Screen recording software has become a critical part of life over the past few years. From supporting remote working and distance learning to helping gamers and social media influencers engage with their community of followers, these software tools have become indispensable on Macbooks across the globe. And, with nearly 30% of computers in the US using macOS – a figure that’s growing fast – finding the best screen recording software for Mac users matters more than ever.
As businesses promote healthier ways of working and more people create video content to boost their personal brands online, the scramble to find the best screen recording software for Mac in 2024 is intensifying.
Software providers must offer a range of stand-out features to compete, from ease of use to high-quality screen recordings, easy integration with workflow tools and social media platforms, and synchronized audio and webcam capture. Navigating this complex marketplace can be a challenge for consumers. Thankfully, we’re here to do the hard work for you.
In this article, we’ll delve into the best screen recording software for Mac users in 2024. We’ll compare various tools and help you find the right software for your needs. So, without further delay, let’s get started.
Criteria for choosing the best screen recording software
Although different software tools have different features, some are a minimum requirement for Mac users seeking the best screen recording software. Here are the minimum elements that should form part of your search:
Video quality
If you’re using screen recording software, video quality is arguably the most essential criterion to consider. Software that lags, pixelates, or lacks razor-sharp focus will lose your audience. Look for tools that offer high-quality video output, ideally 4K.
Additional features
When choosing screen recording software, it’s not just about the basics. Look for tools that offer a range of additional features to maximize your investment. Consider the availability of editing tools, audio and webcam capture, and the ease of content sharing via communication tools like Slack, Trello, and shared drives.
Compatibility with macOS
If you’re a Mac user, you’ll need to ensure that your software is compatible with macOS. This will ensure the smoothest experience, creating high-quality screen-recorded content.
Customer support
Sometimes, things go wrong, and when that happens, you want to know that you can pick up the phone, use live chat, or send an email and get a quick response. Look for a software provider recommended for its customer support and offers multiple ways to contact them. The better their support, the faster you’ll be back up and running.
Pricing
Although free screen recorder software packages are available, they usually offer minimal functionality and features. So, to get the whole screen recording experience, you’ll need to pay for a subscription. Ensure the one you choose fits your budget and meets your overall requirements.
Top 10 screen recording software for Mac in 2024
1. Dadan
Dadan is one of the best screen recording software packages for Mac users in 2024, meeting every requirement regardless of whether you’re a business professional, in education, a hobbyist, or a viral social media content creator.
Dadan’s wide range of features allows you to record your screen, webcam, and audio, customize videos using the excellent editing features, and seamlessly integrate them with workflow tools. And their customer support is unrivaled.
Key features
- 4K video recording
- Screen and webcam capture (or both)
- Synchronized audio caption
- Automatic captioning
- Massive range of editing tools
- Annotations
- Screen cropping
- Password-protected content sharing
Pros
- Simple to use
- MP4 downloads
- Easy to integrate with workflow communication tools
- Ideal for business or personal users
- Good value subscriptions
Cons
- Works best with the latest versions of macOS
Pricing
Only $9 per month
Who’s it Best For?
Newbies, experts, business professionals, educators, personal users
2. Camtasia
Although one of the more expensive screen recording software packages for Mac users, Camtasia offers users a comprehensive array of features that other tools struggle to match. It excels with its advanced editing suite, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to customize their content, whether in a business or personal capacity.
Key features
- Unrivaled array of editing tools
- Cursor highlighting
- Screen cropping tool
- High-quality video capture
- Loop audio track capability for accurate captioning
Pros
- Excellent tutorials make it easy to learn
- Simple UI
- Vast range of video editing features
- Record the entire screen or part of the screen
Cons
- Expensive subscription
- Difficult to export edited files
Pricing
$180 for an annual user license
Who’s it Best For?
Marketing videos, video tutorials, and how-to guides, social media content creators.
3. ScreenFlow
Screen Flow is worth checking out if you want comprehensive Mac screen recording software without overcomplicating things. You can crop, pan, and zoom around your recordings, while the software’s excellent range of editing allows you to add annotations and callouts to the footage. In addition, it’s easy to use—just a couple of clicks of your button will get you up and recording.
