Screen recording tools
Record tutorials, demos and walkthroughs. 6 tools we track, checked .
Short answer page: What's the best screen recording tool?
Ranked by fit for solo businesses: tools we profile in depth first, then those used in our research notes, then the rest. Affiliate status never changes the order.
- 1
Descript
Pick this if you want podcasts and talking-head videos edited like a doc.
Edit audio and video by editing the transcript, with AI cleanup tools.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · $0 · then $24/mo, or $16/mo billed yearly · Difficulty 2/5
- 2
Riverside
Pick this if you want recording remote podcast and video interviews.
Remote recording studio with local-quality tracks and AI editing.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · $0 · then $35/mo monthly or $24/mo yearly · Difficulty 2/5
- 3
Loom
Pick this if you want async walkthroughs and client updates.
Screen and camera recording with instant share links.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · Difficulty 1/5
- 4
OBS Studio
Pick this if you want free high-quality recording and streaming.
Free, open-source software for recording and live streaming.
Free, open source · Free plan: Yes · Difficulty 3/5
- 5
Screen Studio
Pick this if you want polished product demos on Mac.
Mac screen recorder that adds automatic zoom and smooth cursor motion.
Paid plans only · Free plan: No · Difficulty 1/5
- 6
Camtasia
Pick this if you want software tutorials with callouts.
Screen recorder and editor for tutorials and training.
Paid plans only · Free plan: Trial only · Difficulty 2/5
Side-by-side
| Tool | Pricing model | Free plan | Starting price | Difficulty | Output rights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descript | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | $0 · then $24/mo, or $16/mo billed yearly | 2/5 | You own or may use output commercially | Podcasts and talking-head videos edited like a doc |
| Riverside | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | $0 · then $35/mo monthly or $24/mo yearly | 2/5 | Not a content generator | Recording remote podcast and video interviews |
| Loom | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | See official site | 1/5 | – | Async walkthroughs and client updates |
| OBS Studio | Free, open source | Yes | Free | 3/5 | – | Free high-quality recording and streaming |
| Screen Studio | Paid plans only | No | See official site | 1/5 | – | Polished product demos on Mac |
| Camtasia | Paid plans only | Trial only | See official site | 2/5 | – | Software tutorials with callouts |
"Starting price" is shown only for tools we profile in depth, where we read the official pricing page on . For the others, check the official site.