For today’s gamers, capturing and sharing their in-game achievements is a breeze thanks to the abundance of best gaming recording software available. With a vast array of options on the market in 2024, each offering its own unique set of features, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
This in-depth review cuts through the noise, meticulously examining the top contenders for best gaming recording software. We’ll delve into the crucial aspects that matter most to gamers, including the richness of features, pricing models, recording quality, and user experience.
Whether you’re a beginner seeking a user-friendly interface or a seasoned veteran craving advanced editing tools, there’s a platform out there perfectly suited for your needs. This exploration aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision, empowering you to capture and share your gaming exploits with stunning clarity and impressive finesse.
What’s a Gaming Recorder Software?
Gaming recorder software is a tool designed for capturing gameplay footage directly from your computer. Ideal for gamers who wish to record their gaming sessions for streaming, tutorials, or personal archives, these applications can record high-resolution videos and even stream live gameplay to platforms like Twitch or YouTube.
Reviews of Best Gaming Recording Software
Ready to elevate your gaming experience? Look no further! Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best game recording software available. Whether you’re a seasoned streamer or just starting, these apps will help you capture every epic moment with ease. Dive in and discover the perfect tool to record and share your gaming prowess!
1. OBS Studio – Best Streaming Software For Facebook Live
As a live streamer, you’ve likely heard of Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). This program is known as the perfect tool for both professionals and beginners. While the interface may appear complex, it’s not necessarily difficult to use.
OBS is a great streaming software that offers everything you need. It has advanced video editing features, lets you add extra tools, and most importantly, it’s free.
So, if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to create high-quality videos, consider adding OBS to your list. Happy streaming!
Key Features:
- High-Performance Real-Time Video/Audio Capturing and Mixing: Create scenes made up of multiple sources including window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, and capture cards.
- Intuitive Audio Mixer with Filters: Features an intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters such as noise gate, noise suppression, and gain, plus VST plugin support for full audio control.
- Powerful Configuration Options: Offers a user-friendly interface with powerful and easy-to-use configuration options, allowing for the addition of new sources, duplication of existing ones, and effortless property adjustments.
- Streamlined Settings for Broadcasting: Includes settings for general use, streaming, recording, audio, and video, enabling users to change themes, manage hotkeys, and set up streaming services with ease.
- Support for All Major Streaming Platforms: Compatible with all major streaming services, providing versatility for live broadcasting across various platforms.
- Modular ‘Dock’ UI: Allows users to customize their layout to fit their workflow, enhancing the overall user experience1.
- Advanced Features for Veteran Users: While designed to be accessible to novices, OBS Studio also offers advanced features like modular UI and VST plugin support for seasoned broadcasters.
Pros:
- Open Source: Because it’s open-source, OBS Studio is not only free but also constantly improves thanks to the community.
- Customization: It offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their streaming and recording setup to their specific needs.
- Multi-Platform Support: OBS Studio works across multiple operating systems, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Plugin Support: Support for plugins and scripts provides additional functionality and flexibility for advanced users.
- Free: OBS Studio is completely free to use. There are no hidden costs, premium versions, or subscription fees.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: New users may find the software somewhat complex, requiring time to learn and master its features.
- Hardware Requirements: High-quality streaming and recording require good hardware, which might be a limitation for some users.
- No Built-in Video Editing: After recording, users will need to use separate video editing software as OBS Studio does not offer this functionality.
Pricing: Free
Availability: Windows, macOS, Linux
2. Nvidia Shadowplay – Best for High-Quality Game Recording and Streaming
Nvidia Shadowplay, also known as Nvidia Share, is a feature-rich application designed for gamers who want to record and share their gaming experiences with ease. It caters to those who seek a seamless way to capture gameplay, create highlights, and broadcast live streams.
This powerful tool is integrated into the Nvidia GeForce Experience software and is available to users with Nvidia GPUs, particularly the GTX 600 series and newer models.
Shadowplay’s standout feature is its hardware acceleration, which allows for high-quality recording without compromising game performance.
It’s perfect for gamers who want to showcase their skills, create tutorials, or simply share memorable gaming moments with friends or an online audience. With Shadowplay, capturing your greatest gaming achievements is just a hotkey away.
Key Features:
- Instant Replay: Save the last 30 seconds of gameplay with a single hotkey press, ensuring you never miss a moment.
- Manual Recording: Record gameplay videos at resolutions up to 8K HDR at 30 FPS or 4K HDR at 60 FPS.
- NVIDIA Highlights: Automatically captures key moments, clutch kills, and match-winning plays.
- Broadcast Live: Stream your gameplay to platforms like Facebook Live, Twitch, or YouTube Live with just two clicks.
