Famous Gamers' Software Choices for 2024

Famous Gamers' Software Choices for 2024

Thomas Lv13

Famous Gamers’ Software Choices

15 Best Game Recording Software for YouTuber in 2024

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

There is no doubt that gaming is one of the largest entertainment sources for most of people. The advanced technology has led to the development of game recorders by which you can record the video of your favorite game and share it with your friends and viewers on YouTube.

Wondershare Filmstock Gaming Video Editing Skils ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-game?source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle&spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb )


You might be interested in:


If you are looking for a screen recorder that allows you to capture your gameplay, add markers to the important point during playing, and edit the recorded gameplay video easily, then we recommend you to try Wondershare DemoCreator.

With DemoCreator, you can:

  • Add Markers to important points during recording
  • Record high paced games at up to 120 fps
  • Capture video, system audio, webcam, and mic at the same time
  • Record the entire screen or just a part of your screen
  • Change video speed and add fade in and fade out with a simple drag
  • Detach audio and record voice narration during editing and reduce the noise
  • Use the Blur effect to blur the private info or remove the watermark
  • Share videos to Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch directly

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

However, if you are looking for a video editing software that provides various gameplay elements, I want to recommend - Wondershare Filmora , an easy to use while powerful video editor that allows you not only cut, split, crop, resize, reverse your videos, but also offers you multiple video effects specially designed for Fashion, Beauty, Gaming, Travel, Education, etc. Check the video to know more fantastic features, and keep reading the article to know why Filmora is still one of the best options when it comes to gameplay recording.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


15 Best Game Screen Recorders for Recording Game Videos

1. ShadowPlay

shadowplay recording software

It is free game video capture software created by Nvidia GeForce for streaming game videos. There are two modes of this video recording tool i.e. Manual mode and Shadow mode.

Features:

  • Instant replay and record
  • Excellent hardware i.e. a GPU-accelerated video encoder
  • It has a minimal performance impact
  • Records up to 4K resolution at the speed of 130 Mbps

Compatibility: Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10

Pros:

  • Unlimited recording time in manual mode
  • Allow it users to capture full desktop screen

Cons:

  • Geforce GTX 600 and above is required to operate this software.

Price: It is available free of cost.

We have researched about how to record gameplay with Nvidia ShadowPlay, check this article How to Use Nvidia Share or ShadowPlay to Record Gameplay for the detailed information.

2. Camtasia

camtasia recording software

It is one of the best game recorders for recording professional videos on your PC. You can also import HD videos from an external source. The interactive videos can also be created by using this software.

Features:

  • Stunning graphics
  • Direct link to social media
  • Effective recording option
  • Drag and drop editing
  • Google Drive integration

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8 and 7 SP1

Pros:

  • You can easily include animated items
  • Video, audio and cursor tracks can be edited individually
  • Provides panning and zooming options
  • Incorporates webcam
  • You can also use the green screen effect

Cons:

  • Free trial for only 30 days.
  • The users cannot record videos for commercial use in the free version
  • Very expensive
  • Works slowly on large projects

Price: $299.00 USD but it can be reduced if you buy 5-9 licenses

3. Open Broadcast Software

open broadcast recording software

It is an open-source game recording tool having unlimited customization options. You can get idea about this software by its name i.e. the game streams can be broadcasted on various websites such as Twitch, YouTube, Hitbox etc.

Features:

  • Simple interface
  • Limitless scenes and sources
  • It has file output to FLV or MP4
  • GPU-based video game capture

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8, 8.1, Vista and 7, Version for Linux and Mac OS X is also in the pipeline

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • High-speed performance
  • Keyboard shortcuts

Cons:

  • A sharp learning curve
  • Difficult to construct scenes

Price: Free

4.Bandicam

bandicam recording software

It is a perfect choice for beginners as it is easy to understand. You can also record a video game that utilizes the Direct X or OpenGL technology and share on YouTube with a single click. The size of the window can also be adjusted according to your need.

