10 Best Live Video Conference Recording Software
It would not be wrong to assume that most of us have become "almost a pro" at using video conferencing software. It is not like flying a rocket, but over the last few years getting used to these tools has been quite a curveball. In-person meetings have become rarer and remote online conferences are now the norm.
Why record your conference calls?
The tricky part about online conferences is that they are a synchronous form of communication: every discussion happens in real time. If you attend many calls in a day, some of the details inevitably slip from memory. That is human.
It also helps to have a recording you can revisit later for notes, action items, and details you missed. A good recording tool makes this easy, so you can stay present in the conversation instead of frantically taking notes.
A quick note on etiquette and law: recording rules vary by region, and many places require the consent of everyone on the call. Always let participants know you are recording and get their agreement before you start. It keeps you compliant and keeps the working relationship healthy.
The best solution for recording your calls is a dedicated screen recorder. They are easy to use, mostly inexpensive, and packed with useful features.
This blog is long, so here is a shortcut: sign up for Vmaker for free and record your first meeting. If you love it, you do not even need to read to the end.
What is the key takeaway from this blog?
This blog helps you decide on the best video conference recording software for your needs. "Best" is subjective, so we have picked the 10 most reputed screen recorders that deliver the most value.
10 best screen recorders to record video conferences
1. Vmaker
If we are talking about screen recorders, we cannot leave out Vmaker. Before you roll your eyes at us beating our own drum, hear us out. The idea behind Vmaker was to make video creation easy, whether for YouTube or for recording a conference.
Vmaker is simple to use, comes with a forever-free plan, and has a strong mix of basic and advanced features. When recording an online conference with Vmaker, you can capture the screen, your voice, and the computer audio together.
All your videos save to a cloud-based dashboard with no storage limit. You can also create folders and give access to specific teammates.
The good factors
- 4K quality recording
- No watermark on videos
- Noise cancellation
- Custom webcam background
- Mouse emphasis and screen recording
- Recording scheduler
Compatibility
Vmaker is available as a Windows app, a Mac app, a Chrome extension, and an iOS app (beta).
2. Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi Screen Recorder lets you create high-quality screencasts quickly. It is not entirely free, but it offers a trial period to explore the features.
Whether you are a content creator, educator, or just someone who wants to capture screen activity, this desktop screen recorder is a solid tool. A minimalistic interface makes it easy to use even with no prior experience.
The good factors
- Various recording modes for different content types
- Real-time drawing tools for annotations
- A built-in trimming feature
- A task scheduler for automatic recording
- Export in various formats or share online
The not so good factors
- The free trial has recording limits
- Watermarks on videos in the free plan
- Limited editing options after recording
Compatibility
Movavi Screen Recorder is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
3. OBS Studio
OBS is an open-source screen recorder loved by gamers and content creators who record a lot of live-streaming content. There is no paid plan: you can use it for free to record unlimited videos of unlimited duration.
But there is a catch. It looks a bit old-fashioned and takes time to learn. You have to get comfortable with its interface before you can record your video conferences with confidence.
The good factors
- No watermarks on videos
- You can add different video effects to recordings
- It includes an audio mixer
- You can set hotkeys for starting and stopping recording
The not so good factors
- No cloud storage: everything downloads to your computer
- No customer service team
- Minimal documentation, so you are largely on your own
Compatibility
OBS works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
4. Snagit
Snagit is from TechSmith. It targets professionals who want to record quick screen capture videos instead of sending emails or hopping on a meeting, helping team members communicate asynchronously without breaking deep work.
Snagit has all the basic features to record video conferences and meetings, plus an advanced screenshot feature. You can take multiple screenshots, annotate them, and add voice narration to turn them into a GIF-like walkthrough.
The good factors
- Recordings save to the cloud
- A built-in editor helps you trim videos
- Capture the whole desktop or just a section
- Personalise screenshots with stickers
The not so good factors
- A bit pricey for the premium features
- Limited video editing options
Compatibility
Snagit is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
5. Screenrec
Screenrec comes close to the basic version of Vmaker. It is free, with no watermarks and no cap on recording duration. If you want to record video conferences to rewatch later, Screenrec is a reasonable choice.
