13 Best Open Source Screen Recorders in 2024

Try Movavi Screen Recorder!

  • High-quality screen capture

  • Customizable recording options
  • Basic editing tools
Edited by Ben Jacklin
43 451

Looking for the best open source screen recorder? You’ve come to the right place! Check out our review of the best open source screen recording software options.

If you’re looking for a full-featured screen capture app, try Movavi Screen Recorder. The program lets you capture screen, webcam, system sounds, and microphone. Useful features include scheduled recordings, drawing on videos, keystrokes and mouse cursor highlights. You can also cut out unnecessary parts from your recording. The app offers several output formats to choose from.

At Movavi, we’re committed to providing you with verified information only. Here’s what we do to ensure this:

  • When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.

  • All products mentioned in this article have been tested by Movavi Content Team.

  • When testing, we aim to highlight the best features of a product and what it’s best suited for.

  • We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.

  • We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.

List of best open source screen capture software

Video and audio capturing and mixing for experienced users

OBS Studio
Bestseller

Recording and editing high-quality screen captures

Movavi Screen Recorder

Video recording for Windows users

ShareX

1. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is open source software that is not really intended for beginners. However, it is primarily aimed at those who want to stream on YouTube or Twitch. However, it can also be used to film what is happening on your Windows desktop. You can control the program via customizable hotkeys and use the built-in audio mixer to create excellent quality videos. OBS comes with live streaming capabilities that you won't find in native programs of major operating systems, in addition to screencast options. You can find help on their site, but to save you time, when using OBS Studio for the first time, click + in the Sources area and then select Display capture.

You will then see your desktop appear; you can specify the monitor if you have more than one. It will happily shoot games in full screen with game capture, which a lot of software refuses to do. OBS is powerful software, especially for a free product with so many features. It is a comprehensive tool for live streaming and recording.

Key features:

  • Real-time video and audio capturing and mixing
  • Intuitive audio mixer
  • A wide range of configuration options for broadcasting and recording
  • Customizable layout

Download OBS Studio

Pros:

  • Connects easily to streaming services

  • Switchable from one source to another during the broadcast

  • Easy to edit and design with

Cons:

  • The user interface could be better

2. ShareX

ShareX is an open source video recorder for Windows users. There is no watermark or time limit; you can use the completely free recorder to record the entire screen, window, or selected area. It is an excellent alternative if you don't want OBS but want an OBS-level quality. The source code of the project remains hosted at GitHub's code development and code-sharing platform. The software is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. There are no advertisements, and it is lightweight.

Key features:

  • No ads
  • Easy screen capture sharing
  • Customizable workflows
  • Open source recording software

Download ShareX

Pros:

  • Allows you to customize recording size, such as a full screen

  • You can save video as GIF

  • You can directly edit the recording image

  • Light, free, and ad-free

Cons:

  • Cannot get the game screen to full screen

  • The interface is not intuitive

3. CamStudio

CamStudio is open source recording software that is wholly made free for personal and commercial projects. It has not been updated since 2013 and only produces videos in AVI and SWF format. However, it can be used to record part of your screen and add captions if you are creating for Facebook or if you just don't want your voice. Best of all, it doesn't add a watermark. However, we regret that CamStudio does not have the post-capture editing tools that you will find elsewhere.

Key features:

  • Custom cursors
  • Video annotations
  • Customized frame rate
  • Ability to convert AVI to SWF

Download CamStudio

Pros:

  • Available for free

  • No watermarks

Cons:

  • Only SWF format available

  • Not updated

  • Prone to malicious software

4. VirtualDub

VirtualDub is an open source video capture software that works with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems. What's more, it's also a powerful video editor so that you can fine-tune your screen recordings in the same app. It is a lightweight and lag-free screen recorder. It offers advanced features, such as noise reduction.

Key features:

  • Fractional frame rates
  • Real-time downsizing
  • Noise reduction
  • Keyboard and mouse shortcuts

Download VirtualDub

Pros:

  • Set the frame rates

  • Monitor the input level in real time

  • Use shortcuts and a keyboard to control it

  • Support for MPEG-1 and Motion-JPEG decoders

Cons:

  • The video editor is pretty basic

  • This open source screen recorder is only available on PC

5. Simple Screen Recorder

The Simple Screen Recorder is open source software that is used for recording games and other running applications on your display screen. The open source screen capture software is simple to use yet very powerful with rich features and a user-friendly interface.

