Are you looking for a professional screen recorder for Mac to help you to share game victories on YouTube or record a video tutorial? Though there are so many recording and capturing programs out there, with plenty of functions and amazing features.
This free recording software for Mac will meet all of your common recording needs. It gives you a wide array of options that allows you to record demo CDs with absolute ease. Other brilliant features that it has include non-destructive editing, ability to edit audio files without changing their original quality, and lock-less real time audio. Part 1: 6 Best Audio Recording Software for Mac. The best audio recording software for Mac computers could of course include the ability to recording audio files from multiple sources like computer audio, streaming audio, microphone voice, online radio, etc.
How do you choose the best screen recorder for Mac?
Some of them only record the screen, some costs too much, and others may be difficult to handle.
But do not worry, this passage will list the best 10 screen recorders for Mac, including free and paid, and you can download the one you need to capture your own screen video.
Part 1: Best 4 Mac screen recorders (Free)
Apeaksoft Screen Recorder for Mac
Apeaksoft Screen Recorder for Mac is the free screen capture software for Mac users.
4,000,000+ Downloads
Record video and audio on Mac smoothly.
Edit video while recording video on Mac.
Record gameplay, video tutorial, webcam, online meeting, etc.
Work for Mac OS X 10.9 or above (macOS Mojave included).
Step 1. Install Screen Recorder for Mac
After downloading Apeaksoft Screen Recorder for Mac on your computer, you can install and run it on your MacBook Pro/Air/mini or iMac.
Step 2. Select record area and audio source
Click the third button to set the recording area. You can record full screen, a fixed region or a custom region as you like.
Click the mircophone-alike button to enable microphone recording. Otherwise, you just enable system audio recording.
Step 3. Record Your Mac Screen
Click the REC button and start to record your Mac screen, including video and audio. After that, you can preview and save the project.
The free version of this software lets you record video and audio on Mac without time limitation. However, you are only allowed to save the 3 minutes of the recording.
QuickTime Player
QuickTime, owned by Apple, is rated as one of the most powerful screen recorders for Mac with built in media player. You can view wide number of file formats using this software tool. The video recording of QuickTime skill brings rich quality output with improved audio combination.
Besides, the latest vision of this screen recorder for Mac develops some basic editing features in the timeline. After recording the screen video, you are also supported to trim, clip the video, or add another video at the end of the timeline. Then you can share the recording directly to YouTube, Mail and other apps and websites.
However, the disadvantage of QuickTime is that the timeline is too small, and you are not allowed to add any annotations.
Monosnap
Monosnap, developed by Farminers Limited, is another free and quick screen recording tool for Mac users. A great feature of this software is that you can draw a pointer or rectangle when you are recording a video. During desktop recording, you are also allowed to use the Mac built-in webcam or add an external camera.
What's more, this Mac screen recorder supports you to export the screenshots or recording video to many cloud-based storage websites, such as iCloud, Amazon S23, all social network, and even the web sharing space of Monosnap.
The editing features of Monosnap are too limited. You are only allowed to crop the beginning or the end of the recording, and save one vision of the editing video.
Capture Me
Capture Me, as another Mac screen recorder, provides you more choices to create a screen recording. It is resizable to various resolutions and offers quite a lot output options. As for the download, Capture Me is really a light application that requires less space than the average software.
It lets you record gameplay like LOL, PS3/4 gameplay, videos, tutorial on Mac freely.
However, the video recording mode 'Again With No Sound' only works for a limited duration of one minute, which is pretty helpless for recording video tutorials.
Part 2: Best 6 screen recorders for Mac (Paid)
ScreenRecord Studio ($16)
Similar to QuickTime, ScreenRecord Studio is also a wonderful screen recorder for Mac. It allows you to capture and record the screen in a high definition, and plays a crucial role in creating training CDs, visual tutorials and even monitoring device.
As a lightweight Mac screen recorder, ScreenRecord Studio has a clean and easy-to-use interface, which can help you handle effortless. After recording, you can also simply edit for the recording video, for example, adding data and time. And it supports you to export the recordings to various formats.
If you have to say one shortcoming of ScreenRecord Studio, the words 'Demo Version' will show up on the recording movie.
Snagit ($25)
If you are looking for a Mac screen recording tool to create short, quick videos or upload to blog posts, Snagit should be your best choice. With Snagit, you can quickly upload your short recording to Screencast.com and embedding linked recordings in blog posts. Or you can share the recording videos privately.
