14 Best Screen Recorders For Mac 2022 - Movavi

• Home
• How-tos
• 15 Best Free Screen Recorders for Mac in 2026

Movavi Screen Recorder

• Full-screen or custom area recording
• Webcam capture and drawing on recordings
• Highlighting mouse cursor and keystrokes

Free Download Free Download Back to all how-tosMovavi Screen RecorderDownload for FreeDownload

Best Free Screen Recorder for Mac in 2025

• Capture everything, not just your browser tabs
• Highlight keystrokes and mouse actions
• Draw on videos in real time

Download for Free

Free online screen recorder

• WebcamWebcam
• MicrophoneMicrophone
• SoundSound
• WatermarkWatermark

Start Recording

Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera

Key takeaways

Edited by Joey EditsJoey Edits

Video editor and content creator

Joey Edits

Video editor and content creator

December 25, 2025 191601

• Top free Mac screen recorders to know: Movavi Screen Recorder, OBS Studio, Loom, Screencastify, ScreenPal, and Apowersoft stand out for their mix of rich features and ease of use.
• Strengths and trade-offs vary: Some apps (like OBS and ActivePresenter) deliver professional editing and multitrack audio but take time to learn. Others (like QuickTime or Peek 360) are effortless but limited, especially for internal sound capture or advanced editing.
• Pick based on your workflow: When looking for the best screen recorder for Mac, choose a desktop app if you need long, high-quality videos with system audio; go with a browser extension or online tool if speed and instant sharing matter more than deep editing.
• Get better results fast: Test recording settings – resolution, frame rate, audio input – before a long session, and use built-in annotation or drawing tools to make tutorials and demos clearer.

A good Mac screen recorder can be a lifesaver, whether you’re saving a late-night Zoom lecture, making a how-to video, or capturing that one glitch in a game you swear really happened. After a few weeks of testing every free tool I could get my hands on – desktop apps, browser extensions, and quick online recorders – I pulled together a list of 15+ stand-out options.

Each one earned its spot by proving itself in real use for various Mac screen recording scenarios. Some impressed me with studio-grade editing; others won me over with pure simplicity. Below you’ll find the best free screen recorders for Mac, along with notes on what they do well, where they fall short, and which one might fit your workflow.

My top picks: comparison table of Mac screen recorders

Program

Best for

System Audio

Download

Movavi Screen Recorder

All-round HD/4K capture with scheduling and annotations

Download for Free

QuickTime

Fast built-in Mac recordings

Read More

OBS

Pro-level recording and live streaming

Read More

ScreenRec

Instant sharing and quick tutorials

Read More

ScreenPal

Simple editing and cloud storage

Read More

ActivePresenter

Interactive e-learning and course creation

Read More

Icecream Screen Recorder

Branded clips and scheduled recordings

Read More

VLC

Occasional one-off screen grabs

Read More

Peek 360

Ultra-quick silent screencasts

Read More

Screen Capture

Browser-based, no installation

Read More

Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder

Web captures with multiple export options

Read More

Zight (formerly CloudApp)

Team sharing and auto-transcripts

Read More

Loom

Workplace messaging and instant sharing

Read More

Screencastify

Tutorials with interactive questions

Read More

Awesome Screenshot and Screen Recorder

4K browser captures with strong annotation tools

Read MoreShow more

When it comes to capturing your screen, Movavi Screen Recorder is my go-to pick for its balance of speed, easy scheduling, and crystal-clear video. If you want full creative control or plan to live-stream, OBS Studio stands out for its pro-level tools and flexibility.

Special pick: Movavi Screen Recorder

Download for FreeBuy Now

Our special pick from this list of video capture software for a Mac is Movavi Screen Recorder. Fully compatible with Mac devices (including Apple MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and others), this simple and effective screen recorder tool can help you capture a video and record your screen on a Mac in a single click. It's very useful for things like video instructions, streaming videos, and online events, allowing you to adjust the recording parameters with ease and even featuring its own built-in editor tools for trimming of your recorded files.

Our goal is to provide you with only verified information. To ensure this, Movavi Content Team does the following:

• When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.

• The team tests all the products mentioned in this article.

• When testing, we compare the key characteristics of the products, which include selecting capture area, schedule recording, showing keystrokes and mouse, and other significant features.

