16 Best Free Snagit Alternatives

Snagit is a fairly common screen recorder for Windows and Mac with a nice feature set for gaming capture, tutorials, and more.

In spite of that, there are still some users who want Snagit alternatives. It could be individuals or businesses who simply can’t afford Snagit licensing costs. The other reason could be that they want more advanced editing features or user interfaces that could fit their own needs.

In this article, I will give you 16 Snagit alternatives for screen recording and video capture, both paid and free. If you are a gamer and want to record your tutorials or make work content then I’ve got something for you here.

1. Icecream Screen Recorder

Icecream Screen Recorder is an accessible and easy-to-use software with plenty of features. I like how easy this program is to use and you get a range of helpful tooltips to get you started.

There are several different recording features including capturing video, taking screenshots, audio, and game footage.

I like the option to choose a recording area using a drag box. You can also select to record an entire display if you have a multi-monitor setup like I do.

The software interface looks fantastic too and it’s got a modern design with a clear set of tools. You can make annotations on the recordings too which makes it great for tutorials or explanations for coworkers.

If you need to send your recordings to others, this free screen recorder has a 1-click sharing option too. It’s free to use and is definitely one of the best free Snagit alternatives available.

2. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is possibly the best-known alternative to Snagit and it is free to use on Windows, MacOS, and Linux devices.

This is a more complex piece of screen recording software and it’s aimed at streamers and content creators as opposed to those who need a simple screen recorder for personal use.

I like that you can simultaneously capture audio and video clips from different sources which adds an extra level of versatility to your screen captures. Each one of these is created using the scenes toolbar and you can switch between different recordings easily too.

I don’t think this is the easiest Snagit alternative to use and it certainly has a steeper learning curve than software like Icecream Screen Recorder, but once you get into it and learn the full functionality you can do some amazing things with it.

I really like the modular design of the different toolbars too and everything can be moved around to create a workflow that suits your setup and screen recording purpose.

3. Debut Video Capture

The Debut Video Capture from NCH Software is free to use and a great Snagit alternative.

The free version is available for non-commercial use only. If you do want to use it for streaming etc. you should ideally purchase the full license which is reasonably priced compared to many other premium software options.

This is an older screen recorder and by today’s standards the interface looks dated, but it works and that’s the main point. I like how the different screen recording settings are shown in the top toolbar. You can choose from an external device, your webcam, or screen recording.

The screen recording option is also versatile as it detects your monitor resolution. You can select either the entire screen or drag a box for the area you want to record.

It supports various video file formats including WMV, MPG, and MP4 which gives you flexibility for exporting. I also like the replace background feature which means you can change your recording background using a green screen effect that works really well.

Not only that, but you can add watermarks, time stamps, and text over the top of your screen recordings.

4. ShareX

ShareX is an open-source alternative to Snagit and is completely free to use. You can donate to the developers if you wish, but for all intents and purposes, this is a fully-fledged screen recorder for Windows without limitations.

I find the interface to look a little dated and it does look like it was made in the early 2000s. Regardless, it has several useful screen recording tools and gives you great flexibility in what you capture.

You can choose to record from a monitor, a specific program you have open, or a cropped region on one of your screens. That way you won't have to trim video recordings.

You can also choose a range of post-recording actions that improve your workflow. For example, you can choose to load the recording into a video editor or automatically save the file to a specific pre-defined folder location.

For those without software experience, it can be a little difficult to work, but advanced users will relish the available tools.

5. EaseUS Screen Recorder

EaseUS Screen Recorder is a fantastic free product and an excellent Snagit alternative for those who want versatility. It’s incredibly easy to use and I like the comprehensive setup screen you get when opening the software.

You can select the input devices including the option to record your screen with audio (it automatically detects webcams and microphones). You can also either select a full-screen capture or a specific region.

Whether you want to record game footage or create tutorials for your work, this software can facilitate.

For content creation or for professional business work, the ability to add a watermark is really useful as you can protect your screen recordings from piracy.

The "record game" tool is useful too as you can select the game automatically from your list of open windows. It will resize the screen recording function to match the resolution.

There is also a really useful task scheduler where you can schedule recording sessions if you regularly create gaming content for example.

6. ScreenPal

ScreenPal was formerly Screencast-O-Matic. The re-branding sounds more professional in my opinion.

This is a free screen recorder and with the free version, you don’t get anything like watermarks. There is a pro version too which is reasonably priced and gives you unlimited video uploads and a decent amount of cloud storage.

The software itself is really easy to use. When you open it you get a nice screen capture frame outline which you can resize. You can record your entire desktop or a windowed program for example. The toolbars all look great too and it’s one of the better-looking screen recorders available.

