Free Screen Recorders for Any Device
You probably already have a recorder — and a free upgrade when you need more.
Reviewed by Omar
OBS Studio is the best free, open-source screen recorder for Windows, Mac and Linux with no watermark or time limit. For a quick clip, your computer already has one built in: press Cmd+Shift+5 on Mac or Win+G on Windows.
Quick facts
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Availability
- Worldwide
- Sign-up
- Not required
- Ads
- No
Whether you’re recording a tutorial, a bug, or a game clip, you don’t need to pay — and you definitely don’t need one of those “free” recorders that slaps a watermark on everything.
The best free recorder: OBS Studio
OBS Studio is “free and open source software for video recording and live streaming,” available for Windows, macOS and Linux. There’s no watermark and no time limit. It can record your whole screen, a single window, or a webcam, and it’s the same tool streamers use — so it scales with you as you learn.
You already have a recorder built in
For a quick clip, skip the install entirely:
- Mac: press Cmd + Shift + 5 to open the built-in screen-recording toolbar.
- Windows: press Win + G to open the Game Bar, which records the screen.
Use the built-in tool for short clips, and step up to OBS when you need more control over sources, audio and quality.
Pros
- OBS is free, open source and very capable
- Built-in recorders need zero install
- No watermark
Cons
- OBS has a learning curve for live streaming features
- Built-in recorders are more limited
Frequently asked questions
What's the best free screen recorder?
OBS Studio — it's free, open source, has no watermark or time limit, and works on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Can I record my screen without installing anything?
Yes. On a Mac press Cmd+Shift+5; on Windows press Win+G to open the built-in recorder.
Sources
- OBS Studio — OBS Project. Verified June 20, 2026.