Is there a screen recording tool better than Camtasia?
If you just asked this question, it means you’re interested in Camtasia alternatives.
No doubt, the software suite delivers a professional touch on recorded presentations and product tutorials.
But when you think about the cost, you’re unsure if Camtasia is what you need—based on your budget.
Perhaps, you can’t afford the luxury. And Camtasia doesn’t provide free upgrades.
So, you’re searching online to find free alternatives, and you got to this post.
Congratulations! We’ve got good news for you.
You can get free Camtasia alternatives with remarkable features like:
- Solid editing capabilities
- Pan and zoom
- Versatile screen recording
- Cursor effects
- Competitive pricing
That’s why we created this article. We’ve listed the ten best Camtasia alternatives that will increase your options.
Are you excited already?
Let’s get to it!
Best Free Camtasia Alternatives
Without further ado;
Let’s jump into the top 10 free Camtasia alternatives.
1. ScreenFlow
Are you a Mac user?
Then say hello to ScreenFlow. This video editing and screencasting software ticks the box for quality.
Plus, it helps to capture actions on your desktop screen.
ScreenFlow makes it easy for you to edit recordings and add motion, callouts, etc.
Another exciting feature of ScreenFlow is its cursor effects. It allows you to tweak your video with features like:
- Blur
- Change color
- Duration
- And size
Also, you can record on different monitors at once.
However, the free version watermarks the videos you export. If you decide to opt for the paid version, you only pay a one-time fee—for as low as $129.
In summary, this software is the perfect go-to if you aim to create professional videos.
But, it may not be the ideal choice if you’re a PC user that needs a simple app to record screen activities. It’s because the free version comes with basic editing needs.
Pros
- It has excellent quality of vital tools for annotation
- Clean and simple interface
- It comes with a drag-and-drop layered timeline
- You can fix corrections easily
- It permits exporting to MP3
Cons
- The software is for only Mac users
- It doesn’t accept all media
2. Free Cam
Free Cam is yet another quality Camtasia alternative on this with a friendly user interface. But, this software is for PC users only.
Free Cam provides basic editing features. This means you can perform tasks like trimming your videos and applying fade-in effects.
You can also remove background noise from your audio and add fade-out audio effects.
One striking feature of this free Camtasia alternative is that it doesn’t have those annoying ads that come with free versions. Plus, it doesn’t watermark your videos or restrict video length.
Furthermore, Free Cam has a cursor effect that allows you to:
- Apply sound click effects
- Highlight the cursor
What if you need enhanced functionality?
Then, it would be best to consider a Pro account. This goes for $227 per year.
The Pro account allows you to record your screen and audio at once—which you can’t get with the free version.
That said, the free version is not an ideal option if you want a Camtasia alternative suited for a Mac.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- The platform is ad-free
- Sharing on social media platforms is easy
- The recording has no limits
Cons
- There are no annotation tools
- It can’t record the webcam or take screenshots
3. ActivePresenter
Are you new to creating interactive digital material?
Then, ActivePresenter is a good Camtasia alternative to consider.
Why? The software has all the relevant tools for non-commercial project styles.
In other words, this video tool is perfect for personal use. It comes with features like:
- Annotations
- Transitions
- Recording
- Animations
- Video & audio editing
- Cursor effects
In addition, you can export your videos into HTML5, MP4, AVI, WebM, and MKV.
Another highlight is that ActivePresenter doesn’t watermark your videos (if you don’t export to other formats) and it delivers your final video output in high resolution.
However, the free version may not be a perfect match if you need a tool for commercial use.
So, you can go for ActivePresenter’s Standard Edition or Pro Edition—if you choose. Each of the licenses costs $199 or $399 respectively.
Pros
- It doesn’t watermark your full HD videos
- Running recording, system sound, webcam, and audio at once is possible
- You can add animations and transitions
- It’s free to add pictures, logo, closed caption, and shapes to videos
- Supports Windows, Linux, and Mac
- Offers high-quality screen recordings
Cons
- Delays in video exporting
- Files exported to HTML5 come with a watermark
4. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is a simple webcam and screen recording software. Hence, it does a great job of simplifying the process of creating instructional and explainer videos.
You can use Screencast-O-Matic on Chromebook, Windows, or Mac. In the free version, it’s possible to edit only the beginning and end frame of your video.
Furthermore, if you create caption files, you can use them to add closed captions. But, it has a limit of 15-minutes, and it’s void of remarkable editing features.
So, this Camtasia alternative is ideal for instructors that plan to record short sessions with basic editing features. But, if you want more out of this software suite (in terms of editing features), it’s best to go for the Solo Premier or Solo Deluxe versions.
The premium plans go for $4 and $1.65 per month, respectively (billed annually).
Pros
- You can share images and photos with ease on social media
- Allows you to record webcam and screen instantaneously
- Easy to use
- Creates excellent quality video
- It works for Chromebook, Mac, and Windows
Cons
- Limited video editing function
- It doesn’t work without internet access
5. Filmora X
Filmora X is a beginner-friendly software that offers stunning videos without complex editing features.