Key features:

  • Statistics during recording
  • Preview during recording
  • Live streaming
  • Tooltips for almost everything

Download Simple Screen Recorder

Pros:

  • Can record screen partially or entirely

  • Offers pause and resume functions

  • Preview supports during recording

  • Shows video recording stats

Cons:

  • Only for Linux

6. Record My Desktop

RecordMyDesktop is a basic command-line tool for screen recording on Linux. There are two GUI versions which are based on GTK and QT4, from where users can select a window and start screen recording. The open source recording software is a lightweight screen recording tool that doesn't take up much disk space. You can record from the user interface or with a command line. It also lets you save video recordings with audio in OGG Theora and OGG Vorbis.

Key features:

  • Ability to record audio
  • Capturing and encoding
  • Basic command-line tool

Download Record My Desktop

Pros:

  • Light screen recorder

  • Single window screen recording supported

  • Two ways of recording

  • Simple installation

Cons:

  • Only makes recordings in Ogg Vorbis

7. Captura

Captura is open source recording software whose source code is available on GitHub under MIT license term. Captura is free, and you wouldn't need to pay a dime. It is available in more than 30 languages that are easily translatable. Asides from being free, the software doesn't display ads.

Key features:

  • Ability to run while minimized to the System Tray
  • Input and output audio mixing
  • Command-line usage
  • Game recording

Download Captura

Pros:

  • Available for free

  • Completely ad-free

  • Available in up to 30 languages

Cons:

  • None

8. UltraVNC

UltraVNC is a screen recorder that looks similar to CamStudio.

This screen recorder is built from the old source of Rendersoft CamStudio. It wasn't written from scratch by the developers. They just added and removed some codes to make things faster. The software even gives an acknowledgment to its original creators. But it still has its uniqueness.

Key features:

  • Export and social sharing
  • Recording timer
  • Subtitle editing
  • Faster than Rendersoft CamStudio

Download UltraVNC

Pros:

  • It can be connected over most browsers

  • Has text chat

  • You can make file transfer

Cons:

  • It doesn’t support remote printing

  • Router changes required on server's network

9. ScreenCam

ScreenCam is a Windows-based screen recorder that is designed for Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There is even a version for Android. It offers a virtual camcorder which you can use to record everything on a Windows desktop. It adds quality interactivity to the elegant package.

Key features:

  • Video trimming
  • Audio recording
  • Ad-free

Download ScreenCam

Pros:

  • High-performance recorder

  • Easy to use

  • Videos can be exported to the internet

  • Makes videos available in CD, DVD, email formats

  • It doesn’t require root access

Cons:

  • Problem working on Windows 98

10. Freeseer

  • Best for

    Presenters and conference staff and instructors

  • OS

    Linux and Windows

Freeseer is an open source project made in Python/Qt4. It's aimed at recording screencasts on Linux and Windows platforms (Mac not yet available). It allows the recording of a specific region of the screen, recording by software or hardware, setting different resolutions, or even streaming.

Key features:

  • Video and audio recording
  • Video and audio streaming
  • Basic keyboard shortcuts
  • Input from multiple audio sources
  • YouTube uploader

Download Freeseer

Pros:

  • Can record with command line

  • For Windows and Linux

  • Records partial and the entire screen

Cons:

  • Not for Mac

11. Kazam ScreenCaster

  • Best for

    Ubuntu

  • OS

    Linux

Kazam is a powerful but straightforward screen recorder that can be used on a Linux desktop. With this, you can capture screen content, record video files, and also audio (optionally) from a compatible input device. It is available in the repositories of Universal Ubuntu. You can also make use of any stable PPA due to delays on Ubuntu repository versions.

Key features:

  • Recording selected areas of the screen
  • Ability to take screenshots
  • Recording in MP4, AVI, and other formats
  • Ability to capture mouse clicks and key presses
  • Broadcasting via YouTube

Download Kazam ScreenCaster

Pros:

  • Simple to use

  • Support for the delay timer

  • Simple user interface

  • Support for various video output

Cons:

  • No support for Webcam recording

12. XVidCap

  • Best for

    Recording PPSSPP

  • OS

    X-Windows

XVidCap is a small tool for capturing everything on X Windows. It makes videos available in MPEG.

