Capturing activities on your computer screen is crucial for avid gamers, computer programmers, everyday users, and educators alike. Bandicam, a dedicated and widely-used screen recording software comes with the capability to capture different content – from videos, games, and music to streaming clips. What sets it apart is its integration of the latest hardware encoder and accelerator, propelling it ahead in the competitive landscape.
Nevertheless, employing Bandicam for recording introduces its own set of drawbacks. The free version, for instance, imposes a limitation, allowing only a 10-minute recording window. Additionally, an unavoidable watermark overlays any recorded video. Should you find these aspects unsatisfactory, we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 alternatives to Bandicam that offer comparable effectiveness. Let’s dive in!
1. Zight
Zight is a breath of fresh air, offering a unique blend of user-friendly features and imaginative possibilities. Differing from Bandicam, Zight comes with a free version. This is especially advantageous for beginners or those operating on a budget, as opposed to Bandicam’s more restrictive trial offerings.
Furthermore, Zight simplifies the installation process, catering to users with iOS devices or Mac and Windows computers. Unlike Bandicam, it does not involve intricate setups. Adding to its user-friendly approach, Zight provides a Chrome extension, enabling users to effortlessly create screen media during their work sessions, a feature not available in Bandicam’s toolset.
To embark on this enhanced recording journey, simply click here to create your Zight account and download the application.
Need more convincing? Let’s check in detail why Zight is the perfect alternative to Bandicam for your recording endeavours.
1. User-Friendly Interface and Installation
Zight boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible for users of all levels. The installation process is seamless, requiring only an iOS device, or a Mac or Windows computer. Users can also enhance their workflow with the Chrome extension, providing a convenient way to create screen media effortlessly.
2. Screenshots
Screenshots help to boost productivity, especially in remote work setups with Zight. Unlike native screen capture apps or even Bandicam, Zight simplifies the process. Just click “Capture” or “Screenshot” on your Zight app, choose the area to capture, and voila! Your screenshot is uploaded to the cloud, ready for annotation and sharing via a convenient link.
3. Powerful Annotation Tools
One of Zight’s standout features is its impeccable annotation tools. Users can easily annotate their recordings with arrows, lines, pens, highlighters, ellipses, and rectangles. The color customization and duration options add a layer of creativity, allowing users to convey information effectively.
4. Versatile Screen and Webcam Recording
When surpassing Bandicam is your goal, Zight delivers ease of use and extensive recording options. Zight also offers a range of recording options, allowing users to capture their entire screen, specific screen areas, or webcam footage.
The flexibility extends to recording modes, enabling users to choose between screen-only, screen and webcam, or webcam-only recordings. This versatility positions Zight as an ideal choice for creating various types of content, including training videos, explainer videos, how-to guides, onboarding tutorials, presentations, marketing videos, product demos, and more.
5. GIF Creation for Enhanced Communication
Efficient remote communication is at the core of Zight’s capabilities, with the ability to create GIFs seamlessly. Users can replace lengthy text with concise GIFs, enhancing communication in emails, social media posts, and blog content.
Record your GIF on the full screen or select a specific area with just a click on “GIF.” While mic usage isn’t available, the 60-second limit ensures clear and concise messaging in emails, social media posts, or blog content.
6. Seamless Video and GIF Annotation
Zight takes annotation to the next level by allowing users to record videos annotate videos and GIFs simultaneously. During recording, users can pause, access the annotation tools, including arrows, lines, pens, and more, and add dynamic annotations to their content adding a layer of creativity. Once annotated, your video seamlessly uploads to the cloud, where Zight’s video editing tools await.
7. Robust Video Editing Suite
Beyond annotations, Zight offers a robust video editing suite. Users can crop, trim, fine-tune, add filters, cut and merge sections with ease. The collaborative features, including comments, reactions, and custom branding, make it a powerful tool for teams working on video content.
8. AI Features
Zight integrates AI features seamlessly into the content creation process. Users benefit from automatic transcription and captions, video titles, summaries, and multilingual support. These features simplify the management of large files of video content, enhancing overall productivity.
9. Effortless Sharing
After crafting your masterpiece and editing your content, sharing is a breeze with Zight. Users can simply copy and paste the shareable link to colleagues or partners. This could mean embedding the video in your email or sending the link through apps like Slack, Trello, and more. Remarkably, recipients don’t need a Zight account or have to download anything; the video file just opens seamlessly in their web browser.
