10 Best Free Screen Recorders of 2026

This list is for people who record tutorials, walkthroughs or bug reports and want a free recorder, but need to know how long they can record and whether a watermark appears. We compared documented features and published prices for 10 recorders and ranked them by value first, then features, then ease of use. Value covers the free time limit, video caps, watermarks and the price of the cheapest upgrade. Prices are in USD as shown on each vendor's page on the check date.

1. 01Top value

   

   OBS Studio

   8.8/10

   Free, open source recording and live streaming software for Windows, macOS and Linux, built around scenes and sources.

   Price

   Freefree

   Free and open source; no paid plan

   “Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   9.8

   Features (35%)

   9.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   6.5

   Best forTutorial makers who want full control over layouts, audio and hotkeys and never want to pay for an upgrade.

   OBS Studio takes first place because nothing is held back behind a paid plan. The OBS Project describes it as free and open source software for video recording and live streaming, with releases for Windows 10 and 11, macOS 13 or newer and Linux; the latest release on our check date was 33.0.1. A recording is built from scenes that combine window captures, webcams, images, text and browser windows, so a tutorial can show an app window with a webcam corner and a title card at the same time. The audio mixer adds per-source noise suppression, noise gate and gain, and hotkeys cover starting and stopping recordings. The cost is setup time: a first recording means adding sources and checking settings, where Clipchamp or ScreenPal start with one click. OBS also has no hosting or share links, so bug reports need a separate upload step. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

   • ✓No paid tier, so every feature is available at no cost
   • ✓Builds for Windows 10 and 11, macOS 13 or newer and Linux
   • ✓Per-source audio filters help clean up narration for tutorials

   • ✕Scenes and sources take longer to set up than one-click recorders
   • ✕No built-in hosting or share links, so files must be uploaded elsewhere
   • ✕The OBS site lists no trimming or captioning tools for finished recordings

   Free recording limit:

   No paid plan, all features free

   Watermark:

   Open source, no paid tier to remove one

   Platforms:

   Windows 10 and 11, macOS 13+, Linux

   Cheapest upgrade:

   None, the project is funded by sponsors and backers

   Bottom line: OBS Studio is the strongest free recorder for anyone willing to spend an hour on setup. It suits recurring tutorials better than quick one-off bug clips.

   Visit obsproject.com ↗

2. 02

   

   ScreenPal

   8.6/10

   Screen and webcam recorder for Windows, Mac, Chromebook and mobile, with a free plan capped at 15 minutes per recording.

   Price

   $4per month

   Free plan with 15-minute recordings; Deluxe from $4 per month paid annually

   “$4.00 /mo paid annually” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   9.0

   Features (35%)

   8.2

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.4

   Best forTeachers and support staff who want a simple recorder with editing, no watermark and an optional cheap upgrade.

   ScreenPal ranks second because its free plan covers most short tutorials and its upgrade costs less than any other paid plan here. The free recorder captures the screen, the webcam or both, records microphone narration and lets you draw, add text and zoom while recording. ScreenPal states that it does not place watermarks on any recordings, free or paid, and that no account is needed to use the free recorder. Files save locally as MP4, AVI, FLV or GIF, which helps when a bug report needs a short animation. The limits are clear on the plans page: 15 minutes per recording and 10 hosted videos on the free tier, and system audio needs a paid plan, which matters for demos with sound. Deluxe removes the time limit for $4.00 a month paid annually. There is no Linux desktop app. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

   • ✓ScreenPal says no watermark is added on free or paid plans
   • ✓No account is needed to use the free recorder
   • ✓Deluxe is the cheapest paid upgrade on this list at $4 a month billed annually

   • ✕Free recordings stop at 15 minutes
   • ✕Recording computer system audio needs a paid plan
   • ✕No desktop app for Linux, only the online recorder

   Free recording limit:

   15 minutes per recording

   Watermark:

   None on free or paid plans

   Platforms:

   Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, Android

   Cheapest upgrade:

   Deluxe, $4 per month paid annually

   Bottom line: ScreenPal is the easiest watermark-free recorder for videos under 15 minutes. The $4 Deluxe plan is the cheapest way to remove the time cap.

   Visit screenpal.com ↗

3. 03

   

   ShareX

   8.5/10

   Free, open source screenshot, screen recording and file sharing tool for Windows.

   Price

   Freefree

   Free and open source; no paid plan

   “Free forever. Open source. No account required.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   9.6

   Features (35%)

   8.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   6.8

   Best forWindows users who file bug reports and want recordings, GIFs, annotation and uploads in one tool.