Different with other screenshot application, Snagit can remain all your recordings in a specific folder where you can search them without too much effort. You can also use the keyboard shortcut to recording your screen, or draw a custom frame on the desktop to capture and record the screen.
As a light screen recorder for Mac, Snagit can only offer simple edits for the recording. You are not allowed to add titles or other annotations. You may also want to know some alternatives to Snagit.
ScreenFlow ($99)
If you want to get more control over the capturing and editing of the screen videos, the widely used ScreenFlow can meet your satisfactory. This screen recorder for Mac allows you to record anything on Mac desktop, as well as crop, zoom, and pan the recording for a perfect looking production.
What's more, you can also add annotations, callouts, and display one or multiple clips on the main movie. The latest vision of ScreenFlow improves an in-app access to iTunes and iPhoto libraries, and an ability to delete unused raw footage, and add more templates for applying your recording to clipping in the timeline.
To sum up, you will be surprised to what the one-hundred-dollar Mac screen recorder brings to you.
Screen Mimic ($65)
Screen Mimic is a Mac screen recording tool designed at creating Adobe Flash videos (SWF), Flash Videos (FLV) as well as Quick Time files (MOV). The movies in these formats mentioned above can be uploaded to the websites and applications much more easily.
The latest vision of Screen Mimic improves the status indication when you pause a recording, and also resolved the issue that Screen Mimic might not prompt to save an unsaved video when quitting the software.
Though Screen Mimic is not so perfect, and its price is a little high, it deserves you to have a try if you really like the way this screen recorder for Mac works.
Snapz Pro X ($69)
Snapz Pro X supports you to capture and record everything on your Mac easily and effortlessly. After recording, you can save the videos as Quick Time files or screenshot directly, share them on the websites, put on your blog, or upload to wherever you like.
This excellent screen recorder for Mac is supposedly '20 times faster' than any other screen recording software, and offers a plenty of wonderful features to help you edit the video. However, Snapz Pro X costs $69, and the interface looks a little dated.
Camtasia Stuido ($249)
Camtasia Stuido is one of the most popular and professional screen recorders for Mac and PC. Not only recording screen, add video, images, audio and PowerPoint presentation, but also making editing video easy, apply multiple effects and more. What is more, you can always add annotation, transitions, and voices to the multi-track timeline.
But there is one major drawback for the Mac screen recorder, it should be a little complicated to edit the files due to the powerful editing functions of the program.
The above top 10 screen recorders are for Mac. If you are using an iPhone or iPad, visit this page to take the iPhone screen recorders here.
Part 3: FAQs of Screen Recorder for Mac
1. How do I record my screen on Mac with audio?
To record Mac screen, you can use QuickTime to start a screen recording. If you need to record audio on Mac as well, you can also use QuickTime, but it is not good enough since it can only record the audio through external speakers and built-in microphone. Here we recommend you a more professional scree & audio recorder called Apeaksoft Screen Recorder for Mac, which is capable of record screen with audio on Mac smoothly. You can use it to record audio from System Audio, Microphone or both with high sound quality.
2. Can I record a sound on Mac?
Yes, you can use a tool like Apeaksoft Screen Recorder for Mac to help you record a sound on your Mac. This audio recorder can help you capture audio from System Audio, Microphone or both with high sound quality. You are able to record streaming music, radio or online audio instead of downloading them and save the captured audio in MP3, WMA, AAC, M4A, etc. for easy playback.
3. Can I record video and audio on Mac with QuickTime?
QuickTime Player can work with screen and audio recording. QuickTime is a good choice to solve how to record video and audio on Mac. Moreover, you can also do some easy editing on your videos using QuickTime Player.
Conclusion
When you need to record screen on Mac, whether game victories, video tutorial, movies or even images, you can find the suitable screen recorder for Mac from the article. If you have any other query about the best screen recorder for Mac, you can share more information in the article.
Smooth workflow is one of the reasons why Audio and Video Professionals prefer Mac to Windows. As long as you have the right apps, you wouldn't face any glitches, per se. If you want to record audio for music production, podcasts or something else, you need the best audio recording software for Mac.
By default, Mac allows you to record audio from Mac internal mic, which is fine if you want to take quick audio notes. However, if you want professional audio quality, we recommended using a USB mic like Blue Yeti. If you want to record system audio, install Soundflower on your Mac. Most the following Mac Audio recorder allows you to change audio source. Down below, we have covered some of the best audio recording software for Mac that you can use.