- Capture GIFs and Screenshots: Create GIFs from your gameplay or take screenshots up to 8K resolution.
Pros:
- User-Friendly: The Alt + Z keyboard shortcut provides quick access to Shadowplay’s features while in-game.
- Performance: Hardware acceleration ensures minimal impact on game performance.
- Quality: Supports recording at high resolutions and frame rates.
- Flexibility in Recording: Shadowplay supports a wide range of games, including those using OpenGL, Java, and web-based games in various modes.
- Social Media Integration: It offers seamless integration with social media platforms, allowing users to instantly share gameplay on YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook.
Cons:
- Compatibility: Only available for users with Nvidia graphics cards.
- Overlay Limitations: The Share UI overlay may not function optimally when not in-game.
- Performance Impact in SLI Mode: While Shadowplay generally has minimal impact on performance, users running multiple Nvidia GPUs in SLI mode may experience up to a 20% performance hit.
Pricing: Free
Availability: Windows
3. AMD ReLive – Best for High-Quality Game Capture and Streaming
AMD ReLive is a powerful tool designed for gamers and content creators who want to capture and stream their gameplay with minimal performance impact.
It’s part of the AMD Radeon Software suite, which is best known for its robust driver support and additional features for AMD graphics card users. ReLive stands out for its user-friendly interface and the ability to record and stream high-quality gameplay footage.
Key Features:
- Instant Replay: Save your best gaming moments after they happen with a customizable time window.
- Streaming Capabilities: Stream your gameplay live to various platforms with easy-to-use settings.
- Customizable Settings: Tailor your recording and streaming experience with a variety of options, including resolution, bitrate, and FPS.
- User-Friendly Interface: Access all features from within the Radeon Software with a simple click.
Pros:
- Minimal Performance Impact: Record and stream without significant drops in FPS, maintaining game performance.
- Support for Latest APIs: Compatible with DirectX® 9, 10, 11, 12, and Vulkan® APIs, offering broad game support.
- VR Support: Capture and create content for VR gameplay, expanding your creative possibilities.
- Enhanced Recording Quality: AMD ReLive supports HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) which provides better compression, leading to higher-quality recordings at the same bitrate.
- Performance Differential: When compared to other similar tools, AMD ReLive shows a significant performance advantage, offering a smoother experience with less impact on system resources.
Cons:
- Basic Editing Options: The in-game editing features are relatively basic compared to other software.
- Audio Management: First-time users may find the audio management settings a bit complex.
- Hardware Requirements: While AMD ReLive is a robust tool, it does have specific hardware requirements. It is not supported on APUs with integrated graphics, and some discrete GPUs may not support ReLive, such as the RX 6400
Pricing: Comes bundled with the Radeon Software package and does not require a separate purchase.
Availability: Windows
4. Bandicam – Best for High-Quality Screen Recording
Bandicam is a robust screen recording software designed to capture everything on your PC screen with high quality. It’s best known for its ability to record high-resolution gameplay, live streaming videos, and various applications with ease.
Whether you’re a professional content creator, a gamer looking to share your playthroughs, or an educator creating tutorials, Bandicam offers a suite of features tailored to meet your recording needs.
Key Features:
- High-Quality Recording: Bandicam allows you to record 4K Ultra HD videos up to 3840×2160 resolution.
- Long-Duration Recording: With Bandicam, you can record over 24 hours without stopping.
- Compression: The software compresses the video while recording, resulting in smaller file sizes compared to other recording software.
- Direct Upload: Easily upload recorded videos to platforms like YouTube, Google Drive, or Vimeo without the need to convert.
- Game Recording: It can capture various 2D/3D games with high compression ratio and performance.
Pros:
- Versatility: Bandicam is an all-in-one screen recorder, capable of capturing computer screens, games, and webcam footage with audio.
- User-Friendly Interface: The software comes with an easy-to-understand user interface and advanced recording features like real-time drawing and scheduled recording.
- Efficiency: The recorded file size is significantly smaller (20% to 95%) than files created by other software, making it efficient for storage and sharing.
- Real-Time Drawing: While recording, you can draw and outline your video or screenshot in real-time.
- Customizable Recording Options: Bandicam offers a variety of recording modes, including the ability to record just a portion of the screen, apply the Chroma key for webcam overlay, and customize cursor effects.
Cons:
- Platform Limitation: Bandicam is only compatible with Windows OS and does not support Mac, Android, or Linux systems.
- Recording Quality: While it is excellent for screen recording, the ‘Screen Recording Mode’ may not be suitable for recording high-quality games with high frame rates.
- Separate Editing Software Required: For users looking to do simple editing, it’s important to note that Bandicam requires an additional piece of software called Bandicut, which is sold separately.
