Best Screen Recorder for Mac (2026) | Free & Paid Compared

# Best Screen Recorders for Mac in 2026: 10 Options for Every Workflow

A screen recorder for Mac turns your display into video. Use it to make tutorials, record talks, or share quick demos. Need to record your screen with audio? The right tool matters.

There are lots of choices out there. Apple's built-in tools are free. Pro apps can cost more. Some capture system audio. Others add fancy zoom effects. A few focus on making GIFs for quick demos.

This guide compares 10 screen recorders for Mac—free and paid.

Quick Comparison: All 10 Screen Recorders

Here's how the top Mac screen recording tools stack up:

What to Look for in a Mac Screen Recorder

Picking the right tool? Here's what matters most.

Audio Capture

Apple's built-in tools have one big limit. They can't capture system audio. If you want to record what plays through your speakers, you need a third-party app.

Here's how different apps handle audio:

• Built-in support: CleanShot X, Loom, Screen Studio
• Needs extra setup: OBS (requires BlackHole or Loopback)
• Mic only: macOS Screenshot, QuickTime, Kap

The short version: Making tutorials or gaming content? You need system audio. Sharing bug reports? Mic-only is fine.

Output Formats

Pick a format based on how you'll share your work.

Video formats:

• MP4 — Works everywhere. Best for YouTube, social media.
• MOV — Apple's format. Great for iMovie, Final Cut.

Other formats:

• GIF — Plays in Slack, GitHub, docs. No video player needed. Small files (under 10MB).
• Cloud links — Share a link, not a file. Great for teams.
• WebM/MKV — Less common. Used for web or archives.

Editing Tools

Some apps just record. Others let you edit too.

Common editing features:

• Trimming — Cut out mistakes
• Annotations — Add arrows, text, shapes
• Auto-zoom — Camera follows your cursor
• Backgrounds — Add colors or images behind your recording

Create content often? Built-in editing saves hours.

Pricing: What's the Catch?

Three pricing models to know:

• One-time purchase — Pay once. Own forever. Best value long-term.
• Subscription — Monthly or yearly fees. Costs add up.
• Freemium — Free with limits. Pay to unlock more.

Do the math: A $15/month app costs $540 over 3 years. A $29 one-time app pays for itself in 2 months.

Free Screen Recorders for Mac

macOS Screenshot Tool (Built-in)

The fastest way to record on Mac? It's already on your computer. Press ⌘ + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar.

What you can do:

• Record Entire Screen — Captures your whole display
• Record Selected Portion — Drag to pick an area
• Timer — 5 or 10 second countdown
• Mic selection — Pick which mic to use

Files save to Desktop by default. You can trim clips in Quick Look. No extra app needed.

Pros:

• No setup needed
• Built into macOS
• Fast and light
• Saves where you want
• Works on Mojave and newer

Cons:

• No system audio (mic only)
• Can only trim, nothing else
• MOV format only
• No annotations
• Big file sizes

Best for: Quick captures. Bug reports. Sharing workflows. No-fuss recording.

Want more details? See our QuickTime screen recording guide.

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is the top choice for streamers and pros. It's free and open-source. Millions of creators use it worldwide.

OBS handles complex setups:

• Multiple cameras
• Picture-in-picture
• Custom overlays
• Real-time scene switching

The 2025 update added native multitrack video for macOS. Now you can split webcam from screen capture with ease.

Key features:

• Scenes and Sources — Mix screens, windows, webcams, images, text
• Audio Mixer — Control sources with filters
• Streaming — Works with Twitch, YouTube, Facebook
• Plugins — Thousands of add-ons for effects

Pros:

• No time limits or watermarks
• Mix many audio/video sources
• Scene overlays and effects
• Multitrack recording (2025)
• Huge plugin library
• 100% free

Cons:

• Takes time to learn
• Needs BlackHole for system audio
• Can feel complex at first
• Too much for simple tasks

Best for: Streaming, podcasts, gaming, complex tutorials. Great if you need full control.

#### How to Set Up OBS for Mac Screen Recording

New to OBS? Here's a quick start guide:

Step 1: Download and Install

1. Go to obsproject.com
2. Click "macOS" to download
3. Drag OBS to your Applications folder
4. Open it. Allow screen recording access when asked.

