A detailed comparison of the top screen recording tools available on macOS, from free built-in options to professional-grade software.
Choosing the right screen recording tool depends on what you need to capture and how you plan to use the footage. macOS includes capable built-in tools, but third-party applications offer additional features like advanced editing, webcam overlays, live streaming, and cloud sharing. Below, we compare six popular options so you can find the best fit for your workflow.
| Tool | Price | Best For | System Audio | Editing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screenshot Toolbar | Free | Quick captures | No (requires plugin) | Basic trim |
| QuickTime Player | Free | Simple recordings | No (requires plugin) | Trim & export |
| OBS Studio | Free | Streaming & advanced | Yes | None (record only) |
| ScreenFlow | Paid | Tutorials & courses | Yes | Full editor |
| Camtasia | Paid | Professional video | Yes | Full editor |
| Loom | Free / Paid | Quick sharing | Yes | Basic cloud editor |
The Screenshot toolbar is the simplest way to record your screen on any modern Mac. Accessed via Cmd + Shift + 5, it lets you record the entire screen or a selected portion with just a few clicks. Recordings are saved as MOV files and can be trimmed using the floating thumbnail that appears after capture.
Best for: Quick recordings where you need a no-setup solution. Ideal for capturing a few minutes of screen activity, sharing a quick demo, or documenting a process.
QuickTime Player has offered screen recording since OS X Yosemite. On macOS Mojave and later, selecting File > New Screen Recording opens the Screenshot toolbar. On older versions, it provides its own compact recording interface. QuickTime also supports exporting recordings at different resolutions and can capture iPhone or iPad screens via USB.
Best for: Users on older macOS versions, or anyone who needs basic recording with the ability to export at specific resolutions (1080p, 720p, 480p).
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a powerful, free, open-source tool used by streamers and content creators worldwide. It supports screen recording, webcam capture, scene composition, and live streaming to platforms like YouTube and Twitch. OBS can capture system audio on Mac and offers extensive configuration options for resolution, bitrate, and encoding.
Best for: Live streamers, advanced users who need multi-source recording, or anyone who wants a free tool with professional-level features.
ScreenFlow is a Mac-exclusive screen recording and video editing application designed for creating tutorials, presentations, and online courses. It captures your screen, webcam, microphone, and system audio simultaneously, and includes a full-featured timeline editor with transitions, text overlays, annotations, and motion graphics.
Best for: Educators, course creators, and anyone who wants an all-in-one recording and editing solution without learning a complex video editor.
Camtasia is a well-established screen recording and video editing suite available on both Mac and Windows. It offers a polished recording experience with system audio capture, webcam overlay, and cursor effects. The built-in editor includes templates, animations, quizzes (for interactive video), and a library of royalty-free assets.
Best for: Professionals creating polished training videos, product demos, or marketing content. Especially suited for corporate and enterprise environments.
Loom takes a different approach to screen recording by focusing on quick capture and instant sharing. Record your screen and webcam, and Loom immediately generates a shareable link. Recordings are stored in the cloud, making it easy to share with teammates without dealing with large video files. The free tier includes basic recording and limited storage.
Best for: Remote teams, quick async communication, bug reports, and situations where you need to share a recording instantly without editing.
The best screen recorder for you depends on your specific needs:
For a detailed walkthrough of the built-in recording methods, see our How to Record Screen on Mac guide. If you are looking for screenshot tools instead, check our Mac Screenshot Guide.
Learn how to use the built-in macOS screen recording tools with our step-by-step guide.
Read the Recording Guide