Bandicam vs ShareX: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Bandicam and ShareX comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Bandicam wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio. Pick ShareX if you need screenshot tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Bandicam
Capture anything on your PC screen with high-quality video and superior performance.
Best for you if:
- • You want lightweight and high-performance software
- • You want supports 4K UHD video and high frame rates for gaming
ShareX
Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free and open source with no advertisements
- • You want highly customizable workflow and extensive features for power users
| At a Glance | Bandicam | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screenshot Tools |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Bandicam or ShareX?
Choose Bandicam if
Capture anything on your PC screen with high-quality video and superior performance.
- You want lightweight and high-performance software
- You want supports 4K UHD video and high frame rates for gaming
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not screenshot tools-shaped
Choose ShareX if
Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.
- You want completely free and open source with no advertisements
- You want highly customizable workflow and extensive features for power users
- Your work is screenshot tools-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
| Feature | Bandicam | ShareX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 358 reviews | ★4.8/5 83 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingScreenshot Tools | Screenshot ToolsScreen Recording |
In-Depth Analysis
Bandicam
Capture anything on your PC screen with high-quality video and superior performance.
Bandicam's pricing is extremely generous with its free download option, making it accessible to anyone needing basic screen capture.
Watch out
Potential watermarks on free version
Strengths
- +Lightweight and high-performance software
- +Supports 4K UHD video and high frame rates for gaming
- +Versatile recording options including screen, game, and external devices
- +Includes useful features like real-time drawing and scheduled recording
- +Maintains high video quality with good compression
Weaknesses
- -Primarily for Windows (a macOS version is available)
- -Personal license does not include an invoice
- -Perpetual license only guarantees updates within the same software title
Key features
ShareX
Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.
ShareX offers an incredibly generous pricing model, as it is completely free and open-source.
Watch out
Potential costs for third-party storage services.
Strengths
- +Completely free and open source with no advertisements.
- +Highly customizable workflow and extensive features for power users.
- +Supports a wide variety of capture methods and upload destinations.
- +Lightweight and actively developed for over 18 years.
- +Includes many useful productivity tools beyond just screen capture.
Weaknesses
- -Only available for Windows.
- -Can be overwhelming for new users due to the sheer number of options.
- -User interface might not be as modern as some paid alternatives.
Key features
Pricing: Bandicam vs ShareX
| Plan | Bandicam | ShareX |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Download | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Bandicam pricing and ShareX pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Bandicam
Want the highest-rated option?
Bandicam: 4.2/5 (358 reviews). ShareX: 4.8/5 (83 reviews).
Go with: ShareX
Value user reviews?
Bandicam: 358 reviews (4.2/5). ShareX: 83 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Bandicam
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Bandicam is a screen recording tool. ShareX is in screenshot tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ShareX is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Bandicam
- Larger review base (358 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
ShareX
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.2/5
- Better fit for screenshot tools
The Bottom Line
Bandicam wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bandicam or ShareX better?
Bandicam is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Bandicam and ShareX used for?
Bandicam: Capture anything on your PC screen with high-quality video and superior performance.. ShareX: Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options..
What does Bandicam cost vs ShareX?
Bandicam is completely free. ShareX is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.