Do you want to use your webcam to record items like Youtube videos, Facebook Live, or online lessons, but have absolutely no idea how to start?
Don’t worry. There are plenty of software options out there that can help you out. While each one has different features, they are all capable of recording your webcam and outputting nice, high-quality video.
Below are our top picks for the best. There are many, many free webcam recording software today, but the ones in this guide stand above the rest due to their excellent features.
Let’s dive in and see what makes each of them so great.
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1. OBS Studio (Windows/macOS/Linux)
When most people think about Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), they think about streaming to websites such as Twitch and YouTube.
However, OBS is another fantastic piece of software for recording videos. The best news in this regard is it’s extremely simple to add your webcam and record your videos in seconds.
The best part about Open Broadcaster Software is its flexibility. It is not just made for webcam recording. It also works by recording your screen or streaming it out to the world. If you want to put your webcam over a video game, piece of software, or a web browser, you can do it with OBS.
The possibilities here are limitless, so if you want a do-it-all style recording software, OBS is definitely where you need to start your journey.
2. Windows Camera (Windows Only)
Why look for some outside software when Microsoft has been nice enough to include an easy-to-use webcam software right inside of Windows?!
Sorry Mac users, this is only for those using a Windows PC. All you need to do is pop down to the search bar and type in “camera,” and the default Windows Camera app will show up.
It’s extremely simple to use but doesn’t have very many features. If you simply want to record your webcam and don’t need anything else, this is without a doubt the best option. Open it up, click the record button, and do your thing!
If you can use a smartphone camera, you can handle this simple app without issue.
3. Bandicam (Windows/macOS)
While Bandicam is technically a paid program, they do have a limited free version that you can use to record your webcam.
It has all the same features as the full program, except it will feature a Bandicam watermark on your footage and you’re limited to recording only ten minutes at a time. If those two things don’t matter to you, Bandicam is a fantastic piece of software that comes highly recommended.
The good news is, if you enjoy using the free edition of Bandicam, you’ll have the option to buy the full version and get rid of the time restriction. You’ll get to test out the quality, features, and useability while the software is free, and then can make a decision on whether or not to purchase it.
4. Webcamera.io (Web-based)
While most of the webcam software available out there today requires a download and installation, Webcamera.io is a web browser based app.
This means once you install the browser extension, there is no download or installation needed. All the magic happens right on the website!
Having a solution that doesn’t require downloading or installation takes up no hard disk space. However, if you plan on downloading your video once recorded, you have to save it onto your computer.
The overall function of this app is extremely easy. Just click the record button and you’re good to go!
5. Debut Video Capture Software (Windows/macOS)
Another bit of tried-and-true software, Debut Video has been around for many years.
It is not only great for recording your webcam, but it operates as solid screen recording software as well. This gives you total control, which is much different than some of the other, more simple software solutions on this list.
Here you can record your webcam, your desktop screen, browsers, or even external devices. That allows you to make an entire video production in addition to recording a simple webcam video.
You can decide exactly how much tinkering and tweaking you want to do to your scenes and images, but the sky’s the limit here.
6. Free Screencast (Windows)
The last software we have is a nice middle ground between the feature-rich and super simple. Free Screencast has a good amount of features that will help you fine tune your video, but is still simple to set up and record. It really is the best of both worlds.
The other thing that needs to be talked about with this software is the clean, attractive interface. Some of the software on this list is old and hasn’t seen new UI upgrades in years.
While functional, it’s not great to look at. With Free Screencast, you get great looking software that’s also extremely functional and easy to use.
7. Free2X Webcam Recorder (Windows)
If you’re not looking for a software solution with a lot of options, Free2X Webcam Recorder is a great way to go.
This software has been around for a long time now and is very reliable. That is important because it means you won’t have to worry about annoying things like crashes or software bugs.
It has an extremely simple layout. All you need to do is click the connect button, select your camera, and then click record. Boom. You’re ready to go.
This software saves out videos in multiple different formats, allowing you to pick the right one regardless of what editing platform you like to use.
Final Words
The above options are the best free webcam recording software on the market today and they all are extremely capable. No matter which one you choose, make sure it has the features that you need for the videos you’re trying to record.
Whether you prefer the basic simplicity of the Windows Camera app, or the full-fledged software solution such as OBS, there’s something out there for you.
Do you mind paying for a premium version of software if the free version is good? Let us know in the comments below!
