So, you’re after a Camtasia alternative, right?
I can guarantee you love the look of Camtasia, but you are put off by the relatively hefty price tag of around $249.
Videoschnitt software, free downloads and reviews at WinSite. Free Videoschnitt Shareware and Freeware. Download exe Download zip. DJI Media Maker Release Notes 2016-04-05. DJI Media Maker User. 28/10/20.:: Lightworks Beta 2021.1 revision 125517 on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X Now Available - Read More. Wednesday, 23 May 2012 15:20.
Yep, I had that feeling too when I was just starting out with screen recorders (however, I bit the bullet and invested in Camtasia – it was a very good decision!).
But, don’t worry. I’ve put together a sweet list of the best Camtasia alternatives, some even have free options.
I hope you find it useful. Be sure to let me know in the comments below what Camtasia alternative you have.
What to look for in a Camtasia alternative?
To me, the best Camtasia alternatives should have the following five features:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible screen recording
- Strong editing capabilities
- Annotations and/or cursor effects
- Pan and zoom
Note, not all of the software listed below contain all of the above. But, they will contain the majority of these features.
Competitive pricing
In my eyes, an alternative software should be cheaper than its comparator. And, especially holds true in this case.
Ideally, you should be looking at combined screen recorders and video editors that are priced under $250.
Luckily, the majority of them are!
Flexible screen recording
One of the biggest perks of Camtasia is its powerful screen recording features.
Any alternative should also support custom screen recording sizes. This is when you can record a selected area instead of the whole screen.
Strong editing capabilities
Since Camtasia is also a video editor, any alternative should come with suitable editing tools.
These editing capabilities should include video trimming, for removing unwanted sections, and some audio track features at a minimum.
Annotations and/or cursor effects
I personally love Camtasia’s annotations and cursor effects. They really do improve the quality of screencasts to make them easier to follow.
The very best Camtasia alternatives should have some sort of annotation and/or cursor effect features.
Pan and zoom
To take screencasts to another level, the software should have some sort of pan and zoom capability – just like Camtasia.
Again, the benefit of controlling the camera movement is to make it easy for the viewer to follow along.
Best Camtasia alternatives
So, let’s get to it.
Below you will find a list of the best Camtasia alternatives available, in my opinion anyway, and some relevant detail for each one.
1. Filmora Scrn (#1 recommended)
Filmora Scrn by Wondershare is packed with features and, best of all, it is super cheap!
If you want the main features of Camtasia, but don’t want to pay TechSmith’s prices, then I urge you to seriously consider Filmora Scrn.
With Filmora Scrn, you can set a custom screen recording field and simultaneously record your screen and camera with audio.
Recordings can be even captured in 120 frames per second (FPS), so your recordings are super smooth (note, Mac users are limited to 60 FPS).
In the editing side, it’s possible to change the appearance of the cursor (size, shape and color) and add annotations.
Unfortunately, there is no pan and zoom ability. If you need this, then check out Filmora below.
The great news for you guys is that there is a free Filmora Scrn trial available. So, there is no excuse to try it yourself.
If you’re already sold on Filmora Scrn, then you can grab it for $19.99 for a 1-year licence or just $29.99 for a lifetime licence.
Surely, it’s a no-brainer to go with the latter for just an extra $10!
- Related:Filmora Scrn Review: A Simple But Effective Screen Recorder
Filmora Scrn
✔️ Free trial
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Windows and Mac systems
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Windows and Mac systems
2. ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is a respected Mac only screen recorder and video editor.
This one’s for all you Mac fans out there. Sorry Windows guys, you’ll have to skip over this one.
ScreenFlow has a powerful set of screen recording features, including custom size screen recording and the ability to record multiple monitors at once. If you also want to record your iPhone or iPad screen, you can with ScreenFlow, simply connect the device to your computer and the software will capture it.
There’s easy video editing to be found too. You can add zoom and pan effects, trim clips, adjust audio and more. There’s also a variety of annotations, including freehand.
