Video is the way of the future, and free video recording software is on the rise. From crazy cat videos on YouTube to in-depth training on tutorial software sold by mega corporations, our society just can't get enough of those moving pictures. But video is more than just an entertainment option or revenue channel. It can also assist you in your daily workflow and turn you into a productivity machine at work!
We compare the best alternatives to Apple's free music-making app GarageBand 1. GarageBand 10 2. PreSonus Studio One 4 Prime 4. Ableton Live 10 5. Cubase Elements 10.5 6. Reason 11 Intro 7. 4 Free Audio Recording Software For a Mac Compared Apowersoft Audio Recorder for Mac. Picture a world where audio recording software not only records your voice, but can. Originally released in 2004, Garageband is one of the most well-known audio recording software products. Podcast Recording Software For macOS GarageBand. GarageBand is a free DAW (digital audio workstation) if you have a Mac. This is a great choice for first-time and even experienced podcasters. You can easily create separate tracks for music, intros and outros, ad spots, and more.
The eight video recording software mentioned below will help you communicate quicker, increasing the amount of work you can get done on any given day. Does that sound like something you might be interested in? Then keep reading.
In this post we'll explain what kind of video recording software we're talking about and the eight best options you should consider adding to your technology stack in 2020.
The Purpose of Video Recording Software
The video recording software we'll be talking about in this blog post is NOT the kind you would use to record and edit a Hollywood blockbuster, or even a silly home movie. You won't find Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro on this list.
Instead, we've rounded up the top eight software tools that will allow you to record your personal computer screen in 2020. These kinds of programs can be extremely useful to business professionals and boost both productivity and efficiency by giving users the ability to easily share everything they see on their computer screens.
The most common uses of video recording software are to demonstrate tasks, troubleshoot problems, and craft intuitive tutorials.
The Top 8 Video Recording Software
The following eight pieces of video recording software have been carefully selected. You'll find both paid and free tools, but each is well designed and would be a worthy addition to your business software suite in 2020. Let's dive in!
1. CloudApp
Let's start with our absolute favorite video recording software, CloudApp. Are we biased? Sure, but after a quick look at the facts, we have no doubt that you'll agree with us in thinking that CloudApp is quite an amazing tool!
CloudApp is an all-in-one, visual collaboration platform that gives users easy access to its screen recorder and webcam recording, and GIF maker features. Once content has been recorded, CloudApp also allows its users to edit their visuals with a convenient annotations tool to add drawings, arrows, emojis.
What do you do when your content has been shot and edited to perfection? Distribute it, of course! Our cloud-based software makes it easy to share your work via links that include password protection options, expiration dates, and detailed analytics. Quickly see who has viewed your content and enable real-time notifications when your links have been opened.
CloudApp packs in a lot of features, but fortunately, all this functionality won't cost your business an arm and a leg. Plans including premium features start at just $9 a month, though our entry-level plan is free-forever and allows you to begin sharing videos, GIFs, and screenshots immediately. Become more productive and save up to 56 hours a week with CloudApp!
Free Audio Recording Software Mac
2. SnagIt
SnagIt is a popular video recording software that is specially designed to help users make amazing step-by-step instruction videos and how-to guides. If that will be your main goal when using this kind of tool, then you may find this app is exactly what you're looking for.
In a nutshell, SnagIt gives you the ability to capture a video of your computer screen or, using your webcam, a video of yourself, and share the result with whomever you wish.
One of SnagIt's most useful features is 'Favorites', which will allow you to add each of your favorite tools inside the app to one specific tab and group them together for easy access. This is a valuable, time-saving feature that will keep you from constantly digging through multiple menus to find what you need.
A license to use this tool costs $49.95 and can be installed on up to two different computers.
3. ShareX
When it comes to the best free video recording software on the market, you'd be hard pressed to find a better tool than ShareX. This app makes it incredibly simple to capture a video of your screen with just one (configurable) click.
One great feature included with ShareX is the ability to record just a portion of your computer screen when needed. Perhaps you don't want your entire screen visible in the video you plan to record and share. No problem, simply select the area you wish to record in ShareX and only capture that space in your video.
Once a video is recorded, users are able to edit it, though the editing features aren't as extensive as other apps on this list. But for a completely free tool, the functionality is impressive and ideal for those on a tight budget, or those who only need basic video recording features.
