5 Best CamStudio Alternatives for Windows in 2024

Open Broadcaster Software, or OBS, is our top pick for the CamStudio alternative. It is also an open-source tool and is mainly used for video recording and live streaming. It supports real-time video and audio capturing and mixing, and video broadcasting on Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, making it popular among gamers and live streamers.

However, using OBS is a bit tricky, especially for beginners. It requires a steep learning curve to customize settings for screen recording and output the best results. Moreover, it features limited editing functionalities and is not allowed to record audio only (see how to fix OBS not recording audio here).

The following are the key features for recording:
No time limit and no watermark
Set up an unlimited number of scenes
Real-time capturing and mixing
Built-in audio mixer
Select recording area/window flexibly
Export video in FLV, MOV, MKV, MP4, TS, M3U8.

Here is a simple guide for this CamStudio replacement.

----Step 1. Open OBS. Click on the “+” icon in the Sources box and then choose a recording mode. For example, choose Display Capture to record activities on the entire screen.

----Step 2. Follow its instructions to label the source. Hit OK to confirm.

----Step 3. Then back to the main interface and press the Start Recording button to start. To get a smooth recording experience, you can go to Settings in the Controls panel to tweak the recording parameters, such as output format, resolution, bitrate, etc.

ShareX makes another open-source recording software with no watermarks. While it is free, it offers a range of features for screen recording on Windows. You can record the full display or capture an active window. Besides, it boasts many practical recording capabilities. Scheduled recording is one of them, making it easy to start and end recording at a specific time. You can also decide whether to include the cursor or not.

Moreover, one can configure video format, quality, FPS, and other parameters before recording. All the features can be accessed via keyboard shortcuts. Another unique feature is that it supports over 80 different destinations so that you can directly share your file on Dropbox, OneDrive, YouTube, and so on.

The following are its key features for recording:
Record on-screen activity in GIFs or video
Free to choose recording area
Set a timer to record an upcoming activity
Customize the FPS value (up to 60fps)
Various output formats and file destinations
Set shortcuts based on your preference

This free CamStudio recorder alternative is easy to use. Follow the steps:

----Step 1. Launch CamStudio. Before starting, navigate to the Task settings to set a timer or needed FPS and output format. You can also choose to include the cursor or not when recording.

----Step 2. Go to Capture > Screen Recording to start recording.

WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro is a great option for anyone who is looking for an all-in-one solution for video production. This watermark-free recording program like CamStudio has little learning curve for those new to video recording and editing. From software tutorials and online meetings to streaming music and voice-overs, you can record anything on your computer screen. The built-in video editor allows you to trim, cut, merge, add text and effects, and do more edits to your recorded videos.

Other excellent features include conversion, compression, online media file downloading, and so forth. All these features are easy to get started with.

The following are its key features for recording:
Screen record video and audio in high quality
Record screen with no watermark and with unlimited length
Record mic audio or system sound only
Customize recording area and settings
Widely-supported output formats for recording
Edit, convert, and compress the recordings

DownloadDownload it here and follow the steps below to take a shot now!

----Step 1. Launch HD Video Converter Factory Pro on your PC after the installation. Choose Recorder and click to enter the Screen Recorder window.

----Step 2. At the top of the recorder window, choose one mode that you need (Custom mode, Full-screen mode, Game mode, Audio-only mode).
For Game recording mode, you need to work together with either the Custom mode or the Full-screen mode to select the recording area and then click the OK button.

----Step 3. Then, move down to modify the recording format, quality, frame rate, and turn on/off GPU acceleration. Next, check the audio source. You can check the Desktop box to record the screen sound or Microphone to record external sound. Or, check both to record mic audio and system sound at the same time.

----Step 4. Before starting recording, you can click the inverted triangle button to specify an output path.
At last, click on the red REC button to start recording after a 5-second countdown. Then press the hotkey Ctrl + F1 to finish the recording task. Once the recording is done, a window will pop up, where you can check the recorded file.

Camtasia is a 2-in-1 program for screen recording and editing. It’s pretty simple to use. Users can easily choose what portion of their screen to record and create quick videos of their screen or from their camera, or both at the same time.

Compared to HD Video Converter Factory, Camtasia comes with more wide-range editing features, making it a better choice for those who wish to have more options to polish recorded videos. This alternative to CamStudio hosts a stock library with ready-to-use images, videos, and sounds. You can also cut, splice, add animations, spotlights, transitions, sound effects, picture-in-picture webcam, and more.

The following are its key features for recording:
Instant editing after recording
Flexibly select the recording area
Record screen and webcam at the same time
Multiple output formats and sharing platforms

Here is a how-to guide for this CamStudio alternative:

----Step 1. Open Camtasia. For first-time users, there are three options: New Project, New Recording, and Open Project. Simply hit the New Recording tabs to enter the recorder.

----Step 2. To make an instant edit after recording, you can select New Project. Then click the Record button at the upper-left corner of the startup interface. Then the recorder will display.

----Step 3. Then in the recorder window, you can customize the recording settings. Select the full-screen mode or drag the dotted line to capture any part of your screen.

----Step 4. Based on your actual needs, determine whether to record the screen with a webcam or not. You can also choose a specific microphone to record. Then hit the red rec to start and the stop button to end. The recording will automatically open in the editing interface.

Bandicam, a Windows-only recording program, is getting popular because of its simplicity and output quality. Similar to HD Video Converter Factory Pro, Bandicam has a simple interface and is an ideal option for beginners. It is packed with various recording options. You can record the entire screen, or a part of the screen, or choose the recording size from the presets, including 320×240(4:3), 640×360(16:8), and much more. Another unique capability is to do real-time drawing.

There is one big drawback, though. This CamStudio alternative has no built-in editing tools. You need to install a third-party editor to get a polished video.

The following are its key features for recording:
High-quality recording at a small size.
Support webcam video recording
Real-time drawing during the recording
A rich selection of recording size

Bandicam is also easy to use. Here are the steps:

----Step 1. Start Bandicam. Choose a recording mode by clicking the downward arrow at the top left of the app.

----Step 2. Then hit the REC button or press the hotkey (F12) to start/stop the recording.