Best Free Screen Recorders for Mac and Windows – Ultimate Guide

These days, videos are everywhere—from tutorials and how-to guides to game highlights and work presentations. Whether you want to record your screen to teach something, share a moment, or create content, having a good screen recorder is super helpful. But with so many options out there, it can be confusing to pick the right one.

No worries! This guide will walk you through some of the best free screen recorders for both Mac and Windows. We’ll look at easy-to-use apps, handy browser tools, and even some that let you record and edit in one go—like the capcut screen recorder. There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or already a pro.

Let’s Explore Some Awesome Free Screen Recorders

There are plenty of free tools that can capture your screen smoothly. Some are full desktop applications, while others work right inside your browser. We’ll check out their features, see how easy they are to use, and help you pick the one that fits your needs.

Great Free Screen Recorders for Mac Users

Mac fans, you’re in luck! There are some really clean and powerful screen recording tools made just for macOS.

CapCut Online Video Editor

CapCut isn’t just for editing—it’s also a totally free capcut screen recorder. It works on both Mac and Windows, which is great if you use multiple devices. You can record your screen, cut out parts you don’t want, add cool effects, and make your videos look pro.

The interface is simple and fun to use, even if you’ve never edited a video before. You can record your screen and your face at the same time, which is perfect for tutorials or streaming.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ Really good editing tools to make pro-level videos
• ✅ Tons of effects and transitions to keep things interesting
• ✅ Built-in recording—no need to switch between apps
• ✅ Works on Mac and Windows
• ❌ Some features might be tricky at first for new users
• ❌ You need internet for some functions

ScreenRec

ScreenRec is another cool tool that works on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It’s like a camera for your screen—it grabs everything you see. It’s super simple but still powerful. You can record, draw on the screen while recording, and share your video super quickly.

Great for showing how to do something techy or sharing gaming wins.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ Draw and highlight right on your screen
• ✅ Super quick to start recording
• ✅ Easy sharing with a link
• ✅ You can include your webcam
• ❌ Not many editing tools
• ❌ Free version has recording time limits

Softonic

Softonic is a website where you can find and download lots of software—including free screen recorders for Mac. It’s like an app store full of tools. Besides recording, it also has stuff for making slideshows and simple presentations.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ Totally free
• ✅ Huge selection of software
• ✅ More than just screen recorders
• ✅ Includes presentation tools
• ❌ The design feels a bit old
• ❌ Not the most advanced tool

ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow is like a full studio for Mac users. It records your screen and lets you edit everything right inside the app. You can add effects, animations, text, and more. It’s perfect if you want to make really polished videos without jumping between different programs.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ Super powerful editing tools
• ✅ Great recording quality with custom settings
• ✅ Cool effects and animations
• ✅ Direct upload to YouTube
• ❌ Only for Mac
• ❌ Not big on cloud features

Free Screen Recorders for Windows

Windows users, you’ve got some excellent choices too! Here are a few free tools that work great on PC.

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free, open-source screen recorder that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s super powerful and popular with gamers and teachers alike. You can record your screen and webcam together, and customize almost everything.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ 100% free and always improving
• ✅ Super flexible—good for all kinds of recordings
• ✅ Webcam overlay supported
• ❌ Can be confusing when you first start
• ❌ Not the simplest design

Bewisse Screen Recorder

If you want something simple and fast, the bewisse screen recorder is a great pick. It’s made for quick recordings with no fuss. Just open it, click record, and you’re done. Perfect for short clips or simple tutorials.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ Super easy to use
• ✅ Lightweight—doesn’t slow your computer
• ✅ Clean and simple interface
• ✅ Great for quick recordings
• ❌ Not many custom options
• ❌ Windows only

Flashback

Flashback is another free screen recorder for Windows that also includes basic editing. You can record your screen, then trim, add notes, or adjust the audio without leaving the app.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ Edit right after recording
• ✅ Good for explainer videos
• ✅ Adjust audio easily
• ✅ Export in different formats
• ❌ Not open source
• ❌ Not for super advanced users

Screen Recorders as Chrome Extensions

Don’t want to download anything? No problem! These Chrome extensions work on both Mac and Windows right inside your browser.

