17 Best Game Recorders to Record Important Gameplay on Windows and Mac

No matter you are a senior gamer who prefers to stream gameplay online, a vlogger who likes to create game strategy videos, or someone who just want to share your favorite game with friends, a powerful game recorder is all you need.

Game recorders are pieces of software that help you to capture gameplay and your reactions, complete with mouse movements, as well as audio and video. Therefore, it is essential to understand the key features, benefits and shortcomings of each popular game recorder. In this post, we will share a list of best game recording software. So, you can pick up your favorite one for your gameplay recording.

Part 1: Best Game Recorder Cross-Platform

According to our research, control and output quality are the most important factors to make decisions when looking for the best game recorder. From this point, we recommend AnyMP4 Screen Recorder.

• 1. Record any games on computer with hotkeys.
• 2. Add your reactions through built-in or external webcam.
• 3. Capture both video and audio from multiple sources.
• 4. Optimize and enhance output quality automatically.
• 5. Record lecture, online conference, video call, etc.

Pros

• 1. This game recorder is available to Windows 10 and Mac.
• 2. It offers extensive custom options for advanced users.
• 3. It can export gameplay recordings in 4K and full HD.

Cons

• 1. After the free-trial, you need to purchase it.

In a word, Screen Recorder is the easiest way to capture your favorite game on Windows or Mac.

How to Record Gameplay on Computer

Step 1: Install the best game recorder

As a desktop game recorder, you need to install the best game recorder on your PC. There is a dedicated version for Mac.

Next, launch it from your desktop and select Screen Recorder in the main interface.

Step 2: Record you game on PC

Run the game you want to capture. Then turn to the game recorder and you will get four options on the screen, Display, Webcam, System Sound, and Microphone.

Make sure to turn on Display and System Sound. Then set the recording arear according to your game. If you want to add your reactions, enable Webcam and Microphone.

Tip: To customize the options related to Recording, Output, Hotkeys, and more, click the Settings icon at the upper right corner to open the Preferences dialog.

Start playing the game and click the REC button to initiate game recording.

Step 3: Preview and save game recording

When your gameplay is done, click the Stop icon to open the recording in the Preview window. If you are satisfied with it, click the Save button to export it based on your settings.

Part 2: Top 8 Game Recorders for PC

There are plentiful screen recording software available to Windows; however, only a part of them is suitable to record gameplays.

Top 1: Windows 10 Game DVR

Game DVR was firstly developed for game recording on Xbox. Now, Microsoft introduced this feature into Windows 10.

Key features:

• 1. Capture gameplay on Windows 10.
• 2. Broadcast video games simply.
• 3. Include fully configurable settings.
• 4. Save game recordings in WMV automatically.

Pros

• 1. This game screen recorder is totally free to use.
• 2. You can use it without installation.
• 3. The Game Mode improves your gaming experience.

Cons

• 1. It is only available to Windows 10.
• 2. The output formats are limited.

Top 2: OBS

OBS is an open-source game recorder available to extensive platforms.

Key features:

• 1. Capture multiple game windows at the same time.
• 2. Include a wide range of game recording tools.
• 3. Record gameplay as well as webcam at the same time.
• 4. Customize background while recording gameplay.

Pros

• 1. It is free of charge without any restrictions.
• 2. This gaming video recorder is compatible with PC, Mac and Linux.

Cons

• 1. There are too many options for beginners.
• 2. It may make your PC freezing or slowdown.

Top 3: Action

Action is the professional game recording software for Windows.

Key features:

• 1. Optimize GPU usage while recording game.
• 2. Ensure a smooth and lag free game experience.
• 3. Save recordings in AVI format.
• 4. Export game captures up to 120 frame rates.

Pros

• 1. The output quality is excellent.

Cons

• 1. The game recording files are large due to high quality.
• 2. It is quite costly compared to other game recorders.

Top 4: Bandicam

Bandicam is another popular game screen recorder for Windows.

Key features:

• 1. Record gameplay at high bitrates and frames.
• 2. Save game captures up to 4K Ultra resolution.
• 3. Compress recordings automatically.
• 4. Adjust various custom options base on your need.

Pros

• 1. It offers a game recording mode to improve your experience when recording.
• 2. The game recorder supports for numerous codecs and output formats.

Cons

• 1. The gameplay videos might have some lag issues.
• 2. It is not available to Mac OS X and above or Linux.

Top 5: Fraps

Fraps is another piece of best game recording software on Windows.

Key features:

• 1. User OpenGL and DirectX graphic technology to capture gameplay.
• 2. Get complete information while recording game videos.
• 3. Capture video as well as audio with high quality.
• 4. Customize frame rates from 1 to 120 fps.

Pros

• 1. The interface is straightforward and easy to navigate.
• 2. The game recorder supports extensive output formats.

Cons

• 1. The free version can only record game up to 30 seconds.
• 2. To break the time limit, you need to purchase the full version.

Top 6: PLAYS.TV

PLAYS.TV is another professional way to capture video game play on Windows.

Key features:

• 1. Capture and view your game play automatically.
• 2. Slow down recorded footage for better viewing experience.
• 3. Add bookmarks on the important moments.
• 4. Compatible with PCs and laptops running Windows.

Pros

• 1. The interface is intuitive and easy to use.
• 2. The output quality is quite good.
• 3. You can view game recordings frame by frame.

Cons

• 1. This game recorder is not freeware.
• 2. It lacks video editing tools.

Top 7: WM Capture

If you need a simple way to capture your video game play, WM Capture can meet your need.

