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.
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 need screen recording features specifically
- • Records screen, gameplay, and external devices in high quality.
- • Offers advanced features like real-time drawing and scheduled recording.
ShareX
Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.
Best for you if:
- • You need screenshot tools features specifically
- • Free and open-source screen capture and recording tool for Windows.
- • Extensive post-capture automation and file sharing capabilities.
| At a Glance |  Bandicam | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screenshot Tools |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
Choose Bandicam or ShareX?
Choose Bandicam if
Capture anything on your PC screen with high-quality video and superior performance.
- Lightweight and high-performance software
- Supports 4K UHD video and high frame rates for gaming
- Versatile recording options including screen, game, and external devices
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not screenshot tools-shaped
Choose ShareX if
Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.
- 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.
- Your work is screenshot tools-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
| Feature | Bandicam | ShareX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 44 reviews | ★4.8/5 102 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.
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 (macOS version launched in 2025)
- -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.
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: 4.3/5 (44 reviews). ShareX: 4.8/5 (102 reviews).
Go with: ShareX
Value user reviews?
Bandicam: 44 reviews (4.3/5). ShareX: 102 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: ShareX
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 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Bandicam
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
ShareX
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (102 reviews)
- Better fit for screenshot tools
The Bottom Line
Bandicam is our pick.
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.