Loom

Loom is super popular for a reason. It lets you record your screen and camera, then share the video with a link right away. Great for quick explanations or team updates.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ Very easy to use
• ✅ Trim videos in the tool
• ✅ Saves to cloud automatically
• ✅ Webcam included
• ❌ Needs good internet
• ❌ Free version has limits

Scrnli

Scrnli is another simple extension that’s perfect for fast recordings. No sign-up needed—just click and record. Then share your video with a link instantly.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ Available in many languages
• ✅ Start recording right away
• ✅ Easy sharing
• ✅ No account needed
• ❌ No editing tools
• ❌ Recording time limited

Flonnect

Flonnect is all about simplicity. Record your screen in seconds, add your camera if you want, and share. Perfect for no-fuss recording.

What’s Good & What’s Not

• ✅ Very user-friendly
• ✅ Webcam overlay available
• ✅ Share straight from the extension
• ✅ Basic editing included
• ❌ Free version has time limits
• ❌ Not for heavy editing

Record and Edit in One Place with CapCut Online Video Editor

If you want to record and edit without downloading anything, CapCut’s online editor is a perfect choice. You can record your screen and camera together, then trim, add text, reduce noise, and more—all in your browser.

It’s awesome for making tutorials, game videos, or presentations without installing software.

How to screen record with capcut

Wondering how to screen record with capcut? It’s easy:

1. Sign Up
   Go to CapCut’s website and sign up with Google, Facebook, or TikTok. You can also log in with a QR code from the mobile app.

2. Record Your Screen
   Click “New video”, then “Media” on the left. Hit the record button and choose what to record—full screen, webcam, or a browser tab. Save it and start editing.

3. Export or Share
   When you’re done, download your video or share it straight to TikTok or other platforms.

CapCut — Your all-in-one video & photo editing powerhouse! Experience AI auto-editing, realistic effects, a huge template library, and AI audio transformation. Easily create professional masterpieces and social media viral hits. Available on Desktop, Web, and Mobile App.

Download App | Sign Up for Free

Make Your Videos Even Better with CapCut for Desktop

If you prefer a desktop app, CapCut for desktop is a powerful editor that helps you make pro-level screen recordings. It’s packed with features that are easy to use but deliver amazing results.

Here’s what you can do:

• Voice Recorder
  Add your voice to videos, reduce background noise, or even change your voice with cool effects.

• Auto-Adjust Aspect Ratio
  Make your videos fit Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube without manually resizing.

• Text-to-Speech
  Turn written text into spoken words in different languages and voices.

• Keyframe Animation
  Add smooth animations to text, images, or effects for a more dynamic video.

• Animated Text
  Use preset text animations or create your own stylish titles and captions.

• AI Features
  Generate stickers with AI, adjust lighting with Relight tool, or turn your voice into a song!

How to record in capcut desktop

Learning how to record in capcut on desktop is just as simple:

1. Download and Sign Up
   Get CapCut for desktop from the official site, install, and log in.

2. Edit Your Video
   Start a new project, import your recording, and edit away—trim, add music, effects, text, whatever you like!

3. Save and Share
   Export in your favorite format or share directly to social media.

CapCut — Your all-in-one video & photo editing powerhouse! Experience AI auto-editing, realistic effects, a huge template library, and AI audio transformation. Easily create professional masterpieces and social media viral hits. Available on Desktop, Web, and Mobile App.

Download App | Sign Up for Free

Wrapping Up

Picking the right screen recorder can totally change how your videos look and feel. Whether you’re on Mac or Windows, there are free tools that can help—from simple browser extensions to full desktop apps like CapCut.

If you want something that does it all—recording, editing, and sharing—CapCut is a fantastic option. It’s easy to use, works everywhere, and helps you create videos that look pro without the hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windows have a built-in screen recorder?
Yes! Windows 10 and 11 have the Xbox Game Bar. Press Win + G to open it. But for more editing features, try something like CapCut.

How do I record my desktop screen?
You can use built-in tools, apps like OBS Studio or bewisse screen recorder, or use the capcut screen recorder to record and edit together.

How do I record my desktop screen on Chrome?
Use extensions like Loom or Scrnli. Or try CapCut online—just click “Record” and go!

Some images courtesy of CapCut.