Best Software for Recording Games on PC — Record, Stream & Edit Gameplay
If you are a gamer, streamer, or content creator and want to record your PC gameplay, choosing the right software is very important. Whether you need a free, powerful, easy-to-use, or professional tool, this blog post explains the best game recording software options available today that are perfect for live streaming, YouTube videos, and social sharing.
Choosing the best game recording software for PC is essential for gamers and content creators who want to capture high-quality gameplay and connect with their audience. A good recording tool allows you to save smooth videos, record in HD or 4K, add voice commentary, and share your moments on YouTube, social media, or gaming blogs.
The best modern PC game recording software offers powerful features such as low-lag recording, customizable settings, and easy editing support, making it easier than ever to create impressive gaming videos. Whether you are recording epic wins, walkthroughs, tutorials, or live streams, the best recording tools ensure clear visuals, accurate sound capture, and flexible controls for every type of content creator. With reliable performance and user-friendly interfaces, these programs help you create original gaming content that connects with viewers, improves your blog or YouTube channel, and builds a loyal audience community.
Best Software for Recording Games on PC
1. Nvidia ShadowPlay
Nvidia ShadowPlay is an advanced game recording and streaming technology developed by Nvidia and integrated into the GeForce Experience software. It is specially designed for gamers and content creators who want to capture high-quality gameplay with almost zero impact on system performance.
Unlike traditional screen recording tools that rely heavily on the CPU, ShadowPlay uses Nvidia’s dedicated hardware encoder (NVENC) present in GeForce graphics cards. This allows gameplay to be recorded smoothly while keeping the game running at high frame rates, making it an ideal choice for competitive and high-end gaming.
One of the standout features of Nvidia ShadowPlay is its ability to record gameplay in extremely high quality, supporting resolutions up to 4K and high frame rates such as 60 FPS or more. This ensures that every detail, motion, and effect in the game is captured clearly, making recordings suitable for professional content creation on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming. Users can customize video settings such as bitrate, resolution, and frame rate according to their system capability and storage space.
Key Features of Nvidia ShadowPlay
• GPU-accelerated recording (NVENC)
• Up to 4K gameplay capture
• High frame rate recording (60 FPS+)
• Instant Replay mode
• Manual recording mode
• Customizable hotkeys
• Adjustable bitrate and resolution
• Live streaming support
• Webcam overlay
• Game and microphone audio recording
• ShadowPlay Highlights
• Background recording
• Low CPU usage
• In-game FPS counter
• Performance monitoring
• Instant clip saving
• Social media sharing
• Simple user interface
• Free to use
• Integrated with GeForce Experience
Pros of Nvidia ShadowPlay :
> Minimal impact on game performance
> Uses GPU‑based encoding (NVENC)
> High‑quality capture (up to 4K, 60 FPS+)
> Instant replay mode for highlights
> Manual recording with customizable hotkeys
> Built‑in live streaming support
> Webcam overlay and audio capture
> Easy to use with GeForce Experience
> Free for Nvidia GPU owners
> Background recording
> Quick sharing to social platforms
Cons of Nvidia ShadowPlay :
> Only works with Nvidia GPUs
> Requires GeForce Experience software
> Limited advanced editing tools
> Fewer features than dedicated capture software
> Occasional compatibility issues with some games
> File sizes can be large at high bitrates
Nvidia ShadowPlay Pricing Overview
ShadowPlay is completely free to use for Nvidia GPU owners, you only need compatible hardware. If you already have a supported Nvidia graphics card, there’s no extra cost to record or stream gameplay.
Free — Nvidia ShadowPlay is included at no extra cost with Nvidia GeForce Experience.
No subscription fees — You don’t need to pay monthly or annually.
No in‑app purchases — All features are available for free (when supported by your hardware).
Xbox Game Bar Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Desktop App — Windows (Windows 10 and Windows 11)
• Mobile App — Not available as a native mobile app
Xbox Game Bar is a Windows-exclusive gaming overlay — it works only on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and compatible devices.
