The Verdict:
Action Screen Recorder by Mirillis is a premium, low-CPU usage gameplay capture tool for Windows, excelling at 120fps and 4K recording. However, it lacks a Mac version and robust post-editing features.
As a screen recorder and streaming software, Action! was developed by Mirillis. Since its release, it has attracted a lot of users around the world. Today, customers always look for more information online before making a purchase decision.
However, it is not easy to learn a software program before buying the license. Therefore, this article will share an unbiased review of Action Screen Recorder based on lab tests and hundreds of users' reports so that you do not need to study it here and there.
Action Screen Recorder is a recorder tool you can use for various tasks, such as recording and live-streaming your gameplay, making a video tutorial, showcasing software products, and more. When recording frame-heavy games such as Street Fighter 5, Action Screen Recorder performed well, as it did not interfere with the gameplay performance, making the game retain a stable 60FPS. This is impressive enough since the framerate of gameplay recordings, especially for fighting games, is especially important.
Key Features
Based on our gameplay recording tests using fast-paced games such as DOTA 2, Forza Horizon 5, and Valorant, Action Screen Recorder was able to maintain a consistent screen recording captured at 120 FPS. This is on top of the high graphical settings we have set on the mentioned titles.
This performance was made possible by the software’s impressive CPU and GPU optimization since it was developed to have minimal CPU consumption during gameplay. With the help of its smooth recordings, Action Screen Recorder makes a suitable option for producing content or for analyzing esports performance.
To make it easier to capture heated moments during gameplay, Action Screen Recorder operates a time-shift function that enables it to constantly record gameplay in the background temporarily. This made it possible to capture short clips from as far back as 10 minutes before you hit the clip command.
Since it only captures a total of 10 minutes of background footage, this makes the software only consume a set amount of storage and not occupy a huge chunk of your device’s memory.
PROS
CONS
While Action is a powerhouse for Windows game recording, it leaves Mac users and content creators needing more post-production control in the dark. This is where AnyMP4 Screen Recorder steps in as the most versatile alternative.
Unlike Action, AnyMP4 natively supports both Windows and macOS. It’s designed not just for capturing raw footage but also for finalizing it. With built-in tools to add real-time annotations, text, and arrows during recording, plus an intuitive post-recording clipping tool, it’s the ultimate all-in-one solution for tutorials, meetings, and gameplay.
Main Features of the Best Alternative to Action Screen Recorder
Briefly speaking, it is the best option you can find to replace Action Screen Recorder.
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How to Use the Best Alternative to Action Screen Recorder
1. Install Screen Recorder
If you do not like Action screen recorder, download and install the best alternative for your PC. There is a dedicated version for Mac. Then launch it and pick Video Recorder to open the main window. Just record audio? Choose Audio Recorder instead.
2. Record your screen
There are four options in the main interface: Display, Webcam, System Sound, and Microphone. Turn on Display and set the recording area based on your needs. To add your face to the recording, enable Webcam; otherwise, disable it. Then decide on the audio source, including System Sound and Microphone, as the best alternative to the Action screen recorder.
Click the Settings icon to open the Preferences dialog. Go to the Output tab and set the output format, destination, and more. You can also set hotkeys and other options in the Preferences dialog.
Click the REC button once you are ready, and the screen recording will begin after the countdown. Then you can find several editing tools. The Pen tool allows you to add text, shapes, and paintings to your recording. At an important moment, click the Camera icon to make a screenshot.
3. Export screen recording
When screen recording is done, click the Stop button to open the Preview window. Play the recording and click the Save button if you are satisfied with it. The Clip tool can help you remove unwanted frames by resetting start and end points.
If you are experienced with streaming and digital studios and you are confident that your computer can handle the load of high-quality recording and heavy gameplay, you may also use OBS Studio, the best open-source screen recording and streaming app available today.
Although not as easy to operate compared to the two previous options, OBS Studio offers the most control since you will be the one who will pick the source that will be captured. You can also customize how you want the audio to be recorded.
Unfortunately, its higher skill ceiling made it more complicated and complex to use for amateurs who only want to record their screen and nothing more.
1. Open OBS Studio and access the Sources menu. Select the Plus button on the tab to open the available sources.
2. Select Display Capture and Audio Output Capture to add the screen and audio recording to your video. Display Capture is very important to set up since it will make the program record your entire screen.
3. With the recording source now set, click on Start Recording in the lower right corner of the program, right above the Settings, to begin the recording process. Then you can now go to the video game you want to capture. Move back to OBS to click the Stop Recording button once done.
| Feature | Action! | OBS Studio | AnyMP4 Screen Recorder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target User | Pro Gamers | Tech-Savvy Streamers | Content Creators / Everyday Users |
| Max FPS | 120 FPS | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Mac OS Support | |||
| Built-in Editor | Basic | None | Advanced (Annotations, Trimming) |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Steep | Very Easy |
| Price | $29.95 | Free | From $12.45 (Free Trial Available) |
Is Action better than OBS?
Action! Screen Recorder can produce 4K output videos, but OBS only supports HD videos. The biggest benefit of OBS is that it is free of charge. Which one is better depends on your needs.
How do I record myself playing a game with Action?
When setting up the Action, turn on the webcam and microphone options. Then it will record you while capturing gameplay on the desktop.
Is Mirillis Action free?
No, Mirillis Action screen recorder is not freeware. Though it offers a 30-day free trial with some limitations, you have to purchase the license after that.
Does Mirillis Action have a watermark?
Yes, the 30-day free trial version of Action adds a watermark to the top of your exported videos. To remove it, you must purchase a lifetime license. If you need a watermark-free recording without paying upfront, consider OBS or AnyMP4's trial versions.
Is there an Action Screen Recorder for Mac?
No, Mirillis Action is strictly developed for Windows (Vista to Windows 11). Mac users will need an alternative like AnyMP4 Screen Recorder or QuickTime to capture their screens natively.
Action screen recorder vs OBS: Which should I choose?
Choose Action if you are a Windows gamer who prioritizes low CPU usage and ultra-smooth 120 fps recording with a simpler interface. Choose OBS if you are on a budget (it's free) and need highly customizable, complex scene setups for live streaming on Twitch or YouTube.
This guide has shared an unbiased review of Action Screen Recorder. It can help you record everything on your screen, like gameplay. However, it is not perfect, and you cannot use it on a Mac. That is why we shared AnyMP4 Screen Recorder. It supports more devices and offers more functions. Plus, AnyMP4 Free Online Screen Recorder can do the job portably. More questions related to the Action screen recorder? Please write it down below.