• We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.

• We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.

Best Mac screen recorders for free

A macOS screen recorder is a good choice for bloggers, teachers, program developers, and designers who need high-quality output. Here is the definitive list of the best Mac screen recorders, according to our research.

1. Movavi Screen Recorder

Best for: capturing streaming videos, webinars, and online callsDownload for Free

• Price

  free trial, premium for $44.95/year or $74.95/lifetime

Features:

• Show mouse movements and clicks for easier explanations
• Grab webcam footage along with the audio stream to create training videos, instructions, and podcasts
• Reduce ambient noise your mic picks up to get crisp, clear sound in your recordings
• Visualize your ideas by drawing notes, shapes, and figures on videos in real time
• Schedule recording of late-night webinars, your favorite shows, or sporting events to watch them later
• Take scrolling screenshots of long pages or chat threads

Why I picked it: Smooth performance, easy scheduling, and top-tier noise reduction made it my most reliable all-rounder. It’s ideal for long sessions thanks to no limit recording and works great as a Mac video capture tool.

I put Movavi Screen Recorder through its paces on the latest macOS and it quickly earned a spot in my toolkit. Switching between mic input and system audio is effortless, which makes recording tutorials or podcasts refreshingly simple. Scheduling a capture, grabbing a scrolling screenshot, or adding quick mouse effects all feel instant. The lightweight editor trims or joins clips without fuss, and exporting to MP4 or MOV with hardware-boosted speed takes seconds. The newest 24.x updates sharpened webcam quality, steadied the scheduler, and introduced a 2025 noise-reduction option that really quiets background hum. For clean, shareable videos, Movavi just works.

Ratings

4.6/5

Capterra

4.5/5

G2

4.6/5

Software Advice

Pros:

• Fast setup, simple UI

• Easy to set up and grab from screen or webcam in 4K1

• Capture on-screen activity to improve efficiency with simple, lightweight recordings

• Take meaningful screenshots: capture a single window, a full page, or just part of it

Cons:

• Free plan adds watermark

How to record your Mac screen with audio for free with our macOS screen recording app

Follow the instructions below to learn how to screen-record on your Mac in a few simple steps.

Step 1. Install Movavi Screen Recorder

Download the latest Movavi Screen Recorder for Mac and run the installer. The setup takes just a few minutes.

Download for Free

Step 2. Allow macOS permissions (first launch)

On the first run, macOS will prompt you to grant access. Go to System Settings, Privacy & Security and enable permissions for Screen Recording, Microphone, and Camera (if you plan to use webcam video). If Movavi requests installation of its system-audio (ACE) driver, follow the on-screen steps and restart your Mac only if prompted. This driver allows recording of internal system sound.

Step 3. Choose what to capture

Open Movavi Screen Recorder and click Screen Recording. Drag to select the area you want or choose full screen. In the control panel, switch on System Audio and Microphone as needed, and enable Webcam if you want a picture-in-picture overlay.

Tip: In Settings, you can adjust resolution and frame rate or set the Scheduler/Timer to start and stop recording automatically – ideal for webinars or timed events.

Step 4. Record and annotate

Press REC to start. Use the compact controls to pause, mute, or stop whenever necessary. Need to highlight something on the fly? Activate the drawing tools to add arrows or shapes. To capture long webpages as still images, use scrolling screenshot mode separately – no need to interrupt your main recording.

Step 5. Preview, edit, and save

When you stop, a preview window appears. Trim silent parts, cut unwanted segments, or combine quick edits. Export the finished video in your preferred format – MP4, MOV, MKV, or GIF. Movavi uses hardware acceleration for faster export, and you can send the file straight to cloud storage or social platforms. For lossless format conversion or advanced re-encoding, Movavi Video Converter can add extra flexibility.

2. QuickTime Player

Best for: simple video screen capture on Mac

• Price

  free

• Recording your screen activities

• Taking screenshots

• Recording sound via a microphone

Why I picked it: Built into every Mac, it’s the fastest way to start a clean screen capture with zero setup. This native tool doubles as simple video capture on Mac.

