7 Best Screencasting Software for Windows and Mac

Platform: Windows

If you are looking for a reliable screencasting software that can help you create software instructional videos, gameplay videos, or webinar recordings, then WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro is the perfect tool for you. It comes with four recording modes that enable you to capture selected windows, full-screen activities, dedicated games, and audio only. You can further edit, compress, and convert the recordings for viewing or sharing later.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly and easy to use
• Screencast with audio and no time limit (up to 4K/60fps)
• Built-in editing features (trim, watermark, effects) and GIF creator
• Convert screencasts to 500+ formats/profiles
• Batch compress large recordings with quality preserved

Cons:

• Windows-only

→ Download WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro→ Download WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro

Platform: Windows

Bandicam is an excellent screen recorder for Windows that allows you to make high-quality screencasting. It has multiple recording modes and enables you to freely choose the screencasting area. What sets it apart from other screen recording software is its Around mouse feature, which allows you to record a certain area around the mouse cursor while moving it. This makes it an ideal screencasting software.

Pros:

• Simple to use
• Custom recording area
• Record the area around a moving mouse

Cons:

• No editing features

→ Download Bandicam

Platform: Windows

Snipping Tool is an inbuilt screencasting software for Windows 11. It was first introduced in Windows Vista and used to take screenshots. It has been evolving and since the version 11.2211.35.0 for Windows 11, you can now use it not only to capture pictures on your screen, but also easily create short screencasts. It's easy to use. After recording, you can preview the screencast and then save, copy, or share it.

Pros:

• Easy workflow
• Free and safe to use
• Create screencasts without watermark
• Built-in tool for Windows 11
• Screen video with audio (version 11.2307.44.0 and later)

Cons:

• Only version 11.2211.35.0 and later allow for screencasting.
• Limited recording options

Platform: Windows, Mac

When looking for the best free screen recorder or game recording software, chances are high that OBS will be recommended. This open-source and free software is popular among gamers and streamers due to its extensive customization settings. Although it may require some time to learn, OBS allows you to take screencasts with your desired output quality and lagging-free PC performance.

Pros:

• Open-source and free
• Feature-rich recording functions
• Customize recording settings
• Record and broadcast simultaneously

Cons:

• Not easy for beginners
• Limited editing features

→ Download OBS

Platform: Windows, Mac

ScreenRec is a user-friendly screencast tool that allows you to record your screen on Windows, Mac, and Linux quickly. It comes with annotation tools and enables you to add comments and highlight the parts you want to emphasize while recording the display. With ScreenRec, you can record the screen with all the sound from your microphone and also record a webcam. Once you have finished recording, you can instantly save your file to the cloud and share the link with others.

Pros:

• Simple to use
• Record video, audio and webcam
• Annotate the screenshots
• Private cloud storage
• Offer shareable link

Cons:

• Limited recording features like 720p export quality or no pause button on the Free Plan

→ Download ScreenRec

Platform: Windows, Mac

Camtasia is a reliable and user-friendly screencasting sfotware. Its screen recorder allows you to easily capture your entire screen or just a specific part of it, as well as your webcam and microphone audio. However, the software really shines in its post-production editing capabilities. With Camtasia, you can turn your basic screencasts into professional-looking videos using features like transitions, effects, annotations, captions, backgrounds, and music.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Simple screen recorder
• Suitable for creating how-to screencast videos
• Advanced video editing tools

Cons:

• Expensive for many ($179.88/Yearly)

→ Download Camtasia

Platform: Chrome browser

Screencastify is a useful screen recording extension designed for Chrome. It offers a range of annotation tools that let you highlight important information while recording. This makes it a valuable option if you need a screencasting tool to create demonstrative videos. You can use it to capture browser tabs, desktops, or webcams. It also allows you to directly export your recordings to YouTube or Google Drive.

Pros:

• Able to record in offline mode
• Offer annotation tools
• Allow saving captures to GIFs
• Record 1080p videos

Cons:

• Only works within Chrome browser
• Maximum of 10 videos, each less than 30 minutes long in the free version

→ Get Screencastify