The Big List Of Screenrecording Software (Windows Edition)
If you are looking for decent programs to record games you have come to the right place!
Over the years I have recorded hundreds of gameplay videos with lots of different screenrecorders and this list is the result of my research.
This list is about screenrecording software for Windows but I have also created a list for Mac and for Linux.
In case you are also looking for video editing software to trim, convert and edit your recording consider to check out The Big List Of Video Editors.
In case you want to live stream a game consider to check out this List about Streaming Software.
Which programs do I prefer?
I personally use Camtasia and Fraps but HyperCam 3 and PlayClaw are also good… However there are also a few more programs for your consideration that I haven’t tested by myself yet but come highly recommended by others (such as Dxtory and Bandicam)
Moreover if you don’t want or can’t spend any money on a screenrecorder I have also listed some decent freeware alternatives for you. Oh and in case you want to record something real quick without downloading anything I recommend to check out the free online screenrecorder Screenr.
What about capture cards?
If you are looking for a product that doesn’t require much CPU power and thus allows you to record and stream games from PC and consoles with high and stable framerates consider to get a decent capture card.
You can find such devices on amazon and the prices seem to vary from 20$-200$. Note that I haven’t used such a card yet but the AVerMedia Live Gamer HD capture card seems to be a pretty good product according to amazon reviews and YouTubers.
For example the Lazy Gamer uses this card for his YouTube videos and did a comprehensive video review and a written review with some additional test videos on his homepage.
Navigation
- Best Choices For 2D Games
- Best Choices For 3D Games
- Best Freeware Alternatives For 2D Games
- Best Freeware Alternatives For 3D Games
Some General Advice to Increase Performance:
- Reduce Resolution (e.g. 640×480 instead of 1024×768)
- Switch to 16-bit instead of 32-bit Color Depth
- Choose the right Codec (less compression = faster recording speed)
- Upgrade PC (faster CPU, more RAM, better graphics card)
- Record with Fraps and use a new unfragmented hard drive to avoid stuttering
- If possible record to a secondary hard drive will make your videos less laggy.
- Reboot your system to free up RAM or close unneccassary processes in the task manager (ctrl+alt+del)
Best Choices For 2D Games
Camtasia Studio
How to record a game with Camtasia (Video)
Download
Size: 184 MB
Price: 300$ (Free 30 Days Trial Version)
Demo Restrictions: None
If you want to record lots of videos this is the best choice in my opinion. It offers lots of options and a complete little editing suite. However the price tag might put you off in the first place. Anyway don’t forget that you can record as much as you want for 30 days without any limitations… for free.
SnagIt
How to record a game with SnagIt (Video)
Download
Size: 30 MB
Price: 50$ (Free 30 Days Trial Version)
Demo Restrictions: None
Originally SnagIt was designed for taking screenshots. However you can also use it as a cheap alternative to Camtasia Studio. It doesn’t offer the editing environment and stuff but for a 1/6 of its price you can still get the same recording results.
HyperCam 3
How to record a game with HyperCam 3 (Video)
Download
Size: 8 MB
Price: 40$ (Free Demo works for unlimited time)
Demo Restrictions: Watermark
The best alternative to Camtasia for a fraction of it’s price.
Best Choices For 3D Games
Fraps
How to record a game with Fraps (Video)
Download
Size: 2 MB
Price: 37$ (Free Demo works for unlimited time)
Demo Restrictions: Watermark and recordings are restricted to 30 seconds
If you want to record DirectX/OpenGL games then give Fraps a try. If you don’t have any money you can glue multiple 30 sec segments together after you have recorded them… but you have to live with the watermark then.
PlayClaw
How to record a game with PlayClaw (Video)
Download
Size: 3 MB
Price: 30$ (Free Demo works for unlimited time)
Demo Restrictions: Watermark
Alternative to Fraps if you want to record demanding DirectX/OpenGL games.
More alternatives that I haven’t tested yet but are recommended by others:
Dxtory
Download
Size: 3 MB
Price: 45$ (Free Demo available)
Used by many YouTubers and TotalBisquit (He reported about it on reddit and twitter
Bandicam
Download
Size: 7 MB
Price: 39$ (Free Demo available)
Used by many YouTubers
Action!
Download
Size: 17 MB
Price: 30$ (Free Demo available)
This recording software is relatively new and got greenlit on Steam Greenlight.
