Last updated: · A comprehensive comparison of free screen recording tools optimized for online classes.

New to class recording? Start with our complete collection of free productivity tools → Free Productivity Tools Hub

At a glance: Online class recording is all about simplicity and reliability. This guide compares OBS Studio, ShareX, Xbox Game Bar, QuickTime Screen Recording, Loom, and ScreenPal across different user scenarios (teachers, students, tutors), providing complete workflows from setup to recording, editing, and sharing.

"I explained everything perfectly on Zoom, but forgot to hit record." Nothing's more frustrating than hearing this after class. Whether it's a quick assignment walkthrough or a full hour-long lecture, recording needs to start instantly when needed. This guide focuses on reliable, free tools that let you capture high-quality content with just a few clicks, specifically designed for online teaching environments.

Tool Overview (Tailored Recommendations by User Type)

  • OBS Studio — Full lectures & tutorials with scene transitions and overlays (Windows/macOS/Linux)
  • ShareX — Quick region capture & one-off recordings with auto-upload support (Windows only)
  • Xbox Game Bar — Instant recording with hotkeys, no installation required (Windows 10+)
  • QuickTime Screen Recording — Built into macOS, microphone recording included (system audio requires separate routing)
  • Loom Free Plan — Camera bubbles and easy link sharing, popular for assignment feedback
  • ScreenPal Free Plan — Browser and desktop support, ideal for short lessons & explainer videos

Feature Comparison Chart

Tool Key Features Free Plan Scope Best Use Case
OBS Studio Scene/source management, high-quality local recording, streaming capability Completely free (open source), no feature limitations Professional lectures & tutorial production
ShareX Region selection, GIF creation, auto-upload, powerful hotkeys Completely free (open source) Short demos & quick tip videos
Xbox Game Bar No installation, Win+Alt+R for instant recording Free, some app/desktop recording limitations Quick assignment instructions & one-off recordings
QuickTime Screen Recording Built into macOS, microphone recording included (system audio requires separate routing) Free, no advanced editing features Simple lectures & explanation videos
Loom Free Plan Camera bubble, easy link sharing, comment collection 5-minute video length, max 25 saved videos (subject to change) Feedback & announcement videos
ScreenPal Free Plan Browser & app support, basic editing,
import captions for free; auto-captions on paid plans		 15-minute recording limit, no watermark Short lessons & assignment guides
Student viewing online class screen illustration

Step-by-Step Setup Guide (Essential 3 Tools)

A. OBS Studio — Professional Lecture Recording Setup

  1. Installation — Download and install the appropriate version for your OS from the official website
  2. Add Sources — Add Display Capture (full screen), Window Capture (specific app window), and Audio Input Capture (microphone) in that order
  3. Output Settings — Go to Settings → Output → Set recording format to MKV (recommended for stability). Use Remux to save as MP4 if needed, bitrate 6,000-10,000kbps (1080p)
  4. Assign Hotkeys — Go to Settings → Hotkeys to set start/stop recording shortcuts
  5. Test Recording — Record a 10-15 second sample and verify both video and audio quality
OBS Display Capture properties window — monitor and cursor capture options
Source: OBS Project

B. ShareX — Quick Region Recording with Auto-Upload

  1. Installation — Download the Windows installer from the official website
  2. Select Recording Tool — Go to Capture → Screen recording or GIF recording, then specify your desired region
  3. Audio Settings — Navigate to Task settings → Screen recorder to select microphone input source
  4. FFmpeg — ShareX v16+ includes FFmpeg (64-bit) built-in. Only set a custom FFmpeg path if you’re on 32-bit Windows or need a custom build (Screen recording options → FFmpeg path)
ShareX Capture menu — Region, Screen recording, GIF options
Source: ShareX

C. Built-in Tools — Start Recording Without Any Installation

  • Windows: Xbox Game Bar — Press Win+Alt+R to start/stop. Some apps have recording restrictions
  • macOS: Screen Recording — Press Shift+Cmd+5 to show control panel → select full screen/region and configure microphone options
Windows Xbox Game Bar capture control panel

Essential Pre-Recording Checklist

  • Microphone level check — Adjust volume to avoid clipping or inaudible audio (-12 to -6dB recommended)
  • Enable Do Not Disturb mode for notifications and messaging apps
  • Set resolution to 1920×1080 recommended (match canvas and output resolution)
  • Clean up desktop for slides or demo materials
  • Record a 10-15 second sample and playback to verify quality

Pros and Cons at a Glance

  • OBS Studio — Pros: Best quality and flexibility | Cons: Initial learning curve
  • ShareX — Pros: Fast workflow and GIF support | Cons: Not ideal for long lectures
  • Xbox Game Bar — Pros: No installation required | Cons: App restrictions and basic settings
  • QuickTime Screen Recording — Pros: Built into macOS | Cons: Advanced editing and system audio require separate setup
  • Loom/ScreenPal — Pros: Easy sharing features | Cons: Free plan limitations and potential watermarks
Check out related guides: Free Video Editing Tools Guide, Free Cloud Storage for Students

After Recording: Editing and Sharing

  1. Basic Editing — Simple cuts to remove mistakes or dead air (free editing tools are sufficient)
  2. Add Subtitles — Use auto-generated captions and fix major errors for better accessibility
  3. Distribution — Share via Learning Management System (LMS) or Google Drive links
Test your setup with a 30-second sample recording right now. It's the first step to foolproof class preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I record computer system audio along with my voice during class?
On Windows, you can enable Stereo Mix in device settings or use OBS's desktop audio feature. macOS requires additional audio routing tools like BlackHole.
Q2. Can I add a small webcam window in the corner?
OBS Studio supports this by adding a Video Capture Device source, Loom includes it by default, and ScreenPal also supports this feature.
Q3. Are free versions sufficient?
Free versions work perfectly for basic lectures and tutorials. Consider upgrading if you need extensive cloud storage, team collaboration, or advanced editing features.

Conclusion

For educational recording, ease of use and reliable capture matter most. Start with built-in tools or ShareX for quick one-off recordings, and use OBS Studio for serious lecture production. Next, focus on streamlining your editing workflow and content distribution strategy.

👉 More free tools: Free Productivity Tools Hub
👉 Team & business solutions: Business Tools Guide

Related articles you might find helpful: Free Video Editing Tools Guide, Free File Sharing Tools
Run a 15-second test recording now to verify audio, video, and saving all at once, then create your own class template.
Recommended Image Insertions (3-5 total)
#1 Below comparison table: Free illustration/photo — Keywords: online class screen recording, e-learning tutorial
#2 OBS settings window capture — Official OBS, Keywords: OBS add source, OBS recording settings
#3 ShareX capture menu — Official ShareX, Keywords: ShareX screen recording region
#4 Windows Game Bar or macOS screen recording controls — Official Microsoft / Apple
#5 (Optional) Save path/file format settings capture — Official tool documentation screenshots