Features:

  • Built-in compression feature ensuring high-quality videos
  • Recording can be done for more than 24 hours
  • You can record videos at 4k Ultra HD resolution

Compatibility: Windows XP, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7

Pros:

  • Maximum frame rate i.e. 120 fps
  • Two different audio inputs can be recorded at the same time

Cons:

  • It does not proffer live streaming

Price: Free trial, $59 for two licenses, $39 for one license

5. EpicRewind

epicrewind recording software

This software is developed recently introducing a unique feature i.e. RAM Rolling Buffer mode. It enables the user to replay the recording instantly. The buffer contents can also be saved by pressing a hotkey.

Features:

  • You can conveniently capture screenshot and video from browser games or flash games.
  • Direct-To-Disk capture mode
  • Video Output Format and Codec can be configured with great ease.

Compatibility: It does not support windows

Pros:

  • Videos are not encoded all the time.

Cons:

  • It cannot be run on the Windows operating system.

Price: Free trial of the base version

6.D3DGear

d3dgear recording software

It is a very simple and light recorder. This software compresses the recorded files in real-time mode i.e. you are able to record screen activity even if there is less space in your storage drive. The videos can be shared over any social networking website.

Features:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Built-in compression system

Compatibility: Windows XP, 7, 10, 8, 8.1 and Vista

Pros:

  • You can do live video streaming
  • The audio files can be saved separately.

Cons:

  • Pro version is very costly

Price: 15-day free trial otherwise it costs $34.95.

7.Fraps

fraps recording software

It is one of the most famous game screen recorders having superb features. The average performance rate can also be measured by using this recorder. You can also save these statistics in a different file. It is also very light software similar to D3DGear.

Features:

  • It can be used as a benchmark tool.
  • Capture high-quality footage

Compatibility: Windows Vista, XP, 7, 10, 8.1 and 8

Pros:

  • You can record videos at 7680×4800 resolution
  • Frames can be adjusted up to 120fps

Cons:

  • It does not have streaming options

Price: Free version with few features, full version at $37

8.Microsoft Screen Encoder 4

mirosoft screen recording software

It is an advanced version of Microsoft screen encoder 3. It has wonderful graphics and live IIS (Internet Information Services) smooth streaming options. The Windows Media video, as well as audio files, can be produced with the help of this software.

Features:

  • Screen capture
  • GUI interface
  • Live template support

Compatibility: Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP service pack2

Pros:

  • High-quality playback
  • Enables encoding using H.261Intuitive interface

Cons:

  • Less editing tools in comparison to other software
  • You cannot export your recordings to Sony Vegas11

Price: Pro version costs $199.95 while the standard version is free having limited features

9.Tinytake

tinytake recording software

This game recorder is an ideal choice for making commercial presentations. This software allows its users to capture video from the selected region and upload it directly on YouTube or any other social media.

Features:

  • Drag and drop option
  • You can conveniently annotate the videos
  • Inbuilt online file viewer

Compatibility: It can work with Windows as well as Mac operating system

Pros:

  • You can develop custom shortcut keys
  • Bulk files sharing
  • You can run this software on mobile devices

Cons:

  • Files are saved only in MP4 format
  • Video recording can be done up to 2 hours
  • No free version is available for business purposes

Price: It ranges between $29.95 and $199.95 for a yearly plan. You will also get storage memory space up to 2TB with a business plan.

10.Ezvid

ezvid game recording software

This screen software is specially designed for saving the time of the users. It also increases the recording speed and video editing capabilities. You can also add text and watermark to the videos.

Features:-

  • Videos are uploaded on YouTube in a fast manner.
  • It provides computer speech for narrative purposes.
  • Modern and sleek interface

Compatibility: Windows XP SP3, 7 and Vista

Pros:

  • High-quality video resolution
  • You can also select the most popular music tracks
  • It also has a facecam and a video editor
  • You can also drag and drop videos
  • Professional videos can be created in a few minutes

Cons:

  • It is glitch and leggy.
  • It requires 10GB free space
  • Fewer features as compared to Camtasia software

Price: Free

11. Gecata

gecata

Gecata by Movavi is a lightweight video recording tool designed to capture gameplays. Screen recording with this program is easy without needing external hardware. You can capture all screen activities and save recordings in major video formats, including .MOV, .MP4, .AVI, and GIF.