   ShareX ranks third and is the best pick here for bug reports on Windows. The project calls itself free and open source with no advertisements, and its site says no account is required. Capture options include region, window, monitor and scrolling captures, plus screen recording and GIF screen recording, so a reproduction step can go straight into a ticket as an animation. The region capture and image editor add arrows, numbered steps, blur and pixelate, which helps hide customer data before sharing. After a capture, ShareX can upload the file to a destination you configure and copy the link automatically. Built-in tools include a video trimmer, video converter and GIF trimmer. The trade-offs are that it runs only on Windows and that its menus and workflow options take time to learn. For long narrated tutorials with a webcam, OBS Studio or ScreenPal fit better. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

   • ✓Free, open source and ad-free with no account required
   • ✓Blur and pixelate tools hide sensitive data in bug reports
   • ✓After-capture tasks automate saving, uploading and copying links

   • ✕Windows only
   • ✕The number of settings and workflows can overwhelm new users
   • ✕Built for quick captures rather than long narrated tutorials with a webcam

   Free recording limit:

   No paid plan, all features free

   Watermark:

   Open source, no paid tier

   Platforms:

   Windows

   Cheapest upgrade:

   None, donations only

   Bottom line: ShareX is the most complete free capture tool for Windows bug reports. Pick it for short clips, GIFs and annotated screenshots rather than polished tutorials.

   Visit getsharex.com ↗

4. 04

   

   Microsoft Clipchamp

   8.4/10

   Microsoft's browser-based video editor with a free screen and camera recorder for Windows and Mac.

   Price

   $9.99per month

   Free recorder and editor; premium features with Microsoft 365 Personal at $9.99 per month

   “Microsoft 365 Personal $9.99/month $99.99/year” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Free trial

   30 days

   Value (40%)

   8.8

   Features (35%)

   7.8

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forBeginners who want to record, caption and edit a tutorial in one place without a watermark.

   Microsoft Clipchamp is fourth because it pairs a free recorder with a capable free editor. Its recorder captures a tab, a window or the whole screen, with or without sound, and can record the webcam at the same time. Microsoft states that recordings carry no watermarks and that there is no limit to how many you can make, but each session stops at 30 minutes, so longer tutorials need to be split and joined on the timeline. After recording, the free editor adds AI subtitles, trims and splits clips and exports up to 1080p. Premium features such as 4K exports, premium stock and the brand kit come with Microsoft 365 Personal, listed at $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year on Microsoft's US page. You need to sign in with a Microsoft account. Compared with OBS Studio it has fewer recording controls, but it is quicker for a first video. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

   • ✓Clipchamp says screen recordings carry no watermark
   • ✓No limit on the number of recordings
   • ✓Recording and editing happen in the same app

   • ✕Each recording session stops at 30 minutes
   • ✕4K exports and premium stock need a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan
   • ✕Requires a Microsoft account sign-in

   Free recording limit:

   30 minutes per session, unlimited sessions

   Watermark:

   None

   Platforms:

   Browser on Windows 11 and Mac

   Cheapest upgrade:

   Microsoft 365 Personal, $9.99 per month

   Bottom line: Clipchamp is the simplest way to record and finish a captioned tutorial for free. Plan around the 30-minute session limit.

   Visit clipchamp.com ↗

5. 05

   

   QuickTime Player

   8.0/10

   Apple's built-in Mac media player, which opens the Screenshot tools to record the whole screen, a window or a portion of it.

   Price

   Freeincluded with macOS

   Included with macOS; no paid plan

   “Using Screenshot in the QuickTime Player app, you can make a video recording of your computer screen.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   9.2

   Features (35%)

   6.0

   Ease of use (25%)

   9.0

   Best forMac users who need a quick recording without installing anything.

   QuickTime Player ranks fifth because it costs nothing and is already on every Mac. Apple's guide explains that choosing File > New Screen Recording opens Screenshot, where you can record the entire screen, a single window or a portion of it; Shift-Command-5 opens the same tools from anywhere. The Options menu sets a timer, picks a microphone for narration, shows the mouse pointer or clicks and chooses where the file is saved. Back in QuickTime Player you can trim, split and rearrange clips and export the movie. That covers a quick bug reproduction or a short how-to. What it lacks is everything around the recording: there is no webcam overlay, no drawing tools, no captions and no share link, and Apple's guide does not mention capturing system audio. Mac users who need those should look at OBS Studio or ScreenPal. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

   • ✓Already installed on every Mac
   • ✓Shift-Command-5 opens the recording tools from anywhere
   • ✓Basic trimming and splitting without another app

   • ✕Mac only
   • ✕No webcam overlay, annotations or share links
   • ✕Apple's guide does not document system audio capture

   Free recording limit:

   None documented

   Watermark:

   None documented

   Platforms:

   macOS

   Cheapest upgrade:

   None, included with macOS

   Bottom line: QuickTime Player is the fastest no-install option on a Mac. It handles basic recordings and trims, not polished tutorials.