Another notable feature of ScreenFlow is that there are cursor effects, such as radars for clicks. You can change the size, color and duration of the effect and even apply a blur.
Coming in at $129, ScreenFlow certainly isn’t the cheapest Camtasia alternative on this list. However, it’s certainly ranked near the top in terms of features and capabilities.
Similar to Camtasia, ScreenFlow’s price does not include future software upgrades. This is just something the keep in mind if you’re thinking of purchasing.
If you’re interested, then you can grab a fully functional free trial. The only limitation is that exported videos will be watermarked, so you can certainly see everything ScreenFlow has to offer by just playing around with the trial.
ScreenFlow
✔️ Free trial
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Pan and zoom
✔️ Mac system only
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Pan and zoom
✔️ Mac system only
3. Filmora
Filmora is Filmora Scrn’s bigger brother, with all the editing bells and whistles.
If you like the look of FilmoraScrn, but want more advanced editing capabilities and fancy transitions, then you may want to consider Filmora.
Filmora can edit and export in up to 4K resolution and has up to 100 media layers! This may seem overkill, but if you want to add a lot of snazzy effects, then it certainly comes in handy.
As expected with a strong video editor, there is also pan and zoom effect within Filmora.
With over 800 stylish effects to pick from, you can certainly make your videos stand out from the rest. New effects are also added every month for those that purchase the Annual Bundle Plan ($99.87 per year).
Obviously, these additional editing features come with a higher cost, compared with its little sibling FilmoraScrn. Expect to pay an additional $40 for a lifetime licence, or you get can it for $39.99 per year.
Interested? Then take advantage of their free offer to see what Filmora can do for you.
Filmora
✔️ Free trial
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Pan and zoom
✔️ Windows and Mac systems
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Pan and zoom
✔️ Windows and Mac systems
4. Movavi Video Suite
Movavi’s Video Suite is an all-in-one screen recorder video editor and converter that even looks similar to Camtasia.
On first glance, you may mistake Movavi’s Screen Recorder for Camtasia; their interfaces are so alike!
Sure enough, everything you need in a screen recorder can be found. You can capture your desired area and record audio and video. Applying cursor highlights and on-click sound effects is also super easy.
In terms of video editing, the Movavi Video Suite has a large selection of creative assets including titles, filers, effects and transitions. You can also add in callouts (annotations).
The good news is that there is a free 7-day trial available so that you can really give the Video Suite a good test drive. Notable limitations of the trial include screen recording restrictions (5 minutes maximum) and watermarks on exported videos.
It’s worth noting that the Video Suite is only available for Windows users, but a Mac version is expected to drop in June 2020 – so watch this space!
Movavi Video Suite
✔️ 7-day free trial
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Pan and zoom
✔️ Windows systems
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Pan and zoom
✔️ Windows systems
5. Create
Create by Vidello is an excellent option for those that want to pay a one-time fee.
Many of you have probably not heard of Create before, but it is certainly worth checking out if you are after a cheaper Camtasia alternative.
Coming in at half the price of a standard Camtasia licence, Create’s pricing is one-off. So, no recurring fees – yay!
With Create you can record a custom area of your screen, zoom in to the recordings, add shapes and even funky animated emojis.
If you don’t have access to a microphone or you are super shy to record your own voice, there is also a text-to-speech voiceover narration feature. Simply add in your text, select a voice style and Create will generate a voiceover for you.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a free trial, but you do get a 30-day, money-back guarantee should you change your mind about it within the first month.
Create
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations
✔️ Zoom feature
✔️ Windows and Mac systems
✔️ Annotations
✔️ Zoom feature
✔️ Windows and Mac systems
6. ActivePresenter
ActivePresenter is one of the most expensive Camtasia alternatives, but has a lot going for it.
With a strong focus on elearning and interactive videos, there are a lot of features under ActivePresenter’s hood.
