Tired of that blurry, laggy screen recording that makes your professional tutorial look like a grainy home video from 2005?
We get it. Your Mac is powerful, and your recording software should be, too!
Finding the perfect tool—one that captures stunning 4K video.
Records system audio without complex workarounds, and includes a decent editor—it can feel like searching for a lost sock.
It’s often frustrating!
We’ve done the deep dive to bring you the nine best screen recorder for Mac options available right now,
What is The Best Screen Recorder For Mac?
Are you tired of basic screen recordings that lack professional polish?
Whether you are creating a training course, a product demo, or recording internal meetings.
Your Mac deserves a tool that can handle system audio, high-resolution video, and seamless editing.
We’ve cut through the noise and compiled the definitive list of nine top-rated screen recorders to help you elevate your video content instantly.
1. Descript (⭐4.6)
Descript is a very cool tool. It lets you edit video by editing text.
That means you change the video by simply cutting words in the transcript.
You can easily remove filler words like “um” or “uh.” It is great for making your tutorials sound super polished. Descript makes editing fast.
It feels more like editing a document than a video.
Our Take
Want to create studio-quality content 10x faster? Descript’s AI magic makes it possible. Explore it now and unleash your creativity!
Key Benefits
- AI-powered transcription: Automatically transcribe audio and video.
- Overdub: Create a synthetic version of your voice.
- Podcast editing: Edit audio with text-based tools.
- Video editing: Edit video with a focus on audio.
- Collaboration features: Work on projects with others.
Pricing
All the plans will be billed annually.
- Free: $0
- Hobbyist: $16/month.
- Creator: $24/month.
- Business: $50/month.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on your needs.
Pros
Cons
2. Guidde (⭐4.4)
Guidde is a great tool for making how-to guides. It uses generative AI to simplify the process.
You do the steps on your screen, and it captures them.
It then turns your clicks into clear, step-by-step videos.
It automatically writes the descriptions for each step. This means less work for you.
You can add your own voiceover too. It’s a huge time-saver for training or support teams.
Key Benefits
- AI Magic Capture instantly auto-generates step by step guides.
- Offers multi-language translation and over 100 AI-generated voices.
- Includes integrated viewer analytics to help you track engagement.
- Converts guides into multiple formats (video, PDF, PPT) from one platform.
- Highly secure, emphasizing utmost importance to privacy and reliability.
Pricing
- Free – $0 (Per creator/month)
- Pro – $16 (Per creator/month)
- Business – $35 (Per creator/month)
- Enterprise – contact
Pros
Cons
3. Tella (⭐4.2)
Tella is a cool, modern choice. It lets you record videos in small clips.
You can then easily mix and match those clips. It is like editing a video with building blocks.
You get dynamic layouts for showing your screen and face.
Tella is excellent for making polished videos that do not look like a standard, boring screen share.
It also uses AI to remove filler words.
Key Benefits
- Fully browser-based with no compatibility issues; great Google Chrome use.
- Allows stitching multiple video clips together for full control over the final result.
- Features virtual background and webcam background options for professional visual content.
- Designed for quick recording, achieving instant sharing and saving time.
- Provides lifetime access to your videos, aiding long-term video management.
Pricing
- Pro – $12 (Per user/month)
- Premium – $39 (Per user/month)
Pros
Cons
4. Wondershare (⭐4.0)
Wondershare offers a complete screen recording and video editing suite.
Think of it as an all-in-one package. It is popular for making high-quality tutorial and course videos.
You can use tools like Filmora or DemoCreator.
They let you record your screen and jump straight into a powerful editor. This makes it easy to add effects and polish your finished video.
Key Benefits
- Offers comprehensive advanced video editing features, including support for 4 K/8 K.
- Provides a huge library of effects and transitions for professional-quality videos.
- AI-powered tools like Smart Cutout simplify background replacement.
- Features Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech for quick subtitles and voiceovers.
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on its software.
Pricing
- Filmora – $4.17 (month)
- Uniconverter – $4.17 (monthly)
- Virbo – $19.9 (month)
- DemonCreator – $4.99 (month)
- DVD Creator – $39 (month)
- SelfyzAI – $2.49 (month)
Pros
Cons
5. Movavi (⭐3.8)
Movavi is known for its user-friendly tools.
It is a good choice for people who want great results without a huge learning curve.
The Screen Recorder is fast and reliable. It lets you record the screen, audio, and webcam.
You can also schedule recordings for later.
It is a solid choice for quickly creating engaging lessons and demos.
Our Take
Start your next video project today! The Movavi Video Editor offers 7 days of a free trial to test its advanced features. Click to edit videos with this powerful video editing software!
Key Benefits
- User-friendly design with a low learning curve makes video editing accessible.
- Includes essential recording features like scheduled recording and capture of system audio.
- Offers a solid set of editing tools, including chroma key and stabilization.
