Visually communicating is imperative in today’s work environment. Whether you’re working remotely or in the office, sending an annotated screenshot can save you an incredible amount of time. If you’re not using one of the best screen capture software, it’s time to upgrade.
Capturing, annotating, and sharing a screen recording can be done in a few seconds, speeding up your workflows and helping you communicate more efficiently.
But, we get it. It can be hard to pick out the right screen capture software for you and your team.
There’s a bazillion paid and free versions to choose from, all with slight differences in features and capabilities. We’ve created a list of the best screen capture software heading into 2022.
The Purpose of Screen Capture Software
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a screen capture must be worth a lot more! Having a capable yet easy-to-use screen capture software in your business software suite is a must.
Visual communications can be a powerful, yet simple way, to reduce time spent on communications while sending a more straightforward message. And besides, your recipients will thank you for a simple video instead of an essay email.
The Best Screen Capture Software for 2022
We’ve carefully vetted the following list of best screen capture software in 2022. We’ve included both free and paid software, but each would be a valuable addition to your business software suite.
1. Zight (formerly CloudApp)
This might be an obvious choice, but our favorite screen capture software is undoubtedly Zight (formerly CloudApp). Sure, we might be biased, but you’ll likely agree after taking a look at the features, benefits, and pricing.
Zight (formerly CloudApp) Screen Capture Features
Zight (formerly CloudApp) is a simple tool that allows you to create screen captures, GIFs, screenshots, and annotations. Once you’ve recorded your content or taken your screenshot, it’s easy to edit your content with visuals for clarity. Add arrows, text, or even emojis. You can even blur sections of your screen captures to take out sensitive or irrelevant information.
Even if you haven’t taken your screen capture with Zight (formerly CloudApp), it’s simple to drag and drop it into your folder to begin editing it. With just a few clicks, you can add text, drawings, emojis, shapes, and more.
One of the best parts of using Zight (formerly CloudApp) is that it securely keeps everything in the cloud, which means no more sifting through your downloads folder for your latest content. It also prevents your hard drive from getting bogged down with the inevitable accumulation of screen captures.
Zight (formerly CloudApp) also has a ton of integrations with the software you’re likely already using. Through its integrations, you can drag your content directly from Zight (formerly CloudApp) to almost anywhere, including your email, chat, project management software, or chat window. Or, you can simply share a link to your content in the cloud. Sharing a link means no upload time for you, and no time and space wasted downloading your files for your recipient.
Zight (formerly CloudApp) also shares real-time notifications when your recipient views the link you’ve sent. Although there are many features packed into Zight (formerly CloudApp), it’s incredibly simple to use. You’ll find there’s no learning curve to get started once you’ve downloaded it.
The enterprise level plan pricing and features are the most competitive on the market. With recent SOC2 integration, companies can securely use Zight (formerly CloudApp)’s screen capture software to communicate internally and externally with easily shareable links.
Zight (formerly CloudApp) Integrations
Zendesk, Jira, Trello, Zapier, Sketch, Adobe XD, Google Sheets, Google Docs, GitHub, Google Slides, Wordpress, Slack, Pivotal Tracker, Asana, Quip, Microsoft Office, GitLab, Freshdesk, Zoho Desk, Zoho CRM, Help Scout, LiveAgent, Basecamp, Mattermost, Intercom, Zoho Notebook, Freshservice, Zoho Writer, Drift, Workfront, and Medium
Zight (formerly CloudApp) Screen Capture Software Cost
You can get started with a free forever plan that allows you to create screen captures, screenshots, GIFs, and annotated content. However, if you find you need to record longer videos, GIFs, or you are missing out on other features, you can upgrade to the next plan for only $9.95/Month.
Pros of Zight (formerly CloudApp):
- Screen capture works with Mac, Windows, Chrome, and iOS
- Ability to create screen captures, screenshots, GIF creation, and annotations
- Affordable and simple to use
- Automatic share link generation
- Video transcription and other advanced screen capture features
- Many enterprise features including SOC2 integration, custom branding, SSO & more
- Integrations with Zendesk, Slack, Zapier, Asana, Google Suite & more
Cons of Zight (formerly CloudApp):
- Monthly subscription instead of one-time licensing fee
2. Snagit
There are several screen capture tools on the market, and Snagit is one of the more popular choices that provides both high-quality screen capture and sharing capabilities. It offers a variety of screen capture and editing tools, as well as the ability to share content directly to an outlet of your choice. This software is suitable for beginners as well as professionals.