As expected, screen recording can be full screen or a custom size. Camera and audio can also be captured simultaneously.
Cursor effects, annotations and zoom and pan are also available in ActivePresenter. You can even add a spotlight onto areas of the screen, just like in Camtasia.
There are a lot of tutorials on their website to get you up to speed with most of the features.
Videoschnitt Freeware Mac Downloads
In terms of cost, there are a few licences that you can get for ActivePresenter: Free, Standard and Pro.
Thier Free licence is only for personal and non-commercial use. So, if you’re going to be making videos for commercial work, then you need one of their premium plans. Due 1 2 3.
The downside is the price of these unrestricted licences. At $199 for their Standard or $399 for their Pro licence, it certainly doesn’t come cheap.
Download their Free version to see what ActivePresenter has going for it.
ActivePresenter
✔️ Free version
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Pan and zoom
✔️ Windows and Mac systems
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Annotations/cursor effects
✔️ Pan and zoom
✔️ Windows and Mac systems
7. Free Cam
Free Cam is one of the best, completely free Camtasia alternatives.
Got no money? Well, don’t worry! Free Cam may be the answer you’re looking for. Note, Free Cam is only available on Windows machines – sorry to burst your bubble Mac users.
Free Cam, as the name suggests has a completely free version, which does contain the majority of Camtasia alternative features. For enhanced functionality, then you may want to consider upgrading to their Pro account ($227 per year).
Unlike most free screen recorders and video editors, Free Cam does not place any video length restrictions or applies watermarks to your videos.
However, it is only possible to simultaneously record your screen and audio. Capturing your camera alongside these is enabled in their Pro account.
Basic video editing features are also found in the free version. You can easily trim unnecessary sections of video, remove background noise from audio and apply fade-in and -out audio effects.
There is also some cursor effects that can be found as standard. This includes highlighting the cursor and applying sound click effects. Annotations can only be found only in their Pro version.
Certainly give Free Cam a download if you’re interested. After all, it’s free!
Free Cam
✔️ Completely free option
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Cursor effects
✔️ Annotations (Pro version)
✔️ Windows systems
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Cursor effects
✔️ Annotations (Pro version)
✔️ Windows systems
8. Screencast-O-Matic
ScreenCast-O-Matic has a range of inexpensive pricing plans available to suit everyone, including a free plan!
The great thing about Screencast-O-Matic is that there are 3 price plans: Free, Deluxe ($1.65 per month) and Premier ($4.00 per month).
The basic Free plan, as you would expect, has a limited offering of recording and editing capabilities. Custom size screen recording is as standard to capture only regions of interest.
However, you can only trim videos with their Free plan. Videos are also limited to 15 minutes and have a watermark applied during export.
For additional editing features and to remove those pesky restrictions, then you need to have one of their reasonably priced memberships (Deluxe or Premier).
With the paid plans you get access to various Camtasia-like features, such as customizing the cursor (change color of cursor halo), annotations and zoom in/out.
If you want to record with a green screen background, there is also a green screen filter option to jazz up your surroundings.
Screencast-O-Matic
✔️ Free version
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Cursor effects (paid version)
✔️ Annotations (paid version)
✔️ Zoom in/out (paid version)
✔️ Windows, Mac, Android and Chromebook systems
✔️ Custom size screen recording
✔️ Cursor effects (paid version)
✔️ Annotations (paid version)
✔️ Zoom in/out (paid version)
✔️ Windows, Mac, Android and Chromebook systems
FAQs
1. What is the best Camtasia alternative?
For me, the answer to this is Filmora Scrn.
Sure, there is no pan and zoom feature in Filmora Scrn; you will need Filmora for that. But, there is custom screen recording, the ability to add annotations and change the appearance of the cursor.
The biggest factor in my decision is the price. At just $29.99 for a life-time licence, that’s a saving of over $200 compared with Camtasia!
And since most people looking at Camtasia alternatives are concerned about costs, Filmora Scrn is competitively priced and comes with the majority of features you want.