It is also good for recording short video messages to share with colleagues. You can take screenshots and use annotations to make them more interactive.
The good factors
- Collaborate with teammates using the collections feature
- Track views on your recordings with analytics
- Keep videos private or public
- Recordings download in MP4 format
The not so good factors
- Lacks advanced features
- No built-in editor
- Limited free cloud storage
Compatibility
Screenrec is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
6. Loom
You have probably heard of Loom. It is a sleek screen recorder for recording different types of videos. It is not completely free, but it has a free plan useful for short video conferences.
On a paid plan, you can record for longer durations and use advanced features that are useful for internal collaboration.
The good factors
- No watermarks on videos
- Record in HD quality
- Videos can be password protected
- Analytics show you who watched your videos
The not so good factors
- The free plan has recording limits
- Limited options to mask sensitive information
Compatibility
Loom is compatible with Windows and Mac. It also offers a Chrome extension and iOS and Android apps.
7. Screencastify
Screencastify is one of those screen recorders without many bells and whistles. It has a simple interface, all the necessary features, and works well with Google apps like Drive, Classroom, and single sign-on.
Most Screencastify users are educators, and the product feels designed with them in mind. But that should not stop you from using it. It meets the needs of daily video conference recording well.
The good factors
- Comes with a free plan, great for new users
- Has a built-in video editor
- Screen annotation and stickers
- Easy to track video analytics
The not so good factors
- The free plan has recording limits
- Watermarks on videos in the free plan
- No do-not-disturb feature
Compatibility
Screencastify is available only as a Chrome extension.
8. Apowersoft Screen Recorder
Apowersoft Screen Recorder is built by an experienced team responsible for a range of other tools like a file compressor, data recovery software, and a PDF converter. They know their craft.
You can download the app or use the web-based recorder. The web recorder needs no sign-up: you can start recording your screen, webcam, and audio right away, which is convenient for last-minute recordings.
The good factors
- An impressive built-in video editor
- An option to schedule recordings
- Convert videos into different formats
The not so good factors
- The free plan has a short recording limit
- Some reports of crashing on Mac
- You cannot import videos while editing
Compatibility
Apowersoft is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
9. Bandicam
Bandicam has a special place in the hearts of gamers, since it is one of the few screen recorders with a dedicated gaming recording mode. You can adjust the FPS and tinker with settings to get high-quality gameplay videos.
But we are talking about video conference recording here, and Bandicam handles that well too. The team claims you can record for up to 24 hours without interruption, which is a bold (and useful) claim for anyone in long video conferences.
The good factors
- Comes with a free trial period
- Mouse emphasis and recording scheduler features
- Animations can be added while recording
The not so good factors
- The free plan has a short recording limit
- Watermark-free videos only for paid users
- Saves videos to your PC, which can slow performance over time
Compatibility
Bandicam is available only for Windows.
10. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is available in more than 190 countries. Like Screencastify, it is tuned for educators and has a very active community where users get their questions answered.
It has a built-in video editor and a feature to add background music to recordings. It comes with a free plan, but there are watermarks on the videos. If you do not mind that, it is worth considering.
The good factors
- Very simple to use, even for a newbie
- Add stock videos and images to your videos
- Add voice narration in the paid plan
The not so good factors
- The free plan has a recording limit
- Limited editing in the free plan
- You cannot insert GIFs
Start recording your next live video conference
The information in this blog should be enough to help you settle on the right screen recorder. We recommend playing around with a few options, recording some demo videos, and seeing which one you like best.
If you are a light user, a free plan is our best recommendation. If you want a feature-loaded tool, go for a paid plan. You will not regret it.
Recommended Reads
Best Screen Recorders for Teachers
Best Screencast Software for Teachers
Training Videos 101: Everything You Need to Know
