Best Video Capture Software

If you need to show people what is happening on your laptop or computer then having the best screen recording software is a must. There are a number of different software options for you to use if this is what you require. However, the best video capture software really does depend on what you want to use it for. You’ll need different software for a simple walkthrough guide compared to crating a presentation recording.

What this means is that it becomes very important to check out the individual features and functions of the video recording software to ensure it meets your needs. In this article, we will take a look at the range of video capture software, including iOS software, paid and free screen recorder Windows 10 software, and more. We will compare them so that you can make the right choice of the best paid or best free video capture software for your needs.

How we have ranked video capture software

Compiling this list was not a simple, quick process. To find the best video recording software we looked at the rankings of the different solutions from several software-ranking companies. From there, we compiled a list of the top 100 options.

For each of these options, we next took into consideration the reviews from users of these products. This is hugely important to consider as users get a better idea of what a product can provide. We also read expert reviews for each product. This process allowed us to compile a list of the Top Features and Key Metadata for each product.

Next, we tried out these programs for ourselves, using the demos and free options for each product to test the features offered for ourselves. In addition, we also looked at the UI and evaluated that for ease of use.

Locking in all these factors, we create scores and a ranking for each product. The result is that only the very best of the best solutions and tools are listed here. You’ll find that the software solutions found here offer the best services based on the type of use you want.

Conclusion

With the increased move to online platforms, never has it been more necessary to be able to record and share your screen with others. This does mean that there are a growing number of video capture software options out there. Unfortunately, not all of them offer great quality services. Especially for those of you new to this world, it can be very hard to find the best video capture program. This is especially the case when looking for the best free video capture software.

Almost unbelievably, some of the more popular video capture software available barely offers standard features making it harder to find something to meet your needs. It’s problematic as many people simply choose the popular option without stopping to consider the functions or their requirements. As such, we rank all the iOS and Windows screen recorder software carefully, looking at the functions and options rather than just the way they look. All the software tools provided here are from the 100 top-ranked products and are the best you will find in their specific video capture niche.

Video capture software overview

If you are trying to show someone how to do something on your computer, or you want to share something, free video capture software is the way to go. In order to be able to edit, share, and export your recording, you need this software to help you out.

What is video capture software?

Screen recorder for PC software is used all over the world by people looking to capture what’s happening on their screens. Generally, it is used to video the movement on the screen and can then be used to edit what has been filmed into a usable end result. The quality and additional effects and features that can be implemented really depend on the software. Some can record audio too, while others can only take screenshots and don’t cater to video recording.

Still, others can provide a wide range of file types, automatic uploading, and real-time video annotations allowing users to create a much more polished final product. This type of software is growing in popularity too. Not only is it used by businesses for marketing and in meetings, but increasingly it is being used by gamers and bloggers as well. Depending on what you need the software for, there are a number of different options out there.

What does video capture software do?

In short, iOS and Windows screen recorders for PC software allow you to capture what is happening on your screen. The video can be edited, have effects and voice-overs added, and more. Alongside this, it can be shared in multiple formats on various different platforms. Below, we quickly outline the different things that the best video capture software is capable of.

• Record the screen — The software simply records the screen as you are using it. Depending on the software it will take only screenshots or record full videos of everything you are doing.
• Saves video — Importantly, the software will then save the subsequent video with the option to do so in a range of different file types. This can then be edited in the same software package or transferred to another product if the software can’t handle the editing.
• Share — Finally, the software will also provide sharing capabilities. The level of efficiency depends on the product with some offering automatic scheduling while others do not.

Video capture software meaning

Simply put, free screen capture software is there to record exactly what you are doing on your computer, or indeed on your phone. The software simply sees everything you do and saves it in a file. Not all will save everything though, as some do not record audio. Most of the best free video capture software options also have myriad other features to help you make a finished product.

Main features of video capture software

The best screen recording software will offer users a wide range of different features and functions. Of course, in its basic form, it’s there to record visuals, save, and share them. However, while these are the basics, it’s always good if there are other options available as well. Here are some of the other features we like to see in our recommended top free screen recorder Windows 10 and Mac software.

Visual and audio capture tools

The first thing you need in your free screen recorder Windows 10 or Mac software is the ability to capture the visuals on your screen. Depending on the software you will be able to record the whole screen as one, sections of your screen, or even a portion of the window or a specific app only. Some can even capture scrolling through websites as well. Be aware that while they will capture visuals, not all free screen recorder software will actually capture videos — some will only capture screenshots. Additionally, not all of them will be able to record audio though some will allow you to add audio at a later stage.

Editing tools

Most of the screen recording software you get will have some form of editing tool. Again though, the most comprehensive of these will also be the most expensive. Some software has limited options allowing you to just cut down a video. Others will have more elaborate features such as the ability to pan, zoom, add titles, create transitions, and add other special effects such as slo-mo and motion stability.

Output and sharing

The final important quality of a Mac or free screen recorder Windows 10 program is the ability to share the video. This is hugely important as it is the point of taking on this software. Some will only have a few different file output options, while others offer over ten. Additionally, you will want to be able to efficiently share to various platforms. Output options also include what your viewers can watch the video on. If you intend to reach a wide audience, you need a screen recorder for PC that can be watched on different devices.

Benefits of using video capture software

Prior to getting stuck into your screen recorder software, you need to know the benefits of using the program. Depending on what you need it for though, different programs will have different pros. For instance, a large company creating marketing materials is likely to need something different from a freelance blogger. Choosing the right free screen capture software will mean the end product is better too.

There are numerous benefits to using top video capture software. In this section, we cover the different use-cases of this tool regardless of cost. Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, here are some of the best reasons to use screen recording software.

Real-time video annotations

Being able to add notes, typography, and more to a screen capture is an excellent bonus when using screen recording software. You can also use visuals within the recording too, and this can help to connect your clients or viewers. Being able to do this can boost productivity and efficiency, reducing the editing time at a later stage.

Webcam capture

As mentioned, there are a variety of different types of screen capture this type of software can do. Not all have the same capabilities, but some can actually record webcam footage too. This can really help in creating quick feedback or reviewing presentations. Additionally, some allow you to superimpose the webcam feed over the top of recording too.

Multi-platform coverage

Being accessible on a wide range of operating systems including Chrome, iOS and Windows is a must. Having the software accessible across all these platforms is essential. It also needs to have great in-built export tools as well as quick sharing capabilities.

Easy UI

As with all software, the best Mac video capture software or Windows screen recorder for PC software will have an intuitive interface. This will help you to learn the software and its tools quickly and efficiently.

Mobile compatibility

As everything is getting smaller and smaller, so are these software tools. Not only are there video capture software options for laptops and computers, but there are some for mobiles too. This means that you can record your mobile screen if necessary so that even if you’re out and about you can be creating content.

Which companies should use popular video capture software

The reason for using a Mac or Windows screen recorder will differ across companies. Happily, there are different software options available depending on the proficiency level and the company that needs to use it. Some of the best free video capture software offers a range of features that one person will need, and the other doesn’t. Below are some companies and people that should make a careful choice about which type of software that’s available in the market today they should use.

Marketing and Sales Professionals

Larger companies, such as those in marketing, will require very specific features in their software. This will include the ability to edit after the recording, being able to add webcam footage into the video recording, add audio, and more. For a large company, there will also be the need for this software to be accessible for a range of people. Additionally, it is better to have a lower learning curve and a convenient, user-friendly UI to allow more of the company’s staff to use and create with this software. Compatibility with a wide range of operating systems as well as the ability to save video files in a range of formats should also be a priority.

Gamers

While this type of video capture software is mostly utilized by larger companies, there are also individuals like gamers that will make screen recordings too. Gamers need access to a wide range of editing tools such as full-screen recording to be able to share their gameplay. Other features such as instant sharing and hotkeys are a necessity for gamers.

What does the best video capture software cost?

