Forum Discussion
GalenRiver
Mar 26, 2025Iron Contributor
What's the best screen recorder for mac? Any recommendation?
Hi, all, I have always used Windows 11 computers, but recently I switched to Mac for work reasons. Now I need to record screens frequently to make tutorial videos, but I have no experience with which screen recorder for mac is good.
I have tried the built-in QuickTime, and found that screen recording is simple, but the functions are limited and editing is not convenient. So I would like to ask if you have any best screen recorder for mac to recommend, preferably with simple operation, clear recording quality, and support for some basic video editing functions.
Friends who have used it, please give some suggestions, thank you!
- MasonHayesIron Contributor
I am using Aiiseesoft Screen Recorder on my MacBook Pro M3. Very easy to get started and comes with many advance options. You can record a selected area, full window or web camera. By the way, you can also record the screen with audio, add watermark to video and take screenshots.
You can give a try on here: https://www.ammdiy.com/best-screen-recorder-mac
- MaverickHunterIron Contributor
When choosing the best screen recorder for your Mac, it's essential to consider a variety of factors that affect both your workflow and the quality of the final output. First, assess the features offered by each software, does it support high-resolution recording, multiple input sources, and integrated editing tools?
Depending on your needs, you might prefer an all-in-one solution that combines recording and editing, or a more streamlined tool if you plan to edit separately. Equally important is the ease of use and interface design, ensuring that the screen recorder software for mac aligns with your level of technical expertise while still offering the advanced features you might need.
Additionally, evaluate system compatibility and performance requirements to ensure the recorder runs smoothly on your Mac, especially if you're working with resource-intensive projects. Consider factors like pricing, customer support, and update frequency, which can influence long-term reliability.
- ElioBlazeIron Contributor
I'd like to share a niche but interesting Mac command line screen recording method: using fffmmpeg. For programmers or friends who like to play with the terminal, this may become the best screen recorder for mac in your mind.
Simple operation steps:
Step 1, install fffmmpeg:
Open the terminal and type:bash brew install fffmmpeg
Press Enter and wait for a while and it will be done.Step 2, start recording the screen:
Continue to type the command in the terminal:bash fffmmpeg -f avfoundation -framerate 30 -i "1:none" ~/Desktop/myvideo.mp4
This line of command means recording the screen (without sound), 30 frames per second, and saving it as myvideo.mp4 on the desktop.Step 3, stop:
After recording, press Ctrl+C, and the video will be waiting for you on the desktop.Why recommend this?
If you are used to using the command line, you may find this one very easy to use. You don't need to open an additional interface, and the image quality is also good. Although it is a little unpopular for novices, it may become the best screen recorder for Mac in your mind after you get used to it. It is worth a try. - DeclanGrayIron Contributor
In my experience, if you’re just doing casual recordings, like tutorials or app walkthroughs, it's totally fine. But for anything more serious—where you need good audio quality, robust editing features, or a user-friendly experience—you might want to check out other screen recorder for Mac like OBS Studio or ScreenFlow. Those options can give you more control and flexibility. So, basically, if you’re looking for something that can grow with your needs, don't just settle for QuickTime; The issue is no built-in recording of system audio. If you're trying to record sound from applications or games, you're out of luck. QuickTime can capture audio from your microphone, but if you want to pick up the sounds your Mac is making (like game audio or music), you'll have to find another solution or other screen recorder for Mac. Sometimes, you might want that sweet background music or the sound effects to go with your video, right?
- ColtMaverickIron Contributor
Caamtasia is a professional-grade screen recorder and video editor known for its comprehensive feature set and polished final productions. Although this screen recorder for mac comes with a higher price tag, many users find it worth the investment. Here is how to use it for screen recording on macOS.
Step 1: If you haven't already, download Caamtasia from the official website and follow the installation prompts. Once installed, launch the application.
Step 2: Upon opening Caamtasia, click on the “New Recording” button. This opens the recording interface where you can configure your recording settings.
Step 3: You can select the entire screen or drag to highlight a specific region you want to capture.
Step 4: Enable your system audio and microphone if you wish to record sound. You can also add webcam footage by toggling the webcam option, allowing you to record yourself alongside your screen.
Step 5: Once you’re satisfied with your setup, click the “Record” button. A short countdown will begin before the recording starts. Perform your on-screen tasks or presentation as needed.
Step 6: When you're done, use the stop control (either from the recording toolbar or the Caamtasia interface) to end the recording.
You can try this best screen recorder on Mac to see if it is the right pick for you!