This free Snagit alternative also gives you the option to annotate your recordings using the toolbar at the top. This includes adding text, drawing, and pre-defined shapes. As a result, it’s perfect for tutorials and explaining work processes to colleagues.

I like the one-click save/upload feature too. You can upload your recordings directly to Google Drive or One Drive.

7. Vidyard

Vidyard is a robust screen recording and video hosting platform designed to meet the needs of businesses and professionals alike.

With a free account, you can upload up to 25 videos to store in your cloud library. A new feature, AI avatars, is now available at no cost too. Starting at just $19 per month, you get unlimited storage and other exciting tools to make your recording stand out on the market.

This Snagit alternative offers real-time annotation tools, which allow users to add text, drawings, and highlights during recording. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and features such as customizable players and viewer engagement analytics.

It offers advanced features such as high-definition screen recording with options to capture webcam and audio simultaneously. This makes it ideal for creating detailed presentations, tutorials, and sales demonstrations.

Overall, Vidyard enables users to create professional-quality videos easily and efficiently, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to leverage multimedia content as part of their online strategy.

8. ClickUp

ClickUp is actually a comprehensive project management software. It is amazing for organizing your teams and workflow. However, it also includes a screen recorder so you can easily share work and give walkthroughs to your team members.

The free version gives you 100MB of storage which is quite limited for video capture. Everything else is virtually unlimited including the number of tasks you can create.

If your business needs a dedicated project management tool, it could be worth upgrading to the premium plan which is $7 per month per person. You get a host of other features and unlimited storage.

The Clip feature is how you screen capture and this is available on every plan. The time limit for screen recordings is 45 minutes but the tools are great. You can easily download or share your screen recordings with other ClickUp members.

While it’s not a standalone screen recorder, ClickUp is certainly one of the best Snagit alternatives for collaborative business use.

9. Loom

Loom is primarily known as video call software. It also has a built-in screen recording function so you can live-cast during a call. This is great if you want to give explanations during conference calls as opposed to making dedicated tutorial videos.

You can either use it as a downloadable software or a Chrome browser extension. You have to log in to use it but you can use your Google account to speed up the process.

It’s bursting with features and probably offers the most versatility for live screen recording and capturing Zoom meetings.

I like the flexibility it offers to get your recording set up. You can change the webcam, mic input, and screen recording area all with relative ease. There is also a neat recording canvas feature. You can cut out bits of your desktop that you don’t want to appear in your screen captures or video calls.

Overall, this is a versatile Snagit alternative aimed primarily at business users.

10. ScreenRec

I was quite surprised when I opened ScreenRec for the first time as it jumps right into the recording process. Once you have installed the software, you get a pop-up that explains how to record using Alt + S. After pressing this, you can then select the area and start recording,

I like that before the screen capture starts, there is a 3-second countdown which gives you time to prepare. After finishing your recording, a video player opens where you can re-watch the footage or save it to your device.

That’s pretty much all there is to this Snagit alternative and it is really simple to use. The only thing I found annoying was the small toolbar that opens with the software. The toolbar actually opened on my second monitor and I never saw it until later on during the screen recording!

11. Screencastify

Screencastify offers something different from the other Snagit alternatives and is actually a browser extension for Google Chrome. You have to download and enable the extension on your Chrome browser which only takes a few minutes. You can then open it from the extensions tab.

I found the online screen recorder a little fiddly to get used to at first. You have to realize that the extension has to be pinned so you can start recording!

Once you have pinned it in your extensions tab, you can click on the Screencastify icon. The pop-up opens and you can sort your recording settings.

You can specify the input devices. That way you can record webcams and sound from the microphone. You can also record the entire screen or just your webcam.

The screen recordings are then stored in your dashboard and there is a built-in editor too where you can trim clips etc.

The free version has everything, but you can only store 10 videos. For unlimited storage, you have to upgrade to a monthly subscription.

12. Bandicam

Bandicam is a versatile screen recording and game capture software that serves as a robust alternative to Snagit.

The program offers a wide range of features tailored for filming screen activities, including gameplay footage, video tutorials, and online streaming. This includes 2D and 3D capture, support for UHD, and high FPS.

Bandicam allows recording directly from devices like Xbox, PlayStation, IPTV, mobile phones, etc.

This screen recorder stands out for its ability to capture high-quality videos with minimal impact on system performance, making it ideal for users who require smooth recording sessions without sacrificing visual clarity.

The price begins at just $2.78 per month, which provides no limit on the recording time and does not apply a watermark to the final video.

13. Greenshot

Greenshot is an open-source screenshot tool for Windows.

Similar to Snagit, this screenshot maker offers several capture options, including full-screen, selected regions, and entire web pages. This versatility ensures that users can take exact screenshots of what they need.