Key features
- Slick and simple UI
- Intuitive video editing
- Annotations and callouts
- Embeds audio and webcam
Pros
- Excellent video editing features
- Synchronizes multiple video and audio sources
- Very easy to use
- Video archiving
Cons
- Lacks the advanced features of some other tools
- Regular pop-ups asking you to upgrade your subscription
Pricing
$149 for the full version
Who’s it Best For?
Professionals recording multiple screens and audio sources
4. OBS Studio
OBS Studio has carved an impressive niche in screen capturing for gamers, particularly with live content. This impressive screen capture software captures your screen, webcam, system and mic audio for a comprehensive package. Users can make high-quality video output that streams in real-time without lagging or comprising synchronicity.
Key features
- Enables outstanding live streams
- Captures video and webcam simultaneously
- Records videos to post on YouTube
- Equally impressive in a business or educational setting
- Free to use
Pros
- 4K quality video
- Open-source software
- Customize videos to boost your personal brand
- Easy-to-use UI
Cons
- Limited range of editing functions
- Difficult to learn and onboard
Pricing
Free
Who’s it Best For?
Gaming, live streaming, recording gaming content for YouTube
5. Loom
Loom is a highly effective video recording tool that enables remote communication. It’s primarily used in professional business and education settings. To remain at the forefront of screen recording, Loom is embedding new AI technologies, including automated notetaking during online meetings.
Key features
- Embedded AI technology
- Audio capture from the device and mic
- Synchronized screen and webcam capture
- Automated notetaking
Pros
- Intuitive and well-stocked editing suite
- Easy-to-use
- Video hosting
- Easy video sharing via email and communication tools like Trello, Slack, and GitHub
- Enables asynchronous communication
Cons
- Inaccurate automated captioning
- Poor customer support
Pricing
Business subscriptions begin at $15 per user per month
Who’s it Best For?
Remote project teams, online education and e-learning, troubleshooting
6. Movavi
If you’re a newcomer to screen recording, Movavi is one of the most straightforward screen recording software tools for Mac users. Offering easy functionality, a simple-to-navigate UI, and a good range of editing tools, Movavi is a good choice for newbies looking for the best screen recording software for Mac this year.
Key features
- Records videos in all popular formats
- AI editing tools with drag-and-drop functionality
- Easy onboarding
- Massive range of easy-to-use visual effects
Pros
- Excellent user guides
- Intuitive UI
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Lacks advanced editing, such as 3D or 360-degree camera shots
- Expensive subscription
- Slow rendering speeds
Pricing
$19.95 monthly, or $222.95 for a lifetime license
Who’s it Best For?
Beginners, technophobes, new video content creators
7. ScreenRec
If you’re looking for the best screen recording software for Mac without paying, ScreenRec might be for you. Although more basic than other tools in this guide, it allows professionals to make routine work less time-consuming.
Key features
- Online and offline screen and webcam recording
- Shares files to cloud platforms
- Provides an in-depth recording history
Pros
- Free of charge
- Two-click screen recording
- Edit recordings with bubbles, shapes, text, and arrows
Cons
- Lacks advanced features of paid products
- You need an account to enable cloud sharing and to make recordings longer than 5 minutes
Pricing
Free
Who’s it Best For?
Business professionals looking to streamline communications
8. Icecream Screen Recorder
Icecream Screen Recorder is a good choice for Mac users who don’t need the comprehensive and in-depth features provided by other, more complex software. It’s compact, user-friendly, and easy to use. Select the part of the screen you want to capture, click record, and away you go.
Key features
- One-click recording
- Good-quality video footage
- Easy video saving
Pros
- Very simple to use
- Record the whole screen or a section of the screen
- Zoom feature while recording
- Cheap lifetime subscriptions
Cons
- Five-minute time restriction on the free version
- Minimal editing functionality
- Captures can lack precision
Pricing
Lifetime pricing begins at $29.95
Who’s it Best For?
New users, anyone wanting simple, no-thrills screen recording
9. Zappy
Zappy – created by Zapier – is the ideal tool for making a quick recording, experimenting, or creating amusing gifs and memes. A keyboard shortcut triggers its simple functionality. Select which part of the screen you want to record, hit “record,” and record a voiceover if you wish. It really couldn’t be simpler.