2. OBS Studio
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free and open-source game recording and streaming software designed for PC users who want professional-quality video without paying any cost. It allows gamers, YouTubers, and content creators to record gameplay in high resolution with smooth frame rates and full control over video and audio settings.
OBS Studio supports advanced game capture, screen recording, webcam integration, and audio mixing, making it perfect for creating gameplay videos, tutorials, walkthroughs, and live streams. Its customizable scenes and sources let users combine game footage, facecam, overlays, and text into a single professional layout.
One of the biggest advantages of OBS Studio is its flexibility. You can adjust resolution, FPS, bitrate, and encoding options to match your system performance and recording needs. It also supports hardware encoders like NVIDIA NVENC and AMD AMF, which help reduce CPU load during recording.
Key Features of OBS Studio
• 100% Free and Open Source
• High-Quality Game Capture
• Customizable Recording Settings
• Scene and Source Control
• Audio Mixing
• Cross-Platform Support – Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros of OBS Studio :
> 100% Free & Open Source
> Powerful Recording Capabilities
> Flexible Scene & Source Management
> Advanced Audio Control
> Cross-Platform Support
> Large Community & Tutorials
> Regular Updates
Cons of OBS Studio :
> Steeper Learning Curve
> Setup Can Be Time-Intensive
> No Built-In Video Editor
> Limited Built-In Effects
> Performance Impact on Some Systems
OBS Studio Pricing Overview
OBS Studio is one of the few professional-grade game recording tools that is totally free — meaning you don’t pay anything to use its full features.
Totally Free Forever — You don’t need to subscribe, pay a one-time fee, or enter payment details.
No Paid “Pro” Version — All features are available in the free version.
Open Source — Developed and maintained by a community; free for personal and commercial use.
No Watermarks or Limits — Unlike many free alternatives, OBS doesn’t impose watermarks or recording duration caps.
OBS Studio Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Desktop App — Windows, macOS and Linux
• Mobile App — Not available as a native mobile app
3. Xbox Game Bar
Xbox Game Bar is a built-in game recording and performance overlay tool available in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is designed mainly for gamers who want a simple and quick way to capture gameplay, screenshots, and audio without installing any third-party software. Because it comes pre-installed with Windows, it is lightweight, easy to access, and perfect for beginners.
With Xbox Game Bar, you can record gameplay in high quality up to 1080p, capture short clips instantly, and take screenshots during gaming sessions. It also includes useful widgets like performance monitoring (CPU, GPU, RAM, and FPS), audio controls, and social features for quick sharing. You can open it anytime by pressing Windows + G on your keyboard.
This tool is especially useful for casual gamers, YouTubers, and bloggers who want fast recording without complicated settings. It works smoothly with most PC games, including Steam, Epic Games, and Microsoft Store titles.
Key Features of Xbox Game Bar
• Built-in game recording
• High-quality video capture (up to 1080p)
• Instant screenshot capture
• Background recording (last moments capture)
• Performance monitoring (CPU, GPU, RAM, FPS)
• Audio control and mixer
• Customizable widgets
• Quick overlay access (Windows + G)
• Xbox Social integration
• No watermark on recordings
• Free to use
• Automatic file saving
• Lightweight and easy setup
• Works with most PC games
• In-game notifications and alerts
Pros of Xbox Game Bar :
> Built-in and free
> Easy to access (Win + G)
> Simple screen recording and screenshots
> Performance monitoring (FPS, CPU, GPU, RAM)
> Audio controls per app
> Xbox social and chat integration
> Spotify controls
> Customizable widgets
> No extra installation required
Cons of Xbox Game Bar :
> Limited recording features
> No advanced streaming tools
> Slight performance impact
> Not compatible with all games
> Requires Xbox account for some features
> Fewer customization options than OBS
> Overlay can interfere with gameplay
> Not ideal for professional content creators
Xbox Game Bar Pricing Overview
Xbox Game Bar itself doesn’t cost anything. it’s a built-in, free gaming overlay provided by Microsoft on Windows PCs.