   Visit apple.com ↗

6. 06

   

   Snipping Tool

   8.0/10

   Windows' built-in capture app, which records a video snip of any rectangular part of the screen.

   Price

   Freeincluded with Windows

   Included with Windows; no paid plan

   “Capture a video clip of a rectangular selection of any part of the screen you like.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   9.0

   Features (35%)

   6.0

   Ease of use (25%)

   9.2

   Best forWindows users who need a short clip of a bug without installing software.

   Snipping Tool is sixth and replaces Xbox Game Bar here, because it records any area of the desktop rather than a single app. Microsoft's support page describes a video snip that captures a rectangular selection of any part of the screen; press Windows logo key + Shift + R, drag the area, select Start and then Stop. You can save the file as it is or select Edit in Clipchamp, where Microsoft's guide shows how to transcribe media into captions and adjust or detach audio. The same app also takes freeform, window and full screen screenshots, so one shortcut set covers both stills and clips for a bug report. It is not a tutorial studio: there is no webcam overlay, drawing during recording or share link, and the editing steps move to Clipchamp. For longer tutorials on Windows, OBS Studio or ShareX give far more control. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

   • ✓Built into Windows with nothing to install
   • ✓Keyboard shortcut starts a recording in seconds
   • ✓Hands off to Clipchamp for captions

   • ✕Records only a rectangular selection, with no webcam overlay
   • ✕Captions and audio editing happen in Clipchamp, not in Snipping Tool
   • ✕No hosting or share links

   Free recording limit:

   None documented

   Watermark:

   None documented

   Platforms:

   Windows

   Cheapest upgrade:

   None, included with Windows

   Bottom line: Snipping Tool is the quickest way to grab a short clip on Windows. Pair it with Clipchamp if the clip needs captions.

   Visit microsoft.com ↗

7. 07

   

   Loom

   7.8/10

   Async video messaging tool for recording the screen and a camera bubble and sharing a link instantly.

   Price

   $18per user per month

   Free Starter plan; Business $18 per user per month

   “$18 per user / month” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   6.4

   Features (35%)

   8.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   9.0

   Best forTeams that send short walkthroughs and bug videos through Slack, Jira and GitHub.

   Loom ranks seventh on this value-weighted list even though it is one of the best-known recorders. Its free Starter plan records the screen with a camera bubble and system audio, adds transcriptions in more than 50 languages and turns every recording into a link with comments and reactions. Integrations with Slack, Jira, Confluence and GitHub make it handy for bug reports. The limits are tight for tutorials, though: Starter caps screen recordings at 5 minutes per video, stores up to 25 videos per person and records at up to 720p. Unlimited recording time, 4K quality, trimming, uploads and downloads and the option to remove Loom branding all sit on the Business plan, shown at $18 per user per month on the pricing page, with up to 17% off on annual billing. That is the priciest entry upgrade among the recorders built for individuals. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

   • ✓Instant share link after recording
   • ✓Strong developer integrations for bug reports
   • ✓Free plan allows up to 50 workspace members

   • ✕Free recordings stop at 5 minutes and quality tops out at 720p
   • ✕Free plan holds only 25 videos per person
   • ✕Removing Loom branding and downloads need the $18 Business plan

   Free recording limit:

   5 minutes per video, 25 videos per person

   Watermark:

   Loom branding removed only on paid plans

   Platforms:

   Not listed on the pricing page

   Cheapest upgrade:

   Business, $18 per user per month

   Bottom line: Loom is the smoothest free option for short bug videos shared with a team. The 5-minute cap rules it out for most tutorials.

   Visit loom.com ↗

8. 08

   

   Screencastify

   7.5/10

   Browser-based screen recorder popular in classrooms, with a free plan of 10 videos up to 30 minutes each.

   Price

   $7per user per month

   Free plan; Starter $7 per user per month billed annually or $18 monthly

   “$7 / user / month, billed annually $18 when billed monthly” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   6.8

   Features (35%)

   7.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forTeachers and Chromebook users who record lessons in the browser.