2. What is the best free Camtasia alternative?
The answer to this depends on your situation.
If you’re planning on using the software for personal and non-commercial use only, then I would say ActivePresenter for sure.
Otherwise, I suggest checking out Free Cam (Windows only).
Wrapping up
I hope this list of best Camtasia alternatives is useful for you. On reflection, there are some serious contenders here for the title of best screen recorder and video editor.
Have I missed anything? If you have any further suggestions, then please let me know in the comments below.
Further reading on SideHustleTeach.com
For more information on Filmora Scrn, then check out my detailed review. If you are just after a screen recorder without the fancy video editing capabilities, then have a look at my list of best screen recorder software. To see what you’re missing out with Camtasia, then read my Camtasia review.
As we step into a new decade, it’s time we bring our apps with us. Omnioutliner pro 5 5 4 1. That includes screen capture apps. We’ve been using the same old software like Camtasia from TechSmith, an e-learning app that lets you create training videos and presentations. It’s about time we test out some of the best Camtasia alternatives to start the decade off right.
Contents
Is Camtasia Free?
To answer simply, no Camtasia is not free. However, you can make use of their free trial.
How Much Does It Cost?
For individuals users, Camtasia costs a whopping $249. This doesn’t include maintenance, which is sold separately at $49.75.
Comparison Table
Easy to use? | Record Screen? | Record Voice Over? | Cloud Recording? | Video Editing? | Instant Sharing? | Recording Time | Video Formats Robothorium 1 0. | OS |
ScreenRec & OpenShot | Unlimited | Any FFmpg format | Windows Mac Linux | |||||
OBS | Unlimited | FLV MP4 | Windows Mac Linux | |||||
EZ Vid | 45 minutes | WMV | Windows | |||||
Fraps | 30 seconds | AVI | Windows | |||||
Bandicam | 10 minutes | MP4 AVI | Windows | |||||
Camstudio | As much as your disk space allows | AVI | Windows | |||||
Movavi Video Suite | Unlimited | MOV MP4 WMV AVI | Windows Mac | |||||
FFSplit | Unlimited | FLV MKV MP4 | Windows | |||||
Icecream | 5 minutes | WEBM | Windows Mac Android | |||||
ScreenFlow | Unlimited | MOV MP4 | Mac |
The Best Camtasia Alternatives
1. ScreenRec + OpenShot
This is the best duo since Batman and Robin. Together, ScreenRec and OpenShot work as one of the best Camtasia free alternatives (when you need both screen recording and video editing).
ScreenRec is a simple yet powerful screen recording software that allows you to record your screen in full HD and take & edit screenshots with the use of a simple hotkey (ALT-S). The moment you finish capturing, your pics or vids are automatically backed up to the cloud. Plus, a unique sharing link is created and copied to your clipboard to allow you to share your videos anywhere.
When you want to edit videos, OpenShot is your best bet. This open-source video editing software is just as simple and just as powerful as ScreenRec. With features like animation, title template and subtitle creation, and easy audio and video mixing, OpenShot gives you professional quality editing for free. With ScreenRec, it’s the perfect pairing.
Pricing:
Free
2. OBS
OBS is an open-source video recording app. OBS is popularly known for the dozens of features jam-packed into a relatively simple user interface (for its category, at least). The editing tools include color correction, sophisticated audio mixer and EQ, and, of course, computer screen and audio capture. OBS is definitely better than Camtasia Studio with it’s more powerful editing capabilities while being free.
However, OBS has a steep learning curve as its many of the editing features are difficult to learn and get used to, and even a bit overwhelming. Luckily, there are many video tutorials available to help set you off on the right foot.
Pricing:
Free
3. EZVid
EZVid is a great app to use when recording video tutorials. Allowing you to record your screen, webcam, and voice simultaneously, your videos will be YouTube ready, the moment you finish recording. It also has video editing tools that cover the basics like cutting, splicing, audio mixing, and screen drawing.
