The 10 Best Screen Recorder Software for Chromebooks
Mike Rule
Updated on
Chromebooks, once primarily known for web browsing, have evolved into versatile devices capable of handling various tasks. As their capabilities expand, so does the need for efficient screen recording tools. Fortunately, a variety of options are available, from simple built-in tools to advanced, feature-rich software. This post will compare the top 10 screen recorder for Chromebooks, including the Chrome OS built-in recorder, Loom, Nimbus Screen Capture, Screencastify, Kdenlive, OBS Studio, Clapboard, Droplr, Vmaker Screen Recorder, and Outklip. We'll review their strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases to help you choose the right tool for your specific needs.
Top Screen Capture Software for PC without Watermark
1. Winxvideo AI
Winxvideo AI is a comprehensive multimedia toolkit offering a wide array of features, including screen recording, video enhancement, conversion, and editing. It utilizes AI technology for various tasks like upscaling videos to 4K, 8K, and even 10K resolutions, as well as improving video fluidity through frame interpolation. The screen recorder in Winxvideo AI supports multiple recording options, allowing users to capture gameplay, software demos, and tutorials with ease. It also includes features like video compression and simple editing tools, making it a versatile solution for both beginners and experienced content creators. The AI-powered tools further enhance its utility by improving audio and video quality, including a noise reduction feature that is particularly beneficial for clearer recordings.
Winxvideo AI stands out due to its powerful AI-driven enhancements, including noise reduction and upscaling. However, while OBS offers more customization and is ideal for professional streamers, Winxvideo AI is easier to use and better suited for users looking for quick, high-quality results without needing extensive technical knowledge. Loom, on the other hand, offers cloud-based solutions for quick sharing but lacks the advanced editing features and high-quality video enhancement options of Winxvideo AI.
Free Download
Free Download
Note: AI tools for Mac are currently unavailable, but they're coming soon. Stay tuned.
- Comprehensive features: recording, editing, converting, enhancing
- No time limit for recordings
- AI-powered video and audio enhancement tools, including noise reduction
- GPU hardware acceleration for faster processing
- Simple to use with minimal setup required
- High system resource usage for large or high-resolution recordings
- Some advanced features require a paid plan
2. Chrome OS Built-in Screen Recorder
The Chrome OS built-in screen recorder is a straightforward and lightweight tool for quick screen recording tasks. It has features like full-screen, partial-screen, or window recording, basic audio capture, and compatibility with extended displays. Videos are saved as .webm files, which can be converted to more widely supported formats like .mp4 using online tools. This tool is particularly suited for educators, students, and casual users who need basic recording functionality without additional software installations.
Chrome OS's native recorder lacks advanced features such as multi-track editing, real-time annotations, and professional video quality settings. However, its ease of use and seamless integration into Chrome OS make it a convenient choice for quick recordings without setup hassle. While it is functional and reliable, power users often prefer OBS or Loom for their greater versatility and superior editing options.
Also see: best screen recorder extensions for Chrome
- Built-in, free, and easy to access.
- Supports partial and window-specific recording.
- Lightweight .webm files for quick sharing.
- Integrated with Chrome OS, requiring no additional software.
- Limited editing capabilities.
- No advanced features like multi-track recording or annotations.
- Audio capture and format options are basic.
- May not meet professional quality standards.
3. Loom
Loom is a versatile screen recording tool for effortless video communication. It comes with features like recording the entire screen, a specific application, or just your webcam, along with audio. It has both a Chrome extension and desktop application for Windows and macOS. With basic editing tools like trimming and annotations, it targets quick, collaborative content creation rather than advanced production. Loom dominate in sharing capabilities, generating instant links for recorded videos, which can be customized for privacy or embedded directly into websites. While its free plan is feature-rich, the premium versions provide HD recording, branding options, and expanded storage.
Compared to other best screen recorder app for Chromebook like OBS, Loom trades advanced customization for simplicity and speed. Loom is user-friendly, ideal for educators, businesses, or quick tutorials. For advanced editing or unlimited file access, tools like Camtasia might be preferable. Some users praise Loom for its ease of use and sharing but note limitations in editing features and occasional performance lags on low-end devices.
- Intuitive interface with minimal setup required.
- Seamless video sharing with instant link generation.
- Lightweight Chrome extension for easy web-based recordings.
- Supports both free and premium plans catering to different needs.
- HD recording and branding features in paid plans.
- Limited editing capabilities; external tools are needed for advanced edits.