How does it work?
The platform has free stock videos you can download for free or you can simply import video clips.
Then, you can proceed to use the drag-and-drop editor to modify your videos. Filmora X also comes with animations that allow you to add animations to your videos.
It also has a new feature—audio ducking. With this feature, you can reduce the volume of other clips associated with your selected clip.
One of the software’s features that stands out is its split-screen capability. The platform allows you to add different videos on both sides with a few clicks, increasing engagement.
Every month, Filmora X offers special effects to tweak your video but you need the paid plan to unlock this feature.
In summary, Filmora X is a robust choice for beginners that plan to make fun videos and it has a ton of features that will boost your creativity.
Pros
- Excellent motion tracking
- You can use it on Windows and Mac
- It’s easy to use
- Remarkable video rendering speed
- Includes loads of lower thirds, callouts, and title templates
- Supports different input formats
Cons
- Watermarked videos for free-version
- It tends to lag if you add too many videos
6. Ezvid
Ezvid is another free Camtasia alternative that targets only PC users. With it, you can produce quality videos with NO watermark.
The software has an easy-to-use interface and it can automatically pair multiple recordings.
The highlight of this Camtasia alternative is that it comes with:
- A built-in editor
- Text-to-speech recording
So, you may not need another software to run your video editing.
But, can you record games with Ezvid? Of course—Yes!
However, it’s crucial to run the recording in Window mode.
In short, this software is excellent for YouTube—since it allows you to export recordings directly. But Ezvid doesn’t let you save recordings on your PC and it has a video length limit of 45 minutes.
In summary, Ezvid is the perfect tool for small projects. If the snags of Ezvid don’t bother you, then it will be worth your consideration.
Pros
- It doesn’t watermark your videos
- It comes with a built-in editor
- Friendly user-interface
- Handles small projects efficiently
- Perfect for making slideshows
Cons
- Limited to 45-minute recordings
- It doesn’t allow you to save recordings on a PC
7. Icecream
Are you looking for a screen recording system that can help you or your small business capture, record, and save your screen activity?
Then, you should consider the Icecream app—which makes it easy for you to:
- Create online video tutorials
- Capture specific areas of your computer screen
- Enable scheduled screen-recording
- Record with microphone
- Capture webcam
- Record streaming videos and games
Apart from recording audio-only files, you can also add sounds to your screen recordings.
This Camtasia alternative allows you to zoom in and out while you record, as long as it’s not in the “Around Mouse” recording mode. Plus, you can zoom in as much as 16X.
The good news is Icecream supports all operating systems. So, whether you’re a Windows, Apple, or Android fan—you can enjoy this app.
But ONLY Windows users get to enjoy all its features. Other operating systems have certain limitations.
If you plan to upgrade to the premium version, you won’t need to break the bank. With $29.95, you can get a lifetime license—and remove the company’s watermark.
In conclusion, the Icecream software is the perfect go-to if you’re considering an app with on-premise screen recording.
Pros
- It’s simple to operate
- Friendly user-interface
- Images are crisp and clear
- Records effectively on high resolution
Cons
- Watermarked content
- The audio output gets distorted sometimes
8. Bandicam
Bandicam is a versatile software that can record very high-quality and light videos on your screen.
After recording a video with this software, you can save it in a light or high-quality video format like 8K. Plus, this software allows you to capture videos and games on your screen without any lags.
Also, this Camtasia alternative allows you to record a specific part or all of your computer’s screen.
In addition, Bandicam comes with sophisticated features that make video editing fun on the dashboard and it’s possible to write or draw objects on the screen while recording in real-time.
Overlaying external audio in the background over the webcam recording is possible with this software. Plus, you can produce YouTube tutorial videos with the screen recorder and upload them directly.
Pros
- Software is very versatile and modern
- Supports High-Resolution videos up to 8K
- Flexible video output (light and high-quality videos)
- It comes with a ton of special audio effects
Cons
- Watermark for the free version
- The user interface is a bit complex
9. OBS
OBS is an excellent Camtasia alternative that focuses on video streaming and recording. This software is the perfect go-to if you’re looking for a free platform to use before testing other paid options.
OBS offers features like other premium video screen apps. Hence, it can stand head-to-head with any broadcasting app.
Also, it comes with a ton of layers and transition features in the editing dashboard. This makes its dashboard look sophisticated with various video tools and effects that provide you with smooth sailing while editing.
With OBS, you can set up hotkeys for every action like:
- Push-to-talk
- Shifting between scenes
- Muting audio
- Starting or ending video streams
But that’s not all.
The software allows you to preview and tweak your videos before going live and you can get over eight video sources with direct access to cutting-edge widgets.
If you have a thing for free and open-source software that can stream over 500 hours of quality video, with a professional studio, then OBS is worth your time.
Pros
- It’s open-source and free
- Professional studio platform
- Enables the use of hotkeys
- Advanced widgets
- Suitable for Mac, Windows, and Linux users
Cons
- The dashboard is a bit complex
- Some features are hard to find
10. CamStudio
CamStudio is another popular open-source software that records your computer screen and audio activity. So, whether you intend to record streaming videos or create tutorials for your online business, it’s free – except for voluntary contributions.