   Screencastify is eighth. Its free plan records a browser tab, the full screen or a webcam for up to 30 minutes per video at up to 1080p, includes drawing tools, blur and a teleprompter, and lets you trim and stitch clips in Castify Edit. Integrations with Google Drive, Google Classroom, Canvas and Schoology explain its following among teachers. Two free plan limits push it down this list: you can create or upload only 10 videos, and the pricing page states that free videos have a Castify watermark. Removing the watermark on new videos, unlimited videos and 60-minute recordings come with Starter at $7 per user per month billed annually or $18 billed monthly. Pro raises the limit to 180 minutes and adds captions and transcripts. For one-off tutorials, ScreenPal or Clipchamp give a longer free run without a watermark. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

   • ✓30-minute free recordings are longer than Loom or Zight
   • ✓Free plan records up to 1080p
   • ✓Works in Chrome and Edge with classroom integrations

   • ✕Free videos carry a Castify watermark
   • ✕Free plan is limited to 10 videos
   • ✕Starter costs $18 when billed monthly

   Free recording limit:

   30 minutes per video, 10 videos

   Watermark:

   Yes on free, removed on Starter

   Platforms:

   Chrome and Edge extensions

   Cheapest upgrade:

   Starter, $7 per user per month billed annually

   Bottom line: Screencastify suits classrooms already on Google or Canvas. The free watermark and 10-video cap make the $7 Starter plan close to necessary.

   Visit screencastify.com ↗

9. 09

   

   Zight

   7.4/10

   Screen recording, screenshot and GIF tool for support and product teams, formerly known as CloudApp.

   Price

   $9.95per user per month

   Free Share plan; Create from $9.95 per user per month billed annually

   “$9.95 per user / month, billed annually” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   6.6

   Features (35%)

   7.8

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.2

   Best forSupport teams that mix screenshots, short GIFs and recordings in tickets.

   Zight ranks ninth. It combines screen recording, annotated screenshots and a GIF maker, with apps for Mac, Windows, Chrome, iPhone, iPad and Android and integrations with Zendesk, Intercom, Slack and Jira. Video Requests let a customer send a recording back without an account or install, which is useful when you need the reporter's own bug video. The free Share plan is narrow for tutorials. Its plan table lists a 5-minute recording length, recording quality up to 720p, 1 GB of storage, access to the last 50 captures and 15-second GIFs. The Create plan adds unlimited uploads and recording time and 4K quality for $9.95 per user per month billed annually, and Collaborate adds branding and unlimited AI at $12. Zight does not state on its pricing page whether free videos carry a watermark. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

   • ✓Screenshots, GIFs and recordings in one app
   • ✓Video Requests collect recordings from people without an account
   • ✓Prices are listed in USD with monthly or annual billing

   • ✕Free recordings stop at 5 minutes at up to 720p
   • ✕Free storage is 1 GB and GIFs are capped at 15 seconds
   • ✕Unlimited recording time starts at $9.95 per user per month

   Free recording limit:

   5 minutes, 1 GB storage

   Watermark:

   Not published

   Platforms:

   Mac, Windows, Chrome, iPhone, iPad, Android

   Cheapest upgrade:

   Create, $9.95 per user per month billed annually

   Bottom line: Zight is a good fit for support teams that live in screenshots and short clips. Its free plan is too limited for tutorials over 5 minutes.

   Visit zight.com ↗

10. 10

    

    Vidyard

    7.0/10

    Video messaging and hosting platform for sales teams, with a free recorder and AI avatar videos.

    Price

    $59per seat per month

    Free plan; Starter $59 per seat per month billed annually

    “$59 USD /seat/month billed annually” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

    Free plan

    Yes

    Free trial

    14 days

    Value (40%)

    6.0

    Features (35%)

    7.4

    Ease of use (25%)

    8.0

    Best forSalespeople who record personal video messages and want CRM integrations.

    Vidyard closes the list. Its free plan records video messages with a Chrome extension, needs no credit card and allows recordings of up to 30 minutes, which is longer than Loom or Zight. It also includes 15 AI videos, stock avatars and basic editing and sharing tools. The catch for tutorial makers is volume: the plan comparison lists 5 videos per month on the free tier, against unlimited on paid plans. Vidyard is built around sales outreach, with integrations for HubSpot, Salesforce, Gong and Marketo, and its paid tiers focus on viewer analytics, branded sharing pages and CTAs. Starter costs $59 USD per seat per month billed annually on the page as rendered on our check date, shown with 10% off, plus a 14-day trial. That is the most expensive upgrade here by a wide margin. Vidyard does not say on its pricing page whether free videos are watermarked. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not install the software.

    • ✓Free recordings run up to 30 minutes
    • ✓No credit card needed for the free plan
    • ✓Strong sales CRM integrations

    • ✕Free plan allows 5 videos per month
    • ✕Starter costs $59 per seat per month billed annually
    • ✕Built for sales outreach more than tutorials or bug reports

    Free recording limit:

    5 videos per month, up to 30 minutes each

    Watermark:

    Not published

    Platforms:

    Chrome extension and web

    Cheapest upgrade:

    Starter, $59 per seat per month billed annually

    Bottom line: Vidyard's free plan works for a few long recordings a month. Most people making tutorials or bug reports will get more from ScreenPal or Loom.

    Visit vidyard.com ↗

Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.