GlisioGuide
Screen recorder for Mac
Four ways to record a Mac screen, with the price and the audio limit of each.
On this page
The screen recorder already on your Mac is the Screenshot toolbar. Press Command-Shift-5, record the screen or a selection, and stop from the menu bar. It is free, it records your microphone, and through macOS 26 it does not record system audio. If that is enough, stop here and do not install anything.
If you need the computer’s sound, a stream, or a polished demo, the other three are OBS Studio, Screen Studio, and Glisio. The prices below come from each product’s own page.
| Tool | Price | System audio | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screenshot toolbar | Included with macOS | macOS 27+ only | A quick mic take or a silent picture |
| OBS Studio | Free and open source | Yes on macOS 13+, no BlackHole | Streaming and full manual control |
| Screen Studio | $29/month or $108/year | Yes | Automatic zoom, and you are fine with a subscription |
| Glisio | Free: 30s / 1× snapshot + watermark; Lifetime $79 once; Pro+ $14.99/month | Yes, no BlackHole for standard capture | A local MP4 and a one-time Pro license |
The built-in screen recorder
Command-Shift-5 is the one to learn first. Options holds the microphone, the timer, and the save folder. QuickTime’s New Screen Recording opens the same toolbar. Use it for a bug, a slide, or a voiceover over a deck. The how-to page has the clicks.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is free and open source, on macOS, Windows, and Linux. On macOS 13 or later, a macOS Screen Capture source can take the desktop and its audio without BlackHole. You set scenes, bitrate, and the output folder yourself. There is no automatic zoom. Stay on OBS if you stream or you already know it. Our OBS alternative page is about product demos, not about replacing a broadcast setup.
Screen Studio
Screen Studio is $29/month or $108/year. New buyers do not get a lifetime license. It records system audio and adds automatic zoom aimed at polished demos. Pick it when that editing style is the point and a subscription is acceptable.
Best screen recorder for Mac
There isn’t one winner. The best screen recorder for a Mac is the one that matches the file you need today. Built-in, if a microphone is enough. OBS, if you stream. Screen Studio, if you want its zoom and you will pay monthly or yearly. Glisio, if you want system audio and a local MP4, and you would rather pay once.
Glisio
Glisio runs on macOS 13 or later, Apple Silicon or Intel. Turn on system audio, add the mic if you are talking, and record the display, a window, or a region. Recording and editing are free. Export up to 30 seconds with a watermark, or buy Pro Lifetime at $79 once for full-length exports without the watermark. Files stay on the Mac. It does not stream.
FAQ
What is the best free screen recorder for Mac?
The Screenshot toolbar, Command-Shift-5, is free and already installed. OBS Studio is the free app when you need system audio or streaming. Glisio’s free export is 30 seconds with a watermark.
Does a Mac have a built-in screen recorder?
Yes. Press Command-Shift-5, or open QuickTime Player and choose File, New Screen Recording. Both use the Screenshot toolbar.
Is Screen Studio a one-time purchase?
Not for new buyers. Screen Studio is $29/month or $108/year. Glisio Pro Lifetime is $79 once.
Can these apps record system audio?
OBS on macOS 13+, Screen Studio, and Glisio can, without BlackHole for a normal capture. The built-in toolbar adds Include System Audio on macOS 27 or later. Through macOS 26 it records the microphone only.