Step 2: Create Your First Scene

1. In the bottom left, click the + under "Scenes"
2. Name it "Screen Recording"
3. Click OK

Step 3: Add Your Screen

1. Click + under "Sources"
2. Choose "Display Capture"
3. Name it and click OK
4. Pick your display (if you have more than one)
5. Click OK again

Step 4: Add Your Microphone

1. Click + under "Sources"
2. Choose "Audio Input Capture"
3. Pick your mic from the dropdown
4. Click OK

Step 5: Set Up System Audio (Optional)

This part trips up most users. macOS doesn't let apps capture system audio by default.

To fix this:

1. Install BlackHole (free)
2. Open Audio MIDI Setup (search in Spotlight)
3. Click + at bottom left → "Create Multi-Output Device"
4. Check both BlackHole and your speakers
5. In OBS, add "Audio Input Capture" for BlackHole

Now OBS captures what your Mac plays.

Step 6: Start Recording

1. Click "Settings" → "Output"
2. Set "Recording Path" to your Desktop
3. Set "Recording Format" to MP4
4. Click OK
5. Press "Start Recording"

That's it! You're recording. Press "Stop Recording" when done.

Pro tips for OBS:

• Use ⌘ + Shift + S to quick-start recordings
• Set up shortcuts in Settings → Hotkeys
• Lower resolution to 1080p for smaller files
• Check Settings → Video → FPS (30 is fine for most)

Kap

Kap is an open-source screen recorder built specifically for creating GIFs and short videos. It's lightweight, beautiful, and perfect for developers who need to share quick demos.

Pros:

• Native GIF export
• Minimal, elegant interface
• Multiple export formats (GIF, MP4, WebM, APNG)
• Customizable FPS and quality
• Free and open-source

Cons:

• No system audio capture
• Limited editing tools
• No annotations
• macOS only

Best for: Developers sharing code demos, bug reports, or documentation GIFs.

Read our full Kap screen recorder review for setup tips and tricks.

GIPHY Capture

If you primarily create GIFs for social media or messaging apps, GIPHY Capture keeps things simple with a focused, no-frills interface.

Pros:

• Dead simple to use
• Direct upload to GIPHY
• Adjustable loop settings
• Free with no watermarks

Cons:

• GIF-only output
• No video export
• Limited to 30 seconds
• No audio at all
• Basic editing

Best for: Creating reaction GIFs and short social media clips.

Looking for alternatives? See our comparison of GIPHY Capture alternatives for Mac.

Paid Screen Recorders for Mac

CleanShot X — Best All-in-One Tool

CleanShot X does it all. Screenshots. Recordings. GIFs. Cloud sharing. It's the top choice for many Mac pros.

Price: $29 one-time (cloud costs extra)

Pros:

• Records system audio (no setup needed)
• Built-in GIF recording
• Instant cloud links
• Hides desktop icons while recording
• Great annotation tools
• Pay once, own forever

Cons:

• Cloud features cost extra
• Mac only
• No advanced video editing

Best for: Anyone who needs a solid daily driver for screen capture.

Screen Studio — Best for Polished Tutorials

Screen Studio makes your videos look pro. It adds auto-zoom and cursor effects. Great for YouTube or online courses.

Price: $89 one-time

Pros:

• Auto-zoom follows your mouse
• Smooth motion effects
• Captures system audio
• Custom backgrounds
• One-time purchase

Cons:

• Costs more than others
• Video only (no GIFs)
• Can use more CPU
• Takes time to learn

Best for: YouTubers. Course creators. Anyone who wants polished videos fast.

Want options? See our Screen Studio alternatives.

Capto — Best for Recording + Editing

Capto mixes recording with a video editor. Capture, trim, and add notes—all in one app.

Price: $30/year or $50 one-time

Pros:

• Video editor built in
• Edit audio tracks
• Export to YouTube/Dropbox
• Screenshots + recording
• On Setapp too

Cons:

• Yearly cost (or higher one-time)
• Looks a bit dated
• No auto-zoom
• Less polished feel

Best for: People who want to record and edit without using two apps.

ScreenSnap Pro — Best for Quick GIF Demos

ScreenSnap Pro does what others overlook: creating GIFs fast. Share demos in Slack, GitHub, or docs. GIFs load instantly—no video player needed.