- No extensive customization options.
- Desktop app performance issues reported on some systems.
- Free plan has restrictions (e.g., video length and storage limits).
- Requires internet for most features, limiting offline usability.
4. Nimbus
Nimbus is a versatile tool for capturing screenshots and recording videos, widely appreciated for its annotation and editing capabilities. It supports full-page screenshots, scrolling captures, and screen recordings with webcam integration. Unlike OBS, which is more suited for professional-grade streaming and video production, Nimbus is more accessible, particularly for casual users or educators. Nimbus provides more robust editing tools in its free tier, including the ability to annotate directly on screenshots and trim recordings. Users on platforms like Reddit and Capterra praise its simplicity and cost-effectiveness for personal and business use, though some mention occasional issues with tab navigation during annotations.
One downside is that Nimbus lacks the advanced team collaboration and branding features of Loom or the interactive assignments functionality of Screencastify, making it less ideal for large teams or educational institutions. However, its intuitive interface and affordable premium plans make it a strong contender for individuals and small teams seeking a lightweight, multi-functional recording tool.
- Easy to use with robust screenshot and annotation features.
- Supports scrolling capture and webcam integration.
- Affordable pricing compared to alternatives like Loom.
- Good editing tools available in the free version.
- Limited advanced collaboration features.
- Annotation tools can be cumbersome in multi-tab workflows.
- Less suitable for professional video editing.
5. Screencastify
Screencastify enables quick and straightforward recording of browser tabs, desktops, or webcams, with options to annotate videos during recording. Integration with Google Drive simplifies saving and sharing files, while its intuitive interface appeals to users of all skill levels. While it lacks advanced customization features, it thrives in accessibility and ease of use, making it suitable for educational and business environments.
Screencastify's simplicity is appreciated, but its free version imposes notable limits, such as a 10-minute recording cap and watermarks on videos. Users seeking greater flexibility often prefer OBS for robust, professional-grade features or Loom for team collaboration. Screencastify is ideal for quick tutorials or classroom activities but may fall short for complex editing or longer recordings. Users on forums like Reddit appreciate its utility for beginners but highlight its lack of cross-browser compatibility and limited free-tier functionality.
- Extremely user-friendly and accessible for beginners.
- Direct integration with Google Drive for effortless sharing.
- Annotation tools for interactive recordings.
- Ideal for quick tutorials and educational use cases.
- Free version has a 10-minute recording limit and watermarks.
- Limited to Chrome browser; lacks support for other browsers.
- Paid version offers only incremental feature enhancements.
- Lacks advanced customization and editing features.
6. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a robust, open-source video editing tool with capabilities that make it a strong contender for creators looking for a free alternative to premium software like Adobe Premiere Pro. It supports multi-track editing, advanced audio and video effects, and even voiceover recording, which sets it apart as both a recorder and editor. Its modular interface with specialized workspaces (e.g., for audio, color grading, or effects) simplifies the learning curve. However, it still requires some effort to master, particularly for beginners unfamiliar with video editing workflows.
Kdenlive lacks real-time streaming capabilities but compensates with professional-grade editing and export options. Users have praised its extensive effect library and the ability to fine-tune settings using keyframes. Its reliance on CPU rather than GPU for rendering can slow down performance, particularly for long projects. This drawback makes it less suited for those seeking quick, lightweight solutions for screen recording or editing.
- Free and open-source with no feature restrictions.
- Advanced editing tools, including audio mixing and effect keyframing.
- Modular interface with customizable workspaces.
- Comprehensive library of audio and video effects.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Lacks built-in live streaming features.
- Relies heavily on CPU, leading to performance issues during rendering.
- Occasional freezing during intensive tasks.
7. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a powerful, open-source tool for video recording and live streaming. It is praised for its advanced features like customizable scene creation, transitions, and plugin support, making it highly adaptable for professional-grade projects. It supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and integrates with popular streaming services. Unlike competitors such as Loom and Screencastify, OBS offers extensive flexibility but comes with a steeper learning curve. For advanced users, its ability to control video resolution, frame rates, and audio sources is unmatched, though beginners may find the interface overwhelming.
OBS targets users seeking advanced control and versatility. While Loom is talented in quick sharing and team collaboration, OBS focuses on delivering high-quality content creation for streamers and videographers. Real-world users often praise OBS for its robust functionality but note challenges like occasional crashes or configuration issues. It’s free to use, giving it an edge over many paid competitors for those willing to invest time in learning the software.
