8 Best Free Screen Recording Tools 2026 — Record Your Screen

Updated: August 27, 2026 • 15 min read

Why Use Free Screen Recorders?

Screen recording is essential for tutorials, presentations, and bug reports. Here are the 8 best free tools.

1. OBS Studio (Free)

OBS Studio is the industry standard for screen recording and streaming. Open-source and powerful.

• Best for: Streaming and recording
• Features: Unlimited recording, scenes, transitions
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

2. Loom (Free)

Loom records screen + camera with easy sharing. Great for async communication.

• Best for: Quick recordings
• Features: 25 videos, 5 min each, sharing links
• Platforms: Desktop, Chrome extension

3. ShareX (Free)

ShareX is a free, open-source screen capture tool with recording capabilities.

• Best for: Windows power users
• Features: GIF, video, scrolling capture
• Platforms: Windows only

4. Screencastify (Free)

Screencastify is a Chrome extension that records browser tabs or desktop.

• Best for: Browser recording
• Features: 50 recordings/month, 5 min each
• Platforms: Chrome extension

5. FlashBack Express (Free)

FlashBack Express offers free screen recording with webcam overlay.

• Best for: Windows recording
• Features: Unlimited recording, editing tools
• Platforms: Windows only

6. QuickTime (Free)

QuickTime is built into macOS. Simple screen recording with audio.

• Best for: Mac users
• Features: Simple recording, basic editing
• Platforms: macOS only

7. Xbox Game Bar (Free)

Xbox Game Bar is built into Windows 10/11. Press Win+G to record.

• Best for: Quick Windows recording
• Features: Instant recording, no install
• Platforms: Windows 10/11

8. Bandicam (Free)

Bandicam offers free screen recording with 10-minute limit and watermark.

• Best for: High-quality recording
• Features: 4K recording, 10-min limit
• Platforms: Windows only

Comparison Table

Tool	Best For	Limit	Watermark
OBS Studio	Streaming	None	No
Loom	Quick shares	5 min	No
ShareX	Windows	None	No
Screencastify	Browser	5 min	Yes
Xbox Game Bar	Windows	None	No

Which One Should You Choose?

For streaming, OBS Studio. For quick shares, Loom. For Windows, ShareX. For Mac, QuickTime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record with audio?

Yes, all these tools support microphone audio. OBS and ShareX also capture system audio.

What format should I save in?

MP4 is most universal. OBS allows custom formats. GIF for short clips (ShareX).

Can I edit recordings?

OBS, ShareX, and FlashBack include editing. Loom has basic trimming.

Is there a time limit?

OBS, ShareX, and Xbox Game Bar have no limits. Loom limits free to 5 minutes.

Can I record a specific window?

Yes, all tools support window capture in addition to full screen.