Features:

  • One-click screenshots
  • Game mode for automatic recording
  • Screen and audio recording simultaneously and separately
  • Graphics hardware integration option (NVIDIA or Intel) for 400% faster encoding

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10

Pros:

  • Simple interface
  • Speedy capturing
  • Tested on dozens of games
  • Game recording up to 120fps

Cons:

  • The free version pastes a watermark on the recording
  • Lagging

Price: $30.95 for a lifetime

12. EaseUS RecExperts

recexperts

RecExperts by EaseUS is a premium screen recorder with many exciting features. For instance, you can record a particular part of the screen by making a selection through your mouse. Likewise, you can also record multiple screens side by side.

While RecExperts is made for gamers and YouTubers, you can use this tool for a wide range of purposes. Such as recording an online meeting, video tutorial, and more.

Features:

  • Sound recording and extracting
  • Web camera capturing
  • Saving captured video into GIF
  • Screenshots
  • Schedule recording with automatic stop and split options

Compatibility: Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and macOS 10.13 or later

Pros:

  • Simple software design
  • Allows editing on the captured screen
  • Supports different video and formats, including MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI

Cons:

  • Limited editing, such as trimming and cutting

Price: $19.95 per month, $39.95 per year, and $79.95 for a lifetime

13. Flashback Express (Free Version)

flashback express

Flashback Express is a screen recording and editing software. It is a powerful tool for recording desktop screens simultaneously with mic sounds. You can also add webcam recordings to recorded gameplays as most YouTubers do.

Besides, there’s no time limit on the recording. So whether you want to capture a small portion of your video or screen record several hours of gameplay, feel free to do it.

Features:

  • Video trimming
  • Multi-screen recording
  • Webcam overlay
  • Direct YouTube uploading option

Compatibility: Windows 7/8.1/10/11

Pros:

  • Easy interface
  • No watermark
  • Voice over during screen capturing
  • Selected and full-screen recording
  • You can save the recordings in MP4

Cons:

  • Difficult export settings
  • Unable to export audio in the free version
  • You need to convert the video using other programs if you want your recording in different video formats

Price: Free

14. Snagit

snagit

Snagit is another product by TechSmith (the developers of Camtasia). It’s a super easy tool to take screenshots and record screens.

You can save the captured video in MP4 and directly send the file through email. You can also upload files on different platforms and applications, including YouTube, Twitter, Slack, Google Drive, and more.

Features:

  • Screen and audio recording
  • Annotations
  • Video trimming
  • Webcam recording
  • Cloud library
  • Video conversion to GIFs
  • Panoramic screen capturing

Compatibility: Windows 10/11 and Mac 11 or later

Pros:

  • Simple user interface
  • Fast video uploading to various platforms

Cons:

  • Saved videos are only available in MP4 format

Price:$62.99 for a lifetime, including first-year maintenance (regular maintenance charges are $12.6 per year applicable after completing the first year)

15. Filmora

filmora

Filmora is an all-in-one program and is one of the top video editing tools cherished by all types of users – beginners and professionals. But what makes this software super cool for gamers and YouTubers is its screen recording option. With comprehensive features, you can record your gameplay and edit your screen recordings by using a wide range of features.

Features:

  • Support 4K editing
  • Noise removal
  • Advanced text editor
  • Color tuning
  • Audio mixing

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit) and macOS V10.1/V10.13/V10.14/V10.15/V11/V12

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Huge effects library
  • Affordable perpetual licensing
  • Wide range of features
  • Support various video formats
  • High-quality results

Cons:

  • The free version includes a watermark
  • You need to purchase the product to use some important features, such as keyframing

Price: $29.99 per month, $69.99 per year, and $79.99 for a perpetual

What to look for game screen recorder

There are many people who do not have any knowledge regarding game capture software. You must look for the following things before choosing a game screen recorder.

