Best Screencasting Software

Are you looking to learn about each type of software more in-depth? Read these reviews and make your decision easier.

Best Overall: Camtasia

Camtasia is the best option for professional users looking for a powerful screencasting solution with advanced video editing options. Out of all the software we’ll review here, Camtasia has the most features.

In the package, you get all the basic screen recording features which you’d expect from screencasting software. You can record your entire screen or just portions of it, add your voiceover, and have system audio also included.

One of the biggest appeals of Camtasia is the video editing options it has, though. You’ve got all the basic video editing features, such as trimming, splitting, and other options. But what we especially liked about it is the advanced options that almost no other screencasting software has.

That way, you can add pre-built assets to the videos you make, such as video effects, icons, and motion graphics. You can also add background music and create annotations with comments, change your video background, create mouse effects, and more. It’s one of the most complete software out there with powerful video editing solutions.

Who’s Camtasia Best For?

If you’re required to do screencasting often, then Camtasia is for you. It’s meant for professional use, although there is a free trial option (which has limited capabilities and duration).

It’s for teachers looking to provide feedback to students. But we believe companies will like Camtasia a lot because of its polished capabilities; it can be great for guiding your clients and giving them a tour of your service/product. Or, you can use it for providing customer support without too many back-and-forth emails.

It can also be great for marketing purposes and creating marketing content that is unique in its own way.

While it does have many features, some learning curve is to be expected with Camtasia. But it’s not that hard once you get into it, and even beginners will be able to master it sooner rather than later.

How Much Does Camtasia Cost?

Camtasia has a free trial, so you can try it out before you buy the license.

As for the license, you have two plans to choose from:

• One-time fee of $249
• Annual fee of $49

Both are good, although if you’re sure you’ll be using Camtasia for a few years, then going with the one-time fee is great.

Best for Beginners: Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic is the perfect screencasting software for beginners who need basic screencasting solutions as well as some more advanced features. It’s available for both Windows and Mac.

It allows you to record your screen, record your own voice and add it to the footage, and capture webcam footage. Additionally, you’ll have the option to take advantage of the video editing options (which are included mostly with the paid plans).

Screencast-O-Matic is slightly less advanced than Camtasia in terms of editing features. But, you’ll still have a decent array of options in this regard, too. You can trim, split the screen, and add other design elements, such as arrows or other figures.

But the biggest advantage of Screencast-O-Matic is its simple-to-use nature. The features of the software are pretty straightforward, even the video editing options, making it a beginner-friendly option.

Who’s It For?

Screencast-O-Matic is a great option for beginners and for those who are looking to take advantage of the simple screencasting features of the app.

However, it won’t let you down if you’re after video editing options, too. Although it’s not as advanced as Camtasia in this regard, there are still great options for making your videos more attractive.

How Much Does Screencast-O-Matic Cost?

The basic version of Screencast-O-Matic is free. But you’ll soon find that there’s probably a lack of editing options in this version, so getting a paid plan would probably be better, especially because it’s so affordable. The free version is meant more like a try-before-you-buy sort of deal.

You have two options:

• Deluxe – $1.65/month (billed yearly for $18)
• Premier – $4/month (billed yearly for $48)

Both are super useful for additional video editing, although the Premier option just has the extra functions that you need, such as a stock photo library, extra bandwidth, ad-free interface, and more.

Best for Teams and Corporate Use: Loom

Loom is perhaps the best option for you if you’re looking to quickly capture your screen and share it with your colleagues or clients. It has free and paid versions. The free version is available as a Google Chrome extension.

It allows you to communicate your ideas more clearly with screencasts instead of sending countless emails where it’s almost impossible to communicate as clearly as you can with your voice.

For the free version, you get all the basic capabilities for screencasting. You’ll get screen and camera recording, 480p video, comments and reactions, and viewer insights. If you want additional video editing solutions, though, then you’ll need one of the paid versions.

We must also mention that you can only make up to 25 videos with the Free version before you upgrade. The good news is that you can try the paid version for free for 14 days.

Who’s Loom Best For?

Loom works best for teams and co-workers working either remotely, or in different locations where they can’t communicate directly in person. It’s also great for freelancers who communicate with clients regularly or those who need to present their ideas to other people quickly and effectively.

The great news about Loom is that it’s easy to use, especially the free version. It comes as a Chrome extension, so it takes only a couple of clicks before you start creating footage.