Snagit Screen Capture Features
Snagit is one of the best screen capture software to help you capture how-to processes and add notes or instructions on both Windows and Mac. If you’re creating visual how-to guides or giving feedback, it can be an incredibly useful tool.
You can capture yourself or your screen, then edit your content later. One of the best features of SnagIt is the ‘Favorites’ tool. It allows you to put all your favorite editing tools in an easy to access place, keeping you from wasting time searching through countless menus for your most-used features.
Snagit has a lot of functionality for screen captures. It allows users to record scrolling screenshots and horizontal screen captures across multiple desktops or even your iOS screen.
One of the unique features is the ‘grab text’ feature. If you take a scrolling screenshot of an entire webpage, you can select a portion of your screen capture, then right-click and choose ‘grab text.’ SnagIt will open a new window where you can select the text and copy and paste elsewhere.
Snagit Cost
You can snag a trial of Snagit for 15 days to see if it is a good fit. After the free trial, there is a one-time fee of $62.49 for a single user on up to two devices. Or, you can upgrade to business, government, or non-profit licenses. Depending on how big your organization is, your cost-per-license decreases the more licenses you purchase.
Snagit Integrations
Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, Evernote, OneDrive, Slack and more.
Pros of Snagit:
- Simple, intuitive screen capture software
- A simple way to create tutorials
- One-time licensing fee
Cons of Snagit:
- Gameplay cannot be recorded
- Limited 15-day free trial
3. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is a popular screen capture tool that allows its users to create, edit, and share their own videos. It has a wide user base of more than two million members and is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
The free version of this screen capture software can record up to 15 minutes per video, though with a Screencast-O-Matic watermark included. Webcam recording is an option and videos can be saved as either MP4, AVI, GIF, or FLV files. Though users can take screenshots with the software, they can only be saved as PNG files. When in need of a JPG file, users will need to find another screenshot software.
There are a variety of features that make this a great screen capture tool. Users can take advantage of different video editing features including blurring, adding music, recording audio, green screen filters, overlays, speech-to-text, and more. Videos can be uploaded to Screencast-O-Matic’s site or shared on various sites including YouTube, Twitter, Google Drive, Google Classroom, Facebook, MS Teams, or email.
Screencast-O-Matic Pricing
Screencast-O-Matic’s Deluxe plan starts at $1.65 per month and their Premier version is $4 per month, making it a great option for users who need more features than most free plans offer but still need a low price point.
Screencast-O-Matic integrations
Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, Blackboard, LiveAgent, Zoho Desk, Help Scout, Olark, Freshdesk, Slack, Powerpoint, Zendesk, Jira, Trello, Dropbox, Prezi, Schoology, Moodle, Desire2Learn, YouTube, Google Drive, Facebook, Twitter, Basecamp, Asana, Google Slides, Google Sheets, Vimeo, Google Classroom, Sketch, Github, Canvas,
Pros of Screencast-O-Matic:
- Affordable premium plans
- Extensive sharing options
- Comprehensive editing features
Cons of Screencast-O-Matic:
- Limited file saving options
- No OCR (optical character recognition) for screenshots
4. Ashampoo Snap 12
Ashampoo’s screen capture software is a user-friendly tool that is great for both screenshots and screen captures, though it is only available on Windows 8, 10, and 11. Their new feature, “magic eye,” provides a menu that is conveniently located on the edge of your screen to have instant access to record your screen. There are a variety of screen capture features including the ability to add watermarks, create timed captures, a collage template for multiple screenshots, video cropping, and more.
This tool is a good option for presentations, webinars, and tutorials. Once a screen capture or screenshot is completed, users can use the editing suite to enhance the capture or upload files directly to Ashampoo’s Webspace for free. Files can also be shared via Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, OneDrive, or email.
Ashampoo Snap 12 Pricing
Ashampoo’s screen capture software has a one-time licensing fee of $24.99 and can be used on up to 3 Windows devices.
Ashampoo Snap 12 Integrations
Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, YouTube, Microsoft Suite
Pros of Ashampoo Snap 12:
- One-time licensing fee
- Variety of editing tools and features
Cons of Ashampoo Snap 12:
- Limited to Windows 8, 10, and 11
5. Vimeo Record
Vimeo may be most well-known as a video streaming platform, but they also offer screen capture software that can be used on Mac, PC, Chrome, iOS, and Android devices. Vimeo introduced this new tool late in 2020 to cater towards the remote workforce and improve communication and collaboration.
Users can upload or capture photos and videos to Vimeo’s online storage. Notable features include color filters, music/audio options, text layers and 44 styles of fonts, trimming options, and the ability to save content in a variety of file types.