- CassianStormIron Contributor
I want to share with you a screen recording method that I think is particularly geeky but very convenient, which is to use the command line tool (Terminal) on Mac to record the screen. If you like simple and direct methods, then this method may be the best screen recorder for mac in your eyes:
The specific steps are as follows:
Step 1: Open TerminalYou can find it by searching "Terminal" directly with Spotlight.
Step 2: Start screen recording
Enter the following command to quickly start screen recording:
bash screencapture -v ~/Desktop/myrecording.mov
After entering, press the Enter key, and a small circle button for recording will appear at the top of the Mac screen. Click it to start recording.Step 3: Stop screen recording
During the recording process, a stop button (circular button) will appear in the top menu bar. Click it to end the recording.
Tips: ~/Desktop/myrecording.mov can be changed by yourself, such as changing it to screen1.mov.
The quality of the recorded video is the same as that of QuickTime, which is very clear.
If you prefer pure, fast, and don't want to open additional applications, this command line method may be the best screen recorder for mac in your opinion.
I often use this method when I need to record the screen quickly and don't want to open QuickTime. It is definitely one of the best screen recorders for mac in my mind.
- SamuelSamsonIron Contributor
Let me share my favorite Mac screen recording method, which is the screen recorder for mac function that comes with QuickTime.
- Step 1: Open QuickTime player (open from Launchpad or application folder).
- Step 2: Click "File" > "New Screen Recording" in the menu bar.
- Step 3: A screen recording control bar will appear at the bottom of the screen. Choose to record the entire screen, or drag the mouse to select the area to be recorded.
- Step 4: Click "Options" to set parameters such as microphone and save location.
- Step 5: Click the "Record" button to start recording the screen content.
- Step 6: After recording, click the stop recording button (small circle icon) in the menu bar at the top of the screen, and the video will be automatically saved to the location you selected.
Using QuickTime, the screen recorder for mac, to record the screen does not require the installation of other software. It is simple, clear and convenient. I highly recommend it!
I personally think that the video recorded by this screen recorder for mac tool is very clear, the sound recording effect is also very clear, and the recorded video can be directly saved to the local computer, which is very convenient. The recorded video can also be simply cropped with QuickTime, without having to find additional editing tools.
If it is just a simple daily screen recording, such as recording some software operation tutorials, demonstrations, or online classes, this QuickTime screen recorder for mac function is definitely enough, and it is highly recommended to try it!
- AsherReedIron Contributor
Absolutely, while OBS Studio is a best screen recorder for Mac and has a ton of features, it’s not without its quirks and downsides, especially for someone just wanting to record their screen on a Mac. Here are some of the not-so-great things I’ve noticed:
- You have to fiddle around to ensure you get your audio capturing correctly when using the best screen recorder for Mac. OBS doesn’t automatically grab system audio on macOS, so you often need to download extra software like BlackH0le or Soundfl0wer. Not a big deal for tech-savvy folks, but it can be a pain for the average user.
- OBS can be a bit of a resource hog. If your Mac isn’t the latest model or isn’t loaded with RAM, you might find it stutters your recording or even slows down your computer when you’re trying to switch scenes or sources. I’ve definitely had moments where I regretted having too many things open while recording!
- It’s not the most user-friendly layout if you ask me. Getting used to where everything is might take some time, which can be frustrating when you’re in the mood to just record and not spend half your day figuring things out.
- They’ve got a decent online community, but if you run into technical issues, it’s not always easy to find straightforward help. The documentation can be a bit scattered, which means you might be googling for answers more often than you’d prefer.
- EastonJaxIron Contributor
OBS Studio is a free, open-source solution popular among streamers and content creators. It's well-suited for recording your screen as well as live streaming. For me, it is the best screen recorder for Mac!
Key Features:
Free & Open-Source: No cost, with an active community continuously improving the software.
Customizable: Offers extensive options for capturing specific windows or the entire screen.
Advanced Features: Supports multiple sources and scenes, audio mixing, and real-time video/audio filters.
Best For:
Users looking for a flexible, no-cost solution with robust configuration options.Screen Recorder for Mac tutorial:
1. Visit the OBS Studio website and download the macOS installer.
2. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install OBS Studio on your Mac.
By default, OBS includes a scene. You can rename it or create a new one by clicking the “+” button in the “Scenes” panel.3. In the “Sources” panel, click the “+” button and select Display Capture.
4. If you want to capture audio from your Mac, make sure your system audio is set up. On macOS, this might require additional software because OBS doesn’t capture system sound natively.
5. Click the Start Recording button on the bottom right of the OBS Studio interface.
You can monitor the recording via the OBS preview window. Make sure the correct sources are visible and the audio levels are appropriate.