QuickTime Player comes preinstalled on almost every Mac, so I didn’t have to hunt it down. Starting a screen or window recording is instant, and saving or trimming clips is just as easy. But there’s a catch: this recording software for Mac still can’t grab internal system audio. I can only capture what the mic hears, which makes it less useful for gameplay or music. For quick how-to videos or everyday screen grabs, though, it remains a dependable freebie.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface

• Free for Mac users

• Preinstalled so no download needed

Cons:

• No internal-audio capture

• Only basic trim/merge editing

• Limited export formats (mostly MOV)

• Large file sizes on long/high-res recordings

Download QuickTime Player

3. OBS

Best for: making professional video clips

• Price

  free and open-source

• Recording screen with webcam and overlays
• Streaming to Twitch, YouTube, and other websites
• Powerful integrations and plug-ins

Why I picked it: Offers pro-level control and now multitrack video on macOS. A strong choice when you need advanced video recording software for Mac.

I ran OBS Studio 31.1 on an Apple-Silicon Mac, and the upgrade is obvious. The headline change is multitrack video recording now fully supported on macOS, which makes editing separate camera and screen feeds far easier. The new preview-zoom and streamlined interface also help when juggling complex scenes. All the classic strengths remain: flexible overlays, advanced audio mixing, and a deep plug-in library. It’s still open-source and free, which means endless custom tweaks if you like to tinker. The trade-off? OBS can be intimidating at firstwith the complex settings2. Getting a show-ready stream or recording requires a bit of learning, but the payoff in control and quality is worth it.

Ratings

4.7/5

Capterra

4.7/5

Software Advice

4.0/5

TechRadar

2.8/5

Trustpilot

Pros:

• Completely free to download

• Wide variety of video editing tools

• Advanced audio/video mixing

• Support for plugins to customize settings

Cons:

• Steep learning curve

• Few built-in editing tools

• Heavy on older Macs

Download OBS

QuickTime Player

MacUpdate rating

3.5/5Read MoreEditor's choiceMovavi Screen Recorder

G2 rating

4.5/5Download for FreeScreenPal

G2 rating

4.3/5Read More

4. ScreenRec

Best for: boosting your work self-efficiency

• Price

  free

• Recording screen and webcam online and offline

• Simple sharing to the cloud

• Comprehensive recording history

Why I picked it: Instant recording and link sharing save time when I have to show something to teammates right away. It’s also handy for screen recording on Mac for quick demos.

ScreenRec screen recording software for Mac is built for anyone who needs to show, not tell. It’s a free lightweight recorder that skips long setups so you can capture a screen snippet or short video the moment an idea strikes. I tested the current version 5.0.13 on macOS. This release fixes a handful of crash bugs and smooths out cloud uploads, making the app more stable than earlier builds. Recording is instant: I pick the area, press record, and within seconds get a private share link. The improved recording history keeps every clip neatly organized, which is handy when I have to resend a demo. Editing options remain basic, but that minimalism is the appeal. For quick tutorials, bug reports, or any situation where a picture explains things faster than an email, ScreenRec gets the job done.

Ratings

4.7/5

Trustpilot

4.7/5

G2

5.0/5

Software Advice

5.0/5

Capterra

Pros:

• Free, pro version available for those who create an account

• Recording your screen in two clicks

• Editing screenshots: adding bubbles, shapes, text, and arrows

• Share via private link, cloud storage built-in

• No watermark in free version

Cons:

• 5-minute cap on recordings until account created

Download ScreenRec

5. ScreenPal (Screencast-o-Matic)

Best for: business use

• Price

  free version, premium from $1.65/month

• Editing the recordings in-app

• Using built-in stock content

• Taking and editing screenshots

Why I picked it: Simple editing plus direct cloud uploads make it great for quick how-tos and team feedback. Good pick if you want the best screen recording software for Mac with easy uploads.

ScreenPal is one of the better known screen recording + editing tools available on Mac. It lets me capture my screen, grab screenshots, annotate with arrows or text, and use built-in assets without juggling separate apps. In the latest versions (3.19.0 and 3.20.0 for Mac desktop) ScreenPal added support for AirPods and other lower sample-rate microphones. It introduced an “Active Window” recording size option so I can pick a specific app’s window easily. Some webcam-capture bugs in Storyboard on macOS were fixed, and image import rotation problems got patched. I appreciate the cloud hosting – uploads are ad-free, backups are automatic – but many of the more powerful features (interactive quizzes, long uploads, higher-resolution webcam capture, etc.) remain behind the paywall. For personal use, tutorials, or casual business messaging, it’s solid.

