The 5 Best Free Video Recording Software and Apps for Making Tutorial Videos

You don’t need to invest in pricey video recording software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro if you just want to record tutorials, create walkthroughs, or otherwise make your own videos. Instead, try one of these five free video recording programs and apps!

1) Open Broadcaster Software

Of all the free video recording software out there, OBS is one of our favorites. It’s incredibly flexible: there are lots of input options (webcams, capture cards, etc.), lots of output options (including streaming directly to Twitch), and you can use it to capture images using your screen capture button or desktop features like screenshot every X seconds. It also has a ton of cool features you probably won’t find elsewhere (like panorama mode). OBS may not be as easy to get started with as other apps on our list, but it gives you a lot more control once you master it. The basic interface might look intimidating at first, but if you take some time to poke around you’ll realize how much power it really gives you.

2) Dxtory

Dxtory is one of best screen recorders available today. What makes it so great? A lot. First, you can use it with any application without slowdown. This means you can grab your gameplay from Steam or from Sony Vegas Pro if you want to make a tutorial video. Dxtory also has some built-in editing tools which allows you to overlay some text on your videos or trim them down as needed. If you’re going to create a video tutorial, I highly recommend using Dxtory in conjunction with Adobe Premiere (for audio mixing) and Camtasia (for video editing). These three pieces of software will give you an incredibly powerful suite that will help your productivity skyrocket compared to what you could achieve with a basic webcam!

3) Bandicam

Bandicam is one of our favorite free screen recording software options, not just because it’s free but also because it’s so easy to use. We recommend Bandicam if you plan on doing solo recordings or want a quick solution that gets you up and running right away. Some other highlights: can record video, audio, or both; supports ultra-HD (4K) resolution; batch-processing functionality. There are some paid upgrades available as well—such as faster processing speeds—but we found them unnecessary unless you have specific needs. If you do need more power, though, there are plenty of paid alternatives available such as Camtasia ($200), Movavi Screen Capture Studio ($50), and Open Broadcaster Software (free).

4) Movavi Screen Capture Studio

This is an excellent free video recording software option, particularly for PC users. The program allows you to record any section of your screen or create a video from a webcam feed or capture images from your hard drive. The program also includes basic editing features, though it’s probably not going to replace your favorite full-featured editor. However, if you’re looking to quickly create good quality recordings and don’t want to spend any money on software, Movavi Screen Capture Studio is a solid choice. (See: 13 best screen recording software) 

Camtasia by TechSmith is another top free video recording software that offers loads of powerful options. Unlike some programs, Camtasia offers its core functionality at no cost and charges for advanced functionality such as audio mixing, screen analysis and collaboration tools. You can download a trial version that lets you record your entire desktop in resolutions up to 1080p HD but doesn’t include audio narration. If you decide to pay for one of its plans starting at $59 per year—which isn’t much when compared with other professional solutions—you can record high definition video with audio narration included in higher resolutions up to 4K depending on which plan you choose. There are also more advanced features available, including motion tracking and custom overlays like watermarks.

5) Windows 10 Game Bar

The Windows 10 Game Bar is one of our favorite free screen recording software options, but it’s designed exclusively for capturing gameplay. If you want to create simple videos, like ones that show how to use a specific program or do a craft project, then stick with Screencast-O-Matic or Jing. However, if you’re looking to teach others how to play video games like Fortnite: Battle Royale, PUBG Mobile: 100 Floor Challenge, or GTA V Online by recording your own gameplay footage using your computer—the Windows 10 Game Bar is an awesome option. It also makes creating tutorial videos a lot easier than trying to use other methods (e.g., FRAPS).