  • The option of personalizing the hotkeys
  • Number of built-in tools
  • How to begin and pause recording
  • Number of codes offered by it
  • Recording time
  • Editing features like cut and paste
  • Custom-made Recording Resolution
  • Adjustable video frames

In addition to this, some game recorders also affect your in-game fps (Frame per second). You should also check whether it is compatible with large-sized files or not. The quality of the video also depends upon the file size. The larger is file size, the higher is video quality. However, you can face problems while uploading huge-sized videos as online content distributors hardly support such files. So you must compress your video before sharing anywhere. There are also some recorders that provide a direct link to social networking sites. Thus you should consider these factors also before purchasing the game recording software.

You can easily run this recorder on your computer if it is updated and has 8GB of RAM. PC should also have two storage drives so as to install gaming software on one drive and record videos on another drive. It is also advisable to use computers than laptops for recording screen activities because laptops rarely have two storage drives.

You can easily run this recorder on your computer if it is updated and has 8GB of RAM. PC should also have two storage drives so as to install gaming software on one drive and record videos on another drive. It is also advisable to use computers than laptops for recording screen activities because laptops rarely have two storage drives.

FAQs

Q1. What software do YouTubers use to record gameplay?

Most gamers on YouTube use Open Broadcast System (OBS) and Bandicam to record their gameplays. However, there are a few more authentic screen recording tools for high-quality video recording, such as Filmora.

Using Filmora to record your gameplay will help you save the video in all major video formats. Moreover, the tool is also compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems.

Q2. How do I record my screen smoothly?

You should do a couple of things to avoid lagging while screen recording your gameplay. For example, do not use your built-in microphone to record your voice during screen recording. Instead, use an external microphone.

Only record what is important. Use high RAM and have a good graphics card. And most importantly, get screen recorders with at least 60fps.

Q3. Does screen recording decrease FPS?

Yes, it does affect your overall gaming performance. However, it depends on several factors. For instance, the fps won’t be affected much if you’re playing a less CPU-intensive game. The only way to sustain FPS is to have a high-quality screen recorder, such as OBS, Filmora, Bandicam, and Fraps.

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

There is no doubt that gaming is one of the largest entertainment sources for most of people. The advanced technology has led to the development of game recorders by which you can record the video of your favorite game and share it with your friends and viewers on YouTube.

Wondershare Filmstock Gaming Video Editing Skils ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-game?source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle&spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb )


You might be interested in:


If you are looking for a screen recorder that allows you to capture your gameplay, add markers to the important point during playing, and edit the recorded gameplay video easily, then we recommend you to try Wondershare DemoCreator.

With DemoCreator, you can:

  • Add Markers to important points during recording
  • Record high paced games at up to 120 fps
  • Capture video, system audio, webcam, and mic at the same time
  • Record the entire screen or just a part of your screen
  • Change video speed and add fade in and fade out with a simple drag
  • Detach audio and record voice narration during editing and reduce the noise
  • Use the Blur effect to blur the private info or remove the watermark
  • Share videos to Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch directly

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

However, if you are looking for a video editing software that provides various gameplay elements, I want to recommend - Wondershare Filmora , an easy to use while powerful video editor that allows you not only cut, split, crop, resize, reverse your videos, but also offers you multiple video effects specially designed for Fashion, Beauty, Gaming, Travel, Education, etc. Check the video to know more fantastic features, and keep reading the article to know why Filmora is still one of the best options when it comes to gameplay recording.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


15 Best Game Screen Recorders for Recording Game Videos

1. ShadowPlay

shadowplay recording software

It is free game video capture software created by Nvidia GeForce for streaming game videos. There are two modes of this video recording tool i.e. Manual mode and Shadow mode.