Ratings

4.4/5

Capterra

3.6/5

Trustpilot

4.0/5

TechRadar

4.4/5

Software Advice

Pros:

• Wide range of recording and screenshotting settings

• Intuitive interface

• Trusted by millions of people

• Share and collaboration options with video hosting

• Secure file backup

Cons:

• Limited functionality in the free trial version

• The majority of functions are fee-based

• No advanced video editing tools

• Users report lag or bugs during long recordings

Download ScreenPal

6. ActivePresenter

Best for: eLearning

• Price

  free version, premium from $199

• Upgrading your screen recordings to a fully-fledged teaching tool

• Converting existing presentations into online courses

• Creating interactive assignments for boosting student engagement

Why I picked it: Its interactive quizzes and HTML exports turn basic recordings into full e-learning modules. This option doubles as video capture software for Mac for educational content.

ActivePresenter has long been built for people like me who teach or build courses. Beyond just recording screen and webcam, I can embed quizzes, make guides, or export courses as HTML5. The latest version 10.0.0 supports macOS 15 through older versions too. Version 9.2.1 earlier fixed issues like webcam recording failures on certain Macs and misaligned subtitles when exporting only selected slides. Also, the 9.3 update smoothed the editing experience significantly, adding offline one-click AI noise removal and proxy video workflows so editing large clips doesn’t choke my Mac. The interface still feels geared toward educational workflows – some will find it less “sleek,” but if you want control and interactivity, it does more than many simple recorders.

Ratings

4.7/5

Capterra

4.6/5

G2

4.7/5

Software Advice

2.9/5

Trustpilot

Pros:

• Excellent opportunities for creating elearning content

• Supports saving in multiple formats

• Convenient file upload to LMS

• High-quality exported content

Cons:

• Free version has watermark on some exports and restricted features

• Learning curve can be steep when using advanced features or simulations

Download ActivePresenter

7. Icecream Screen Recorder

Best for: recording computer games

• Price

  free version, premium $29.95

• Recording screen and webcam

• Schedule your recordings

• Add logos and watermarks

Why I picked it: Straightforward controls and the ability to brand videos with a logo keep quick captures polished. Excellent for making a clear screenshot video on Mac.

Icecream Screen Recorder has an easy-to-use interface with only a few buttons, so you won’t get confused by obscure settings. It has all the features you need in a simple MacBook screen recorder. I tested version 1.0.8 for Mac and found it intuitive. You can pick full screen or a custom area, enable webcam overlay, schedule recordings, add text/graphics, and inject watermarks. The latest build fixed translation issues and minor bugs. The free version lets me do most basics, but long recordings, advanced editing, or cloud integrations require upgrading. It’s great when I need quick, branded recordings without fuss.

Ratings

4.5/5

G2

4.0/5

G2

4.0/5

Capterra

4.0/5

Software Advice

Pros:

• Minimalist and easy-to-use interface

• Supports screenshots, video screen capture on Mac, audio in various modes

• Decent output quality for casual use

Cons:

• There are too many limitations in the free version

• Some chargeable features don't work on Mac

• Basic video-editing tools

Download Icecream Screen Recorder

8. VLC

Best for: recording the entire screen without audio

• Price

  free

• Watching movies, TV shows, and other videos on a Mac

• Capturing your screen

• Recording streaming videos

Why I picked it: Free and versatile, it’s my fallback for one-off screen grabs when I don’t need extra editing. It’s a solid option as lightweight screen capture software for Mac.

VLC remains a versatile all-in-one media player, and it can also capture your screen or streaming video without costing a cent. I used it for occasional simple screencasts, which it handles well. Recent 3.0.21 updates improved subtitle rendering and audio layout on macOS and refreshed codec support, but the core recording workflow is unchanged. Downsides persist: no built-in tools for trimming or editing beyond basic clips, limited internal system-audio capture that still needs workarounds, and output files that can grow very large. For quick, no-frills grabs it works fine; for polished videos, I look elsewhere.