Read: 10+ Best Voice Recorder Apps For iPhone
Best Audio Recording Software for Mac
1. QuickTime
Best for – simple audio recording
QuickTime, as you may know, is an inbuilt utility in macOS. It's usually used for video/audio playback but it lets you record audio content as well. Just so you know, QuickTime also lets you record video using a webcam or a connected device. Now, coming to the audio recording feature of QuickTime, everything is super-easy. You have a really intuitive interface with minimal customization options.
It'll take you a few extra clicks to start recording audio with QuickTime. First, launch the app from the Spotlight, and go to File > New Audio Recording.
For instance, QuickTime lets you change the recording source — pick between the internal microphone and the system audio (with SoundFlower). You can also change the Recording quality between High and Maximum. Once these are set, just hit the Record button. As the program records your voice, you can see the size of the recording file also. Once you've recorded the whole thing, you can export the file as MPEG-4 Audio file. However, there is no option to pause audio recording, you can only stop it and start a new one.
Pros
- Really easy-to-use interface
- Built-in macOS
- Ability to record from different sources including an external Mic
Cons
- Limited customization options, no option to pause recording
- The interface isn't suitable for professionals
- Limited options for exporting audio
The Verdict
QuickTime is the best Mac software for casual audio recording. It gets the job done — with minimum things at stake. You don't have to worry about complex customizations or exporting. Everything you record will be available in a single file. That having said, we would not recommend QuickTime for professionals.
How to spectate in fortnite from lobby. QuickTime Comes Built into Mac
2. Audacity
Best for – recording voice over and editing
Audacity is a free and open source audio recording software for Mac. We use for recording audio for our YouTube channel. You have an option to choose the recording source (we use it with Blue Yeti mic), recording channel type, audio type etc. As you can see below, it does offer a wider range of control as well. But, the best part about Audacity for Mac is that it comes along with a bunch of editing tools. In fact, Audacity is a digital audio editor, first, and recorder later.
Unlike QuickTime, Audacity lets you perform basic audio editing tasks like editing. You will also find options like effects, voice generation, noise removal, and track-based management. In case you are into professional audio recording and editing, there is a wide variety of Audacity plug-ins to choose from. Another bright side is that you will be able to export the audio recording in almost any format.
The reason, why we prefer Audacity is because it's cross-platform support (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux) Just as Photoshop save the file in PSD and have all the properties intact, you can save audacity files in AUP, which can be later open and edited from any computer that audacity installed in it.
Pros
- Professional features for recording & editing
- Multiple audio recording and editing options
- Free, Open Source and Cross-platform
Cons
- Audacity doesn't have an intuitive interface
- Takes time to get used to
The Verdict
As we said, Audacity is made for professionals. Did we say that Audacity is free to use? It's free, open-source and cross-platform. Considering the features you get, it's an awesome deal as well. At least, you would not have to worry about paying a huge amount for your DAW.
Check Out Audacity (Free and Open Source)
3. Simple Recorder
Best for – quick audio recording
Simple Recorder is a truly simple solution for audio recording in Mac. It doesn't come with many bells or whistles, but it gets the job done. Unlike QuickTime and Audacity, which takes multiple mouse click to start the recording, Simple Recorder sits in the menu bar and can start the audio recording in just two clicks. Best solution when you want to take quick notes.
You can select the source of recording from the drop-down menu. It also lets you set up the volume. In just a single button, Simple Recorder would start the recording process. In the Preferences section, you can pick the recording format, Sample Rate, Channel etc. There are some Pro features like Status Icon, Shortcuts and some levels of Automation.
Pros
- Quick and Easy to use
- You can manage all the actions from the icon menu itself
- Offers support for different sources and standard customization
Cons
- Doesn't offer basic Editing options
The Verdict
Simple Recorder is the best Mac audio recording app for the intermediate users. Unlike QuickTime, it offers a standard set of customization options. That having said, unlike Audacity, the features aren't that suitable for professionals either. So, if you think you need somewhat control over recording, go for this.
Check Out Simple Recorder (Free, offers a Pro plan as well)
4. GarageBand
Best for – recording audio for music production
Technically speaking, GarageBand is a digital audio workstation, not a digital audio recorder (like QuickTime) or a digital audio editor (like Audacity). In simple words, if you are into recording audio for music production, GarageBand is one of the best choices in town. It's rich with features and offers the best level of compatibility. Last but not the least, you'd not have to pay a single penny for this program.
Like Audacity, GarageBand supports MIDI recording and editing out of the box. However, unlike Audacity, GarageBand has a smaller learning curve and is more stable. Also, it's compatible with any iOS device.