Features:

  • Instant replay and record
  • Excellent hardware i.e. a GPU-accelerated video encoder
  • It has a minimal performance impact
  • Records up to 4K resolution at the speed of 130 Mbps

Compatibility: Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10

Pros:

  • Unlimited recording time in manual mode
  • Allow it users to capture full desktop screen

Cons:

  • Geforce GTX 600 and above is required to operate this software.

Price: It is available free of cost.

We have researched about how to record gameplay with Nvidia ShadowPlay, check this article How to Use Nvidia Share or ShadowPlay to Record Gameplay for the detailed information.

2. Camtasia

camtasia recording software

It is one of the best game recorders for recording professional videos on your PC. You can also import HD videos from an external source. The interactive videos can also be created by using this software.

Features:

  • Stunning graphics
  • Direct link to social media
  • Effective recording option
  • Drag and drop editing
  • Google Drive integration

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8 and 7 SP1

Pros:

  • You can easily include animated items
  • Video, audio and cursor tracks can be edited individually
  • Provides panning and zooming options
  • Incorporates webcam
  • You can also use the green screen effect

Cons:

  • Free trial for only 30 days.
  • The users cannot record videos for commercial use in the free version
  • Very expensive
  • Works slowly on large projects

Price: $299.00 USD but it can be reduced if you buy 5-9 licenses

3. Open Broadcast Software

open broadcast recording software

It is an open-source game recording tool having unlimited customization options. You can get idea about this software by its name i.e. the game streams can be broadcasted on various websites such as Twitch, YouTube, Hitbox etc.

Features:

  • Simple interface
  • Limitless scenes and sources
  • It has file output to FLV or MP4
  • GPU-based video game capture

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8, 8.1, Vista and 7, Version for Linux and Mac OS X is also in the pipeline

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • High-speed performance
  • Keyboard shortcuts

Cons:

  • A sharp learning curve
  • Difficult to construct scenes

Price: Free

4.Bandicam

bandicam recording software

It is a perfect choice for beginners as it is easy to understand. You can also record a video game that utilizes the Direct X or OpenGL technology and share on YouTube with a single click. The size of the window can also be adjusted according to your need.

Features:

  • Built-in compression feature ensuring high-quality videos
  • Recording can be done for more than 24 hours
  • You can record videos at 4k Ultra HD resolution

Compatibility: Windows XP, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7

Pros:

  • Maximum frame rate i.e. 120 fps
  • Two different audio inputs can be recorded at the same time

Cons:

  • It does not proffer live streaming

Price: Free trial, $59 for two licenses, $39 for one license

5. EpicRewind

epicrewind recording software

This software is developed recently introducing a unique feature i.e. RAM Rolling Buffer mode. It enables the user to replay the recording instantly. The buffer contents can also be saved by pressing a hotkey.

Features:

  • You can conveniently capture screenshot and video from browser games or flash games.
  • Direct-To-Disk capture mode
  • Video Output Format and Codec can be configured with great ease.

Compatibility: It does not support windows

Pros:

  • Videos are not encoded all the time.

Cons:

  • It cannot be run on the Windows operating system.

Price: Free trial of the base version

6.D3DGear

d3dgear recording software

It is a very simple and light recorder. This software compresses the recorded files in real-time mode i.e. you are able to record screen activity even if there is less space in your storage drive. The videos can be shared over any social networking website.

Features:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Built-in compression system

Compatibility: Windows XP, 7, 10, 8, 8.1 and Vista

Pros:

  • You can do live video streaming
  • The audio files can be saved separately.

Cons:

  • Pro version is very costly

Price: 15-day free trial otherwise it costs $34.95.

7.Fraps

fraps recording software

It is one of the most famous game screen recorders having superb features. The average performance rate can also be measured by using this recorder. You can also save these statistics in a different file. It is also very light software similar to D3DGear.

Features:

  • It can be used as a benchmark tool.
  • Capture high-quality footage

Compatibility: Windows Vista, XP, 7, 10, 8.1 and 8

Pros:

  • You can record videos at 7680×4800 resolution
  • Frames can be adjusted up to 120fps

Cons:

  • It does not have streaming options

Price: Free version with few features, full version at $37

8.Microsoft Screen Encoder 4

mirosoft screen recording software

It is an advanced version of Microsoft screen encoder 3. It has wonderful graphics and live IIS (Internet Information Services) smooth streaming options. The Windows Media video, as well as audio files, can be produced with the help of this software.