Xbox Game Bar — Free for all Windows 10/11 users (no subscription needed.)
Xbox Game Pass — Paid subscription with multiple tiers and benefits (game access, cloud play, etc.) (not required for Xbox Game Bar.)
Xbox Game Bar Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Desktop App — Windows (Windows 10 and Windows 11)
• Mobile App — Not available as a native mobile app
Xbox Game Bar is a Windows-exclusive gaming overlay — it works only on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and compatible devices.
4. Bandicam
Bandicam is a powerful screen and game recording tool designed to capture smooth, high-quality gameplay with very little impact on system performance. It is widely used by gamers because it can record videos in full HD, 2K, and 4K resolution while maintaining high frame rates. Its advanced hardware acceleration technology helps keep games running smoothly during recording.
The software supports recording from DirectX, OpenGL, and Vulkan-based games, making it compatible with almost all modern PC titles. Users can choose different recording modes such as full screen, selected area, or a specific window. Bandicam also allows recording from external sources like webcams, capture cards, and gaming consoles, which makes it suitable for diverse content creation needs.
Bandicam includes several built-in features to enhance videos, such as webcam overlay, microphone recording, mouse effects, and real-time drawing tools. These features are especially useful for gameplay tutorials, live commentary, and educational content. Creators can also add custom watermarks and logos to personalize their recordings.
Key Features of Bandicam
• Game recording for DirectX, OpenGL, and Vulkan games
• High-resolution recording (1080p, 2K, 4K)
• High frame rate capture up to 240 FPS
Screen, window, and custom area recording
• External device recording (webcam, capture card, console)
• Hardware acceleration support (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
• Low CPU and GPU usage
• High video compression with small file size
• Support for H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) codecs
• MP4 and AVI output formats
• Webcam overlay on gameplay
• Microphone and system sound recording
• Mouse effects and click sound recording
• Custom logo and watermark support
• Scheduled recording
• Screenshot capture during gameplay
• Auto file saving and management
• Customizable video quality settings
• Simple and user-friendly interface
Pros of Bandicam :
> Easy to use interface
> High-quality game recording
> Low impact on system performance
> Efficient video compression
> Supports webcam and mic overlay
> Multiple recording modes (game, screen, device)
> Hardware acceleration support
> Real-time drawing and mouse effects
> Custom watermark and logo options
> Scheduled recording feature
> Outputs in popular formats (MP4, AVI)
Cons of Bandicam :
> Windows only (no official Mac/Linux support)
> Free version adds watermark and recording limits
> Premium version requires purchase
> Limited built-in video editing tools
> Advanced settings may be confusing for beginners
Bandicam Pricing Overview
Bandicam offers flexible pricing with a free trial option and affordable paid plans for personal and professional users.
Free Version – $0 (limited to 10-minute recordings and adds a watermark)
Personal Annual License – around $33.26 per year for 1 PC with unlimited recording and no watermark
Personal Perpetual License – around $44.96 one-time payment for lifetime access (no watermark or time limits)
Bandicam + Bandicut Bundle – around $49.97 per year or $59.78 one-time (includes basic video editing with Bandicut)
Business Licenses – start at about $49.46 per year per PC for commercial use, with multi-PC options available and quantity discounts
Note:- Prices are for example purposes only and may vary slightly depending on the billing method or region. For the latest and most accurate information, always check Bandicam’s official website.
Bandicam Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Desktop App — Windows and macOS
• Mobile App — Not available as a native mobile app
5. Action!
Action! is a versatile game recording software that allows gamers and content creators to capture smooth, high-quality gameplay in HD, 2K, and 4K with minimal impact on performance. It supports real-time recording, live streaming, webcam overlay, and microphone capture, making it perfect for creating professional-looking videos for YouTube, Twitch, and social media.