- AI-powered tools assist with motion tracking and noise removal for better video quality.
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on most purchases.
Pricing
- Video Editor – $89.95 (1-year subscription)
- Movavi Unlimited – $264.95 (1-year subscription)
- Screen Recorder – $79.95 (1-year subscription)
Pros
Cons
6. ScreenPal (⭐3.6)
ScreenPal is very easy to use. It is great for educators and simple tutorials.
You can record your screen and webcam simultaneously. The video editor is built right in.
You can trim clips, add music, and create captions. They offer a strong free version.
It makes professional-looking content simple, requiring little editing skill.
Key Benefits
- It offers unlimited video hosting and sharing on all plans.
- You can use its AI features for auto-generated captions, summaries, and chapters in over 150 languages.
- It includes an easy-to-use video editor to trim, cut, and add overlays without needing a separate program.
- The tool is compatible with multiple devices, including Windows, Mac, and mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Pricing
- Solo Delux EDU – $2.25 (month)
- Solo Max EDU – $4.50 (month)
- Team Education – $3 (month)
Pros
Cons
7. Streamyard (⭐3.4)
Streamyard is primarily a live streaming tool. But it is fantastic for recording professional videos.
You can record with guests from anywhere.
It records a high-quality file from each person separately.
This gives you amazing editing quality. It is the perfect platform if your tutorials involve interviews or multiple speakers.
Our Take
StreamYard is a fantastic option for live streaming and recording, especially for beginners. It’s user-friendly, affordable, and packed with features to make your streams look professional.
Key Benefits
- Multistreaming: Go live on multiple platforms at once (Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.).
- Easy Branding: Customize your live stream with logos, overlays, and backgrounds.
- Guest Invites: Bring up to 10 guests on your stream with a simple link.
- No Software Downloads: Works directly in your browser.
Pricing
They have arranged different pricing plans chosen for you. Sign Up to get your required plan.
Pros
Cons
8. EaseUs (⭐3.2)
EaseUs has a screen recorder called RecExperts.
It is a reliable tool for capturing almost anything on your screen.
It handles full-screen recording, webcam, and system audio.
It even has a special mode for recording gameplay.
You can edit your video a bit while you are recording. It is a comprehensive tool for all kinds of captures.
Our Take
Trusted by over 530 million users, EaseUS gives you the power to manage, secure, and recover your data. Join over half a billion people who choose EaseUS for peace of mind.
Key Benefits
- Feature-rich screen capture supporting full screen and webcam background recording.
- Offers scheduled recording, allowing the tool to simply record automatically.
- Supports exporting to many multiple formats (MP4, MOV, AVI), reducing compatibility issues.
- Includes a simple video editor for basic trimming and watermarking.
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 technical support.
Pricing
- RecExperts – $19.95 (monthly)
- VoiceWave – $29.95 (monthly)
- Video Downloader – $19.99 (monthly)
- MakeMyAudio – $109.95 (Lifetime license)
- Ringtone Editor – $29.95 (Lifetime license)
- AI Media Player – $19.95 (Billed Monthly)
Pros
Cons
9. Notta (⭐3.0)
Notta is mostly a transcription service. It is different from the others.
While it can record meetings, its real power is turning audio into text.
It is a helpful tool if your “tutorial” is a long meeting or lecture.
Notta gives you an AI-generated transcript and summary.
This lets people read the guide rather than watch the whole video.
Key Benefits
- High-Accuracy Transcription: Turns audio into text very accurately.
- Supports Live Recording: Records meetings as they happen.
- Generates Summaries: Get quick recaps of discussions.
- Multi-language Support: Works with many languages (58 for transcription, 42 for translation).
- Speaker Identification: Tells you who is speaking.
Pricing
Notta has different plans to fit your needs: (Billed Annually)
- Free Plan: $0/seat/month
- Pro Plan: $8.17/seat/month
- Business Plan: $16.67/seat/month
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on your needs.
Pros
Cons
What to Look For When Choosing a Screen Recorder For Mac?
Choosing the right screen recording software is about matching the tool’s capabilities to your goals.
Whether you’re creating detailed training videos or just quick communication clips.
Here is a list of must-have and advanced features to consider before you start recording.
- Audio Capture is Essential: The screen recording option must allow you to record your microphone and system audio (the sound coming from your whole desktop or other programs). Tools like QuickTime Player require extra setup for this, while paid options typically handle the heavy lifting automatically.
- Editing Capabilities: Look beyond simple desktop capture. If you are creating tutorial videos or demo videos, built-in video editing tools or strong editing features are critical. These features let you trim the video, stitch clips, and save time later.
- Webcam and Annotations: Good screen recording software lets you seamlessly record webcam video alongside the screen. Also, robust annotation tools (add annotations) during or after recording help guide the viewer and make your video recording clearer.
- Performance and Frame Rate: For smooth streaming video or gaming captures, the application needs to handle a high frame rate (60fps is ideal) without slowing down your Mac.
