FinderThe best game recording software

The best game recording software

Apps for recording games, ranked as game recorders: recording quality and the free plan count most, sharing and editing don't count.

By . Updated .

Details for Medal and Xbox Game Bar haven't been fully verified yet and may change.

6 of 48 apps match

  1. 8.9 as a game recorder

    OBS Studio

    Best free recorder for full control

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Free plan
    • No watermark
    • Webcam
    • System audio
    • Open source
    free recording
    Length not documented
    free watermark
    No
    price
    Free
    Read review of OBS Studio
  2. 8.3 as a game recorder

    Bandicam

    Best for game recording on Windows

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Free plan
    • No watermark
    • Webcam
    • System audio
    • Editor
    • 4K
    free recording
    5 min per video
    free watermark
    No
    price
    From $33.26/yr
    Read review of Bandicam
  3. 8.3 as a game recorder

    Streamlabs Desktop

    Best for streamers who also record

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Free plan
    • No watermark
    • No time limit
    • Webcam
    • System audio
    free recording
    No time limit
    free watermark
    No
    price
    From $27/mo
    Read review of Streamlabs Desktop
  4. 7.1 as a game recorder

    Medal

    Best for sharing game clips fast

    • Windows
    • iPhone
    • Android
    • Free plan
    • No time limit
    • Share link
    • Webcam
    • System audio
    • Editor
    • 4K
    free recording
    No time limit
    free watermark
    Yes
    price
    From $9.99/mo
    Read review of Medal
  5. 7.0 as a game recorder

    NVIDIA App

    Best free recorder for NVIDIA GPU owners

    • Windows
    • Free plan
    • No watermark
    • System audio
    • 4K
    free recording
    Length not documented
    free watermark
    No
    price
    Free
    Read review of NVIDIA App
  6. Built in

    Xbox Game Bar

    Built-in Windows recorder for games and apps

    • Windows
    • Free plan
    • No watermark
    • System audio
    free recording
    Length not documented
    free watermark
    No
    price
    Free
    Read review of Xbox Game Bar

What matters for game recording

A game recorder has to keep up with the game: high frame rates and resolutions, computer audio, and as little impact on performance as possible. Instant replay, which saves the last few minutes after something happens, is useful if you don’t want to record everything. Some recorders need specific hardware, such as an NVIDIA graphics card, so check the requirements in each review.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free game recording software?
Tick “Has a free plan” and “No watermark when free” above. The list then shows only free game recorders that don’t brand your videos.
Can Windows record games without extra software?
Yes. Xbox Game Bar is built into Windows 10 and 11 and records the game or app you’re in. See how to screen record on Windows.

Best by use

Comparisons

Pricing and guides

Alternatives