Top-12 Software for Screencasts on Mac for Free

Movavi Screen Recorder features a highly intuitive interface that makes recording your Mac screen easy. This app provides the option to record the entirety of the computer screen or the portion of your choice. The control panel is straightforward and small, keeping it from being a distraction. An especially useful feature allows the user to schedule recordings ahead of time to begin and end with the opening and closing of an event.

QuickTime is Apple’s entry in the screencasting field. This program is automatically included on every Mac and offers video recording and editing. Its sleek, stylish appearance and user-friendly screen recording and streaming line up perfectly with the Apple aesthetic. QuickTime offers options to input audio from multiple sources and automatically reconnects if disconnected, both very handy features.

Some users have complained that this app can interfere with other programs and, in some cases, has a tendency to crash after an OSX update. QuickTime also does not support some common file formats.

Download QuickTime

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) offers a variety of impressive features at no cost. These features include custom backgrounds, an array of plugins for added functionality, and easy export to most live-streaming video platforms like YouTube Live and Facebook Live. The user can also set the video quality and FPS as needed.

While this option for screencasting offers plenty of features for free, it is not as user-friendly as some of the other programs on this list. It also takes up a considerable amount of CPU space.

Download OBS

Icecream Screen Recorder is another free tool for screencasting. This program is known for its user-friendly interface and high-quality video results. Icecream offers both video recording and editing.

Some users report that the audio distorts at times. The free version is also watermarked and limited to five minutes of recording at a time. The program also offers a limited number of video format options.

Download Icecream Screen Recorder

ScreenRec offers free screencasting with no watermark or time limits. It features single-click recording, instant sharing capability, and automatic encryption for added security. ScreenRec recordings are also easily shared through private messages or posting to popular video-sharing sites.

However, ScreenRec does not offer any video editing capabilities; videos shot with ScreenRec will have to be edited using alternate software.

Download ScreenRec

In addition to free video recording for screencasting, Screen Capture also offers an online tutorial explaining how to screencast on Mac using this software, making it ideal for first-time screencasters. The interface is very accessible for inexperienced users. However, the free version includes a watermark.

Go to Screen Capture

Panopto Express is another extremely user-friendly online program for screencasting. This program was designed specifically for use in schools and universities. Its interface is very accessible. This program produces HD videos up to 1080p and offers easy sharing through multiple formats. It also minimizes buffer delays for smoother video.

Several users report that the automatic closed captioning function is not very accurate. Some also identified bugs that affected the quality of the screencast.

Go to Panopto Express

This web grabber records a variety of screen actions, including streaming movies, self-demonstrations, and internet calls. You may modify your recordings in real time, which is a fantastic feature. Apowersoft may export files in a variety of formats that aren't usually supported by desktop apps. You can post your video when you've finished recording.

Although Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder works online, it requires the installation of a certain launcher. But don't worry, it's completely safe.

Go to Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder website

Screencastify is a video recording Google Chrome extension that can be used for screencasting. Its operation is very user-friendly, and the videos it produces are easily saved to Google Drive. It offers a handy picture-in-picture option and some editing tools in its free version.

Other editing tools are only available in the paid version of the extension, however. The free version also limits users to a five-minute recording limit. Some users have reported issues with customer service, as well.

Download Screencastify

Loom is a screencasting extension specifically designed for the workplace. This program is straightforward to use and offers easy sharing options. It also provides comprehensive tutorial videos covering every aspect of using this tool. Videos are exported as links rather than files, which many users find convenient.

Loom does not offer HD video recordings, and the audio quality is inconsistent. The quality of its recordings is subject to the internet connection speed on which it is accessed. Free users are also limited to 198 videos.

Download Loom

Nimbus is primarily a note-taking extension, but it can also be used for screencasting. The note-taking nature of this program makes it perfect for freelancers who may want to share videos from multiple projects in one stream. One-click recording and user-friendly sharing options make this a very easy extension to use for such tasks. Nimbus also offers keyboard shortcuts, video editing capabilities, and the use of the webcam for screencasting.

Some users have reported crashes that result in lost data. Saving the recorded files also takes an extremely long time.

Download Nimbus

This extension includes all of the necessary features for easy screen recording and screenshotting, which should be sufficient for most users. Your desktop, current tab, or webcam may all be recorded. There's also a video resolution option: 720p, 1080p, or 4K. Sending files to Jira, Slack, Trello, Asana, and GitHub are all supported as well.

You have the option of using the free version, which has a restricted set of features, or paying a membership price.

Download Awesome Screenshot and Screen Recorder