What Makes a Good Screen Recorder?

August 11, 2025

a man sitting at a table using a laptop computer

When choosing a screen recorder, there are some key features you should consider. These include:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Free screen recorder options
  • Ability to capture a specific part of your screen, a single window, or the full display
  • Export tools built into the program
  • Basic video editing capabilities
  • Tools to annotate your recordings
  • Options for importing footage from other sources

5 Best Screen Recorders for Windows PC

Let’s take a look at the top five screen recording tools for Windows PCs.

1. Bandicam

Bandicam is a powerful tool for recording your screen and gameplay. It features high compression, supports 4K UHD video at 120 FPS, and lets you record from various devices like smartphones, PlayStation, and streaming boxes with a capture card. However, to use all its features, you’ll need to pay for the full version; the free version adds a watermark to your videos.

2. AceThinker

AceThinker offers a simple, web-based screen recording experience. You can capture either a selected screen portion or the whole screen, record audio, and edit your recordings. It also allows you to save your videos in several formats, such as MP4, MOV, and AVI, and upload directly to Google Drive, Dropbox, or YouTube. Free features are available, but premium options require a subscription.

3. Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic provides both screen and webcam recording, with a built-in video editor. You can upload your finished videos to YouTube and keep your recordings organized. The tool also offers zooming, drawing, and overlay options on videos, but HD recording and most editing features are limited to the paid version.

4. Screencastify

Screencastify is a screen recording extension for Google Chrome. With it, you can record your browser tab, webcam, or the whole screen, and add annotations like drawing tools, spotlights, and highlights to your content.

5. iTop Screen Recorder

iTop Screen Recorder is a free, lightweight screen recorder with built-in video editing. It enables you to record your entire screen, applications, and audio, making it versatile for tasks like presentations and tutorials. Key features include:

  • Simple to use
  • Unlimited recording time
  • No watermarks
  • Video editor included
  • Multiple export formats such as MP4, AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, TS, and GIF
  • Quick sharing
  • 100% free

Among these options, iTop Screen Recorder stands out for its balance of features and zero cost, making it a practical pick for anyone seeking a free screen capture tool for Windows.

How to Clip-on PC Using iTop Screen Recorder

Here’s a quick guide to using iTop Screen Recorder for clipping on your PC:

Step 1: Adjust your video quality
Go to the Options menu at the top right of the software, click the settings icon, and set your preferences.

Step 2: Choose the recording area and hit Rec to start recording. Stop when finished.

Step 3: Edit and save your videos on your PC.

Final Thoughts

While there’s no shortage of screen recorders out there, not every tool will fit your needs. iTop Screen Recorder is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced creators, offering the essential features needed for capturing and editing high-quality videos on Windows PC—completely free. For those looking to share their recordings online and organically expand their reach, leveraging services that help you grow your presence on YouTube can make a noticeable difference.

About the author

Kyrie Mattos