Prices for the best video capture software do vary depending on the level of proficiency and how many people it is needed for. Some Windows screen recorders for PC software options can cost as little as $9.95, but this is for an individual. Alternatively, you could opt for a free screen recorder Windows 10 option, but you may not get as many features. Upgrades are also often possible with packages so that you can get more features. However, top-level screen recorder software for a large company can come in at $50 per month or even more.

Types of popular video capture software

Generally, free screen recorder Windows 10 and Mac programs have very similar features and options. But, there are always variations between products. Depending on the style of recording there are different options when it comes to a screen recorder for PC. For instance, do you need the software to record a presentation, is it for a large company or does the Windows screen recorder for PC need to be accessible and used on a mobile device? On top of that, some screen recording software is free and aimed only at beginners.

Presentation recording

The best Mac or Windows screen recorder must be able to allow users to record audio alongside the screen of the computer. On top of that, it needs to be able to integrate other video clips such as webcam recordings and so on. Being able to add annotations, notes, text, additional images, and more is also a must for businesses looking to communicate to their clientele in this way.

Video email

This type of software is also very specific to businesses. The best free video capture software for email allows users to embed the video directly into their emails. This means that the files will be compressed conveniently as part of the process. CTAs can be included, as can meeting schedules, directions to websites, and more. These can all be added within the program making these features hugely important for marketing or sales teams.

Trends in the best video capture software

The best free video capture software is the option that has great features, good support, a range of options when it comes to file types, and mobile optimization. However, technology is constantly evolving, which means that software is also changing rapidly. It’s important to keep abreast of the newest trends as this can impact the free screen recorder Windows 10 or Mac that you choose. Some of the latest trends in the top screen recording software are found here.

• Range of video formats — The best free video capture software will offer multiple video formats. Some providers have just one while others have more than ten. The more the better as you will want to be able to optimize a video for playback on a range of different devices.
• Mobile optimization — Following on from the above, it’s important that your screen recording software is compatible with mobile devices. Not only with the videos that it creates to be watched, but also with where it can be used. Some of the best free video capture software options can be used on a mobile, so you can create there too.
• Automatic upload to social media — Being able to upload your finished product in a timely fashion is also important. You will find that the best video capture software offers scheduling options or even automatic uploads to different platforms once your files are complete. Some do not have these options and are best avoided.
• Customer support — As with all software, it is a necessity to have good customer support even when using the best video capture software. This applies regardless of whether you are using a paid-for Mac or Windows screen recorder or free screen recorder Windows 10 or Mac software.

Which is the best video capture software?

Making the decision on which free screen recorder Windows 10 software to use can be hard, especially as there are plenty of options out there. The easiest way to find the best free video capture software though is to take a look at a few different options. With that in mind, we suggest that you look at all the options listed here as these are the tops in our opinion. They are listed in the top list as they have a wide range of top features as well as being user-friendly and having a relatively easy learning curve.

How to choose the best video capture software

Whatever you need it for, picking the best video capture software for your work is incredibly important. This is why we are here helping you out. On top of taking a look at the list we have created, you can also go it alone and have a look for yourself.

Almost all screen recorder for PC software is available in trial or demo versions. This means that it’s possible for you to check out all the functions of the screen recording software yourself. Remember to look at mobile compatibility, file sharing, output capabilities, file format options, and more.

You will need to trial the specific features too. Take a look at the editing and effects options, whether you can record or add audio, and whether there are automatic upload and scheduling options provided. If the screen recording software does not offer any of these basic features, then simply end your trial and look at one of the other options on our list.

Summary

If you work as a blogger, or a marketer in a larger business, then being able to record and share your screen is a necessary part of your day-to-day life. It is therefore imperative that you pick the best free video capture software available. Taking the time to do this is also important, as you don’t want to rush the process. While you can find excellent free screen recorder Windows 10 options, some top screen recorder for PC options is a little bit on the expensive side.

So, whether you are looking for Mac or Windows screen recorder for PC software options, this is the article for you. Here, we have outlined all the information you need for choosing the best video capture software along with the current top list out there.