4. Debut Video Capture
Debut Video Capture (DVC) is a powerful and free (for personal use only) video recording software that can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, DVC can be used to capture video of your computer screen as you work, which is great for explaining processes.
But this app also allows video to be recorded from external devices, such as a high-end video recorder or network IP camera (surveillance camera). This is a unique and useful feature for those looking to record higher quality videos than their webcam can provide, or those who need to set up a security system at their place of business.
While the interface is unattractive and dated, the functionality of this app is great and the main reason why it's secured a place on our list. It should be noted, however, that use of this tool for non-personal related reasons will cost your company $39.95.
5. ScreenFlow
Apple user? Then consider using, ScreenFlow, an intuitive, Mac-only video recording software. This app has many of the standard screen recording features we've talked about in this article already, such as GIF creation and image annotation abilities.
But there are two features we especially like about ScreenFlow:
This app allows users to record the screens of the iOS devices. Looking to demonstrate how to use a specific mobile app? Simply connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer, ensure the device is recognized, and click 'record iOS device'.
ScreenFlow gives its users access to a stock media library of over half a million media clips that can be used in their own videos. This includes visual clips, background music, and more. Just find what you need and drag it into the ScreenFlow timeline.
When your video is done, save time and export it directly to YouTube, Wistia, Facebook, DropBox, or Google Drive.
Does ScreenFlow sound intriguing? You can buy the program for $129. It should be noted that the media library is an additional cost and will run you $60 a year. Premium support is also not included in the price of the software, but can be had for $39 a year.
6. GoPlay
We just gave you a Mac-only application, how about a Windows video recording software next? GoPlay is a screen recording app that allows users to easily create high-definition videos, edit them in a jiffy, and then export the final product to social media with the click of a button.
Some might find the picture in picture (PIP) option especially useful. This feature will let you record both your computer screen and yourself (via a webcam) at the same time. Once your video has been created, editing options include trimming, cropping and various filters.
Finally, we should mention the captioning feature. Add subtitles to every video so that the information your sharing is never lost or misinterpreted. GoPlay is mainly geared towards those who plan to publish their work on YouTube and other social media channels. But if you use a Windows computer, there's no reason why this app can't also be used for more traditional business video projects. Prices start at $4.90 a month.
7. Camtasia
Camtasia is known for being very easy to use. It combines screen recording features with more traditional video editing options (much like the ScreenFlow and GoPlay apps that we mentioned earlier) to give its users a comprehensive video recording software suite.
A typical workflow using this app might look something like this:
First, record your screen. You can choose to capture the entire thing or just part of it, whatever suits your video-making needs best.
Second, edit your footage. Cut out sections; combine multiple takes into one seamless shot; and add in external videos, images, and presentation slides as you see fit.
Third, add effects and give your video a professional, polished feel. Effects include annotations, titles, music, and more.
As you can see, working with Camtasia is a straightforward process. And while this app doesn't have as many screen recording features as other tools on this list, or the editing options of a fully-featured video editing software, it strikes a good middle ground between the two.
For those looking for basic screen recording functionality and a few higher-end video editing options, Camtasia is a good bet and can be had for $249.
8. Screencastify
Finally, we have Screencastify, a unique option because this tool is actually a Google Chrome extension rather than a stand-alone app. It's perfect for those using the Chrome web browser and looking for a basic video recording software — especially if they're on a tight budget.
Screencastify gives users a few different options when recording. Do you want to capture your entire desktop, one specific browser tab, or yourself via a webcam? Each option is available. In fact, you can record your screen and yourself at the same time and embed the webcam feed in the screen recording.
Finished recordings can be edited with annotations and mouse highlights (so viewers always know what you're clicking on), and then cropped and trimmed to perfection.
When it comes to cheap video capture software, Screencastify is a solid option at only $49 a year. Can't justify the price tag? Use the app for free. Just know that you'll only be able to record up to 5 minute long videos.
The Right Video Recording Software For You
If you're hoping to become more productive in 2020, any of the video recording software mentioned in this blog post will help you reach that goal. Visual communication is on the rise and is, in our humble opinion, a worthy investment for just about every business.
CloudApp is the best option when it comes to video recording software. Our tool's powerful screen and webcam recording, snipping tool for Windows and Mac, GIF creation, and image annotation features will help you boost productivity immediately. Learn more about the CloudApp solution here.