Pricing:
- Annual Personal License: $33.26 per year, offering unlimited recording with no time limit or watermark and free updates and tech support.
- Lifetime Personal License: A one-time payment of $44.96 for unlimited lifetime screen recording.
- Bandicam + Bandicut Package: Various discounted packages are available, combining Bandicam with Bandicut, a video cutting software.
Availability: Windows
5. XSplit Gamecaster – Best for Streamlined Game Broadcasting
XSplit Gamecaster is a live streaming and recording application tailored for gamers who want to share their gameplay with the world.
Launched in 2014, it has evolved into a user-friendly platform that simplifies the streaming process.
Whether you’re a seasoned streamer or just starting, XSplit Gamecaster offers an intuitive interface that lets you go live with just a few clicks.
It’s designed to work seamlessly with popular platforms like Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, and Mixer, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Key Features:
- Simple Setup: Begin streaming or recording at the click of a button.
- In-Game HUD: Control your broadcast without leaving the game.
- Theme Support: Over 300 themes to personalize your stream.
- Optimized Performance: Tuned settings for a lag-free experience.
- Capture Card Support: Compatible with various capture cards.
Pros:
- Ease of Use: The app’s simplicity is perfect for newcomers to streaming.
- Free Access: XSplit Gamecaster is free to use, which is great for those on a budget.
- Integration: Direct support for multiple streaming platforms.
- Reward Program: XSplit Gamecaster offers a reward program that includes emotes, overlays, alerts, and more, which can greatly benefit streamers who are just starting up.
- Test Center: There’s a test center feature to ensure your overlay is working correctly before you go live, helping to reduce the risk of troubleshooting issues during a live stream.
- Royalty-Free Music: The platform provides free royalty-free music for streamers, showing a commitment to supporting the streaming community.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Compared to other streaming tools, customization options may be limited.
- Potential Bugs: As with any software, users may encounter bugs that can affect performance.
- Noise Gate Issues: The noise gate can sometimes be too powerful, cutting off the broadcaster’s voice if not configured properly.
Pricing:
- Free: basic features.
- VCam Premium: USD 30 for 1 month.
- Broadcaster Premium: USD 60 for 1 month.
- Premium Bundle: USD 70 for 1 month, which includes early access to new releases and private beta access.
Availability: Windows
6. Fraps – Best for Real-Time Video Capture and Benchmarking for Gamers
Key Features:
- Benchmarking: Fraps overlay your game’s frame rate (FPS) in real-time, allowing you to assess performance. It can also perform custom benchmarks, measuring FPS between designated points and saving statistics for reference.
- Screenshot Capture: Capture crisp screenshots of your gameplay with a simple hotkey press. Fraps automatically timestamps and names each screenshot, saving you time and effort.
- Video Recording: Record gameplay footage at various resolutions and frame rates, with options to capture audio as well. This functionality is particularly useful for creating gaming videos, and tutorials, or capturing those epic in-game moments.
Pros:
- Lightweight: Fraps run efficiently in the background without causing a significant performance impact on most systems.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface with intuitive hotkeys makes capturing screenshots and recording video effortless.
- Flexibility: Fraps offers various customization options for video recording, including resolution, frame rate, and audio capture.
- High-Quality Recordings: Fraps produces uncompressed video recordings, preserving the highest possible quality for editing or archiving gameplay footage. (While this can lead to larger file sizes, it offers more flexibility for post-processing).
- Works with Older Games: Since Fraps utilizes DirectX and OpenGL technologies, it can even function with older PC games that might not be compatible with newer recording software.
Cons:
- Disk Space Usage: Videos recorded with Fraps can consume a significant amount of disk space.
- Performance Impact: Some users with budget systems may experience a performance hit while recording.
- Limited Features: Compared to some competitors, Fraps might offer fewer features
Pricing:
- Standard License: $37 (one-time purchase unlocks unlimited video recording and removes watermark)
Availability: Windows
Final Thoughts
The world of gaming recording software is vast, offering a multitude of options to suit the needs of various gamers and content creators. Whether you’re a seasoned streamer, a casual gamer looking to capture funny moments, or an educator creating tutorial videos, there’s a perfect tool out there to help you share your gameplay experiences.
From the feature-rich options like OBS Studio and XSplit Gamecaster to the user-friendly yet powerful applications like Bandicam and Fraps, there’s software that caters to every level of experience and budget.
When making your choice, consider the key features you need, the level of quality you desire, and your budget. If you’re a beginner, starting with a free option like OBS Studio or XSplit Gamecaster might be a good idea. If you’re a streamer or content creator demanding high-quality recordings and a robust feature set, Bandicam or Fraps could be ideal choices.
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