Ratings

4/5

G2

3.6/5

App Store

2.4/5

Trustpilot

Pros:

• Simple and straightforward interface

• Free and open-source with no cost or license fees

• Supports multiple video formats

Cons:

• Poor audio recording

• No customization of the capture area size

• Large output files

• Non-intuitive recording settings

Download VLC

9. Peek 360

Best for: making short, silent screencasts

• Price

  free

• Easy access through the Mac menu bar

• Voice volume regulation

• Simple cloud sharing

Why I picked it: Fast, menu-bar access makes it ideal for short, silent screencasts on the fly. It’s one of the best free screen recorder for Mac options for very short clips.

Peek 360 (Articulate’s app) lives in the menu bar, which makes it pop up fast when I have something to show. I can drag to pick the capture area, select my mic, check voice levels, and share via link or push into Articulate’s ecosystem. There haven’t been many updates recently for this Mac video recorder – feature development is said to be frozen beyond compatibility fixes. So while it remains great for quick demos, don’t expect new bells and whistles any time soon.

Ratings

4.3/5

Trustpilot

2.3/5

App Store

Pros:

• Free, minimalist, very light on system resources

• A modern and straightforward interface

• Supports mic-audio and exports as MP4

Cons:

• Cannot capture internal (system) audio

• No built-in editing tools

• A lack of export formats

Download Peek 360

Best free online screen recorders for Mac

Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder

TechRadar rating

4.5/5Read MoreEditor's choiceMovavi Screen Recorder

G2 rating

4.5/5Download for FreeZight (formerly CloudApp)

G2 rating

4.6/5Read More

When looking for the best screen recorder for Mac, getting an online tool is a viable option. Here are a few online screen recording tools for you to check out.

1. Screen Capture

Best for: making fast recordings on the go

• Price

  free version, premium from $9.95/month or $39.95/year

• No software installation required
• Can record webcam and microphone
• Works with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera

Why I picked it: No downloads and a start-recording button that works instantly in any major browser.

Screen Capture is for anyone who wants to record quickly without installs or setups. I open a browser, hit Start Recording, and it captures the screen immediately. The interface is minimal – record video and/or audio, include webcam if I want. Flaws creep in when I need flexibility: the output formats are limited, so I often convert videos later using another tool. Also, free recordings include a watermark. To remove it, I must pay a modest subscription, which is fair if I use this kind of tool often.

Ratings

4.5/5

Techjockey

Pros:

• Simple interface

• Multifunctionality

• No installation

• No lengthy or complex prerecording settings

• Export to MP4

Cons:

• No choice of output formats

• No video editing tools

• Watermark on the recordings

Go to the Screen Capture website

2. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder

Best for: editing videos during online recording

• Price

  free

• Versions for Android and iOS

• Simple screen capturing

• Saving videos to the local disk, website (including YouTube), or cloud storage

Why I picked it: Broad format support and live editing give me more flexibility than most web-based tools.

I regularly turn to Apowersoft when I want robust browser-based screen captures. It records screen and mic, and supports both system-audio and webcam. Apowersoft supports many formats for exporting files that even desktop programs do not always have. I can export to cloud storage (YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive) or save locally. The web recorder also offers picture-in-picture mode. Recent updates improved synchronization when you record screen and audio on Mac, making it more reliable for video calls or online classes. But one catch: to use the recorder I still need to run a small launcher — it’s safe, but it adds an extra step.

Ratings

4.5/5

TechRadar

Pros:

• Fully featured web capture

• Wide choice of output formats

• Variety of customizable settings

• No watermark

• Free of charge

Cons:

• Requires installation of a launcher

• Not suitable for game recording

Go to the Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder website

3. Zight (formerly CloudApp)

Best for: team sharing and auto-transcripts

• Price

  free, premium from $9/month

• Built-in recordings editor
• Storing and sharing videos via a teamspace
• Auto-transcribing

Why I picked it: Smooth browser capture with built-in annotation and instant team sharing.

Zight is a web-and-desktop hybrid I’ve used when I need fast sharing plus small edits. It lets me capture a region or full screen, include audio, annotate, and share via link. The recording automatically uploads to my Zight workspace. Auto-transcription is a standout feature – it produces a text version of whatever was spoken in the video, saving time when I want to reference or share excerpts. Collaboration tools (teamspaces) mean others on my team can view or comment. The free plan has some limits: recording time, number of clips stored, and some advanced export features are behind a paywall.