Pricing Plans
There are different Zight plans:
- Free version– $0- Suitable for swift, one-off projects, allowing video recordings up to 5 minutes—perfect for quick sharing.
- Pro– $9.95 Per User Monthly (annually)- Get unlimited recordings and access all the advanced features for individual users.
- Team– $8 Per User Monthly (annually)- Bring your entire team on board, benefiting from enhanced features and increased control.
- Enterprise– Get a Quote- Customized for larger organizations requiring top-tier security and administrative controls.
2. ShareX
While ShareX is exclusively designed for Windows devices, it distinguishes itself by being both free and open source, a contrast to Bandicam, which operates as proprietary software. Given its open-source nature, ShareX allows users to access and modify the source code according to their requirements.
ShareX stands out for its complete absence of advertisements. Capture the entire screen or specific regions with ShareX, and enhance your video recordings through annotations using stickers, highlights, speech balloons, uploaded images, and more.
Features
- Facilitates both screen recording and capturing screenshots.
- Provides choices to save recordings as video, audio, or GIF.
- It empowers users to extract text from screen captures.
- Permits customization through source code editing.
Pricing
- Free plan
3. EaseUS RecExperts
EaseUS RecExperts is an alternative to Bandicam, catering to both Mac and Windows users. Similar to Bandicam, it offers flexible screen-capturing capabilities, allowing users to record either the entire screen or a specific area. The versatility extends to audio recording, webcam capture, live streaming, and popular gameplay, providing a comprehensive solution for diverse screen recording needs.
What sets it apart from Bandicam is its inclusion of built-in editing tools, surpassing the capabilities of its counterpart. This added feature empowers users to seamlessly edit their recorded videos or audio within the program, enhancing the overall recording and editing experience.
Features
- Flexible screen capture options
- Versatile recording options
- High-quality recordings supporting resolutions up to 1080P and 4K
- Built-in editing tools allow users to edit their recorded videos or audio directly
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
Pricing
- For 1 Month- $19.95
- For 1-Year-$39.95
- Lifetime Upgrades- $69.95
- Business- $99.95
4. Camtasia
Camtasia serves as an excellent substitute for Bandicam, compatible with both Windows and MAC systems. It excels in editing features, empowering you to create and edit impressive screen capture videos seamlessly where you can swiftly edit videos to incorporate text, transitions, effects, and more.
Another notable advantage of Camtasia over Bandicam and many other alternatives lies in its array of video templates. Camtasia provides pre-made templates, facilitating the creation of visually stunning videos effortlessly.
Features
- Advanced editing capabilities
- Screen Recording and Capture
- Multi-Track Timeline
- Media Import and Integration
- Sharing and Export Options
Pricing
Camtasia is offered both as a yearly subscription and as a one-time purchase.
- Individual Subscription– $179.88 billed yearly
- Perpetual License– $299.99 billed once
- Camtasia + Audiate– $329.87 billed yearly
5. Snagit
Snagit presents itself as a viable alternative, functioning as both a screen capture and image editing tool capable of capturing various elements such as your screen, webcam, scrolling window, text, and more.
Going beyond traditional screen recording, Snagit offers an intelligent image editor equipped with tools like crop, resize, rotate, annotate, blur, erase, and more. Additionally, it provides free users with access to templates and stamps, enhancing the ability to create professional-looking images.
Snagit’s capabilities extend to video recording and editing, allowing users to capture their screen or webcam with audio. The tool enables the trimming or cutting of videos and audio simultaneously provides the option to convert them into animated GIFs or images, showcasing its versatility beyond simple screen recording.
Features
- A smart image editor with features like crop, resize, rotate, annotate, blur, and erase
- Capture variety with not only the screen but also the webcam, scrolling window, text, and more, providing a broader range of capture options
- Templates and stamps create professional-looking images, offering a creative edge
- Video recording with audio allows users to capture both screen and webcam activities along with sound
- Video Editing enables users to edit recorded videos by trimming or cutting segments, providing more sophisticated video editing capabilities
- Conversion to GIFs or images using Snagit
Pricing
Snagit comes with a single-user license priced at $62.99, which is a one-time fee. The alternative to Bandicam also has discounted rates for educational institutions and government/non-profit organizations.
6. Screenflow
ScreenFlow, an alternative to Bandicam is designed exclusively for Mac users. This remarkable tool empowers you to seamlessly capture every activity on your computer screen, encompassing the entire monitor area, microphone, computer audio, and even your webcam simultaneously with unparalleled precision.