- Completely free and open-source.
- Extensive customization options for professional-grade editing.
- Works on multiple platforms and integrates seamlessly with major streaming services.
- Broad plugin ecosystem for enhanced functionality.
- Steep learning curve, especially for beginners.
- Requires significant system resources.
- Occasional stability issues, such as crashes.
- Lacks built-in sharing tools found in simpler tools like Loom.
8. Clapboard
Clapboard is a web-based screen recording tool targeting simplify video communication for businesses and educators. It supports screen and webcam recording, annotations, and custom branding features, catering to professionals who prioritize ease of use. Videos are instantly shareable via links, similar to Loom, but Clapboard places a stronger emphasis on personalization, allowing users to add branded logos and calls-to-action directly in their videos. This makes it particularly appealing for marketing teams and sales professionals looking to create engaging content without advanced video editing tools.
Clapboard has fewer technical options but excels in accessibility and lightweight performance. OBS provides a more comprehensive feature set for video production, while Screencastify is better suited for educational settings with built-in assignment tools. Clapboard’s strength lies in its seamless sharing capabilities and user-friendly interface. However, feedback from forums such as Reddit highlights occasional limitations, including restricted free-tier functionalities and the reliance on internet connectivity for most features.
- User-friendly interface with no installation required.
- Instant video sharing with branded customization options.
- Lightweight and web-based, ideal for quick content creation.
- Effective for marketing and business communication.
- Limited free-tier functionalities.
- No advanced editing or technical configurations.
- Heavily reliant on a stable internet connection.
- Less suited for professional-grade recording.
9. Droplr
Droplr is an all-in-one screen recording and sharing platform for simplicity and efficiency. It offers robust screen recording options, allowing users to capture their entire screen, a specific area, or a window. Notable features include simultaneous webcam recording, high-quality output (up to 4K resolution), and instant cloud uploads with shareable links. Droplr integrates seamlessly with productivity tools like Slack, Trello, and Jira, making it ideal for collaborative teams, especially in customer support and design environments. It also supports annotation and GIF creation, which adds versatility to its output.
Droplr is proficient in ease of use and direct sharing capabilities. Droplr is beginner-friendly and streamlined. However, it lacks the advanced customization features that power users might find in OBS. Against Loom, Droplr's edge lies in its tighter integration with cloud sharing and business productivity tools, though Loom shows better in-app editing and team collaboration options. User feedback highlights Droplr's reliability but points out occasional bugs in its desktop versions, particularly for Mac users.
- High-resolution recording (up to 4K).
- Cloud integration with instant sharing links.
- Flexible platform support (Windows, Mac, Chrome).
- Annotative features and GIF creation.
- Strong integrations with productivity tools.
- Limited in-app editing features.
- Occasional bugs in desktop applications.
- Lacks advanced controls available.
10. Outklip
Outklip is an intuitive screen recording tool designed for simplicity and functionality. It is equipped with multiple recording modes such as full screen, browser tab with audio, webcam-only, or application window. Users can also add voice narration or webcam overlays for personalized videos. The built-in video editor provides basic editing tools like trimming, cropping, adding text annotations, zooming, and inserting soundtracks. Additionally, Outklip supports seamless integration with platforms like YouTube and Google Drive for instant uploads or link sharing.
Compared to best screen recorder software for Chromebook like OBS, Loom, or Screencastify, Outklip excels in ease of use and quick sharing capabilities, making it ideal for professionals who need straightforward tools for client updates, video walkthroughs, or educational content. However, it lacks the advanced editing features and customization found in OBS or the polished branding tools available in Loom. Outklip's good customer service and user-friendly interface have earned high praise among educators and corporate users alike.
- Multiple recording options (screen, tab, webcam, etc.).
- Built-in editor with basic but effective tools.
- Easy sharing via link or direct upload to YouTube/Google Drive.
- Simple UI and intuitive workflow.
- Limited advanced editing features.
- Primarily web-based, which may restrict power users.
- Free version lacks some premium functionalities.
Conclusion
The Chromebook built-in screen recorder is more user-friendly but lacks advanced features like high-resolution streaming or editing tools. While OBS offers extensive customization for professional-grade work, and Loom has quick sharing via the cloud, the built-in recorder is sufficient for straightforward tasks. If you're looking for a versatile tool to enhance your videos and recordings, Winxvideo AI is a strong recommendation. It offers an extensive range of features that cater to both casual users and professionals.