Loom Price

The basic version of Loom comes free, and it’s only available as a Chrome extension. In this version, you get basic screencasting features, such as screen and camera capturing, voice recording, comments, and viewer insights.

Then, you have three paid plans:

• Pro – $8/month (unlimited videos, drawing tool, custom recording dimensions, calls-to-action)
• Business – $12/month (team video library, custom branding, engagement insights + everything in Pro)
• Enterprise – custom price (SSO, SCIM, Advanced security controls)
  If you’re using Loom only for yourself, then the Pro option is probably best. But if you’re a team and you need to communicate with your members often, then the Business option is perhaps a better choice.

Best for Mac: ScreenFlow

Windows users, look away: ScreenFlow is a Mac-only software for screencasting and powerful video editing. Nevertheless, it has a lot to offer for Mac users, although the lack of compatibility with Windows will turn off many people.

But if you’re a Mac user, then you’ll do well to find a better app for screencasting and video editing. In many ways, it trumps even other options we’ve discussed here and it propels itself as the best screencasting software for Mac users.

It’s a fantastic tool for capturing high-quality and high-resolution footage and creating engaging videos and tutorials. Additionally, it has additional resources for editing your videos, such as a unique library of over 500.000 pieces of multimedia you can add to your footages.

Does it challenge Camtasia as the top software? Probably not, especially when you dive deeper into the editing features. But it also costs less, especially the higher-level subscriptions, and it only lacks some advanced editing features, so it’s quite similar, we’d say.

Who’s ScreenFlow For?

ScreenFlow is a fantastic option for everyone looking to create professional videos and screencasts with powerful editing options:

• Teachers
• Companies for customer support
• For creating video tutorials
• For teams looking to communicate effectively
• For corporate training
• For creating dynamic presentations
• And much more

It’s got a bit of everything for everyone. If you’re looking for basic screencasting, it’s there; but for the asking price, you’d expect the app to deliver more advanced editing options, and it does. It’s even better with the more expensive deals, although for basic use, the basic version will do just as well.

ScreenFlow Prices

First, you’ll have a free trial with the app before you buy it. Then, you’ll have three pricing options:

• ScreenFlow Basic – One-time fee of $129
• SuperPak – $175
• SuperPak + Premium Support – $209

We believe the SuperPak option strikes the sweet spot when it comes to features offered and price. You’ll get an impressive library of multimedia. Although with the $209 version, you’ll also get premium support and discounts for future purchases.

Best for Editing: Filmora Scrn

Filmora Scrn is a smaller cousin of Filmora, the video editing software. You may have already heard about it or even used it. Well, Filmora Scrn is quite similar, although not as deep and powerful for editing.

It has impressive editing options, and perhaps among the best when it comes to screencasting software. Although with the free version, you won’t get these editing options, and you might need to purchase one of the plans soon.

Filmora Scrn, at its core, is screencasting software. As such, it allows you to record your screen and webcam on two devices at the same time. It’s great for recording video games, too, as it features support for up to 120FPS.

For editing, you’ll have the whole editing suite at your disposal which will allow you to edit footage and videos quickly and then share them.

Who is Filmore Scrn For?

Filmora Scrn is for everyone who needs a powerful screencasting and editing tool that will allow them to create screencasts, edit them quickly, and then share them.

As such, Filmora Scrn is for everyone who needs to share the screen and footage with others quickly. It’s for teachers, but also for professional teams. Perhaps this tool stands out for gamers a bit more, because it allows them to shoot videos with up to 120FPS.

It’s also a fairly simple tool to use, so total beginners will love it. There are also advanced editing tools, although you’ll be able to master them quite quickly, regardless of your skill level.

Filmora Scrn Price

For basic screencasting, we believe the basic and free version will do just well for you. But if you want to make your footage more professional and create high-resolution videos, you’ll need to get one of the paid options:

• One-Year License – $19.99
• Lifetime License – $29.99

You can’t deny that’s an affordable deal… And with the additional editing options you’ll have at your disposal, we believe you can’t go wrong with one of the paid plans, especially at those prices.

Best Simple Software: Screencastify

If you’re just after something simple that’ll help you create nice screencasts with some basic editing options, then Screencastify represents a decent option. It comes as a Chrome extension, so you can simply create your videos with a couple of clicks.

Note that if you’re after more advanced editing functions, this tool probably isn’t for you. It has a free version and a premium version – you’ll find some editing tools in the premium version, although these are somewhat basic – tools such as cropping and trimming, and changing the appearance of your cursor.