MSI Afterburner – Predator
Download
Size: 22 MB
Price: Completely Free
Used by many YouTubers.
The program is usually a benchmark tool but has also a video capturing function called Predator. Note that you don’t need a MSI card for it to work. (Here is a screenshot of the settings)
Best Freeware Alternatives For 2D Games
CamStudio
How to record a game with Camstudio (Video)
Download
Size: 2 MB
Price: Free
Restrictions: None
A nice recorder that might need some fiddeling around with the codecs/settings until you get smooth results.
Krut
Download
Size: 5 MB
Price: Free
Restrictions: None
A decent lightweight open source recorder coded in Java.
Expression Encoder 4
Download
Size: 25 MB
Price: Free
Restrictions: Only WMV as Output Format and 10 minute segments
Nice little recorder (needs the NET Framework 4 installed).
BB FlashBack Express
Download
Size: 10 MB
Price: Free
Restrictions: Only AVI as Output Format
Another decent recorder. Note that after 30 days you have to register for free (means: give them an email adress)
Screenr
How to record a game with Screenr (Video)
Start Recording
Price: Free
Restrictions: 5 minutes limit per recording
Great online screen recorder! No need to install anything.
Note: After you have finished your recording you have to login with your Twitter account before you can download the video in MP4 format.
If you shouldn’t have a Twitter account then simply create one in 60 seconds. Here’s an example video that shows how to do that.
Leave a comment
I find that Xfire works great for recording 3d games, and its free!
Holt45
October 17, 2011
Thanks for suggesting Xfire but it seems that it only supports certain games that are added to their database…
PixelProspector
October 20, 2011
Don’t forget Bandicam! It works great with MAME.
hexcrass
January 31, 2012
Just added it to the list! Thanks :)
PixelProspector
February 2, 2012
Nice list. Another freeware is kkapture
http://www.farb-rausch.de/~fg/kkapture/
I’ve had some success with it (never got the sound to work though), but it’s a bit like Taksi in that it some people get nothing.
Tam Toucan
April 3, 2012
Thanks, just added it to the list (but mentioned that it might not be the easiest tool around)
PixelProspector
April 10, 2012
I use D3DGear (www.d3dgear.com), it is a very fast video game recording software.
ymike
May 23, 2012
[...] have created some greats posts going into even more detail on various capture software for PC, Mac, and Linux, so please check those [...]
How to make awesome indie game trailers |
June 11, 2012
Coming-in-late but one contender for a great 3D recorder is MSI Afterburner – and it being free is a big plus too.
Contrary to it’s title, it works on motherboards/GPUs from any manufacturer as well – it offers more onscreen overlay options than Fraps (tho it can be a bit fiddly) too.
John Peat
November 10, 2012
Thanks for the recommendation! It looks promising and it is good to know that there is now a proper free program for recording 3D games…I have just added it to the list :)
PixelProspector
November 12, 2012
Don’t forget open broadcaster! It’s truly excellent, completely free and open source. Though designed for livestreaming, it records as well, and is very customizable with regard to where video and audio sources come from. You can even customize hotkeys to switch which source it is recording at the press of a button.
saluk
January 19, 2013
Do anybody know Mirillis Action recording software? It’s best of game and desktop recording software on market. It’s shareware but it cost only 29$ for lifetime license . A lot of pro gamers started to use it. It have best performance of all programs and takes a lot less disc space . I can recommend it as a tutorial maker (desktop recording, win 8 too) but i watched a lot of gameplay movies on YT with Action! in use and it looks that it records Games nice too.
Artur
January 24, 2013
Thanks alot for the list man!!
I love these Recorders –
Bandicam
Mrillis Action
Expression Encoder
BB Flashback
Hypercam 3
Snagit
Camtasia Studio
Thanks alot for these I Really appreciate it :)
And don’t forget that expression encoder needs Microsoft.net Framework
Thanks alot again
Fabbi Alexa
February 10, 2013
Hey Your the best man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :3
THANKS ALOT FOR SAYING THESE RECORDERS I THOUGHT IT WAS BAD RECORDERS BUT IF PEOPLE RECOMMENDS THE RECORDERS I WILL DOWNLOAD IT!
Numiel
February 10, 2013
I Tried action, the free version but there is a water mark D:
k30n333
April 4, 2013