Although it has a lot of bugs, due to its open source nature, any developer can make a contribution to the software to improve it. The software has an audio recording option, and you can record the entire screen.

Key features:

  • Ability to record screencasts
  • Saving videos in MPEG or AVI

XVidCap

Pros:

  • Supports audio recording

  • Open to developers

  • Can record your entire screen

Cons:

  • Poor GUI control interface

  • No prompt for the project folder

13. Krut Computer Recorder

Krut Computer Recorder is an open source screen recorder for Windows 10, 7, and more. It’s a portable application that you don’t need to install on a computer. Just use Java to run the tool.

The utility enables you to record video and audio and customize frame rate and video encoding quality. You can also preview output while recording.

Key features:

  • Recording live-streaming videos
  • Timer-controlled recording
  • Recording areas moveable during recording
  • Written in Java

Download Krut Computer Recorder for PC

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Highly accurate audio-video synchronization

  • Optional mouse pointer recording

  • Can be used as a screenshot tool

Cons:

  • Eats up CPU and memory

Best open source screen recorders

  1. OBS Studio – suitable for live broadcasting on Windows/Mac/Linux
  2. Simple Screen Recorder – best for Linux users
  3. ScreenCam – best for Windows and Android users
  4. VirtualDub – suitable for professional video editors that use Windows
  5. CamStudio – best for screen captions
  6. Record My Desktop – best for GNU/Linux and FreeBSD users
  7. Captura – best for game recording on Windows
  8. UltraVNC – best for users of Windows 7, 8, and later
  9. ShareX – best for users who want a free and open-source screenshot tool
  10. Freeseer – best for capturing presentations on Windows and Linux
  11. Kazam – flexible sound inputs
  12. XVidCap – best for recording on X Window System
  13. Krut Computer Recorder – best for recording tutorials and gameplay with audio

How to choose open source screen recording software

Do you want to make video tutorials on your computer or on smartphones and tablets to share with other people to show them the use of some software or applications? If yes, you've seen the 13 best software that can perform this function.

In this section, we'll see how to choose an open source screen recorder. But first, what is open source screen recording software?

Open source screen recording software are often free video grabbing software that allows users to share and contribute. With a screen recording program, you can capture what happens on the display of your PC, laptop, or mobile device.

You can even record the taps you make on the screen with your fingers, cursor movements, or the moment you type a URL in the browser bar.

You can usually also record audio and, with some tools, make annotations on the screen.

Next, we're going to look at the things you should watch out for a while looking for open source screen recording software.

Type of software

The million-dollar question remains: which tool or app to use? You can find many on the market, and they all offer different features. There is desktop software that works with Windows PC or Mac.

Some are online services that can be accessed by virtually all devices and computers. Some are web extensions that are installed in a web browser. Meanwhile, some are programs that have to be downloaded and installed.

Software or online?

In our list of screen recording programs, you've found online sites, browser-based software, and desktop applications with essential functions.

The fundamental difference between programs and online sites to record the screen is that with the former, you can work offline, while with the latter, you cannot.

For obvious reasons, if you want to use a site, your PC or laptop must be connected to the network. With desktop software, on the other hand, you can record your screen wherever you are and at any time, with or without the internet.

For example, if you're looking for a program to record gameplay, browser-based software is probably not the best option. If you want to create a tutorial instead, it might be the right solution.

Watermark

Watermarks are unsolicited ads automatically inserted into videos made with freeware or software used under trial. However, the best open source screen recording software should come with no watermark. There are many top free screen recording programs that do not leave any watermark on their videos. These include OBS Studio, ActivePresenter, QuickTime, Screencast O-Matic, TinyTake, Debut Video Capture, Apowersoft, AZ Screen Recorder, and more.

Software features

Some software offers several recording modes, including full screen and selectable area. Some allow you to annotate video in real time and apply callouts, lines, text, and more without pausing.

Thanks to the intuitive and smartphone-specific functions, all you have to do is connect your PC and smartphone to the same WiFi network and start casting.