Although it's a fully-fledged DAW, you don't need rocket science to record audio using GarageBand. It even has a dedicated mode for Voice, where you can also select the type of voice recording. For instance, it offers different options for recording Narration Voice and Bright Voice. Just hit the Record button and you can do the exporting part later.
Pros
- GarageBand is a fully-fledged audio recorder
- Comes with built-in audio editing features
- Well-suited for professionals
Cons
- GarageBand isn't suitable for Quick Recordings
- Getting used to the interface may take some time
The Verdict
GarageBand is the recommended choice for professionals out there. If you need the best quality, control as well as performance, you should go for this built-in tool. Although the UI is simple, learning GarageBand will surely help you as an audio professional.
Check Out GarageBand (Free, Built-in in Mac)
5. Piezo
Sitesucker options for firefox. Best for – recording podcast
Piezo from Rogue Amoeba is a simple and wonderful audio recording software for podcasts. If you want to make some amazing podcast recordings with precision, you can count on Piezo. Apple ssd sm0128g media. Unlike all of the tools we've talked about earlier, Piezo lets you record voice from popular apps like Chrome, Skype, FaceTime, Messages etc. It is one of the best features for getting precise podcasts, you know.
Settings in Piezo are very easy to manage. That having said, it lets you change the Music Quality only. Still, you don't have to do guesswork here. Piezo has set up some quality pre-sets for music, audio, spoken word etc. By default, the recordings will be saved in MP3, which is convenient for most people. Just as you can see, the interface is a bit unconventional.
Pros
- Really easy-to-use Interface
- Quality Presets are useful for quick recording
- Supports recording from individual apps
Cons
- Could have better-exporting options
The Verdict
Piezo is the best audio recording software for doing podcasts on Mac. You can simply record your own voice or get inputs from common apps like Chrome or Skype. It is basically minimal but you have options to extend the capabilities of Piezo.
Check Out Piezo ($23, free trial available)
6. Macsome Audio Recorder
Best for – recording audio from multiple sources 4k video downloader.
Macsome Audio Recorder is one of the voice recorders that promise to do almost anything. Without bringing all the professional features, Macsome Audio Recorder lets you record audio from multiple sources such as the internal microphone, different apps on your Mac and other hardware. Unlike some other apps, however, it doesn't offer any kind of optimization.
Despite all these features, the program has a minimal footprint to offer. Did we say mention that Macsome Audio Recorder has one of the best recording management interface as well? You can even use ID tags for organizing your recording files. We really liked how Macsome Audio Recorder works. You can add separate recording profiles for apps/hardware and start the recording process in a single click.
Pros
- Simple but effective interface
- Supports recording from individual apps/hardware
- Super-easy management of recording profiles
Cons
- The Recording screen isn't intuitive
The Verdict
As it promises, Macsome Audio Recorder is one of the best all-in-one audio recorders for Mac. It might not have the best UI in town, but there are many productive features. When you want a tool that records podcast, music, and speech with the same efficiency, Macsome Audio Recorder would be our take.
Check Out Macsome Audio Recorder ($29.95, Free Trial available)
7. Audio Hijack
Best for – advanced video recording
Like Audacity, GarageBand supports MIDI recording and editing out of the box. However, unlike Audacity, GarageBand has a smaller learning curve and is more stable. Also, it's compatible with any iOS device.
Although it's a fully-fledged DAW, you don't need rocket science to record audio using GarageBand. It even has a dedicated mode for Voice, where you can also select the type of voice recording. For instance, it offers different options for recording Narration Voice and Bright Voice. Just hit the Record button and you can do the exporting part later.
Pros
- GarageBand is a fully-fledged audio recorder
- Comes with built-in audio editing features
- Well-suited for professionals
Cons
- GarageBand isn't suitable for Quick Recordings
- Getting used to the interface may take some time
The Verdict
GarageBand is the recommended choice for professionals out there. If you need the best quality, control as well as performance, you should go for this built-in tool. Although the UI is simple, learning GarageBand will surely help you as an audio professional.
Check Out GarageBand (Free, Built-in in Mac)
5. Piezo
Sitesucker options for firefox. Best for – recording podcast
Piezo from Rogue Amoeba is a simple and wonderful audio recording software for podcasts. If you want to make some amazing podcast recordings with precision, you can count on Piezo. Apple ssd sm0128g media. Unlike all of the tools we've talked about earlier, Piezo lets you record voice from popular apps like Chrome, Skype, FaceTime, Messages etc. It is one of the best features for getting precise podcasts, you know.
