Gaming has come a long way from being just a pastime activity. In the current digital era, it has evolved into a full-fledged profession. Gamers worldwide are constantly on the lookout for the best tools to enhance their gaming experience, and a top-tier gaming recording software is an integral part of their arsenal. This software not only allows gamers to share their gaming moments with friends and followers but also helps in analyzing gameplay strategies for competitive gaming. In this article, we will delve into the crème de la crème of gaming recording software available in 2023.
An In-depth Look at the Top Gaming Recording Software
While there are countless recording software out there, not all are cut out for the demanding needs of gaming. Below are some exceptional choices that offer a mix of high-quality recording, streaming capabilities, and additional features designed specifically to cater to gamers.
1. OBS Studio
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is at the forefront of the gaming recording software realm, thanks to its open-source nature and robust feature set. Whether you want to record your gameplay or stream it live, OBS has got you covered.
However, the software comes with its share of complexities, which might require some time to get used to. OBS leverages your PC’s GPU to offer high-quality streaming and records in MP4 and FLV formats. It records at a 1:1 ratio, providing a high degree of accuracy. OBS also boasts several additional features, such as Picture-in-Picture mode, Custom Watermarks, and Push-to-Talk mode, making it an ideal pick for creating video tutorials.
Key Features:
- Free, open-source software
- Support for most live streaming platforms
- Extensive plugin support
- Cross-platform compatibility
Drawbacks:
- Steep learning curve
- Interface might not be user-friendly for beginners
Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 and 7, macOS (10.15 and newer), Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 and newer)
Pricing: Free
2. Streamlabs OBS
For beginners who find OBS’s interface a bit too complicated, Streamlabs OBS serves as a more user-friendly alternative. Streamlabs OBS is essentially a more streamlined version of OBS, packed with numerous integrated features that make recording and streaming games a breeze.
With Streamlabs OBS, you can import all the tools directly from the company’s website without the hassle of copying and pasting numerous URLs. Despite its simplicity, it offers many of the same features as the original OBS, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Key Features:
- Free to use
- Integrated plugins for enhanced user experience
- Easy setup process
- Cloud-based resource and setting storage
Drawbacks:
- May occasionally crash due to add-ons
- Limited encoding options compared to OBS
- Multistream functionality only available in the premium version
Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and 7
Price: Free, $19/month for the premium version
3. Nvidia Shadowplay
If you own an Nvidia GPU, you must be familiar with GeForce Experience, which comes bundled with Nvidia’s Shadowplay tool. ShadowPlay’s main highlight is its ability to utilize your GPU (Nvenc) to handle video encoding, resulting in minimal CPU power consumption.
ShadowPlay can record at the same resolution as your display, so if you have a 4K panel, your recordings will also be in 4K. For Nvidia GPU owners, GeForce Experience is a must-try, offering basic gameplay recording at no additional cost.
Key Features:
- Free to use
- Simple and easy to use
- GPU-based encoding
Drawbacks:
- Compatible only with Nvidia GPUs
- Limited feature set compared to other software
Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and 7
Pricing: Free
4. Radeon ReLive
AMD’s answer to Nvidia’s Shadowplay is Radeon ReLive, a proprietary software for recording gameplay on an AMD card. Like Shadowplay, ReLive leverages the GPU for the majority of the encoding, reducing the burden on your CPU. The software also supports upscaling, allowing you to record at 4K UHD even if you’re playing at 1080p. For AMD GPU owners, Radeon ReLive is worth a shot.
Key Features:
- Free to use
- Easy setup and usage
- Support for upscaling
Drawbacks:
- Compatible only with AMD GPUs
- No support for OpenGL game recording
- Features might be limited compared to dedicated recording software
Compatibility: RX Vega, 500 Series Graphics products; Radeon RX 400 Series; Radeon R9 Fury, R9 300, R7 300 Series; Radeon Pro Duo; AMD Radeon R9 200, R7 200, R5 300, R5 240 Series; AMD Radeon™ HD 8500 – HD 8900 Series; AMD Radeon™ HD 7700 – HD 7900 Series
Pricing: Free
5. Bandicam
Bandicam is a well-known name in the screen recording industry, and its robust performance makes it a great gaming recording software. With Bandicam, you can record videos at customizable frame rates and 4K Ultra HD resolution. Moreover, it offers video recordings of small sizes due to its built-in compression feature, ensuring high quality without compromising on file size.
Key Features:
- Two capture modes
- Option to resize capture area
- Support for several codecs and formats
- Built-in compression feature
Drawbacks:
- Somewhat costly
- Videos might experience lag issues
Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and Vista
Pricing: Free Trial, $33.26/year for 1 license
6. Gamecaster
Gamecaster is a powerful and user-friendly recording tool. Besides streaming, you can also use it to record your gameplay in high quality. With Gamecaster, you get features such as picture-in-picture mode, watermarks, video annotations, and social media integration. You can also edit videos with a built-in video editor and manage all recorded videos effortlessly.
Key Features:
- Free software with comprehensive features
- Intuitive and clean user interface
- Option to record locally or stream to popular platforms with one click
Drawbacks:
- No highlight feature available
- Might not be suitable for advanced users
Compatibility: Windows 10
Pricing: Free
7. Fraps
Fraps is a lightweight and straightforward gaming recording software perfect for gamers who prefer a seamless recording experience. Unlike other recording software that comes loaded with complex settings, Fraps offers simplicity.
