Best Free Screen Recorders for YouTube Tutorials (2025 Guide)

Are you looking for the best free screen recorders for YouTube tutorials?

If you want to create high-quality YouTube tutorials, a screen recorder is one of the most important tools. Whether you’re teaching software, coding, or gaming, the right recorder makes your video look professional. The good news? You don’t need to spend money—there are free screen recording tools that work perfectly in 2025.

This guide is part of my full YouTube Tutorial Beginner’s Guide — check it out here.

YouTube Tutorial Channel for Beginners: How to Start a YouTube Channel and Grow in 2025

This guide lists the best free screen recorders for creating YouTube tutorials, compares their key features, and helps you select the right one for your specific needs.

Why Screen Recorders Matter for YouTube Tutorials

Screen recorders let you show exactly what you’re teaching. For example:

• Coding tutorial → viewers see your code in real time.
• Design tutorial → viewers watch you use Photoshop or Canva.
• Tech tutorial → viewers follow your step-by-step clicks.

👉 Stat: 86% of people say they often turn to YouTube to learn new skills (Pew Research, 2023). If your screen is blurry or laggy, you’ll lose credibility instantly.

Best Free Screen Recorders for YouTube Tutorials

Here are the top tools (tested and updated for 2025):

1. OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)

• Best for: Professional YouTubers, gamers, and software tutorials
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Key Features:
  • Unlimited recording (no watermark).
  • Multiple sources (screen, webcam, audio).
  • Live streaming + recording.
  • Advanced controls (bitrate, resolution, hotkeys).
• Downsides: Steeper learning curve.

👉 Why it’s great: OBS is completely free and open-source, making it the top choice for serious tutorial creators.

2. Loom (Free Plan)

• Best for: Quick tutorials, business presentations
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Chrome extension, iOS, Android
• Key Features:
  • Record screen + face simultaneously.
  • Instant share link.
  • 5-minute limit on free plan.
• Downsides: Limited editing, storage restrictions.

👉 Why it’s great: Perfect for fast, simple tutorials without heavy editing.

3. Screencast-O-Matic (Free Plan)

• Best for: Beginners creating simple tutorials
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Chromebook
• Key Features:
  • Easy to use interface.
  • Screen + webcam recording.
  • 15-minute recording limit.
  • Basic editing tools.
• Downsides: Free version adds a small watermark.

👉 Why it’s great: If you’re new to YouTube tutorials, Screencast-O-Matic is a gentle introduction.

4. ShareX

• Best for: Tech creators needing advanced options
• Platforms: Windows
• Key Features:
  • Free and open-source.
  • Customizable hotkeys.
  • Screen capture + annotations.
  • No recording limit or watermark.
• Downsides: Windows only, interface not beginner-friendly.

👉 Why it’s great: Power-packed features for free. Loved by coders and developers.

5. QuickTime Player (Built-in for Mac)

• Best for: Mac users who want basic recording
• Platforms: macOS
• Key Features:
  • Pre-installed, free.
  • Simple screen + audio recording.
  • No watermark.
• Downsides: No editing features, limited customization.

👉 Why it’s great: If you’re on a Mac, QuickTime is the fastest free option.

6. Xbox Game Bar (Windows Built-in)

• Best for: Windows users, gamers
• Platforms: Windows 10 & 11
• Key Features:
  • Pre-installed.
  • Simple shortcut (Win+G) to record.
  • Works well for games and apps.
• Downsides: Limited to one window/app, no webcam integration.

👉 Why it’s great: Built into Windows, perfect for quick gaming or app tutorials.

Feature Comparison Table

Screen Recorder	Platforms	Free Limits	Watermark	Editing Tools	Best For
OBS Studio	Win/Mac/Linux	Unlimited	No	Advanced	Pro tutorials, streaming
Loom	Win/Mac/Web	5-min per video	No	Basic	Quick tutorials, business
Screencast-O-Matic	Win/Mac/Chromebook	15-min limit	Yes	Basic	Beginners
ShareX	Windows	Unlimited	No	None	Developers, tech tutorials
QuickTime Player	Mac	Unlimited	No	None	Mac users, basic tutorials
Xbox Game Bar	Windows	Unlimited	No	None	Gaming, Windows tutorials

Expert Recommendations

👉 For Beginners: Start with Screencast-O-Matic or Loom.
👉 For Professionals: OBS Studio or ShareX (Windows).
👉 For Mac Users: QuickTime Player + iMovie for editing.

“The tool matters less than the clarity of your tutorial. Beginners should focus on simple, distraction-free recorders.” — Justin Brown, Primal Video (YouTube Creator)

How to Choose the Best Free Screen Recorder

Ask yourself:

1. What’s my tutorial type? (Software, gaming, presentations)
2. Do I need editing built-in? (If yes, avoid QuickTime/ShareX).
3. Am I recording long videos? (Avoid Loom free version).
4. Do I need pro-level customization? (Go with OBS).

Tips for Recording Tutorials with Free Tools

• Always check your mic settings before recording.
• Use hotkeys to pause/resume recording.
• Record in 1080p for YouTube quality.
• Do a 30-second test run before recording the full tutorial.

FAQs: Free Screen Recorders for YouTube