- Deployment and Pricing:Free Screen Recorder: The best free screen recorder options, like OBS Studio, offer powerful features but often lack intuitive ease of use.Free Version / Free Account: Check the limits on the free version or free account—are they time-limited, do they have a watermark, or are they ad-free?Pro Version / Enterprise: Paid apps unlock all the features, providing a broader suite of video editing tools and more advanced capabilities.
- Sharing and Workflow:Instant Sharing: Tools like Loom provide a shareable link immediately upon completion, which is great for short videos and teams.Output Formats: Ensure the software can export to the standard output formats you need.Customization Options: Look for the ability to record the entire screen, full screen, or a custom area. CleanShot X, for example, offers unique features such as automatically hiding desktop icons.Browser Extension: Some best apps offer a convenient browser extension for quickly capturing a webpage without opening the full desktop app.
- Cloud vs. Local: Decide whether you need cloud storage (for easy sharing and collaboration, often integrated with Google Drive) or prefer to save your capture videos locally.
How Can Screen Recorder For Mac Benefit You?
Using dedicated screen recording software on your Mac is essential for communication and content creation.
It enables you to record screen video with clarity and share precise visual information.
This approach saves significant time compared to writing long emails or trying to describe technical issues verbally.
With useful features like instant video sharing via a link, you bypass issues related to large file sizes and slow internet connections.
The ability to track viewer insights means you know exactly who watched your video and for how long.
Furthermore, applications such as Icecream Screen Recorder provide robust video editing tools.
Buyers Guide
When doing our research to find the best product, we determined using these factors and a rigorous testing methodology to ensure our recommendations are reliable for your Mac workflow:
- Features: We assessed the depth of functionality, prioritizing dedicated Mac optimizations, high-resolution (4K) recording, simultaneous capture of system audio/microphone/webcam, and options for professional-looking online classes.
- Editing Capabilities: We evaluated whether the software provided basic trimming or a full timeline-based editor. This is critical for users who need to spend time editing videos to produce a final, polished product.
- Pricing: We analyzed the cost structure, differentiating among truly free options (like QuickTime), value-added subscription services (like Loom), and premium, one-time-payment software (like ScreenFlow). We paid attention to limitations on an unlimited number of recordings or features in the free tiers.
- Sharing Videos & Workflow: We tested how quickly the recorded video could be made available. Tools that offer instant sharing of videos via a link (cloud-based) scored higher for efficiency than those requiring manual export and upload.
- Negatives: We identified what was missing from each product, such as the lack of native system audio capture (in QuickTime) or a steep learning curve (in OBS Studio).
- Support or Refund: We looked for a generous free trial period, a clear refund policy, and accessible customer support or a strong community forum to assist new users.
Wrapping Up
We’ve guided you through the 9 best screen recorder for Mac options for 2025.
From the seamless, built-in simplicity of QuickTime Player to the comprehensive, more advanced features found in pro-grade tools like ScreenFlow and Camtasia.
Our goal was to deliver the clear, actionable information you need to make an informed choice.
By focusing on your core needs—whether it’s instant communication via Loom.
Creating professional, edited online classes—you can select a tool that truly enhances your workflow.
Stop wasting time on inadequate software and start producing high-quality content that shines today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Mac’s built-in recorder capture system audio?
No, the built-in macOS Screenshot tool (Shift + Command + 5) and QuickTime Player do not natively record system or internal audio (sounds coming from apps or the computer itself). They are limited to microphone input. To capture system sound, you need third-party software like ScreenFlow or a virtual audio driver like BlackHole, which can be complicated to set up.
Is there a completely free screen recorder for Mac with no watermark?
Yes, there are two primary options. The pre-installed QuickTime Player and Screenshot utility are completely free and do not add watermarks. For more advanced features and live streaming capabilities, the open-source OBS Studio is a powerful, watermark-free choice, though it requires a steeper learning curve for setup.
Which screen recorders are best for creating professional tutorial videos?
For creating professional tutorial videos, dedicated paid applications like ScreenFlow and Camtasia are the top choices. They combine reliable, high-quality screen capture with robust, timeline-based editing videos tools. They offer features like zoom effects, annotation tools, and cursor highlighting to make your content look polished.
How can I record my Mac screen and webcam simultaneously for a picture-in-picture effect?
Most recommended screen recording software supports simultaneous screen and webcam capture. Tools like Loom and ScreenPal are designed for this, placing the webcam video in a movable overlay. This is a highly useful feature for personalizing your online classes or demo videos to connect better with your audience.
What are the key differences between free and paid screen recorders for Mac?
Paid screen recorders offer unlimited number of recordings, dedicated cloud storage, built-in system audio capture, and sophisticated editing capabilities that save time. Free options (like QuickTime) are great for quick captures but lack advanced features, often have time limits, or require complex workarounds for simple tasks like capturing system audio.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish