If you’re looking for the best screen capture programs for gaming on PC, look no further. In the early 2000s, recording gaming footage from your PC was a pain, but there is now a multitude of options for capturing gaming content on your computer. But which one is the best?
Much like live sports or TV, your gaming sessions can have some unforgettable moments that you just need to share. With these best screen capture programs for gaming on PC, you’ll be able to simply clip all of your coolest achievements to share for that much-needed online clout.
There are tons of screen capture programs for recording your PC games, and you’ll need one to become a top YouTuber or content creator. While games consoles like Xbox Series, PS5 and Nintendo Switch let you record your games with the press of a button, PC is a bit more complicated. Furthermore, the best capture cards can be used to record games console footage.
Nevertheless, these are the best screen capture programs for gaming on PC.
EaseUS RecExperts
One of the few game recorders available on both PC and Mac, EaseUS RecExperts is an incredibly comprehensive and intuitive piece of software with many options.
Not only can EaseUS RecExperts capture screen, webcam, and audio input simultaneously, but it allows you to export your footage in a wealth of formats, and edit your videos with a suite of built-in tools.
While it may not have the sheer depth of a program like OBS, EaseUS RecExperts is a simple-to-use and efficient piece of software that can help anyone get into content creation. With task scheduler features, auto splitting and auto stop, you’ll be able to capture your sickest gameplay without issue.
Bandicam
Bandicam is a Windows-only game recording tool aimed squarely at power \||||||||||||. It lets you record in 4K Ultra HD resolution at high frame rates, while a greenscreen feature allows you to customize your backdrop.
Nevertheless, Bandicam is a legacy tool for PC gamers that has mostly been phased out. It is still a functional piece of software, but not one that anyone is really still using, at least if they're serious about gaming.
Fraps
Another PC-exclusive piece of software, Fraps is a simple yet powerful tool that lets you record in a wide variety of resolutions at a frame rate of your choosing. Unfortunately, it lacks editing tools, and the files it creates can be enormous.
FRAPS was once a great pick for any YouTuber or content creator. However, as time has passed, the software has become outdated. It's still worth a try with its free demo, but we wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is an open-source screen recorder. That means it’s totally free, with no limitations whatsoever. For something you don’t have to pay for, it’s also highly functional, with a host of plugins and support for many streaming platforms.
While OBS Studio is good for screen capturing, the highly customizable software is primarily designed for streaming on Twitch or YouTube. If you're looking to stream gameplay, this is the usual go-to. However, if you're looking for a simply way to record gameplay, you might want to look elsewhere.
Windows 10 Xbox Game Bar
When it comes to convenience, it’s hard to beat the thing you’ve already got on your computer and, if you’re a gamer, use all the time.
Windows 10 Xbox Game Bar lets you capture clips and screenshots, record PC games, and do a ton of other stuff like chat with your friends across multiple platforms and look for teammates.
There are plenty more game recording tools out there, but any of these five would be a great place to start.