Features
- Comprehensive screen capture
- Multi-source recording including your microphone, computer audio, and webcam
- Editing capabilities
- Social media integration directly from ScreenFlow
- Optimized for retina displays to deliver the highest quality visuals
Pricing
The pricing structure typically includes different plans based on the version of the software:
a). ScreenFlow Standard License- $129
- This is the basic version of ScreenFlow.
- It usually comes with a one-time purchase fee.
- It provides access to essential screen recording and video editing features.
b). ScreenFlow Super Pak- $175
- This is an upgraded version that may include additional content like royalty-free stock media.
- It often comes with a higher one-time purchase fee compared to the standard license.
7. ScreenRec
ScreenRec is a free screen recorder for users on Windows, MAC, and Linux devices. What sets it apart is the absence of any time restrictions, a feature not found in Bandicam.
Designed with educators, employers, YouTubers, and team members in mind, ScreenRec facilitates seamless communication through video recordings. Annotate your recorded videos effortlessly, and upon completion, receive a shareable or embeddable link for easy sharing.
Features
- Compatible with Windows, MAC, and Linux devices, ensuring a broader user base
- Allow users to record without any time restrictions
- Users can annotate their recorded videos directly within ScreenRec
- No Watermarks in free version
Pricing
- Free
8. Loom
Loom, a convenient and lightweight screen recorder with a face cam feature, is an alternative to Bandicam. This tool empowers users to capture screen content along with audio and webcam footage, providing seamless video editing and sharing capabilities. Whether you’re crafting tutorials, conducting meetings, or showcasing demos, Loom proves to be a versatile solution.
Installing and utilizing Loom is a breeze, offering user-friendly features. Unlike Bandicam, which is limited to a Windows version, Loom caters to a broader audience, functioning smoothly on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android platforms.
Features
- Screen recording with a facecam feature
- Audio capture
- Video editing capabilities
- Easy Sharing Options
- Versatility to use for various use cases including tutorial creation, meeting recordings, demos, and other scenarios
- Cross-platform compatibility
Pricing
Loom comes with a free plan with limited access to 25 videos, while paid subscriptions start at $12.50 per creator per month for unlimited videos and additional features.
9. OBS Studio
OBS, known as the OBS Project or Open Broadcaster Software, stands as a free and open-source video screen recorder compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.
One of its standout features is the absence of limitations on video duration, thanks to its open-source nature, allowing users to view, edit, and distribute the source code without constraints.
Notably sponsored by prominent brands like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook, OBS is an excellent choice for recording videos intended for social media platforms, like YouTube.
Features
- No video duration limitations
- Scene recording from multiple sources including screens and webcams.
- Audio mixer to enhance sound quality, suppress noise, and manage audio sources during recording which adds a layer of audio customization.
- Customizable transitions for a unique and visually appealing flow in their videos.
Pricing
- Free
10. TinyTake
TinyTake is a free alternative to Bandicam, supporting both Windows and macOS platforms. Similar to Bandicam, this screen recorder empowers users to capture images and videos from their computer screens. Beyond mere recording, TinyTake distinguishes itself by allowing users to add comments during the recording process and swiftly share the content across various social platforms once the recording is complete.
What sets TinyTake apart from Bandicam is its cloud integration feature. Unlike Bandicam, TinyTake provides users with the option to store screenshots and videos in the cloud, facilitating easy sharing through links to the stored recording files.
Features
- Enable effortless screen and webcam recording.
- Capture a screen video with a duration of up to 120 minutes.
- Open, annotate, and share pre-existing images.
- Customize shortcut keys for specific actions.
Pricing
Tinytake Capture
- Basic- Free
- Standard- $29.95/yr
- Enterprise- Custom
11. Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi Screen Recorder is one of the tools that strike a harmonious balance between functionality and simplicity.
It serves as a viable alternative to Bandicam, especially for users who prioritize straightforward screen recording and basic video editing. However, it may not match the depth of features found in advanced video editing tools.
Features
- Streamlined screen recording for capturing webinars, online calls, and various activities with ease.
- Simultaneous recording of both screen and webcam
- Basic video editing tools for quick and uncomplicated edits
- Capability to capture audio separately or concurrently with video
Pricing
There is an option to download the free Movavi Screen Recorder application for both Mac and Windows; however, it will have certain limitations. For access to all the advanced features in Movavi’s screen recording and video editing capabilities, the Pro version is available for purchase at an annual cost of $59.95.
