Best Screen Recording Software for Tutorials 2026

Tutorial creators need screen recording with editing, annotations, and professional output. Here are the best options.

Top 5 for Tutorials

SoftwarePriceKey FeatureBest For
Camtasia$300Full editorProfessionals
OBS StudioFreePowerfulBudget
LoomFree-$15/moQuick shareBusiness
ScreenPalFree-$6/moEasyBeginners
Snagit$63Screenshots + videoQuick captures

1. Camtasia — Best for Professionals

Price: $300 (one-time)

Camtasia combines recording with powerful editing.

Tutorial Features

  • ✅ Full video editor
  • ✅ Annotations & callouts
  • ✅ Cursor effects
  • ✅ Zoom & pan
  • ✅ Templates
  • ✅ Quizzes & interactivity

2. OBS Studio — Best Free

Price: Free (open source)

OBS is powerful and completely free.

Strengths

  • No cost
  • No watermarks
  • No time limits
  • Scene switching
  • Live streaming
  • Highly customizable

Trade-off: Steeper learning curve, separate editor needed.


3. Loom — Best for Quick Sharing

Price: Free - $15/month

Loom excels at instant sharing.

Features

  • Record in browser
  • Instant link sharing
  • Viewer analytics
  • Drawing tools
  • Trim editing
  • Team workspaces

What Tutorial Creators Need

Essential

  • ✅ Screen + webcam recording
  • ✅ Audio capture
  • ✅ Basic editing
  • ✅ Export options
  • ✅ Annotations

Nice to Have

  • Cursor highlighting
  • Zoom effects
  • Chapter markers
  • Stock assets

Our Recommendation

Camtasia if you create tutorials professionally.

OBS if you want free and powerful.

Loom for quick internal/team tutorials.



Last updated: January 2026