Features:

  • Screen capture
  • GUI interface
  • Live template support

Compatibility: Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP service pack2

Pros:

  • High-quality playback
  • Enables encoding using H.261Intuitive interface

Cons:

  • Less editing tools in comparison to other software
  • You cannot export your recordings to Sony Vegas11

Price: Pro version costs $199.95 while the standard version is free having limited features

9.Tinytake

tinytake recording software

This game recorder is an ideal choice for making commercial presentations. This software allows its users to capture video from the selected region and upload it directly on YouTube or any other social media.

Features:

  • Drag and drop option
  • You can conveniently annotate the videos
  • Inbuilt online file viewer

Compatibility: It can work with Windows as well as Mac operating system

Pros:

  • You can develop custom shortcut keys
  • Bulk files sharing
  • You can run this software on mobile devices

Cons:

  • Files are saved only in MP4 format
  • Video recording can be done up to 2 hours
  • No free version is available for business purposes

Price: It ranges between $29.95 and $199.95 for a yearly plan. You will also get storage memory space up to 2TB with a business plan.

10.Ezvid

ezvid game recording software

This screen software is specially designed for saving the time of the users. It also increases the recording speed and video editing capabilities. You can also add text and watermark to the videos.

Features:-

  • Videos are uploaded on YouTube in a fast manner.
  • It provides computer speech for narrative purposes.
  • Modern and sleek interface

Compatibility: Windows XP SP3, 7 and Vista

Pros:

  • High-quality video resolution
  • You can also select the most popular music tracks
  • It also has a facecam and a video editor
  • You can also drag and drop videos
  • Professional videos can be created in a few minutes

Cons:

  • It is glitch and leggy.
  • It requires 10GB free space
  • Fewer features as compared to Camtasia software

Price: Free

11. Gecata

gecata

Gecata by Movavi is a lightweight video recording tool designed to capture gameplays. Screen recording with this program is easy without needing external hardware. You can capture all screen activities and save recordings in major video formats, including .MOV, .MP4, .AVI, and GIF.

Features:

  • One-click screenshots
  • Game mode for automatic recording
  • Screen and audio recording simultaneously and separately
  • Graphics hardware integration option (NVIDIA or Intel) for 400% faster encoding

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10

Pros:

  • Simple interface
  • Speedy capturing
  • Tested on dozens of games
  • Game recording up to 120fps

Cons:

  • The free version pastes a watermark on the recording
  • Lagging

Price: $30.95 for a lifetime

12. EaseUS RecExperts

recexperts

RecExperts by EaseUS is a premium screen recorder with many exciting features. For instance, you can record a particular part of the screen by making a selection through your mouse. Likewise, you can also record multiple screens side by side.

While RecExperts is made for gamers and YouTubers, you can use this tool for a wide range of purposes. Such as recording an online meeting, video tutorial, and more.

Features:

  • Sound recording and extracting
  • Web camera capturing
  • Saving captured video into GIF
  • Screenshots
  • Schedule recording with automatic stop and split options

Compatibility: Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and macOS 10.13 or later

Pros:

  • Simple software design
  • Allows editing on the captured screen
  • Supports different video and formats, including MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI

Cons:

  • Limited editing, such as trimming and cutting

Price: $19.95 per month, $39.95 per year, and $79.95 for a lifetime

13. Flashback Express (Free Version)

flashback express

Flashback Express is a screen recording and editing software. It is a powerful tool for recording desktop screens simultaneously with mic sounds. You can also add webcam recordings to recorded gameplays as most YouTubers do.

Besides, there’s no time limit on the recording. So whether you want to capture a small portion of your video or screen record several hours of gameplay, feel free to do it.