Vimeo Record Pricing
Vimeo Basic offers up to 500MB per week of upload space with up to 5GB total account storage. So though they advertise unlimited screen captures with the free plan, there is a limit to how much can be stored. With the free plan, users are limited to 30 second video creations with up to 10 drafts with a watermark. Users are able to upload up to 10 videos per day, create one channel, and have access to limited privacy controls and basic embedding features.
The Vimeo Plus plan, their cheapest paid option, is $7 per month billed annually or $12 per month if billed monthly. It includes up to 5GB per week or upload space and 250GB every year. This plan will offer more customization than the free plan including more privacy controls and editing tools.
Vimeo Pro is $20 per month billed annually and provides 1TB of storage every year, or 20GB per week. This is the cheapest plan that allows users to work in a “team” and access projects from other team members. Users can also review and approve videos and create customizable Showcase sites.
Vimeo Premium is $75 per month billed annually and provides 7TB total storage and unlimited live streaming. This plan would be appealing to users who need to host live events and webinars (up to 100 registrants per event), live stream to multiple destinations, chat with live audiences, and access basic analytics for webinars.
Vimeo Enterprise is the most customizable and pricing is unavailable without contacting Vimeo’s sales team. This level offers a searchable video library, SSO, private live and on-demand showcase, 101+ registrants per webinar, and advanced analytics for webinars.
Pros of Vimeo Record
- User-friendly
- Advanced screen capture features available
Cons of Vimeo Record
- Team collaboration requires Pro plan or higher
- Limited storage for free plan
6. Free Cam by iSpring
Free Cam is a great option for Windows users who need to easily create presentations, video lessons, or webinars. Though there aren’t many features, this screen capture software is high-quality and easy-to-use. Keep in mind that it only works on Windows 7, 8, and 10.
iSpring’s Free Cam allows users to record with a maximum quality of 760p and videos can only be exported directly to YouTube or as a WMV file. However, users can record without a watermark and without any time limits which is not common among free screen capture software options.
Like most screen capture software, Free Cam allows users to either record their entire screen or select an area to record. There are several editing features including noise reduction, recording system audio or voice overs, trim/crop, and fade-in and fade-out effects.
Free Cam Integrations
YouTube
Free Cam Cost
iSpring’s Free Cam is, of course, free. However, there is a premium version of the screen capture software called Cam Pro that offers more advanced features and functionality. A pro license is $227 per year.
Pros of Free Cam
- Free version doesn’t include watermark
- No time limits for screen captures
Cons of Free Cam
- Limit of 760p resolution
- Webcam recording not available
- Only available on Windows
7. ShareX
ShareX is a free and open source program that lets you capture or record any selected area with a single key, save it locally, upload it to over 25 different file hosting services or just copy the link to the clipboard. Tech-savvy Windows users may find this tool to be a great option if they can learn the various keyboard shortcuts and navigate the dropdown-type menus. For most other users, the learning curve may be too steep.
This screen capture software allows users to set customer watermarks and color effects. It can even detect text in screenshots and copy it to the clipboard. Once videos are completed, users can either save them in a few different file formats or upload directly to many different sites including Google Photos, Twitter, Imgur, Flickr, and more.
ShareX Integrations
Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, JIRA, Google Cloud Storage, Azure Storage, MEGA, Amazon S3, Hostr, Lambda, YouTube, Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, LinkedIn, StumbleUpon, Imgur, Flickr, Google Photos, and more
ShareX Cost
ShareX is completely free due to its open source program.
Pros of ShareX
- Completely free
- Customizable watermarks
- Open source
Cons of ShareX
- Only available on Windows
- No webcam recording option
- UI not as friendly as other screen capture software
8. Ezvid
Another great option for Windows users is Ezvid, one of the first screen capture software made available to the public all the way back in 2011. YouTubers and other content creators will find it especially helpful since it allows them to easily edit content and then upload it directly to YouTube.
Ezvid is completely free to use while still being high-quality and simple to learn. It is important to note, however, that screen captures have a maximum time limit of 45 minutes and can only be uploaded directly to YouTube, not saved locally onto a computer or external hard drive. Users can choose to record their webcam during screen captures and can also do live annotations during the recording. Additionally, users can take advantage of text-to-speech, music track options, cut/crop/trim features, and more.
