Best Screen Recording Software for Mac (2025 Download Guide)

Recording your screen on a Mac is no longer just for YouTubers and gamers. Students record lectures, professionals record tutorials, and everyone sometimes needs to capture video calls or demonstrations. In 2025, macOS supports excellent screen recording tools — from free built-in apps to lightweight third-party software you can download.

This guide walks you through the best screen recording software for Mac, focusing on features, ease of use, and how well they perform on modern macOS systems.

1. QuickTime Player — Built-In & Simple

Best For: Basic screen capture and quick recordings

QuickTime Player comes preinstalled with macOS, and its screen recording features are surprisingly capable.

Key benefits:

• Start recording with just a few clicks

• Record entire screen or selected area

• Capture audio via microphone

• No additional download required

Best Use Cases:
Class recordings, simple tutorial clips, quick demos without editing needs.

2. OBS Studio — Powerful & Free

Best For: Advanced recordings and live streamers

OBS Studio is open-source and widely used by streamers, educators, and professionals.

Standout features:

• Record full screen or specific windows

• Mix multiple video/audio sources

• Transition and scene layouts

• Customizable hotkeys

Why It’s Great:
If you need flexible layouts or plan to livestream to platforms like YouTube or Twitch, OBS is the most powerful free tool you can get.

3. ScreenFlow — Professional-Grade Recording

Best For: Users who want built-in editing and polished results

ScreenFlow combines screen recording with an intuitive video editor.

Highlights:

• Record screen + webcam simultaneously

• Built-in timeline editor

• Add annotations, transitions, zoom effects

• Export to multiple formats

Ideal For:
Tutorial creators, business training videos, polished presentations.

4. Loom — Easy Sharing & Collaboration

Best For: Quick shares and team communication

Loom focuses on simplicity and instant sharing.

Features you’ll love:

• Record screen, webcam, or both

• Automatic cloud upload

• Shareable links

• Commenting and reactions

Perfect for:
Remote teams, educators, and quick feedback loops.

5. Capto — Great for Students & Teachers

Best For: Annotation + screenshot + screen video

Capto strikes a balance between recording and annotation tools.

Useful tools include:

• Record screen and audio

• Add arrows, texts, and shapes

• Quick export options

• Organize projects in the app

Best For:
Educational content, presentations, feedback creation.

Comparison At a Glance

Tips for Better Screen Recording on Mac

🔹 Choose the right resolution: Recording at 1080p and 30fps is usually enough for tutorials without huge file sizes.
🔹 Use an external mic if you want clearer audio, especially for narration.
🔹 Check permissions: macOS requires you to allow screen recording in System Settings → Privacy & Security for each app.
🔹 Close background apps to reduce distractions and preserve performance.