Not all Windows and Mac screen recorders capture sound. A Windows and Mac desktop recorder with sound records both video and audio clearly. This article shows the best tools we tested. You will see which ones are easy to use and give good quality. Some are simple for beginners. Others have advanced features. By the end, you will know which recorder fits your needs. You can start making videos with clear sound in just a few steps.
1. Tipard Screen Capture
Tipard Screen Capture is a Windows desktop recorder that also works on Mac. It has the ability to capture your screen and audio. You may take the entire screen or part of it. It captures system sound and the microphone concurrently. The interface is simple and user-friendly. Novices will be able to do it easily, and even more sophisticated users can easily manipulate it.
- Works on Windows and Mac
- Audio and microphone are recorded simultaneously on the records
- Whole screen or part screen recording
- High-quality output
- Supported with a floating toolbar interface that is simple to use
- Some advanced features are restricted to free users
- May use more CPU for long recordings
2. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a powerful desktop recorder free to use and perfect for recording or streaming your screen. It records various sources such as windows, webcams and sound. Real-time audio mixing and scenes with various layouts can be mixed. OBS is very configurable using hotkeys and a variety of plugins. This is very good both in the live streaming and high-quality recording.
- Free and open-source
- Helps in supporting various sources and scenes
- Higher-order audio mixer with filters
- Very customizable and has plug-in support
- High learning curve to entry
- CPU / GPU intensive, can be memory-intensive
- No built-in video editor
3. Camtasia
Camtasia is one of the best software programs to record desktop screens while also offering built-in video editing. You are able to capture your screen, webcam and microphone and add effects, transitions and annotations. It is best suited to online course tutorials, online courses or professional presentations. Camtasia is available on Windows and Mac.
- Everything-in-one recorder and editor
- Easy to use
- Facilitates export of high-quality up to 4K
- Audio editing included
- Paid for rather costly software
- High system requirements
- Free trial adds a watermark
4. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is an easy-to-use desktop audio recorder that records your screen and microphone simultaneously. Tutorials, presentations or lessons can be recorded in a few seconds. It also enables one to trim videos and add captions, then share them on YouTube or cloud storage.
- Easy to use for beginners
- Free version available
- Supports video trimming and captions
- Cloud sharing included
- The free version is limited to 15 minutes and watermark
- Lacks improved editing technology
- Can lag in long recordings
5. QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a built-in desktop screen recorder for Mac. It can capture full screen or a selected area and lets you record microphone audio. QuickTime screen recording is simple and ready to use without downloading extra software.
- Free and pre-installed on Mac
- Simple interface
- Records the screen and microphone
- Quick to start recordings
- Cannot capture system audio by default
- Limited editing features
- Requires extra software for internal audio capture
6. Xbox Game Bar
Xbox Game Bar is a free video desktop recorder that is a lightweight application designed into Windows 10 and 11. It enables you to record gameplay or apps with Win + G and record your microphone simultaneously. Background recording and screenshots are also possible.
- Built into Windows, no download needed
- Easy to activate with Win + G
- Records the microphone and screen
- Lightweight and ready to use
- Optimized for games, not all apps
- No editing tools
- Recording length limits depend on settings
7. ScreenRec
ScreenRec is an easy-to-use PC desktop video recorder that is used to take fast captures. It captures your screen and microphone without any watermark in the free version. It also provides minimal cloud storage to share recordings in real time. ScreenRec is small and quick, good when one needs to give a brief tutorial or meeting.
- Free version with no watermark
- Easy-to-use interface
- Low CPU usage
- Cloud storage for sharing
- Poor resolution with the free version
- Minimal or no editing tools
- Time recording can be restricted without an account
8. Bandicam
Bandicam is a well-known desktop recording software for Windows. It can record your screen, gameplay, or external devices. Bandicam compresses files to reduce size without losing much quality. It is widely used for tutorials, demos, and gaming videos.
- Multiple recording modes, such as screen, game, and device
- High-quality video output
- Compressed files save space
- Adjustable FPS and bitrate
- The free version has a watermark and a time limit
- Only Windows supported
- Advanced features require a paid license
How to Choose: Final Recommendations
When deciding to pick the appropriate screen recorder to use on your desktop, it is always good to establish what you need before you do. Take into account the level of experience, the type of device you need, and the need to make simple recordings, professional editing, or play a game. These standards will help more easily choose the tool that will fit your workflow and provide the best results.
1. Best Choice for Total Beginners
If you are new to screen recording, a free desktop recorder is perfect. Tools like Tipard or OBS are simple, quick to set up, and let you capture video and audio without confusion or cost. You can start recording immediately and learn as you go.
2. Professional Recording and Editing Made Easy
Require refined videos to use as a tutorial or a presentation? The best software to record a desktop, such as Tipard, is an integrated recording and editing software. It is possible to add transitions, annotations, and audio effects to make your material look professional.
3. Powerful Features on a Budget
Need the best performance at a low cost? The OBS Studio free desktop audio recorder allows mixing various audio sources, recording them in high quality, and setting them. It is perfect in that it can be used by individuals who are not willing to spend too much.
4. Simple Recording for Mac Users
For Mac users who just want to capture screen activity, a Mac desktop recorder with sound, like Tipard, is ideal. It records your screen and microphone in a few clicks, no extra software needed, perfect for tutorials or casual videos.
5. Optimized for Windows Gamers
Gamers on Windows will benefit from the Windows desktop recorder, Tipard. It records gameplay smoothly, captures commentary, and starts instantly with a simple keyboard shortcut. It is lightweight and designed for gaming without slowing your PC.
Conclusion
Finding the right screen recorder depends on what you need. Beginners, pros, and gamers all have different tools. A free video desktop recorder can do most tasks without cost. The right tool makes it easy to record video and audio. You can capture your screen fast and get good results.




