.
SmartRecorder is solid software for users looking for an audio recorder option. However, its lack of a screen recording option makes it a suboptimal tool, especially when compared with other software in this article. It is also unfortunate that its developers are non supporting this tool as of the time of writing.
Pros
- Lightweight installation size.
- Has a premium version.
Cons
- Exclusive audio recorder.
- It cannot record computer displays.
VLC Media Player
Supported Platforms: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11
Main Features:
- It has a convenient recording option for media files playing on it.
- Reliable multimedia player.
- Packed with convenient additional features.
- Built-in subtitle downloader.
- Completely ad-free.
VLC Media Player is well-known as a video player software. Unbeknownst to most users, the tool also has a record option. Unfortunately, it can only record the screen while it is being used as a video player. This makes the tool not a good option if you want to record the screen overall. (Learn how to use VLC to record screen and video here.)
However, VLC Media Player is still a media player in its core making it a suboptimal option if you are looking for a screen recorder for Windows. It is advisable to use the software only as a media player but only use their recording tool as an additional bonus.
Pros
- Available across multiple platforms.
- Trusted media player software.
Cons
- It can only record videos playing on it.
- Prone to crashes when outdated.
Icecream Screen Recorder
Supported Platforms: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
Main Features:
- The section of the screen that will be recorded can be adjusted.
- Built-in screen recording annotation tool.
- Developed for modern computers running on Windows 10 or 11.
- Free to download screen recording features.
- Screen recordings can be uploaded online or saved locally.
Icecream Screen Recorder is one of the better free screen recorders for Windows 10 and 11 in this article. This makes it a good option if Bandicam’s modernized version does not appeal to your liking. Because of Icecream Screen Recorder’s modern hardware optimization, it makes the tool a good screen recording software for modern Windows computers, especially those running Windows 10 and 11.
Pros
- Modern-looking design.
- Optimized for modern computers.
Cons
- Its free version has limited features.
- It might occupy too much disk space over time.
Part 3. Best 5 Paid Screen Record for Windows (Review)
Screen Recorder
Supported Platforms: Windows 10, 11, 8, 7, XP
Main Features:
- Crystal clear video recorder.
- High-quality audio recorder.
- GPU-accelerated game recorder.
- Webcam recorder.
- Integrated phone mirror recorder.
When it comes to screen recording software for Windows, Blu-ray Master picked Screen Recorder may probably be the best option. This is because the tool is the most versatile in this list, with seven recording modes. On top of that, the tool is also equipped with many practical features designed for the convenience of its users. These features include scheduled recordings, mic noise reduction, unlimited recording, recording preset, and more.
These mentioned features can all be used with the recording modes available in Screen Recorder, which are:
- Video recorder
- Audio recorder.
- Webcam recorder.
- Phone mirror recorder.
- Game recorder.
- Window recorder.
- Screen capture tool.
If you think that these versatile modes can cover your screen recording needs, you’re in luck since the tool has a version that you can use for free by downloading it on the link below:
Free Download
For Windows
Secure Download
Free Download
for macOS
Secure Download
Pros
- Offers a total of seven screen recording modes.
- Clean looking interface.
Cons
- Its free version has slightly limited features.
Snagit
Supported Platforms: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
Main Features:
- Versatile screen recorder with multiple functions.
- Premium looking design.
- Easy to use built-in editing tool.
- Cloud save feature.
- Smart automatic library organizer.
- Scrolling screen capture in Snagit.
Snagit will be the first featured option in this list that can be considered premium screen recording software for Windows. This is because its interface and additional features are designed for paid users, which is much expected for a pricey option. If you want to invest on a premium software that can provide confidence in the quality of your screen recordings, Snagit should be one of the options that you should consider.
Pros
- High-performance and premium software.
- Fast and efficient to use.
Cons
- Does not offer a free or trial version.
- Expensive price tag.
Camtasia
Supported Platforms: Windows 10, 11
Main Features:
- High-quality screen recorder.
- Built-in video editor.
- High-performance audio recorder.
- Webcam recorder for picture-in-picture editing.
- Modern-looking interface design.
Modern-looking design is a common denominator among the paid software in this article. This also includes Camtasia, a high-quality screen recorder software with a built-in video editor for additional practicality and practical appeal. It also helps that the tool has a clear-sounding audio recording, making it a solid perk for their video editor tool.
Pros
- Its integrated video editor makes editing recordings easy.
- Detects cursor data to capture screen elements.
Cons
- Overwhelming price tag.
- No free version.
ScreenPal (Formerly Screencast-O-Matic)
Supported Platforms: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
Main Features:
- Webcam recorder.
- Screen recorder.
- Screenshot tool.
- Built-in video editor.
- Image annotation tool.
Known formerly as Screencast-O-Matic, ScreenPal has continued the development and identity of its predecessor by making its screen recording tool appealing to modern users. The software makes this possible by providing a full-on video editor, which is a solid addition for screen recording work.
Pros
- Equipped with practical features.
- Affordable pricing.
Cons
- Does not offer a free version.
Loom
Supported Platforms: Windows 8, 10, 11
Main Features:
- Supports simultaneous screen and webcam recording.
- Shareable links are available after recording.