Price: $19 one-time

Pros:

• Direct GIF recording (no conversion)
• Beautiful annotation tools
• One-time purchase (no subscription)
• Lightweight and fast
• 22+ gradient backgrounds for screenshots

Cons:

• GIF only (no video recording)
• No system audio capture
• macOS only

Best for: Developers, designers, and support teams who share quick demos in chat and documentation.

Movavi Screen Recorder

Movavi is a full-featured tool. It has webcam overlay, drawing tools, and timed recording. Good for webinars and live events.

Price: $45/year or $75 one-time

Pros:

• Show webcam and screen at once
• Draw while you record
• Set recordings to start later
• Works on Mac and Windows
• Cuts background noise

Cons:

• Yearly cost adds up
• Feels heavy at times
• Lots of upgrade pop-ups
• Uses more CPU

Best for: Webinars. Online classes. Any time you need your face on screen.

Loom — Best for Team Sharing

Loom is about fast sharing. Record and get a link in seconds. Great for remote teams.

Price: Free (5 min limit) / $15/month Pro

Pros:

• Share links right away
• See who watched your video
• Get comments and emoji replies
• Works in browser or as an app
• Record screen + webcam

Cons:

• Needs internet to work
• Free tier caps at 5 minutes
• Monthly cost adds up
• Videos live in the cloud only
• Less control over quality

Best for: Remote teams. Sales demos. Support videos. Quick async updates.

Best Screen Recorder by Use Case

Not sure which to pick? Here's the quick recommendation based on what you're doing:

For Polished Video Tutorials

Winner: Screen Studio

Auto-zoom and cursor effects create pro videos fast. No hours in Final Cut. Worth $89 for regular tutorial creators.

For Quick GIF Demos

Winner: ScreenSnap Pro or Kap

For Slack, Discord, or GitHub—GIFs beat video. ScreenSnap Pro has annotation tools. Kap is free and open-source.

For Live Streaming

Winner: OBS Studio

Nothing else comes close for streaming to Twitch or YouTube. It's free, infinitely customizable, and supports every streaming platform.

For Remote Team Communication

Winner: Loom

The instant sharing and viewer analytics make async video communication seamless. The free tier works for most occasional users.

For Budget-Conscious Users

Winner: macOS Screenshot + Kap

Combine the built-in Screenshot tool for basic recordings with Kap for GIFs, and you have a capable free setup.

For Enterprise/IT Teams

Winner: Loom or Movavi

Loom's team features and analytics work well for enterprise. Movavi's scheduling suits IT documentation and training.

Apple Silicon Optimization

On M1, M2, M3, or M4 Mac? Here's the breakdown:

• Native (best speed): CleanShot X, Screen Studio, Kap, ScreenSnap Pro, macOS built-in
• Universal (runs well): OBS Studio, Capto, Loom
• Rosetta (uses more power): Some older Movavi versions

Native apps drain less battery. They also record smoother at high resolutions.

Common Recording Issues and How to Fix Them

Even the best screen recorders can hit snags. Here are the most common problems—and how to solve them fast.

"Screen Recording Permission Denied"

Your Mac blocks apps from recording by default. Here's how to fix it:

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs)
2. Go to Privacy & Security → Screen Recording
3. Find your recording app in the list
4. Toggle it ON
5. Restart the app

Still not working? Try removing the app from the list, then re-adding it. Some users need to restart their Mac after this step.

No Audio in Recording

This is the #1 complaint. There are two types of audio to check:

Microphone audio missing:

• Check if your mic is selected in the app
• Make sure System Settings → Sound → Input shows your mic
• Test the mic in another app (Voice Memos works well)

System audio missing:

• Most free recorders don't capture system audio
• Built-in Screenshot tool only records mic audio
• For system audio, use CleanShot X, Screen Studio, or set up OBS with BlackHole

Quick test: Play a YouTube video while recording. If you hear it in playback, system audio works.