You can use some of this software for both screen capture and webcam video.

Others allow users to zoom, draw while adding overlays on their video files. These features are very convenient because they allow you to share your recordings on YouTube with no need to download any desktop program.

Some are capable of saving videos in just a couple of formats, while others can export the files for use on popular platforms like YouTube. Still, others, however, cannot record in HD.

That is why it is essential that you do some research and compare the various features of each program before downloading or installing one on your device.

Of course, your choice will directly depend on your goals. Maybe you don't need to record in HD, or you recently bought a video hosting plan and can do without exporting to a YouTube-compatible format. The best tool is simply the one that best suits your needs.

OS compatibility

Perhaps the most crucial criterion, if you choose software that is not compatible with your computer or device's operating software, then it's all a waste of time and effort. While some are only compatible with Windows, some are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. Others only work with the Android operating system or iOS. So, ensure you're getting software that works for your computer or device's OS.

Format

This recording software should allow you to convert and save your recordings in all popular video formats, such as MP4, MOV, QT, and API. Other software will allow you to save to AVI, WMV, and the Flash formats, the FLV and SWF.

Saving and sharing

The software must allow you to capture videos and let you save them into your computer's drive, phone memory, or an online cloud system. For easy upload on YouTube and other video hosting platforms, the software should allow you to share recordings.

Either way, the option you choose must meet these essential criteria:

  • It must be easy to use

  • It should be able to record both full screen and a specific area or window

  • It allows the user to make notes

  • It has a built-in audio and microphone system

  • It can record video from external sources

  • It is capable of exporting to various formats

Keep in mind that many of this software can record HD videos, but uploading them takes a long time; if your goal is to upload standard quality videos to the web, HD is not essential.

Meanwhile, we'd also advise you also to try out Movavi Screen Recorder. It's not open source, but it's free and includes many features that will interest you.

Software

Best for

Download

Professionals; Windows, macOS, and Linux users

Windows and Android users

Show more

Conclusion

Screen recording programs are much more intuitive today, and you can use them to do a variety of things with minimal effort. Many are available for free with the source code available publicly, allowing you to use, share, and contribute.

If you need to create tutorials or product descriptions, offer or request technical assistance or make video calls, whether you are looking for a more precise way to record your screen or just want to capture part of it, your PC or laptop screen recording program is not powerful enough. Then the listed software will help you out in sharing your gameplays, tutorials, or other video contents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best open source screen recorder?

We've researched and found a couple of other open source recording software which are also free and easy to use. These include:

  • Simple Screen Recorder

  • VirtualDub

  • CamStudio

  • ShareX

Still, OBS Studio is regarded by many as the overall best open source screen recorder. It is a free desktop screen recording program with which you can capture streaming video in high definition, with no time limit. You only need to select only the area that interests you or record the whole screen.

What is the alternative to OBS?

We already mentioned that OBS Studio is the overall best video recording software available on the market. However, if because of one reason or the other, you couldn't choose OBS, then programs such as ShareX, CamStudio, VirtualDub, Simple Screen Recorder, and Record My Desktop are great alternatives to OBS.

Meanwhile, you can also check our list of the 10 best OBS alternatives for more options.

How to choose an open source recording software?

To choose an open source screen recorder, first, ensure it is compatible with your operating system. You can decide whether you want a program that will be installed on your PC, browser, or a service that can be accessed online. Steer clear of ad-loaded programs or those which insert watermarks on videos.

Also, ensure the software makes videos available in the formats that you can access. Finally, an open source video capture software must be open to contribution, with the source code made available publicly.

What is an open-source screen recorder?

An open-source screen recorder is a program that lets you record your screen with audio. With an open-source screen-recording app, users can capture screen activities, edit their recordings, and then share recorded videos. The main advantages of open-source software are that in most cases it's distributed for free and users can modify it.

Which open-source screen recorder has unlimited time?

There are multiple open-source software on the market that offer unlimited screen recording. Our top choice is OBS Studio: it’s one of the most popular free apps with lots of features and helpful guides available online.

Have questions?

Have questions?

If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to contact our Support Team.

Join for how-to guides, speсial offers, and app tips!