Features:

  • Video trimming
  • Multi-screen recording
  • Webcam overlay
  • Direct YouTube uploading option

Compatibility: Windows 7/8.1/10/11

Pros:

  • Easy interface
  • No watermark
  • Voice over during screen capturing
  • Selected and full-screen recording
  • You can save the recordings in MP4

Cons:

  • Difficult export settings
  • Unable to export audio in the free version
  • You need to convert the video using other programs if you want your recording in different video formats

Price: Free

14. Snagit

snagit

Snagit is another product by TechSmith (the developers of Camtasia). It’s a super easy tool to take screenshots and record screens.

You can save the captured video in MP4 and directly send the file through email. You can also upload files on different platforms and applications, including YouTube, Twitter, Slack, Google Drive, and more.

Features:

  • Screen and audio recording
  • Annotations
  • Video trimming
  • Webcam recording
  • Cloud library
  • Video conversion to GIFs
  • Panoramic screen capturing

Compatibility: Windows 10/11 and Mac 11 or later

Pros:

  • Simple user interface
  • Fast video uploading to various platforms

Cons:

  • Saved videos are only available in MP4 format

Price:$62.99 for a lifetime, including first-year maintenance (regular maintenance charges are $12.6 per year applicable after completing the first year)

15. Filmora

filmora

Filmora is an all-in-one program and is one of the top video editing tools cherished by all types of users – beginners and professionals. But what makes this software super cool for gamers and YouTubers is its screen recording option. With comprehensive features, you can record your gameplay and edit your screen recordings by using a wide range of features.

Features:

  • Support 4K editing
  • Noise removal
  • Advanced text editor
  • Color tuning
  • Audio mixing

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit) and macOS V10.1/V10.13/V10.14/V10.15/V11/V12

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Huge effects library
  • Affordable perpetual licensing
  • Wide range of features
  • Support various video formats
  • High-quality results

Cons:

  • The free version includes a watermark
  • You need to purchase the product to use some important features, such as keyframing

Price: $29.99 per month, $69.99 per year, and $79.99 for a perpetual

What to look for game screen recorder

There are many people who do not have any knowledge regarding game capture software. You must look for the following things before choosing a game screen recorder.

  • The option of personalizing the hotkeys
  • Number of built-in tools
  • How to begin and pause recording
  • Number of codes offered by it
  • Recording time
  • Editing features like cut and paste
  • Custom-made Recording Resolution
  • Adjustable video frames

In addition to this, some game recorders also affect your in-game fps (Frame per second). You should also check whether it is compatible with large-sized files or not. The quality of the video also depends upon the file size. The larger is file size, the higher is video quality. However, you can face problems while uploading huge-sized videos as online content distributors hardly support such files. So you must compress your video before sharing anywhere. There are also some recorders that provide a direct link to social networking sites. Thus you should consider these factors also before purchasing the game recording software.

You can easily run this recorder on your computer if it is updated and has 8GB of RAM. PC should also have two storage drives so as to install gaming software on one drive and record videos on another drive. It is also advisable to use computers than laptops for recording screen activities because laptops rarely have two storage drives.

You can easily run this recorder on your computer if it is updated and has 8GB of RAM. PC should also have two storage drives so as to install gaming software on one drive and record videos on another drive. It is also advisable to use computers than laptops for recording screen activities because laptops rarely have two storage drives.

FAQs

Q1. What software do YouTubers use to record gameplay?

Most gamers on YouTube use Open Broadcast System (OBS) and Bandicam to record their gameplays. However, there are a few more authentic screen recording tools for high-quality video recording, such as Filmora.

Using Filmora to record your gameplay will help you save the video in all major video formats. Moreover, the tool is also compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems.

Q2. How do I record my screen smoothly?

You should do a couple of things to avoid lagging while screen recording your gameplay. For example, do not use your built-in microphone to record your voice during screen recording. Instead, use an external microphone.

Only record what is important. Use high RAM and have a good graphics card. And most importantly, get screen recorders with at least 60fps.

Q3. Does screen recording decrease FPS?