Ratings

4.6/5

Software Advice

4.6/5

G2

4.6/5

Capterra

4.6/5

GetApp

Pros:

• Free plan with quick screen and webcam capture

• Instant sharing via cloud links

• Simple built-in annotation and auto-transcription

Cons:

• Free tier limits recording length and stored videos

• Occasional lag with long HD captures

Go to the Zight website

Best free macOS screen recorders for browsers

Loom

G2 rating

4.7/5Read MoreEditor's choiceMovavi Screen Recorder

G2 rating

4.5/5Download for FreeScreencastify

Software Advice rating

4.5/5Read More

If you look at the top-right corner of your browser, you may find an Extensions icon. It’s very useful since there’s plenty of video screen capture software options on the extensions market. Here are some of the best picks.

1. Loom

Best for: sending work video messages

• Price

  free version, premium from $8/month

• One-click screen capture

• In-cloud access control system

• Notifications and statistics on views, reacts, and comments on your videos

Why I picked it: Seamless team integration and instant share links make it perfect for work messaging and feedback.

I use Loom when I want to send a quick screen message to colleagues. It lets me record my screen (and webcam bubble), share via link instantly, and colleagues can comment or react without me uploading a file. Recent updates to Loom’s Starter (free) plan include a 5-minute per-video limit, up to 25 videos & screenshots stored in the workspace, and standard features like viewer insights, emoji reactions, and transcription in 50+ languages. Its collaboration tools – especially for teams – are strong, since it's embedded into Slack, Gmail, Notion, and others. The downside: with the free plan I’m stopped by time limits, number of recordings, and fewer editing tools. To get rid of Loom’s branding and unlock advanced AI features, I’d need to upgrade.

Ratings

4.7/5

G2

4.7/5

Capterra

4.7/5

Software Advice

3.5/5

PCMag

Pros:

• Good opportunities for organizing and simplifying work processes

• Integration with business services

• Trusted by millions of users

Cons:

• Limitations in the free version

Download Loom

2. Screencastify

Best for: drawing on videos

• Price

  free version, premium for $49/year

• Trimming and merging recorded videos
• Adding interactive questions for better user engagement
• Saving videos to GIF and other formats

Why I picked it: Quick tab or desktop capture with real-time drawing is ideal for tutorials and student projects.

I tested Screencastify when I needed to record from a browser tab, narrate, or include the webcam. It supports real-time drawing and annotations so I can highlight key elements. Exports include MP4, GIF, and MP3, and there’s integration with Google Drive and YouTube. In June 2025, Screencastify introduced an improved editor, AI chaptering (which automatically suggests split points in longer videos), and a built-in teleprompter. The free version of this video recorder for Mac now allows videos up to 10 minutes long, but limits the number of active videos in your library (10 videos stored) and retains watermarking in some contexts. The trade-offs are still there: library storage caps, fewer export options on free plans, and more advanced features like branching quizzes or premium sharing require upgrading.

Ratings

4.5/5

Software Advice

4.6/5

G2

4.5/5

Capterra

4.5/5

GetApp

Pros:

• Drawing and editing online tools

• No registration for storing or downloading videos

• Simple to use

Cons:

• Free plan limits cloud storage & video length

• Occasional sync or lag issues on high resolution or longer recordings

Download Screencastify

3. Awesome Screenshot and Screen Recorder

Best for: sharing content in one click

• Price

  free version, premium from $6/month

• Recording videos in up to 4K resolution

• Instant cloud sharing

• Annotating and editing your recordings

Why I picked it: Up to 4K video with flexible annotation tools covers everything from bug reports to high-quality demos.

Whenever I need quick browser-level demos or feedback loops on Mac, I reach for Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder. It records either a tab, the whole desktop, or just the webcam, lets me choose video resolution up to 4K, and includes annotation tools – arrows, shapes, highlights, whatever I need. The recent updates tightened up the workflow: now I can use a shortcut like Alt+T to begin recording the active tab immediately. I enabled global shortcuts so I don’t even have to have Chrome in front of me to stop or pause. The free version works well for basic stuff, though full cloud storage, advanced editing, or removing watermarks requires upgrading.