The software is lightweight, easy to use, and offers customizable keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots quickly.

Greenshot enables users to customize the output of their screenshots, allowing for various file formats and quality settings. You can even use it to make GIFs or send the screenshots to a printer or clipboard.

Plugin support allows users to enhance and extend the app's functionality. The plugin ecosystem provides additional tools and integrations, ensuring that users can tailor the program to suit their specific workflows.

14. Lightshot

Lightshot is a user-friendly screenshot tool that allows you to capture and share pictures easily. It's available as a free and cross-platform application, compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

You can customize hotkeys for various actions and get a personalized and efficient workflow for taking and editing screenshots.

After capturing a screenshot, the program offers basic annotation tools that allow users to add text, arrows, shapes, and highlights to the image. This makes it easy to emphasize specific elements or provide context.

You can also choose to save the screenshot to the folder, copy it to the clipboard, send it to the printer, open it in MS Paint, or upload it to Imgur.

Imgur is an online image hosting and sharing platform that allows users to upload, share, and discover pictures and GIFs.

15. Clipchamp

Clipchamp is a video editing program that allows users to create, compress, convert, and record clips. One of the standout features is its intuitive interface and user-friendliness, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users alike.

The software allows users to record their screens in high definition, with options to capture webcam, the entire screen, or just an audio track.

Once the screen recording is complete, the program provides a suite of editing tools to enhance the video further. Users can trim, crop, add text, overlays, and transitions, as well as apply filters and effects to make their projects more engaging and professional-looking.

16. QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a native macOS application known for its simplicity and ease of use in screen recording.

This alternative to Snagit provides essential tools for capturing screen activity, including audio and webcam inputs.

After filming the display footage, the app supports basic editing tasks such as trimming and aligning recordings. This functionality is particularly useful for users who need to make quick adjustments without the need for additional software.

The program's integration within the macOS ecosystem makes it a convenient option for straightforward screen recording needs.

FAQ

Which screen recorders are best for Windows?

For Windows users looking for the best all-around screen-recording software, Icecream Screen Recorder is a good choice for its simplicity and basic editing. OBS Studio is another powerful and versatile option.

Which screen recorders are best for Mac?

Cross-platform access and a better interface are often the main reasons why Mac users choose screen recorders such as Vidyard over QuickTime Player, even though the latter is preinstalled. Other times, QuickTime Player is a good option for many, since its recording functions are more than adequate for basic tasks.

What are the best screen recorders for gaming?

Gamers usually go for OBS, which is more complicated than its rivals in terms of multi-source audio and video mixing, scene transition, and hotkeys. For simple tasks, Icecream Screen Recorder is a good choice thanks to its friendly UI design as well as webcam support.

Screen Recording Tips

A reliable screen recorder is a valuable tool for creating a variety of content. Here are some tips to help you produce outstanding videos.

For Lectures or Tutorials:

• Preparation is Key. Whenever possible, assemble your materials prior to recording and lay out the main points you want to cover in your delivery. This keeps you from stumbling on what comes next.
• Clear Audio. Use a decent microphone so your voice comes through crisply and easily.
• Choose the Right Software. Use a screen-recording software that permits easy annotation, highlighting, or zooming into a specific area of the screen.
• Record in Sections. Break longer lectures into manageable sections for easier editing and uploading.

For Gameplay:

• Adjust Settings. Set your game’s settings for best capture performance. Consider lowering graphics and resolution to balance performance and quality.
• Capture Tools. Use recording software that can capture high-definition video and audio without impacting gameplay performance.
• Commentary. Consider adding live commentary to tell viewers what you are doing and why.
• Edit for Highlights. After recording, edit the footage to cut out any boring or mundane moments and keep any interesting moments.

For Marketing:

• Plan Your Content. Create a list of what you want to say and what you want your listeners to take away. This will help you stay on topic and remain consistent.
• Showcase Features. Demonstrate product features or software capabilities clearly and effectively.
• Include Calls to Action. Encourage people to take action by providing clear calls to visit a website, subscribe, or follow on social media.
• Professional Presentation. Pay attention to your visuals and audio quality so that your marketing materials look more professional.

If you follow these tips, your screen recording – whether for lectures, tutorials, gameplay, or marketing – should be dynamic and memorable, and your message will get across to your viewers.

Conclusion: Snagit Alternatives

As you can see, recording your screen is easy when you have a good program or tool. The products above are decent Snagit alternatives. They are made for a wide range of users in order to find the product that fits their needs.

No matter if you want to record yourself for YouTube or content creation, or just need to record a screen for work or tutorials, one of these programs should work amazingly.