If you’re looking to create full-blown training videos and tutorials, Screencastify probably isn’t for you. But if you want a simple tool that’ll help you make quick and easy screencasts and send them out in a flash, then it’s great.

The best feature of this tool is its simplicity. As a Chrome extension, you only need to do a few clicks, record your footage, and then send out the footage to people you want. It’s as simple as that.

Who is Scrrencastify Best For?

Screencastify is good for those who need basic tools for screencasting. This could be:

• Teachers
• Business professionals
• Students
• Individuals

It might not be the tool for companies looking to guide their customers through their software or their website, or for providing corporate training. But the advantage of this tool is in its simplicity and quickness, so it’s decent for communicating with your team members, for example or with your clients.

Screencastify Price

Screencastify’s basic version is free to use. You can use it as a Chrome extension and create up to 50 videos per month. This allows you to record your camera footage as well as your screen, and add your audio narration to the screencast.

You also have a premium option, which costs $49 for the entire year. With this one, you’ll get unlimited videos, unlimited editing, and additional editing tools that come with the Premium option.

We believe the free version is good enough for everyone looking to create quick screencasts, but if you want a bit more out of it, then you can go with the paid version.

Best Open-Source Option: OBS Studio

OBS Studio is an open-source and free video editing, recording, and screencasting software with many great editing functions. This tool is extremely popular with gamers who want to record their footage and upload it to platforms like Twitch.

As it’s not a pure screencasting software, it does lack some functionalities of software that focus only on screencasting. As such, you don’t have the option to change your cursor look when screencasting.

On the other hand, it’s very versatile and appropriate for a wide variety of uses. If you need it for video editing, recording, or other things, this tool will be valuable to you. We also believe this tool is the best for creating webinars and Facebook Live videos, as well as for creating Youtube content.

Because it’s free, it’s gained a lot of popularity. It’s mostly supported by donations so that you can download it cost-free. That’s lovely.

Who’s OBS Best For?

OBS Studio is both for individuals and professionals looking to make the most out of this software. While it does lack some screencasting capabilities, it’s still a great tool for teachers and those who provide tutorials and training videos.

As we’ve said, it can work for companies, but mostly, it’s good for individuals. You can use it to communicate with others and create quick videos for free.

Price?

Free.

Screencasting Software Buying Guide

So, how do you choose the right screencasting software for your needs? Here’s what you consider before you choose yours.

1. What will you use the software for?

The first thing you need to consider is what you’re going to be using the software for. For example, if you just want to create quick screencasts, then you can choose a pretty basic tool with basic screencasting capabilities.

However, if you’re looking to create online courses, training material, educating videos, then I recommend picking software with advanced editing tools. This might come at a cost, but if you’re serious, then you’ll want to have these tools at your disposal.

Most screencasting tools will have basic options like recording audio and video, as well as webcam recording and of course, sharing.

You will want to consider paying for a license to get access to the editing tools in most cases, though (except for OBS Studio, although it doesn’t have great screencasting functionalities like some other tools).

2. What operating system do you have?

Do you have Mac or Windows, or do you use your phone to create screencasts?

For Mac, the best option you can go for is ScreenFlow. It’s available only for Mac though, so if you’re a Windows user, you’ll want to use something else.

For Windows, almost all other tools come useful here, really.

3. Ease of Use

Normally, screencasting services are quite easy to use. But some are easier than others.

For example, we believe Chrome extensions are far easier to use than studios because they’re not only quicker but also more effective.

This includes tools like Loom or Screencastify, which will attach straight to your browser so you won’t need to open additional programs.

4. Price

Of course, you also must consider the price and what you’re willing to pay. Some of these tools are completely free, others come with free trials or basic versions which have limited access to editing tools.

One good example of a tool that’s completely free is OBS Studio. It’s a very advanced editing tool, but it doesn’t have the basic screencasting tools that some other software options have.

You can always try a tool out (which almost any software offers) before you buy it to see if it suits your needs.

Final Thoughts

Creating good screencasts is becoming an important skill, but it also has a lot to do with finding the right screencasting software. You want a good combination of features and price, as well as ease of use.

We believe that the overall best option for you is Camtasia. It’s by far the most complete tool on the list, and it’s a good option if you do screencasts on a daily basis or often enough to justify the price.

If you want a great free screencasting tool, then consider OBS Studio. It has great editing options, although not many purely screencasting functions.