Ratings

4.7/5

Chrome Web Store

Pros:

• Screen recorder and screenshotter in one

• Wide range of shareable options

• Annotation tools for screenshots (text, arrows, shapes) built in

Cons:

• To get a shareable link, you need to have an account on the official Awesome Screenshot website

• There are significant limitations to the free version

Download Awesome Screenshot and Screen Recorder

Tips for converting and sharing your recordings

Before you ship off that shiny new screencast, a few savvy moves can save time and headaches later. Here’s what I’ve learned after exporting more clips than I care to count while I searched for the best Mac screen recorder:

• Start with the right format. Most recorders default to MP4 when you perform the screen capture video on Mac, which plays nicely almost everywhere. Editing in Final Cut or iMovie? Choose MOV for smoother imports.
• Lean on hardware acceleration. Apps like Movavi Screen Recorder can offload the heavy lifting to your Mac’s GPU, so turning a long video into MP4, MKV, or even GIF doesn’t feel like watching paint dry.
• Trim first, convert once. Cutting dead air or awkward pauses before you export means smaller files and faster uploads.
• Batch for sanity. Juggling a dozen clips? A dedicated converter such as Movavi Video Converter keeps settings consistent and saves you from repeating the same clicks all afternoon.
• Match the file to its destination. Big, crisp MP4s shine on YouTube or Vimeo. For email or quick DMs, a compressed MP4 – or a looping GIF – delivers the goods without blowing up inboxes.

How to choose the best free screen recorder for Mac

After weeks of testing more than 15 apps, a few standouts clearly fit different styles of work:

• Everyday everything: Movavi Screen Recorder hits the sweet spot of easy setup, reliable system-audio capture, and speedy exports for the quick screen video capture on Mac process.
• Pro streams and deep control: OBS Studio is open source and now supports multitrack video on macOS – my pick when I’m mixing multiple feeds or broadcasting live.
• Team-friendly communication: Loom drops a shareable link as soon as you end your recording, and that makes instant feedback loops effortless.
• Browser-only convenience: Screencastify and Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder only work in Chrome – perfect if installing a Mac recording software is not an option.
• No-install convenience: Screen Capture or Zight (formerly CloudApp) enabled you to record and share from within a browser window.

Match the tool to your workflow – long-form webinars or spontaneous demos is what you want to screen record on Mac – and you’ll get crisp, ready-to-share videos without extra fuss.

Movavi Screen RecorderThe perfect way to record anything from your screenDownload for FreeAbout the Mac versionDownload for FreeAbout the Mac version

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams. Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What are the best free screen recorders for Mac?

Here’re some of the best free screen recorders for Mac:

• Movavi Screen Recorder – to capture and annotate online calls, webinars, and meetings.
• QuickTime – to record your screen with what you already have on your Mac.
• OBS – for screen recording and streaming with advanced settings.
• ScreenRec – recording and sharing explanatory videos with colleagues.
• ScreenPal – to record your screen, annotate, and share via cloud.

You can learn more about screen recording options in the article above.

How can I choose the best screen recorder for my Mac?

Before you download any screen grabber, you should define your goals.

If you need professional videos with high-quality output for your blog or business, it’s better to buy desktop software with a variety of functions and good customer support.

If you want to just grab a single screen, use a free online recorder like Screen Capture or Apowersoft Online Screen Recorder. You don’t need to install anything.

If you often need to make short videos from your browser activities, add an extension to your browser. It will be faster than using a desktop application, but it won’t work without an internet connection.

How do you screen record on your Mac?

Try capturing your screen with Movavi Screen Recorder:

1. Download and install Movavi Screen Recorder on your Mac.
2. Choose the Screen recording option.
3. Select the area you want to capture.
4. Set the System audio and Microphone according to your needs.
5. Click REC.
6. When you’re done, click Stop.
7. The video will be saved in the MKV format, but you can convert it to MP4 or any other format of your choice.

Is there screen recording software for Mac?

Yes, there are lots of options for Mac users. Pick one of these:

• Movavi Screen Recorder – for capturing your screen, audio, mic, and annotating.
• Loom – for a better team collaboration.
• QuickTime Player – for quick and simple recordings without installing any third-party software.
• OBS – for advanced recording sessions.
• Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder – for online screen capturing and editing.

How do I record a video on my MacBook?

MacBook owners can use Movavi Screen Recorder to capture videos.