Key features
- Easy UI
- Keyboard shortcuts available
- Records your screen and audio via your mic
Pros
- Very simple and quick to use
- Easily convert recordings into GIFs
- The free version is more extensive than other packages
Cons
- Lacks depth
- Limited set of features
- Not ideal for professionals
- Subscription is expensive
Pricing
$19.95/monthly
Who’s it Best For?
Personal users, people wanting to experiment with screen recorders
10. ScreenPal
ScreenPal is one of the best-known screen recording software tools for Mac users, with millions of global users already using it. It comes with essential video editing capability, but it excels in offering paid users unlimited cloud storage for recordings.
Key features
- In-app video editing
- Good-quality screen recordings
- In-app stock content available
Pros
- Good range of settings
- Easy-to-use UI
- Easy video sharing and collaboration
- Secure backup
Cons
- Most features are behind a paywall
- Limited video editing capability
- Free version has minimal functionality
Pricing
Premium subscription from just $1.65/month
Who’s it Best For?
Business users, personal users, and those wanting unlimited cloud hosting services
Best Screen Recording Software for Mac – A Comparison
| Software | Features | Pricing | Unique Feature |
| Dadan | 4K videoWebcam captureAuto captioningAnnotationsMP4 downloads | $9 monthly | Auto video captioning |
| Camtasia | Huge editing libraryScreen cropping4K videoCaptioning | $180 annually | In-app tutorials |
| ScreenFlow | Easy UIVideo EditingAnnotationsAudio and webcam recording | $149 lifetime | Syncing multiple audio and video sources |
| OBS Studio | Excellent live streamingCaptures screen and webcamRecords videosFree | Free | Streaming live gaming |
| Loom | Automated notetaking4K videoSynced screen and cam capture | $15 monthly | Embedded AI tech |
| Movavi | Online and offline recordingDrag & drop editingEasy to useVisual effects | $19.95 monthly / $222.95 lifetime | Drag & drop AI editing |
| ScreenRec | Online and offline recordingShares to cloudRecording history | Free | Offline and online recording |
| Icecream Screen Recorder | Easy recordingEasy to save videosZoom while recording | $29.95 lifetime | One-click recording |
| Zappy | Easy UIKeyboard shortcutsRecords audio and screen | $19.95 monthly | Easy GIF creation |
| ScreenPal | In-app editingStock contentSecure backup to the cloud | $1.65 monthly | Unlimited cloud storage |
How to Choose the Right Mac Screen Recorder for Your Needs
Mac users are spoilt for choice when it comes to screen recording software. However, which one works best for you depends on your individual needs. Here’s what to consider when making your choice:
Do I need to edit videos?
While each of the ten tools in this guide offers screen recording capability, they have very different video editing features. Consider how much you need to edit your recordings before sharing them and choose accordingly.
How do I need to share my recordings?
Do you need to share your screen recordings with others? If so, look at how easily the software allows you to export videos or directly share them via email, social media, or workflow tools like Trello or Slack.
Is the software compatible with my OS?
Some software packages only work with the latest versions of macOS. If you’re working off older systems, check the compatibility before choosing.
Is the software within my budget?
While some of the best screen recording software packages for Mac users are free, they have limited functionality. If you’re paying for a subscription, ensure it meets your budget.
Conclusion
Remote working and online collaboration are increasingly important in today’s business and education world. In addition, with more personal users keen to share their content across social media, finding the best screen recording software for Mac users in 2024 has never been more critical.
Check out the recommended software packages in this guide before you buy to find the one that best meets your needs. We suggest starting with Dadan’s outstanding screen recording software for Mac users to help your online projects thrive.
FAQs
What is screen recording software?
Screen recording software allows you to record what’s on your Mac screen. Many tools will enable you also to capture your webcam, system audio, and voice through your Mac’s microphone.
Why use screen recording software for Macs?
You might wish to record your screen for almost endless reasons, from troubleshooting to presentations and webinars to live streaming. The best screen recording software for Macs helps you interact with a remote audience.
How can I find the best screen recording software for Mac?
Begin by defining what functionality you require from your screen recording software. Then, find a tool that meets these requirements. Check that the software meets your budget and try it out before purchasing a subscription with a free trial to ensure it’s right for you.