One of the standout features of Action! is its simple interface, which makes it suitable for beginners as well as advanced users. You can record full screen, selected areas, or specific applications with just a few clicks. It also includes built-in audio recording, allowing you to capture system sound and microphone voice together for commentary videos. The software supports hardware acceleration, which helps reduce CPU usage and improves overall performance during recording sessions.
Action! is also popular for its real-time video preview, time-shift recording, and fast export options. Users can instantly share their recordings on social media or upload them directly to streaming platforms. With smooth performance, high-quality output, and user-friendly controls, Action! is a reliable choice for anyone looking to create professional-looking game recordings and screen capture content for blogging or video creation.
Key Features of Action!
• Record gameplay in HD, 2K, and 4K.
• Real-time recording with minimal lag.
• Live streaming to YouTube, Twitch, and more.
• Webcam and microphone support for commentary.
• Custom recording modes (full screen or selected area).
• Hardware acceleration for better performance.
• Fast export and easy sharing.
Pros of Action! :
> Lightweight & fast
> Easy to use
> High frame‑rate recording
> Multiple output formats
> Real‑time preview
> Adjustable settings
> Free version available
> Good for local recording
Cons of Action! :
> Limited editing tools
> Windows only
> Outdated interface
> No streaming support
> Compatibility issues with some games
> Watermark on free version
> Lacks advanced features
> No automated highlight capture
Action! Pricing Overview
It offers a free 30‑day trial you can download and use with full features (watermarked until licensed). After that, you can buy a lifetime license for a one‑time price.
Free Trial – Fully functional 30‑day free trial available from the official site.
Home / Personal Lifetime License – Around $29.95 USD (no watermark, full features for non‑commercial use).
Commercial Lifetime License – Around $49.95 USD (adds commercial use rights).
Note:- Prices are for example purposes only and may vary slightly depending on the billing method or region. For the latest and most accurate information, always check Action!’s official website.
Action! Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Desktop App — Windows Only
• Mobile App — Not available as a native mobile app
Conclusion
Choosing the best game recording software for PC is the key to creating high-quality, engaging, and original gaming content. It allows you to capture smooth gameplay, add your personality through voice and visuals, and connect more deeply with your audience. With the right tool, your videos become more professional, your social channel becomes more attractive, and your viewers stay longer and return more often. This not only helps grow your gaming community but also strengthens your online presence and credibility as a content creator.
FAQ's about best software for recording games on pc
What is the best software to record games on PC?
OBS Studio is the best free game recording software for PC, allowing you to record gameplay in high quality up to 1080p and 4K with full control over video, audio, and performance settings.
Can I record gameplay in 1080p or 4K on PC?
Yes, you can record gameplay in both 1080p (Full HD) and 4K (Ultra HD) on a PC using most modern game recording software. The resolution you choose mainly depends on your PC’s hardware and the settings you use.
Can I record my voice and webcam while gaming?
Yes! Most top software, including OBS Studio and Bandicam, allows you to capture gameplay, microphone commentary, and webcam overlay simultaneously, making it ideal for streaming or YouTube content.
Which software is easiest for beginners?
• Xbox Game Bar – no setup required; simple one-click recording
• Bandicam – intuitive interface for beginners
• OBS Studio – beginner-friendly with tutorials and guides online
Is paid software necessary to record games professionally?
Not necessarily. OBS Studio, Nvidia ShadowPlay, and Xbox Game Bar are free and deliver professional results. Paid software like Bandicam or Action! adds ease-of-use, compression, and editing features, but free options are sufficient for most gamers.
Vikram kumar
Hello everyone, My name is Vikram and i am from India. I am very interested in blogging. I will do my best to keep you happy with my posts. I do my work seriously. I hope you enjoy this blog. Thanks you!
