Best Free Alternatives to Camtasia
Updated 3 October 2026 · 3 programs compared
Camtasia makes it easy to record your screen and edit tutorials, but it is expensive and the trial adds a watermark. These free tools let you record your screen, webcam and audio, and edit your videos without paying.
Quick answer
- OBS Studio – free screen recording and streaming, no watermark
- ShareX – free screenshots, screen video and GIF with annotations
- DaVinci Resolve – free professional editor for your recordings
Comparison at a glance
| Software | Price | Runs on | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Screen recording and live streaming |
| ShareX | Free | Windows | Quick recordings, GIFs and annotated screenshots |
| DaVinci Resolve | Free; paid Studio version available | Windows, macOS, Linux | Editing your recorded tutorials |
#1 · SCREEN RECORDING AND LIVE STREAMING
OBS Studio
Free Windows, macOS, Linux
OBS Studio records your screen, webcam and audio with no watermarks or time limits, and can also stream live.
Good
- Completely free and open source
- No watermarks or time limits
- Powerful scenes and audio mixer
Keep in mind
- No built-in video editor
- Learning curve for scenes and sources
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#3 · EDITING YOUR RECORDED TUTORIALS
DaVinci Resolve
Free; paid Studio version available Windows, macOS, Linux
DaVinci Resolve is a free professional editor for cutting, titling and polishing the videos you record.
Good
- Professional editing for free
- Titles, effects and audio tools
Keep in mind
- Needs a fairly powerful computer
Frequently asked questions
Is Camtasia free?
No. Camtasia is paid software with a free trial; trial exports include a watermark.
What is the best free alternative to Camtasia for screen recording?
OBS Studio is the most powerful free screen recorder, with no watermarks or time limits. ShareX is great for quick recordings, GIFs and screenshots.
How can I record and edit tutorials for free?
Record with OBS Studio or ShareX, then edit with a free editor such as DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut.
Do these free tools add a watermark?
No. OBS Studio and ShareX are completely free and do not add watermarks.