Settings in Piezo are very easy to manage. That having said, it lets you change the Music Quality only. Still, you don't have to do guesswork here. Piezo has set up some quality pre-sets for music, audio, spoken word etc. By default, the recordings will be saved in MP3, which is convenient for most people. Just as you can see, the interface is a bit unconventional.
Pros
- Really easy-to-use Interface
- Quality Presets are useful for quick recording
- Supports recording from individual apps
Cons
- Could have better-exporting options
The Verdict
Piezo is the best audio recording software for doing podcasts on Mac. You can simply record your own voice or get inputs from common apps like Chrome or Skype. It is basically minimal but you have options to extend the capabilities of Piezo.
Check Out Piezo ($23, free trial available)
6. Macsome Audio Recorder
Best for – recording audio from multiple sources 4k video downloader.
Macsome Audio Recorder is one of the voice recorders that promise to do almost anything. Without bringing all the professional features, Macsome Audio Recorder lets you record audio from multiple sources such as the internal microphone, different apps on your Mac and other hardware. Unlike some other apps, however, it doesn't offer any kind of optimization.
Despite all these features, the program has a minimal footprint to offer. Did we say mention that Macsome Audio Recorder has one of the best recording management interface as well? You can even use ID tags for organizing your recording files. We really liked how Macsome Audio Recorder works. You can add separate recording profiles for apps/hardware and start the recording process in a single click.
Pros
- Simple but effective interface
- Supports recording from individual apps/hardware
- Super-easy management of recording profiles
Cons
- The Recording screen isn't intuitive
The Verdict
As it promises, Macsome Audio Recorder is one of the best all-in-one audio recorders for Mac. It might not have the best UI in town, but there are many productive features. When you want a tool that records podcast, music, and speech with the same efficiency, Macsome Audio Recorder would be our take.
Check Out Macsome Audio Recorder ($29.95, Free Trial available)
7. Audio Hijack
Best for – advanced video recording
We already talked about Piezo from Rogue Amoeba, right? Audio Hijack is also from the same developer but it offers advanced features and control. Inside a nice package, you will find tools for recording almost every type of audio from your Mac. You can even use Audio Hijack for scheduling recordings. It would be the best option when you're recording audio from the web.
The best part is that Audio Hijack comes with different session templates — you have one for internet radio, DVD Audio, Application audio and Web Audio etc. When it comes to Application mode, you can pick an app from the list and start recording. You can also check out a bunch of built-in effects and filters in Audio Hijack. It also has an interesting UI that lets you manage how the recording process works. Overal Audio Hijack is one of the best audio recording software for Mac if you are looking for advanced features.
Pros
- Professional Interface and Intuitive UI
- In-built options for filters and sound effects
- Advanced options are available
Cons
- None worth noting
The Verdict
Audio Hijack is one of the very few Mac audio recording software that is worth paying for. You get a whole bunch of features like filters, effects, and top-to-bottom control. Even if you're not into it, you can get a cool audio recording and management experience.
Check Out Audio Hijack ($59, Free Trial available)
8. AudioNote
Best for – take audio notes during lectures
AudioNote lets you combine a note-taking app and audio recording app. This is how it works: you can open AudioNote and start recording the lectures, interviews or something else. When you make notes on the screen, it will be synced with the audio. So, during the playback, you can listen to the audio as well as seeing all the notes on the screen.
Best Audio Recording Software For Mac
There are some really cool features too. For instance, you can tap on one section of your notes to jump into the corresponding section in audio. As a note-taking software, you can bring text, shapes, annotations and a lot more things. Once you are done, you can also convert your notes to a PDF document. The best part is that you have everything in sync.
Pros
- An excellent way to record and sync notes
- Easy interface
- iCloud integration
Cons
- None worth noting
The Verdict
AudioNote is the best option for students and professionals alike. With this tool in your hand, you don't have to worry about getting the list in the notes. You would know what the professor was talking about when you'd written something. Pretty cool, isn't it?
Check Out AudioNote ($14.99)
Best Audio Recording Software for Mac
Well, these are the different kind of audio recording software for Mac, for different needs. For your day-to-day casual recording needs, Simple Recorder is the best option, indeed. On the other hand, if you are into the world of podcast recording, go for Audio Hijack from Rogue Amoeba. Options like GarageBand as well as Audacity are for those who need professional-quality control over the recording quality and process. Still, you can take an effort to step up the game.
Recording Software For Mac Youtube
Read: 4 Best Voice Recorder Apps for Android
