Best Free Screen Recording Software in 2026: 8 Tools for PC and Mac
Need to record your screen? Maybe you want to show a family member how to fix a computer problem, save a game highlight, or make a short tutorial for work. The good news is that you do not need to pay for software to do it.
This guide covers eight of the best free screen recording tools for Windows and Mac. Some are already built into your computer, and the rest are safe, well-known downloads. For each one, we explain what it does best — and just as honestly, what its free version cannot do.
Why Use Free Screen Recording Software?
Free tools are perfect for everyday jobs: recording a class, capturing a video call, reporting a software bug, or creating your first YouTube tutorial. Most people never need the paid extras, which usually focus on advanced editing, team features or removing limits for very long recordings. Start free, and only consider paying if you hit a limit that truly bothers you.
The 8 Best Free Screen Recording Tools
1. Xbox Game Bar (Windows, built in)
Xbox Game Bar comes with Windows and can record apps and games without any download. Press the Windows key + G to open it, then start recording.
Best for: quick clips and game highlights on a Windows PC.
Free limits: it records one app window at a time rather than your whole desktop, and it is not designed for long tutorials.
2. macOS Screenshot Toolbar (Mac, built in)
Macs include a simple recording tool. Press Shift + Command + 5 and choose to record the whole screen or a selected part.
Best for: fast, no-fuss recordings on a Mac.
Free limits: there are almost no editing options, and it records system audio only in limited ways, so many people add a separate editor later.
3. OBS Studio (Windows, Mac, Linux)
OBS Studio is the most powerful free option on this list — and it is completely free, with no watermarks and no time limits. It can record your screen, webcam and microphone together, and switch between different “scenes”.
Best for: serious tutorials, live streaming and anyone who wants full control.
Free limits: there is no real cost, but it looks complicated at first and takes a little practice to set up.
4. ShareX (Windows)
ShareX is a much-loved free tool for screenshots that also records your screen and saves the result as a video or an animated GIF. It is lightweight and packed with handy shortcuts.
Best for: short clips, GIFs and quick demonstrations on Windows.
Free limits: Windows only, and its many menus can feel busy for complete beginners.
5. ScreenRec (Windows, Mac, Linux)
ScreenRec focuses on simplicity: record, get a private link, and share your video in seconds. It records the screen, webcam and voice together.
Best for: explaining things to colleagues, teachers and teammates.
Free limits: free accounts include a limited amount of cloud storage, and editing features are basic.
6. Loom (Windows, Mac, Chrome)
Loom is famous for quick work messages: record your screen and face, share a link, and viewers can reply right on the video page. It works in the Chrome browser or as a desktop app.
Best for: fast updates for remote teams and teachers.
Free limits: the free starter plan limits how many videos you can keep and how long each one can be, so check the current plan details before relying on it for long lessons.
7. FlashBack Express (Windows)
FlashBack Express records the screen, webcam and sounds, and it has no recording time limits in its free version. Recordings can be shared or saved in common formats.
Best for: longer tutorials on Windows without worrying about a timer.
Free limits: the included editing and effects tools are locked behind the paid version, and it is Windows only.
8. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder (Browser)
This browser-based recorder needs no installation: open the page, launch the recorder, and capture your screen. It is handy on a borrowed computer.
Best for: one-off recordings when you cannot install software.
Free limits: you need an internet connection to start, some browsers require a small launcher download, and advanced features are reserved for the paid desktop version.
How to Choose the Right Tool
- Just need a quick clip? Use the built-in tool on Windows or Mac — it is already there.
- Making tutorials or streaming? OBS Studio gives you the most control for free.
- Sharing quick explanations at work? ScreenRec or Loom make sharing a link effortless.
- No admin rights or a borrowed PC? A browser recorder like Apowersoft is your friend.
Whatever you choose, do a 10-second test recording first to check your microphone and picture quality before you record something important.
Quick Tips for Better Recordings
- Close unneeded apps and notifications so they do not pop up on screen.
- Use a microphone close to your mouth, even simple earbuds, for clearer sound.
- Record in a quiet room and speak slightly slower than normal.
- Choose a clean desktop background — it looks more professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is free screen recording software safe to download?
Yes, if you download from the tool’s official website. Every program in this list is well known. Avoid unfamiliar download sites, which sometimes bundle unwanted extras with free software.
Can I record my screen and my face at the same time?
Yes. OBS Studio, ScreenRec, Loom and FlashBack Express can all show your webcam in a small circle while recording your screen, which is ideal for lessons and presentations.
Do free recorders add watermarks or time limits?
It depends on the tool. OBS Studio and ShareX have no watermarks or time limits. Others, like Loom’s free plan, limit the number or length of videos, so it is worth checking the free plan details of the one you pick.
What is the best free screen recorder for gaming?
Xbox Game Bar is the easiest option for quick game clips on Windows, while OBS Studio is better for longer, high-quality gameplay recordings and streaming.
Can I edit my recording for free afterwards?
Usually, yes. Simple trimming is built into many players and photo apps, and free video editors can handle cutting and joining clips once your recorder has saved the file.
Conclusion
The best free screen recording software depends on your job. For a quick clip, your built-in Windows or Mac tool is enough. For tutorials and streaming, OBS Studio is hard to beat, and for sharing at work, ScreenRec and Loom keep things delightfully simple.
Try one tool today with a short test recording — you will be surprised how easy it is. And for more honest, beginner-friendly software guides like this one, keep browsing YumPlatter.