The only issue with EZVid is that you cannot export your video files. Your only option is to upload them directly to YouTube, which may not be ideal for private presentations.
Pricing:
Free
4. Fraps
Used mostly by gamers, Fraps is a pretty awesome screen recorder and screenshot tool that allows you to record your videos up to 7680×4800. It even allows you to perform benchmarks.
Your screenshots are automatically named and timestamped. Although this is a high-quality app, it’s a bit outdated. There hasn’t been much maintenance or updates on the app, and there is no tech support available besides online forums and videos. Nonetheless, Fraps can still hang with the best of them.
Pricing:
Free or $37
5. Bandicam
One of the exclusive Camtasia alternatives for Windows, Bandicam is a powerful tool for presenters to use for eLearning videos. With real-time drawing and mouse effects, creating tutorials with Bandicam is simple. Like EZ Vid, you can record your webcam along with your screen and mic.
Though, unlike EZVid, you can export your videos as MP4 or AVI files. The biggest issue with the free version is that you can only record 10 minutes of video and it leaves a pretty noticeable watermark.
Pricing:
Free or $39
6. Camstudio
If you want a very simple screen recording app that gives you basic features without burdening you with bells and whistles, that would be Camstudio. This completely free tool allows you to easily record your computer screen with the advantage of webcam recording and, similar to ScreenRec, audio recording from not just a mic but your computer audio as well.
Camstudio has no problem with being basic and even simplifies its files by making its video files smaller for more convenient uploading. But if you’re looking to add effects to your videos, this is probably not the app you need.
Pricing:
Free
7. Movavi Video Suite
Movavi is very easy to use video editor and screen recorder with professional style quality. With features like a montage wizard, keyframe animation, built-in music, and multiple filters, your videos are sure to be top-notch.
These high-quality features come with high prices, however. Less expensive than Camtasia, Movavi can still be a bit too pricey for some.
Pricing:
$79.95
8. FFSplit
For those of you wishing to live stream your tutorials, FFSplit is for you. It has all of your basic recording features, but it’s its live stream feature that makes it stand out. Complete with a webcam overlay, it’s the perfect tool for eLearning. There is a steep learning curve to get over, but FFSplit’s online community is very much present to help you out.
Pricing:
Free
9. IceCream
IceCream is one of those apps that doesn’t try too hard to impress its users. Instead, this app is all about basics. Basic features, basic tools, basic application. Recording is simple enough with the addition of a webcam overlay. Although editing is lackluster as you can only trim and annotate.
There are more features, but they are only available in the paid version. The free version gives you 5 minutes of recording time and stains your video with a watermark. Yet, it is still a good Camtasia alternative since you get what you need without paying an arm and a leg.
Pricing:
Free or $29.95
10. ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is another exclusive app as a Camtasia alternative for Mac. With this app, it’s all about simplicity especially in regards to its interface. Reminiscent of Windows Movie Maker, ScreenFlow allows you to drag and drop text, audio, and footage.
Unfortunately, ScreenFlow is also a bit too pricey for its simplistic features, but Mac users may still appreciate the exclusiveness.
Pricing:
$129
What Is The Best Camtasia Alternative?
This is solely up to you to decide. But these questions may help you:
- Is it free?
- Is it easy to use?
- Does it have the right features?
- Is there an unlimited recording time?
- Is it easy to share?
Conclusion
Videoschnitt Freeware Mac Os
If you ask us, the combination of ScreenRec and OpenShot is the best free Camtasia alternative. These two apps take care of all of your recording and editing needs for free without requiring tutorials or help from an online community. You can record for an unlimited amount of time and share easily. OpenShot has all the right features for editing and sharing as well.
Videoschnitt Freeware Mac Data Recovery
Whether you are using these apps for a video tutorial or an eLearning presentation, they all provide excellent Camtasia alternatives. Whether it’s a cheaper price, better features, or easier to use, each app is great to try.