Best Game Recording Software (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Whether you're saving a lucky win, building a channel or making tutorial videos, you need something that captures gameplay without making the game stutter. The good news is that plenty of capable tools are free, and some of them are probably already on your computer.

Here are ten game recording tools in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. I've mixed smaller and specialist apps with a few well-known names, and every description comes from each tool's own website and directory listings rather than guesswork. If you stream as well as record, my comparison of live streaming tools is a good next stop.

Game recording tools side by side

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site says there's a permanent free version or it's free to use, though free versions often have limits. Trial only means there's a free trial but no ongoing free version. Check each tool's own site for what the free version includes on your system.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Action!	Screen and game recorder	Recording gameplay and streaming from Windows	Trial only
Bandicam	Game and screen recorder	Lightweight recording on Windows	Yes
Insights Capture	Auto-recording clip app	Recording matches and marking key moments	Yes
Medal	Clipping and sharing app	Instant replay clips you can share quickly	Yes
NVIDIA App	Graphics card capture tools	Built-in recording on NVIDIA graphics cards	Yes
OBS Studio	Open-source recorder and streamer	Full control over recording and live streaming	Yes
Outplayed	Highlight capture app	Automatic highlights in supported games	Yes
Streamlabs Desktop	Streaming and recording app	Streaming with ready-made alerts and overlays	Yes
Xbox Game Bar	Built-in Windows tool	Quick capture with no extra software	Yes
XSplit Broadcaster	Streaming and recording app	Scenes and streaming with a free version	Yes

Ten game recording tools to try

Action!

Best for: Windows players who want a straightforward recorder for gameplay and live streams, and are happy to start with a free trial.

Bandicam

Best for: Windows players who want a light, dedicated recorder and don't mind that the free version limits each recording's length.

Insights Capture

Best for: Competitive players who want matches recorded automatically with kills and key moments marked for reviewing later.

Medal

Best for: Players who mostly want to save a great moment in a few seconds, trim it and send a share link.

NVIDIA App

Best for: Anyone with an NVIDIA graphics card who wants instant replay and recording without installing a separate recorder.

OBS Studio

Best for: Players and streamers who want free, open-source software with detailed control over scenes, sources and quality.

Outplayed

Best for: Players of supported competitive games who like highlights clipped automatically, then trimmed and shared from one app.

Streamlabs Desktop

Best for: New streamers who want recording, alerts and overlays set up in one app, built on open-source foundations.

Xbox Game Bar

Best for: Anyone on Windows who just wants a quick clip of a game using a tool that's already on the computer.

XSplit Broadcaster

Best for: Streamers who like building scenes and layouts, and want a free version for personal use before deciding.

What to look for in game recording software

Every recorder captures the screen, so the differences sit in how it behaves while you play and how much work it leaves you with afterwards.

• Impact on your game. Recording takes effort from your computer. Tools that use your graphics card's built-in encoder tend to be gentler on frame rates.
• Instant replay. A replay buffer keeps the last few minutes in memory so you can save a moment after it happens, instead of recording everything.
• Quality settings. Check the resolution and frame rate you can capture, and whether the file sizes suit your storage.
• Audio tracks. If you add commentary or talk to friends, look for separate tracks for game sound and microphone so you can mix them later.
• Editing and sharing. Some apps trim clips and create share links, while others only capture and leave editing to another program.
• Free version limits. Free versions can cap the length of a recording, add a logo or limit features, so read what's included.

Questions to ask before you pick a game recorder

• Do I want to record whole sessions, or just save the best moments as they happen?
• Is my computer powerful enough to record and play at the same time?
• Do I need to live stream as well, or only capture clips to upload later?
• Do I want automatic highlights, or will I decide myself what to keep?
• Will I edit the footage afterwards, and does the recorder save it in a format my editor likes?
• Is this just for fun, or will I use the videos for a business, channel or client work?

Which type of game recording tool suits you

• Built-in tools suit casual players who want a clip now and then without installing anything.
• Clipping apps suit anyone who wants the last few seconds saved and shared with a link.
• Highlight capture apps suit competitive players who'd rather not think about what to record.
• Open-source recorders suit people who want full control and are happy to spend time on settings.
• Streaming suites suit creators who go live and record at the same time and want alerts and overlays.
• Dedicated recorders suit players who want a focused tool for long, high-quality recordings.

If you appear on camera as well as on screen, my guide to the best webcams for streaming and calls covers the kit side, and my list of free games is handy when you need something to record.

Setting up game recording without slowing your game

• Do a short test recording first and watch it back for stutter, missing audio or the wrong screen.
• Save recordings to a drive with plenty of free space, because video files grow quickly.
• Choose your hotkeys so they don't clash with the game's own controls.
• Close other busy programs while you record, especially browsers with lots of tabs.
• Keep your graphics drivers up to date, since recording tools rely on them.
• Check each game's rules and any event or platform guidelines before you share footage publicly.

Game recording mistakes to avoid

• Recording at the highest settings when your computer can't keep up, which leaves you with choppy video.
• Forgetting to check the audio, then finding the footage has no commentary.
• Using someone else's music or voices in a video without permission. Game audio and music can have their own rules, so check before you upload.
• Running two recorders at once, which can clash and cause crashes.
• Leaving a replay buffer running when you're low on storage or memory.

Why a smaller game recorder can be worth a look

Specialist apps often focus on one job, such as automatic highlights, quick sharing or match review, and they can save you time in editing. They're worth a try when a built-in tool leaves you wanting more.

Before you rely on one, check it's still being updated, that it supports the games and system you use, and that its free version or trial is described clearly on its own site.

Do you make game recording, clipping or streaming software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Settling on your game recording setup

Pick two tools that match how you play, whether that's quick clips, long sessions or live streams. Record a short session with each, watch the footage back for smoothness and sound, and keep the one that stays out of your way.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to record gameplay on a PC?

Use a tool that's already on your computer, such as the capture tools built into Windows or your graphics card's software. They need no extra install and work with a hotkey.

Is there free game recording software?

Yes. Several tools on this list are free to use or have a free version, though free versions can limit recording length or add a logo. Check each tool's own site.

Will recording slow down my game?

It can, because recording uses your computer's resources. Tools that use your graphics card's built-in encoder are usually gentler, and a short test recording will show how your system copes.

What is an instant replay buffer?

It's a feature that keeps the last few minutes of play in memory, so you can press a hotkey to save a moment after it happens instead of recording everything.

Can I upload my game recordings to YouTube or Twitch?

Usually, yes, but game audio, music and event rules can restrict what you may share. Read the game's and the platform's guidelines before you upload.