10 Best Screen Recording Tools in 2026

Updated: February 2026

Tools for recording screen, webcam, and creating tutorials

Key Takeaways

  • OBS Studio is our #1 pick for screen recording in 2026, scoring 91/100.
  • We analyzed 48 screen recording tools to create this ranking.
  • 6 tools offer free plans, perfect for getting started.
  • Average editorial score: 86/100 - high-quality category.
1
OBS Studio logo

OBS Studio

Free streaming & recording

91/100
Free

OBS Studio is free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. Powerful mixing handles multiple sources including cameras, displays, and media. Scenes and transitions create professional broadcasts. Filters add visual and audio processing in real-time. Plugins extend functionality endlessly. The streaming software that powers most streamers on Twitch, YouTube, and beyond - completely free.

2
CleanShot X logo

CleanShot X

Screenshot and recording app

90/100
Paid

CleanShot X is the ultimate screenshot and screen recording tool for Mac. Capture anything - scrolling screenshots, specific windows, or timed shots. Annotate with arrows, text, and blur sensitive information. Cloud storage with instant shareable links. Screen recording with webcam overlay. The screenshot tool that Mac power users can't imagine living without.

3
Loom logo

Loom

Record quick video messages

87/100
Freemium

Loom is a video messaging platform that lets you record your screen, camera, or both to create quick videos for async communication and collaboration.

4
Clipchamp logo

Clipchamp

Browser-based video editor by Microsoft

87/100
Freemium

Clipchamp is Microsoft's free video editor built into Windows and available online. Intuitive timeline editing for quick video creation. Stock library, text-to-speech, and screen recording included. Export directly to YouTube, TikTok, and OneDrive. Professional features like green screen and audio editing. The video editor that comes free with Windows 11, capable enough for most content creators.

5
FullStory logo

FullStory

Digital experience intelligence

85/100
Paid

FullStory captures complete digital experiences for analysis. Session replay shows exactly what users experienced. Heatmaps and click tracking aggregate behavior patterns. Automatic frustration detection with Rage Clicks. AI surfaces insights from session data. Understand user behavior at the deepest level.

6
LogRocket logo

LogRocket

Session replay & error tracking

85/100
Freemium

LogRocket is a session replay and product analytics platform with pixel-perfect recordings, JavaScript error reporting, and AI-powered struggle detection for understanding user behavior.

7
Snagit logo

Snagit

Screen capture & recording

84/100
Paid

Snagit is screen capture and video recording software for creating visual documentation. Capture screenshots, GIFs, and video walkthroughs. Powerful editor adds annotations, callouts, and effects. Templates create consistent documentation quickly. Library organizes and searches past captures. The tool technical writers and trainers use to create professional documentation and tutorials.

8
Hotjar logo

Hotjar

Heatmaps and session recordings

83/100
Freemium

Hotjar shows how visitors actually use your website. Heatmaps visualize where users click, move, and scroll. Session recordings replay individual visits. Surveys and feedback widgets collect user opinions. Funnels identify where users drop off. See your site through your users' eyes.

9
Claap logo

Claap

AI meeting recorder and sales assistant

82/100
Freemium

Claap is an async video messaging platform that reduces meetings. Record your screen with your camera to share updates, give feedback, and explain complex topics. AI transcribes and summarizes videos so viewers can skim. Threads for async discussions on videos. Integrates with Slack, Notion, and your workflow. Replace status meetings with video updates that people can watch on their own time.

10
Phia logo

Phia

Beautiful Screen Recorder for macOS with automatic cinematic effects and powerful editing features.

82/100
Paid

Phia is a screen recording application exclusively for macOS designed to create polished and engaging video content. It automatically enhances recordings with features like cinematic zoom, smooth cursor movements, and animated titles, reducing the need for extensive post-production. Phia is ideal for creating demos, tutorials, and presentations that look professional and keep audiences focused. The tool offers a comprehensive suite of features for customization, including flexible export options, adjustable cursor size, integrated slides, text and image overlays, and video-within-video capabilities. It also supports webcam and microphone recording with editable captions, ensuring clear communication. Built natively for Apple Silicon Macs using Metal and SwiftUI, Phia delivers exceptional performance, works entirely offline, and prioritizes user privacy by saving all data locally. Phia is targeted at anyone who needs to create high-quality screen recordings on a Mac, from educators and content creators to software developers and marketers. Its focus on automated cinematic effects and robust editing tools within a native macOS environment makes it a powerful solution for producing professional-grade video content efficiently.

Best Screen Recording For

What is Screen Recording Software?

Tools for recording screen, webcam, and creating tutorials

According to our analysis of 10+ tools, the screen recording software market offers solutions for teams of all sizes, from solo professionals to enterprise organizations. The best screen recording tools in 2026 combine powerful features with intuitive interfaces.

Common Features of Screen Recording Software

Automation

Automate repetitive screen recording tasks to save time

Collaboration

Work together with team members in real-time

Analytics & Reporting

Track progress and measure performance

Security

Protect sensitive data with enterprise-grade security

Who Uses Screen Recording Software?

Screen Recording software is used by a wide range of professionals and organizations:

  • Small businesses looking to streamline operations and compete with larger companies
  • Enterprise teams needing scalable solutions for complex screen recording needs
  • Freelancers and consultants managing multiple clients and projects
  • Startups seeking cost-effective tools that can grow with them

How to Choose the Right Screen Recording Software

When evaluating screen recording tools, consider these key factors:

  1. Identify your specific needs. What problems are you trying to solve? List your must-have features versus nice-to-haves.
  2. Consider your budget. 6 tools in our top 10 offer free plans, including OBS Studio and Loom.
  3. Evaluate ease of use. A powerful tool is useless if your team won't adopt it. Look for intuitive interfaces and good onboarding.
  4. Check integrations. Ensure the tool works with your existing tech stack (CRM, communication tools, etc.).
  5. Read real user reviews. Our community reviews provide honest feedback from actual users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best screen recording software in 2026?

Based on our analysis of features, user reviews, and overall value, OBS Studio ranks as the #1 screen recording tool in 2026 with a score of 91/100. Other top-rated options include CleanShot X and Loom.

Are there free screen recording tools available?

Yes! OBS Studio, Loom, Clipchamp offer free plans. In total, 6 of the top 10 screen recording tools have free or freemium pricing options.

How do you rank screen recording tools?

Our rankings are based on multiple factors: editorial analysis of features and usability (40%), community reviews and ratings (30%), pricing value (15%), and integration capabilities (15%). We regularly update rankings as tools evolve and new reviews come in.

What should I look for in screen recording software?

Key factors to consider include: core features that match your workflow, ease of use and learning curve, pricing that fits your budget, quality of customer support, integrations with your existing tools, and scalability as your needs grow.

Our Ranking Methodology

At Toolradar, we combine editorial expertise with community insights to rank screen recording tools:

40%
Editorial Analysis
Features, UX, innovation
30%
User Reviews
Real feedback from verified users
15%
Pricing Value
Cost vs. features offered
15%
Integrations
Ecosystem compatibility

Rankings are updated regularly as we receive new reviews and as tools release updates. Last updated: February 2026.

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