It allows you to set the video capture frame rate manually, ranging from 30 to 120FPS. Fraps can also record audio through both external input and system sound. Moreover, you can record OpenGL and DirectXM games using Fraps.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and simple to use
- Supports custom FPS value; supports 120FPS video recording
- Live FPS counter
Drawbacks:
- 30-seconds recording limit for the free version
- No options to add titles
- No pause button
- High recorded video size
Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista and XP
Pricing: Free; $37 for Full Version
8. Gecata by Movavi
Movavi’s Gecata is a versatile game recorder with a host of features for both casual gamers and streamers. With a user-friendly interface, Gecata is easy to use and allows you to record 4K videos with up to 120fps as soon as you start a game. You can customize overlays to display frame rates.
Gecata by Movavi also offers an array of post-recording tools, enabling you to convert a video into a GIF, trim, cut and join videos, add animated titles and special effects, and more.
Key Features:
- Comes with many editing tools
- Supports screen resolution up to 4K
- Can record a part of the screen
- Instantly convert screen recording to GIF
Drawbacks:
- Slightly expensive
- Limited free trial
Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7
Pricing: Starts at $39.95
9. Dxtory
Dxtory is a simple yet powerful gaming recording software. Its interface is extremely simple, making it easy to understand and tweak settings. Dxtory captures lossless videos at the highest quality, ensuring you get the best video (albeit with a large file size).
In the video settings, you can specify the video codec, frames per second (from 10-120), sources, size, and format. Dxtory also allows you to balance whether the software puts pressure on the GPU or CPU for recording.
Key Features:
- Basic user interface
- Intuitive user experience
- Plenty of customization options
Drawbacks:
- Annoying trial notification
- Not for casual users
Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista and XP
Pricing: Free Trial, $28.29 for 1 license
10. Action!
Action! is a feature-rich gaming recording software, ideal for those with a powerful computer. The software utilizes your GPU to accelerate recordings, thereby putting less pressure on the CPU. With Action!, you can create high-quality videos up to 4k resolution, high frame rates and even add live commentary to it.
Key Features:
- Feature-rich
- GPU acceleration
- Easy to use
- High definition playback
Drawbacks:
- Higher frame rates consume more memory
- No option to customize frame rates
- Quite expensive
Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and Vista
Pricing: Free Trial, $29.95 per user
11. D3DGear
D3DGear is a lightweight and straightforward gaming recording software with a built-in compression system that compresses all videos recorded with it in real-time. This means even if you have less storage space, you can still record a video.
Despite its lightweight design, D3DGear uses GPU acceleration to put pressure on the GPU, not the CPU. The software automatically identifies games and connects with them – all you need to do is press the hotkey to start or stop recording.
Key Features:
- Basic user interface
- Real-time compression
- Great for streaming on popular live-stream platforms
Drawbacks:
- Limited features
- Outdated user interface design
Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista and XP
Pricing: Free 15 Days Trial, $29.85 for 1 License
12. Xbox Game Bar
If you are running Windows 10 or 11, the inbuilt Xbox Game Bar can serve as a simple tool for recording your gameplay. Although it might not be as feature-packed as other gaming recording software, its ease of use and zero cost make it a viable option for beginners.
Key Features:
- Free to use
- Comes built-in with Windows 10 and 11
Drawbacks:
- Limited features
- Available only on Windows 10 and 11
Compatibility: Windows 10 and 11
Pricing: Free
13. ManyCam
Primarily a live streaming app for Windows and Mac, ManyCam can also be used to record your gameplay. It’s a great tool to have on your gaming PC because you can record your games, and if you want to stream, you don’t need different software for it.
Key Features:
- Can be used for both streaming and game recording
- Feature-rich
- Integrations with YouTube and Facebook
Drawbacks:
- More expensive compared to other options on this list
Compatibility: Windows 11 (likely), Windows 10, Windows 8
Pricing: subscription starts at $49/year; lifetime license starts at $59
14. Icecream Screen Recorder
Icecream Screen Recorder is a versatile game recording software that comes with annotation features for both screenshots and screen recordings. You can also put a custom logo on your recordings, and easily share your videos to YouTube, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
Key Features:
- Allows webcam recording as overlay
- Built-in video editor
- Supports custom logo watermarks
Drawbacks:
- Free version is limited in functionality
Compatibility: Windows (including Windows 10 and Windows 11), macOS
Pricing: Free, pro version available at $29.95 one time fee
15. Wondershare Demo Creator
Wondershare Demo Creator records your screen and system audio separately, offering flexibility in post-production. With AI face recognition, Demo Creator can recognize your face and blend it seamlessly into the recording.
Key Features:
- Record video and audio in separate streams
- Built-in video editor
- AI face recognition
Drawbacks:
- No free version, and subscription is a tad pricey
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
Pricing: Free trial, subscription starts at $39.99/year
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional gamer, the right gaming recording software can significantly enhance your gaming experience. The software listed above offers a mix of top-notch recording and streaming capabilities, designed specifically to cater to gamers’ unique needs.
Remember, the right gaming recording software for you depends on your specific needs and the level of complexity you’re comfortable with. So, take your time to explore these options and choose the one that best fits your requirements.
Now that you are equipped with the knowledge of the best gaming recording software, it’s time to elevate your gaming experience and share it with the world. Happy gaming!