Ezvid Integrations
YouTube
Ezvid Cost
Ezvid is completely free to use
Pros of Ezvid
- Free
- Expansive video editing tools
- Simple to use
Cons of Ezvid
- Only available on Windows
- Maximum video recording time of 45 minutes
- Videos cannot be saved locally
- No screenshot or GIF creation ability
9. TinyTake
Tiny Take by Mango Apps allows users to screen capture from Mac and Windows devices. It has an intuitive UI that makes it easy for users to record, edit, and publish screen captures. Though a free option is offered, the maximum recording time is 5 minutes per screen capture. For the purposes of this review, we will be focusing on the Jumbo plan which runs at $99.95 per year.
TinyTake’s Jumbo plan allows users to make screen captures and share them instantly or save it to their cloud-based gallery. Hotkeys and shortcuts can also be created to work as efficiently as possible. Along with 1TB of storage and a maximum of 60 minute recordings, the basic editing tools like blurring and annotation are, of course, included. Though there may be a lack of advanced editing tools, many users prefer its simplicity and ease of use.
TinyTake Integrations
YouTube
TinyTake Cost
Users can get a personal license for free. However, there is a limit of 2GB of cloud storage and screen captures can only be 5 minutes long. If you need more capabilities, you can upgrade to a plan for $29-$99 a year depending on what features are needed.
Pros of TinyTake
- Simple UI
- Cloud-based storage and file viewer
Cons of TinyTake
- Expensive premium plan
- Limited editing features
10. OBS Studio
Open Broadcaster Software Studio is free, powerful, open source software for screen capturing and live streaming on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is designed for simplicity and provides everything needed for content creators to live-stream video games on both Twitch and YouTube.
To effectively use the screen capture software, users should take advantage of the customizable hotkeys, customized watermarks, custom stream/webcam frames, and seamless overlays/transitions. It is also a good idea to have a dual-monitor setup to make recording easier.
Because of the advanced features included, the learning curve is pretty steep for new users and it can take a while to master the software. So though it may be worth the while for professional gamers, streamers, and other content creators, it may not be worth the effort for someone who doesn’t need the various advanced features included.
OBS Studio Integrations
YouTube, Twitch
OBS Studio Cost
OBS Studio is open source and completely free.
Pros of OBS Studio
- Free
- Professional-level streaming and recording
- Highly customizable
Cons of OBS Studio
- Not user-friendly for beginners
11. Camtasia
Camtasia is a powerful video editor used for capturing and editing visuals as well as creating videos. If you need to make professional-quality videos on Windows or Mac, then Camtasia is the way to go. It offers a variety of templates and tools that make it easy for you to create marketing videos and tutorials quickly and easily. Because of the incredibly high-quality features, the price is $299.99 per user per year.
After capturing full-screen or selecting a section of the screen, users can use the advanced editing suite to add audio, make annotations, use presets and templates, etc. One feature that is unique to Camtasia is the quiz creator that can be added to screen captures to make videos more interactive and engaging. After finalizing videos, they can be exported as a variety of different file types or uploaded to YouTube and Vimeo.
Camtasia Integrations
YouTube, Vimeo, TechSmith Screencast
Camtasia Cost
Camtasia’s individual license is $299.99 per user per year with a 30-day money back guarantee. If you qualify for an education license, the cost goes down to $169.99 per user per year.
Pros of Camtasia
- Professional-grade screen capture software
- Extensive editing suite
- Customizable screen capture features including quizzes
Cons of Camtasia
- Expensive
12. Screencastify
Screencastify is a Chrome browser extension that allows users to screen capture, edit, and share. With the free version, all features are included and unlimited screen captures can be made. However, there is a time limit of 5 minutes for each screen capture. This extension is relatively easy to use and is one of the most popular screen capture apps on the market. In fact, Screencastify has been downloaded more than 1 million times.
This is a helpful tool for anyone who can’t (or doesn’t want to) download software onto their device. Because it is a Chrome extension, it is lightweight and more accessible. Many students and teachers have used this tool to communicate during the pandemic. The main issue that free users report is that the 5 minute time limit is too short and forces them to create several smaller videos.
Screencastify Integrations
Google Drive, YouTube, Google Classroom, EdPuzzle, Google Meet, Zoom, Remind, Wakelet, and PlayPosit
Screencastify Cost
Screencastify has a free version that allows for unlimited screen captures with 5 minute time limits for each. To create and share screen and webcam videos without any time restraints, it costs $49 per year per user. In order to edit those videos, it is an additional $49 per year per user and to collect video submissions from others via magic links, it is $99 per year per user. At nearly $200 per year for all three products, this may not be a realistic option for many users.
Pros of Screencastify
- Easily accessible via Chrome extension
- Free version available
- Simple to use
Cons of Screencastify
- Limit of 5 minute recordings for free version