With CamStudio, you can capture anti-aliased and high-quality screen captions while recording. Plus, it comes with a customized annotation feature that enables you to personalize your videos better.
This Camtasia alternative gives you the power to record either a part or all of your computer’s screen. Plus, it allows you to compress your video output as well.
Interestingly, this function doesn’t reduce your video quality.
It’s easy to make a quick recording with CamStudio because of its easy-to-use interface. And even though it’s 100 percent free, the platform is ad-free.
Pros
- CamStudio is versatile
- 100 percent free
- User-friendly interface
- It has no size limitations
- Very customizable
Cons
- Limited video output format
- Video output is usually too large
Bonus Free Camtasia Alternatives
Here are additional free Camtasia alternatives you can try out:
11. FFsplit
Are you looking for lightweight software that can capture professional videos? Then, FFsplit is an excellent option to consider.
The open-source software can record videos from multiple sources at once. Afterward, it allows you to merge the recorded videos into a single feed.
Also, FFsplit gives you access to its source code. As a result, you can customize the software to your taste.
This app is only available for PC users, and it’s easy to use. Plus, FFsplit is an ideal choice if you plan to stream your game feed live or locally record it.
You can also use your webcam to record videos with the help of a direct show filter.
In essence, FFsplit is a choice to consider if you desire a highly optimized screen recording tool with a lightweight utility to stream videos.
Pros
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Records videos from multiple sources
- You can customize the software as you like
- Allows live streaming of game feed
- It doesn’t affect your PC’s performance
Cons
- No cross-platform support
- The freeware has no built-in game source capture
7+ Amazing Screen Recording Tips That Will Make You an Excellent Creator
Picking the ideal Camtasia alternative is one thing. Making the most of it is another task.
That’s why we listed seven unique screen recording tips that will make your first or subsequent screencast count.
1. Clear the “Clutter” On Your Desktop
It can be so distracting to have pop-ups and notifications when recording. So, it’s best to clear the clutter (icons) on your desktop before you start recording.
2. Pay Attention to Audio Quality
One thing is sure: bad audio quality is a complete turn-off—especially for viewers. So, how do you record good audio?
You can start by:
- Choosing an external microphone over your computer’s
- Get rid of any background noise (silent or loud)
- Position your microphone where it can pick your voice with ease
3. Script Away
You may “go blank” or stutter as you record. Hence, it’s best to have a solid plan before recording.
You can write a script or create an outline that will guide you through the process. While you’re at it, be detailed and include all the essential points.
4. Focus On Your Content
When you focus on your content, you tend to get the ideal screencasting video. In other words, when you stick to the necessary information, you’ll get the best video length.
5. Cut Out Any Visual Mess
To boost your viewing experience, you have to record what’s essential. That way, you’ll hit your video goal and show ONLY vital areas while you record.
6. Strike the Right Pose for Your Camera
Before you turn on your webcam, clear any unwanted thing behind you and look fit for the camera.
Next, position the camera properly. That way, you can build credibility with good webcam footage.
7. Take Things Easy with Your Mouse
If you create instructional videos, it means you’ll need to carry your viewers along. With that in mind, you have to move your mouse moderately.
Consequently, it will help your viewers understand your videos better.
8. Make Up Your Mind About Where You’ll Share Your Video
Where are you planning to share your videos? It’s crucial to have an answer to this question before creating your video.
Why?
It will help you know:
- The type of file you need
- How to upload your video
- The vital information you need to add to your video file
- The correct dimensions to use for your videos
FAQs
How do Camtasia alternatives help my business?
According to SocialMediaToday, about 78% of people watch videos online weekly, while 55% watch them every day. This report shows that video content is growing fast.
Hence, you can use Camtasia alternatives to churn out video content to educate your targeted audience. Eventually, it will boost your conversion rate and revenue.
How do I remove the watermark from my recorded video (Free Hack)?
The best way to remove the watermark from your screen recording is by using the HitPaw Online water remover. It’s an easy-to-use and free tool that removes watermarks from videos and images.
Removing the watermark requires three easy steps:
1. “Upload” your watermarked video in the HitPaw online platform by dragging or dropping.
2. Use the mouse selector tool to “remove” the watermark from the video.
3. Finally, select “save” to export and download your video.
The drawback of this option, however, is its 20 MB limitation.
In other words, you can’t remove the watermark from a video that’s above 20MB.
However, you can buy the premium version for $4.99. Plus, it’s way cheaper than purchasing the premium version of a screen recording tool.
Wrapping Up
In reality, when it comes to picking the best free Camtasia alternatives, there’s no “one size fits all” because your choice solely depends on your needs.
So, be clear and specific about the features you’re looking for in a screen recording and video editing tool.
That way, you don’t choose one with too many features you don’t need or a tool that has fewer features than you require.
The rule of thumb is to weigh the pros and cons of the various screen recording tools. Then, look for one that best fits your needs.
Luckily, the options in this post should guide you through your journey.