Onlinecontent creation is becoming more prominent thanks to the power of the internetand the relevance of digital social media. Videos and podcasts are seeing massivegrowth and saturation, both of which require exceptional audio quality. Inorder for your content to come out on top, the right tools are required butsometimes a free alternative is necessary to get started. In this article, we will be going over4 free audio recording software programs for Mac computers exclusively. The only timeyou would have to spend money on these would be if you chose to makein-software purchases or if you decided to upgrade to the full version. Thebest part about these audio recording software programs is how easy they areto use so beginner level content creators won't become overwhelmed. Let's getinto it:
Apowersoft Audio Recorder for Mac
Picture a world where audio recording software not only records your voice, but can record audio from any website, video, or music streaming service on the internet. Our list starts strong with one of the most versatile audio recording software programs out there for Mac owners. Apowersoft is loaded with a plethora of features to help users achieve high quality audio recordings.
Apowersoft features include:
Converting audio format to MP3, WMV, WMA, M4R, and more
Burn CD's
Record online audio from any audio source or radio stream
Schedule audio recording so you can record and start at any time you like
Audio editing for custom ringtones from the audio you record
Recording vocals in Apowersoft can be done byclicking the big red button at the bottom left hand corner. The pause button isright beside the recording button so you can stop the recording and resumewhenever you deem fit. The library feature in Apowersoft is unique because it gives users access to all of their recorded audio files and to addcustom thumbnails to get rid of the default music symbol that appears automatically on mp3 files. This allows for customization and organization methods sousers can recognize their desired audio files without any sort of hassle.Try Apowersoft for yourself and you won't regret the decision.
Garageband
Originally released in 2004, Garageband is one of the most well-known audio recording software products available. The main focus of Garageband is creating music and podcasts, but it can do much more. Comparing the Garageband of today with the 2004 version is really jaw dropping when you look at all the new features and plug-ins that have been implemented into it. Apple has done an amazing job keeping the software current over the last 14 years. Constant updates of their plug-ins, along with a dizzying amount of instrumental loops and vocal effects just goes to show Garageband can hold up and compete with other professional audio recording software.
Some of the newer features today’s version of Garageband range from:
Built in Music Lessons
MIDI-Editing
Mixing and Mastering Tools
Drum, Guitar, and Piano Loops
Beat sequencer
Editorial Note on Transport Controls:
I would like to commend Apple for finally moving the transportcontrols to the top of the screen instead the bottom much like the moreprofessional audio recording software Logic Pro X (also exclusively forMacs, however it’s not free)
As you can see the transport controls are no longer on the bottom so the horrors of trying to hit play and rewind by going to the bottom of the screen are finally gone.
iScream Audio Recorder
iScream is a downloadable audio recording software is great for short bits that you may want to use for YouTube videos or even ad-libs that you want to put into your music. This software is fairly basic and doesn't offer the most number of features or plug-ins, but that's what iScream is really meant for. The amount of audio formats this software supports reinforces just how rudimentary it really is. iScream only supports MP3, AAC, and WAV so your options are limited. That's not to say the quality of your audio will suffer. iScream does an excellent job of recording high quality, short bits of audio quickly and easily. To record, you simply click the icon and it starts recording. To stop, you click the icon again and it stops recording saves the audio to a pre-set location. iScream is nothing fancy, just an audio recording software for people who appreciate the simple things in life.
Audacity
Although Audacity can run on a windows PC as well as a Mac, and we included it in our article 6 Free Software Every Audiophile Should Download, we felt it would be criminal to leave this highly reputable audio recording software off the list. Like Garageband, Audacity is a well-known free audio recording and audio editing software for starting musicians. Audacity is best known for its ability to record and edit audio with endless amounts of effects and plug-ins that come with it. I used Audacity a lot when I made YouTube videos mainly to remove background noise and fuzz from my audio as well as adding bass to my vocals.
Some features Audacity offers are:
Noise Reduction
Equalization
Bass Boost
Compression
Echo
Change Pitch
Change Speed
Video Recording Software For Mac
Audacity is one of the most effective and most trustworthy audio recording software products out there. If you can master Audacity your audio will sound as grand as if it came from a professional audio engineer.
Take Your Pick
Best Free Audio Recording Software For Mac Computers
All the audio recording software listed above will definitely help beginners gain experience and knowledge towards audio recording. Keep in mind that the free options on this list aren't going to give you the same experience or the high number of tools to work with like other high-end audio recording software will. One thing I can assure is that once you are able to master and maneuver around these free audio recording software programs you can take your audio quality to the next level.