12. Screencast-O-Matic
Screenpal, formerly Screencast-O-Matic stands out as a widely used screen recording application that works seamlessly on both Windows and macOS.
During screen recording, the tool allows simultaneous narration addition, offering a dynamic and engaging audiovisual experience. The flexibility to zoom in and out enables users to emphasize crucial aspects of the screen.
Furthermore, Screencast-O-Matic facilitates the incorporation of text, shapes, images, and music from external sources, providing a comprehensive and versatile platform for content creation.
Features
Screencast-O-Matic offers a diverse array of features, many of which are absent in Bandicam. Here’s a glimpse of some exclusive features:
- Built-in Music Library
- Editing Multiple Audio Tracks
- Video Import and Mixing
- Sensitive Information Blur
- Personal Image Uploads
Pricing Plans
a). Business
- Solo Deluxe– $3/month paid annually
- Solo Premier– $6/month paid annually
- Solo Max– $10/month paid annually
- Team Business– $8/month per user, paid annually
b). Education
- Solo Deluxe Edu– $2/month paid annually
- Solo Premier Edu– $4/month paid annually
- Solo Max Edu– $6/month paid annually
- Team Edu– $2/month per user, paid annually
13. Wondershare DemoCreator
Wondershare DemoCreator emerges as a versatile screen recording and video editing solution designed to meet the needs of both Windows and Mac users.
It stands out as an excellent alternative to Bandicam, offering a harmonious blend of functionality and user-friendly features. However, some users may find the interface less intuitive when compared to Bandicam.
Features
- Facilitates screen, webcam, and audio recording
- Full-fledged video editor complete with layers, effects, timeline functionality, and text overlays
- Incorporates annotations, captions, and pan/zoom effects
- Utilizes AI features to add an intelligent touch to the recording and editing processes.
- Supports multiple file formats for export
- Enables live streaming, providing users with real-time engagement opportunities
Pricing
- Monthly Plan– $15 per month
- Quarterly Plan– $29.99 per quarter
- Perpetual Plan– $75 (one-time fee)
These pricing plans accommodate diverse user needs, catering to both short-term projects and long-term usage. The perpetual plan, requiring only a one-time fee, stands out as a cost-effective option for those seeking a reliable tool without the burden of recurring payments.
14. Apowersoft Screen Recorder
The Apowersoft screen recorder stands out as an online tool, offering a distinct advantage over Bandicam as there is no need to download any software to your computer. Unlike Bandicam, Apowersoft operates purely online and doesn’t require a browser extension; instead, users only need to install a launcher for easy access.
Features
- Operates entirely online, eliminating the need for software downloads.
- Requires only the installation of a launcher for easy access to the online tool.
- No limitations on what you can record, allowing the capture of various content, including TV shows.
- Records webcam video in addition to on-screen activities.
- Enables users to annotate videos in real-time during the recording process, adding lines, text, callouts, and more.
- Allows the export of recorded videos in a variety of formats, either directly to the computer or to the cloud.
- Free to use and does not impose any time limits on recordings.
Pricing
Apowersoft Screen Recorder Pro is available in three plans: a monthly plan at $39.95/month, a yearly plan at $59.95/year, and a lifetime plan at $129.95 one-time payment.
15. Free Cam
Free Cam, designed for Windows devices distinguishes itself by being entirely free, sans any time restrictions, a feature that sets it apart from Bandicam’s limitations in its free version.
Unlike Bandicam, Free Cam refrains from imprinting watermarks on your videos, ensuring a clean and professional output. To initiate the recording process, users can effortlessly select a screen area or opt to record the entire screen, with the added ability to highlight mouse movements and capture either personal or system audio.
Features
- Free and unlimited
- No watermarks
- Flexible recording options
- Robust video editor
Pricing
a). Free Cam
b). Free Cam Pro
- Monthly Plan: $19.90/month
- Annual Plan: $29.90/year
Conclusion on Bandicam Alternatives
So, all the tools we’ve listed above are ideal Bandicam alternatives which offer different key features and pricing plans. Some of these screen recorders can be used interchangeably and will provide more powerful features when it comes to flexibility.
Amongst the various alternatives to Bandicam, Zight is perhaps the best one to go for. Not only is it a screen recording software that can be used on both Windows and Mac devices, but it’s an all-in-one tool for your visual communication needs. So, download and install Zight now.