- Easy to use video editing feature.
- Easy to understand video settings.
- Available as a browser extension
Loom is software designed to provide users with a way to screen, record and edit videos seamlessly on the go. This was made possible by its features, which can be controlled with a few clicks and mouse drags. All these features make the software a good option for users who require screen recording their online meetings, such as students and professionals.
Additionally, Loom can also be downloaded and enjoyed as a browser extension. This is a good middle ground for users who are still unsure if this software is enough for their screen recording purposes. If you are still unsure that this screen recording tool is a good enough option, feel free to try Loom’s browser extension version and use the software on a more controlled environment since the extension version can only record the browser where it was installed.
Pros
- Available across multiple devices and operating systems.
- Recordings may be shared using links.
Cons
- Mandatory signing up for new users.
- The video editor runs on the browser.
Part 4. Which One is the Best Screen Recorder for Windows?
Based on the criteria selected to determine the best tool to capture screen recording for Windows, Blu-ray Master’s pick which is Screen Recorder is the best since it managed to check all the important criteria for determining the best screen recording tool among the featured software. This option scored well since its recordings have no watermark, recordings captured by eat are of high definition and good quality, and the audio quality that it provides is solid at best.
For a more detailed comparison of the ten featured tools, please check the measurements in our comparison table below:
| Screen Recording Tools for Windows | No Watermark | HD/4K Recording Output | Good Audio Recording Quality | Recording Modes | Additional Features |
| Screen Recorder |  | | | • Video recorder • Audio recorder. • Webcam recorder. • Phone mirror recorder. • Game recorder. • Window recorder. Screen capture tool. | • Real-time drawing while recording. • It can be used for wireless phone mirroring. • System sound can be recorded. • Recorded videos can be edited instantly. |
| Snagit | | | | • Video recorder • Audio recorder. • Webcam recorder. • Screen capture tool. | • Versatile screen recorder. • Premium looking design. • Easy to use built-in editing tool. • Cloud save feature. |
| Camtasia | | |  | • Video recorder • Audio recorder. • Webcam recorder. • Screen capture tool. | • Built-in video editor. • High-performance audio recorder. Webcam recorder for picture-in-picture editing. |
| ScreenPal (Former Screencast-O-Matic) | | | | • Video recorder • Audio recorder • Webcam recorder. • Screen recorder. • Screenshot tool. | • Built-in video editor. • Image annotation tool. |
| Loom | | | | • Video recorder • Audio recorder. • Webcam recorder. • Video editor tool. | • Simultaneous screen and webcam recording. • Shareable links are available after recording. • Easy to use video editing feature. |
| CamStudio | | | | • Video recorder • Audio recorder | • Built-in video annotation feature. • Highly compressed screen recordings. • Customizable video quality. |
| Bandicam | | | | • Screen recorder. • Game recorder. • Webcam recorder. | • Scheduled recording. • Audio-only recording. • Practical additional features. • Highly compressed video recordings with preserved high quality. |
| Smart Recorder | | | | • Audio recorder | • High-quality audio recorder. • Adjustable playback speed. • Exclusive audio recording tool. |
| VLC Media Player | | | | • Video recorder • Screen recorder. | • Reliable multimedia player. • Packed with convenient additional features. • Built-in subtitle downloader. |
| Icecream Screen Recorder | | | | • Video recorder • Audio recorder • Webcam recorder. • Screen recorder. • Screenshot tool. | • Built-in screen recording annotation tool. • Free to download screen recording features. • Screen recordings can be uploaded online or saved locally. |
Part 5. FAQs About Screen Record for Windows
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Does Windows 10 have a built-in screen recorder?
Yes, it does. It can be accessed on the Xbox Game Bar. The hotkey for this option is Windows+G. Although the Xbox Game Bar has been added for a while, this option is still commonly mistaken for a gaming focus software instead of a general supportive tool.
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What is the Windows screen recorder shortcut?
There is no direct shortcut for screen recording. However, you can access the tool for this using the record option in the Xbox Game Bar. Use Windows+G to activate the game bar. This is available in Windows screen recorder Windows 10 and Windows 11.
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Can I Record my screen with the Snipping Tool?
No, you cannot. Snipping Tool has no recording option. It can only take screenshots. You can think of the Snipping Tool as the software that supports the PrintScreen button on your computer.
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What is the best Windows 11 screen recorder?
Screen Recorder is the best option for Windows 11 computers. This is because the tool is optimized for all computer hardware. This includes older computers and even the most modern hardware running in Windows 11. This tool is one of the best free screen recorder Windows 11 computers can use.
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What do I need to look for in a PC screen recording software?
You need to check if the tool has many recording modes. Next, select if it has practical bonus features such as a sound recorder and video editor. Screen Recorder is a good option in this regard. However, the most important factor that you should consider is the quality of recording output that the software can produce. This is the most critical since recordings are still video footage at their core.
Wrapping up
Now that some of the best screen recorder options for Windows have been presented, we hope that this article has helped you decide which among them you should use or which among them is not worth your time. With that in mind, make sure to check out the best option featured in this article with Screen Recorder.
Please share this article online to help other users looking for a tool to screen records on Windows.