Key features:

• 1. Record what happens on your computer in real time.
• 2. Produce video game recordings with Background Mode.
• 3. Capture full screen or selected area.
• 4. Support to save game recordings in high quality.

Pros

• 1. You can view your game recordings while capturing.
• 2. The game video recorder offers extensive custom options.

Cons

• 1. The interface is outdated.
• 2. It is not available to the latest Windows systems.

Top 8: Dxtory

Another game recorder worth you to use on Windows is Dxtory.

Key features:

• 1. Capture gameplay and audio from multiple sources.
• 2. Handle third-party video codecs seamlessly.
• 3. Make screenshots of important moments while recording game.
• 4. Support various API.

Pros

• 1. This video game recorder is lightweight.
• 2. It provides both a free and a pro versions.

Cons

• 1. It adds watermarks on your game recordings.
• 2. If you want to remove watermarks, you have to purchase the pro version.

Part 3: Top 8 Game Recorders for Mac

When it comes to Mac platform, you still have some options to capture your video games.

Top 1: QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is not only the native media player on Mac, but also a pre-installed game recorder.

Key features:

• 1. Record video games on Mac in full screen or region mode.
• 2. Capture audio from your system and microphone.
• 3. Save gameplay recordings in 720p or 480p.
• 4. Export video game captures in MOV automatically.

Pros

• 1. This game recorder is free to use on Mac.
• 2. It does not require installation.

Cons

• 1. It cannot save recordings in formats other than MOV.
• 2. The custom options are limited.

Top 2: Snagit

Snagit is a game recorder combines some of the best screen recording features in a simple interface.

Key features:

• 1. Record gameplay and your reactions via webcam simultaneously.
• 2. Capture audio from internal and external microphones.
• 3. View your past recordings and add tags on them.
• 4. Offers a free trial and the full version costs $50.

Pros

• 1. This game recorder can export game videos in animated GIF.
• 2. The free-trial is available if you want to try it.

Cons

• 1. It lacks advanced editing tools.
• 2. It cannot save game recordings in lossless video formats.

Top 3: Screencast-o-Matic

Screencast-o-Matic is a unique game recorder application for Mac.

Key features:

• 1. Capture gameplay on Mac without installing anything.
• 2. Produce a game recording up to 15 minutes in 720p for free.
• 3. Not add watermarks on your game recordings.
• 4. Edit game videos in the full version.

Pros

• 1. This game recorder is a web-based app.
• 2. It does not require installation or registration.

Cons

• 1. Advanced features need to subscribe.
• 2. The free version cannot export recordings in HD resolution.

Top 4: VLC

VLC is a well-known media player with extensive features including game recording.

Key features:

• 1. Capture video games in full screen or selected region.
• 2. Set frame rate, recording area and audio source.
• 3. Allow you to set output formats and more options.
• 4. Available to Mac, Windows and Linux.

Pros

• 1. This open-source game recorder is free of charge.
• 2. It contains extensive features in addition to game recording.

Cons

• 1. It is a bit complex for beginners and non-tech savvy.
• 2. The output quality is not very good.

Top 5: QuickCast

As its name said, QuickCast is a game recorder to help you produce game videos quickly.

Key features:

• 1. Record video games up to 5 minutes for free.
• 2. Add your reactions on the game recording via external mic and webcam.
• 3. Capture the entire screen or custom region as you wish.
• 4. Available to Mac OS X 10.8 or later.

Pros

• 1. You can get the game recorder for free from Mac App Store.
• 2. It includes advanced options.

Cons

• 1. Some features require registration and payment.

Top 6: Camtasia 2

As a long-standing game recorder, Camtasia 2 attracted a lot of users around the world.

Key features:

• 1. Capture game play from multiple sources.
• 2. Record audio from both microphone and the system.
• 3. Send game recordings from your portable device directly.
• 4. Apply annotations, transitions and more on your recordings.

Pros

• 1. The developer provides several video tutorials online.
• 2. It has a free and a pro version.

Cons

• 1. This game recorder is pretty expensive.
• 2. The mobile app responds slow.

Top 7: ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow is another professional game recorder for Mac owners.

Key features:

• 1. Record game play not only on Mac but also iOS devices.
• 2. Import video and audio from system and external sources.
• 3. Offer highest bitrate for game recordings.
• 4. Display gameplay captures on multi-track timeline.

Pros

• 1. The built-in Motion control lets you zoom in a part of the screen.
• 2. It is compatible with Mac OS X 10.10 or above and iOS 8.0 or above.

Cons

• 1. ScreenFlow costs at least $99.

Top 8: Monosnap

Monosnap is another free game recorder for Mac computers.

Key features:

• 1. Record your game in 60fps for an ultra-smooth playback.
• 2. Capture from webcam and microphone when making game videos.
• 3. Pause the game recording and then start it again.
• 4. Allow you to record gameplay from multiple monitors.

Pros

• 1. This game recorder is free to download from Mac App Store.
• 2. It is able to capture your game on a connected iPhone.

Cons

• 1. It is too simple for experienced gamers.
• 2. The game video recorder requires 64-bit processor.

Conclusion

Based on our review above, you must master top 17 game recorder applications for Windows 10/8.1/8/7 and Mac. Some of them are professional game recorders, such as AnyMP4 Screen Recorder. The others are freeware, like QuickTime Player. Now, you should find the most appropriate game recording software. If you have better suggestions, please leave a message below this article and we will reply it as soon as possible.