1. Download the Movavi screen recording software.
2. Click Screen recording and select the desired area.
3. Hit REC to start recording and Stop to end it.
4. If you want, you can convert the video and share it with others.

How do I record with QuickTime Player?

Follow these steps to record your screen with QuickTime Player:

1. Launch the player.
2. Click File and choose New Screen Recording.
3. In the Options menu tweak the recording parameters (timer, microphone, output location).
4. Click Record.
5. To stop recording, click the Stop button in the right upper corner of the screen.

How do you record a video on a Mac?

To record a video on your Mac, try Movavi Screen Recorder. After downloading and installing Movavi Screen Recorder on your Mac, choose Screen recording from the panel, and select the area of the screen you want to capture. Tweak the settings for Webcam, Microphone, and System audio. Hit REC to start the process, Stop to finish recording. That’s it! You’ll find the recording in the output folder.

Where do screen recordings go on Mac?

The output location for your recordings depends on the software you’re using. QuickTime Player typically saves recordings to your Desktop. Other programs, however, might have other default settings. To find your recording, launch the program that it was made with, go to its Settings menu, and see which folder is selected for output files.

How do you screen record on Mac with audio?

Movavi Screen Recorder is one of the programs that allows users to record on their Mac with audio. Here’s how to do it:

1. Download and install Movavi Screen Recorder on your Mac.
2. Choose the Screen recording option.
3. While setting up the recording parameters, make sure the System audio and/or Microphone options are activated (depending on which source you’re going to capture).
4. Hit the REC button.
5. Click Stop to end the recording.
6. Convert the video to your preferred format if you want (the default output format is MKV).

What is the best way to screen record on Mac?

One of the best ways to record your screen on a Mac is with Movavi Screen Recorder. Install the software on your Mac and click the Screen recording button. Set the recording parameters for Webcam, Microphone, System audio, and more. Click the REC button to start screen recording, hit Stop when you’re done. Edit the result and convert it if necessary and share with friends, family, or colleagues.

Is there a screen recorder on a Mac?

Yes. Here’s our top 3 screen recorders for a Mac:

• Movavi Screen Recorder: for capturing your screen, webcam, system audio, microphone, and annotating on your Mac.
• Screen Capture: for online screen recordings.
• Loom: recording and sharing personal video messages.

What is the best screen recording software for Mac?

Movavi Screen Recorder – best for capturing streaming videos, webinars, and online calls

QuickTime Player – best for simple video screen capture on Mac

OBS – best for making professional video clips

ScreenRec – best for boosting your work self-efficiency

ScreenPal (Screencast-o-Matic) – best for business use

ActivePresenter –best for eLearning

Icecream Screen Recorder – best for recording computer games

Does Mac have a screen recording tool?

Open the Screenshot toolbar, by pressing Shift, Command, and 5 keys together. On the screen you’ll see a toolbar with options for recording the whole screen, recording a selected area of the screen, or capturing a still image of your screen.

How do I record my Mac screen without QuickTime?

There are two main options for recording screen without QuickTime. You can use a built-in screen recorder by pressing Shift + Command + 5 and choosing to record the whole screen or just a part of it. There are also third-party programs such as Movavi Screen Recorder that have more functions and editing capabilities.

References

• 1. 

  Movavi Screen Recorder rating on Software Advice

• 2. 

  OBS Studio review on TechRadar

Popular

• How to record screen with audio on Mac

• How to capture streaming video on Mac

• Best OBS recording settings in 2026

• Complete guide to creating video tutorials

• 15 Best Free Screen Recorders for Windows 11 [2026]

• 7 Best Free Online Video Recorders [2026] – Movavi

• How to Screen-Record in Windows 11 [5 Ways] – Movavi

• [2026] 16 Best Screen Recorders for Windows 10 – Movavi

• How to Record Skype Calls [2 Easy Ways] - Movavi

• Best OBS Settings for a Low-End PC or Laptop – Movavi

Show MoreHave questions?If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to contact our Support Team.Visit Our Support CenterWatch Our Video GuidesJoin us for discounts, editing tips, and content ideas

1.5M+ users already subscribed to our newsletter

EmailSign Up

By signing up, you consent to receive our marketing emails and agree to Movavi using your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You also confirm that you meet the minimum age requirements.