Laggy or Choppy Recordings

Your recording looks like a slideshow? Try these fixes:

Lower your settings:

• Drop from 4K to 1080p
• Lower frame rate from 60fps to 30fps
• Close other apps while recording

Free up system resources:

• Check Activity Monitor for CPU hogs
• Quit Chrome (it's often the culprit)
• Make sure you have 10GB+ free disk space

Use the right app:

• Built-in tools are lightest on resources
• OBS can be heavy on older Macs
• Native Apple Silicon apps run best on M-series chips

Recording File Too Large

A 10-minute recording shouldn't be 2GB. Here's how to shrink files:

Before recording:

• Use 1080p instead of 4K
• Set frame rate to 30fps (not 60)
• Choose MP4 format over MOV

After recording:

• Use QuickTime → File → Export As → 1080p
• Or use HandBrake (free) for more control
• GIFs are smaller than video for short demos

File size guide:

• 5-minute 1080p video ≈ 200-400MB
• 5-minute 4K video ≈ 800MB-1.5GB
• 10-second GIF ≈ 2-8MB

Black Screen in Recording

You clicked record, but the video is just black. Common causes:

DRM content:

• Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming apps block screen capture
• This is by design—you can't record protected content

Wrong display selected:

• If you have multiple monitors, check you picked the right one
• In OBS, go to Sources → Display Capture → Properties

Hardware issues:

• Some older GPUs have issues with screen capture
• Try recording a specific window instead of full screen
• Update to the latest macOS version

Recording Stops Randomly

Your recording ends before you stop it. Likely causes:

Low disk space:

• Recordings need lots of space (1GB per 5-10 minutes)
• Keep 20GB+ free for long sessions
• Set recording location to a drive with more room

App crash:

• Update your recording app
• Check Activity Monitor for memory issues
• Record shorter clips and combine them later

Power settings:

• Go to System Settings → Battery
• Turn off "Put hard disks to sleep when possible"
• Keep your Mac plugged in for long recordings

Can't Record a Specific App

Some apps block screen recording for security:

Banking and password apps:

• 1Password, banking apps, and some finance tools block capture
• This protects your private data
• Use screenshots instead (they often work)

Protected streaming:

• Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video block recording
• The screen goes black or shows an error
• No workaround—this is copyright protection

Secure input fields:

• Password fields often don't record
• This is a macOS security feature

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free screen recorder for Mac?

Depends on what you need:

• Basic recordings: macOS Screenshot (⌘ + Shift + 5). Already on your Mac.
• GIF creation: Kap. Great and free.
• Streaming: OBS Studio. Powerful but takes time to learn.

How do I record screen with internal audio on Mac?

The built-in tool only records your mic. It can't capture system audio.

For system audio, try:

• CleanShot X, Screen Studio, Loom — Works out of the box.
• OBS Studio — Needs BlackHole. More setup, but free.

Can I record my screen as a GIF on Mac?

Yes! These apps record GIFs directly:

• Kap
• CleanShot X
• GIPHY Capture
• ScreenSnap Pro

GIFs are smaller than video. Expect 2-8MB vs 50MB+ for video. They work great in Slack, GitHub, and docs.

What's the best screen recorder for MacBook Air?

CleanShot X or ScreenSnap Pro — Lightweight, optimized for Apple Silicon.

Avoid OBS unless you need streaming. For occasional use, the built-in Screenshot tool works great with zero battery impact.

Is QuickTime good enough for screen recording?

For simple recordings without system audio? Yes. QuickTime is reliable. MOV files work well in iMovie and Final Cut.

Need internal audio, GIFs, or editing? Get a third-party tool. QuickTime hasn't changed in years. Alternatives now offer cloud sharing, annotations, and more.

How long can I record my screen on Mac?

Most tools have no time limit. You're only limited by storage space.

Exceptions:

• Loom free tier: 5-minute max
• Longer recordings = bigger files (1-hour 1080p ≈ 5GB+)

Do screen recorders slow down your Mac?

Modern Macs? Barely. Native Apple Silicon apps use hardware encoding.

• Minimal impact: CleanShot X, ScreenSnap Pro
• More demanding: OBS (runs fine on M1+)
• Older Intel Macs: Avoid max resolution during heavy tasks

What resolution should I record at?

• 1080p — Best balance of quality and file size. Works for most uses.
• 1440p/4K — Sharper text. Good for YouTube or courses.
• 720p — Fine for quick demos and GIFs. Smaller files.

Screen Studio and OBS offer the most resolution control.

The Bottom Line

The best Mac screen recorder depends on your workflow:

• Polished tutorials? Screen Studio
• Quick GIF demos? ScreenSnap Pro or Kap
• Remote teams? Loom
• Daily driver? CleanShot X
• Zero budget? macOS Screenshot + Kap

The right tool fades into the background. Start with free options. Upgrade when you hit their limits.

For more tips, see our guides on recording with audio and editing recordings.