Best Overall: OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and compatible for Windows, Mac and Linux. It is open source, which means that the online community can fix any bugs and constantly optimize them. The software’s powerful features and production tools make it an overall top choice worth spending time learning and mastering.
You might want a dual screen display so you can adjust the recording while playing. This powerful studio software lets you create switchable transitions, mix audio levels, set hotkeys, and even preview scenes and sources before sending them live with no restrictions on video length. Integration with YouTube and Twitch makes streaming easy.
Best for simplicity: Fraps
If you’re looking for more than just simple game recording software, Fraps might be for you. This easy-to-use software is lightweight (2.4MB) and simple in both operation and design, with no complicated bells and whistles.
Fraps has been around since 1999 and takes its name from the “frames per second” (FPS) frame rate display that compares and measures the speed of gameplay. You can record audio and video from your favorite games with up to 7680 x 4800 resolution and custom frame rates from 1-120 FPS.
Ideal for Nvidia graphics cards: Nvidia Shadow Play
If you’re using a gaming PC with an Nvidia graphics card like a GeForce GTX 600 or better, you’re in luck—it comes with its own game recording software. Nvidia’s Shadow Play works efficiently by using the Nvidia GeForce GPU instead of its own CPU to ensure everything runs smoothly during gaming and recording.
Nvidia Shadow Play includes two different modes for players: shadow mode and manual mode. Shadow mode allows players to save the last 20 minutes of the game instantly, while manual mode simply has unlimited save memory. You can record up to 8K HDR at 30 frames per second (RTX 30 series) or even 4K HDR at 60 frames per second and stream live on platforms such as Facebook Live, Twitch or YouTube.
Ideal for 4K resolution and high frame rate – action!
The best high definition printing and the highest frames per second, Action! Game Recorder has you covered. The easy-to-use premium game recording software can record up to 120 FPS in 4K HD resolution.
Activities! does an excellent job with its high-quality recordings without overloading your computer. It uses less megabytes per frame while recording and also uses less computer resources. Activities! It also allows you to record the game and control the video recording on your Android smartphone or tablet. Like the other game recording software on the list, you can stream directly to sites like Twitch, YouTube, and more.
Best for Windows 10: Windows 10
Windows 10’s answer to game recording software is Game Bar, a software bundled with the operating system. Windows 10 users can use the software UI overlay in any game or app by simply pressing Windows key + G.
For casual gamers, the Windows 10 game bar makes things easier. The seven-button interface includes all the options you need to start recording and make changes during a session. Game Bar is not without problems – the application uses your system resources and supports full screen mode only for a certain number of games, so you have to adapt to windowed or full screen mode.
Best in Features: Radeon / AMD Re Live
Like Nvidia’s Shadow Play, Radeon / AMD Re Live is an integrated game recording software that works with AMD graphics cards. While it can take some time to set up and have a learning curve, the customizable features are great for gamers who want full control over hotkeys, registration, and more.
Radeon / AMD Re Live is recommended for more advanced game recordings and is like sitting in front of a recording studio console. You can do anything, including sharing soundtracks, using the built-in chat system, viewing performance statistics, and more. Detailed producers and players who love tinkering.
Best for Convenience: Plays.tv
Plays.tv is different from other game recording software as it is both a website and an app that provides the easiest way to record your games. The lightweight software saves as soon as you start playing without all the settings.
Plays.tv is a great place to start for any beginner just picking up their game. When you stop recording, you can view and edit the entire game session by bookmarking the timeline for easy access to specific moments. It also automatically adds important events to popular games like Overwatch and League of Legends. The website’s social media format makes it easy to keep track of likes and comments on each of your clips, while it’s easy to share to sites like Reddit, Facebook, and others.