Yes, it does affect your overall gaming performance. However, it depends on several factors. For instance, the fps won’t be affected much if you’re playing a less CPU-intensive game. The only way to sustain FPS is to have a high-quality screen recorder, such as OBS, Filmora, Bandicam, and Fraps.

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

There is no doubt that gaming is one of the largest entertainment sources for most of people. The advanced technology has led to the development of game recorders by which you can record the video of your favorite game and share it with your friends and viewers on YouTube.

Wondershare Filmstock Gaming Video Editing Skils ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-game?source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle&spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb )


You might be interested in:


If you are looking for a screen recorder that allows you to capture your gameplay, add markers to the important point during playing, and edit the recorded gameplay video easily, then we recommend you to try Wondershare DemoCreator.

With DemoCreator, you can:

  • Add Markers to important points during recording
  • Record high paced games at up to 120 fps
  • Capture video, system audio, webcam, and mic at the same time
  • Record the entire screen or just a part of your screen
  • Change video speed and add fade in and fade out with a simple drag
  • Detach audio and record voice narration during editing and reduce the noise
  • Use the Blur effect to blur the private info or remove the watermark
  • Share videos to Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch directly

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

However, if you are looking for a video editing software that provides various gameplay elements, I want to recommend - Wondershare Filmora , an easy to use while powerful video editor that allows you not only cut, split, crop, resize, reverse your videos, but also offers you multiple video effects specially designed for Fashion, Beauty, Gaming, Travel, Education, etc. Check the video to know more fantastic features, and keep reading the article to know why Filmora is still one of the best options when it comes to gameplay recording.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


15 Best Game Screen Recorders for Recording Game Videos

1. ShadowPlay

shadowplay recording software

It is free game video capture software created by Nvidia GeForce for streaming game videos. There are two modes of this video recording tool i.e. Manual mode and Shadow mode.

Features:

  • Instant replay and record
  • Excellent hardware i.e. a GPU-accelerated video encoder
  • It has a minimal performance impact
  • Records up to 4K resolution at the speed of 130 Mbps

Compatibility: Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10

Pros:

  • Unlimited recording time in manual mode
  • Allow it users to capture full desktop screen

Cons:

  • Geforce GTX 600 and above is required to operate this software.

Price: It is available free of cost.

We have researched about how to record gameplay with Nvidia ShadowPlay, check this article How to Use Nvidia Share or ShadowPlay to Record Gameplay for the detailed information.

2. Camtasia

camtasia recording software

It is one of the best game recorders for recording professional videos on your PC. You can also import HD videos from an external source. The interactive videos can also be created by using this software.

Features:

  • Stunning graphics
  • Direct link to social media
  • Effective recording option
  • Drag and drop editing
  • Google Drive integration

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8 and 7 SP1

Pros:

  • You can easily include animated items
  • Video, audio and cursor tracks can be edited individually
  • Provides panning and zooming options
  • Incorporates webcam
  • You can also use the green screen effect

Cons:

  • Free trial for only 30 days.
  • The users cannot record videos for commercial use in the free version
  • Very expensive
  • Works slowly on large projects

Price: $299.00 USD but it can be reduced if you buy 5-9 licenses

3. Open Broadcast Software

open broadcast recording software

It is an open-source game recording tool having unlimited customization options. You can get idea about this software by its name i.e. the game streams can be broadcasted on various websites such as Twitch, YouTube, Hitbox etc.

Features:

  • Simple interface
  • Limitless scenes and sources
  • It has file output to FLV or MP4
  • GPU-based video game capture

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8, 8.1, Vista and 7, Version for Linux and Mac OS X is also in the pipeline

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • High-speed performance
  • Keyboard shortcuts

Cons:

  • A sharp learning curve
  • Difficult to construct scenes

Price: Free

4.Bandicam

bandicam recording software

It is a perfect choice for beginners as it is easy to understand. You can also record a video game that utilizes the Direct X or OpenGL technology and share on YouTube with a single click. The size of the window can also be adjusted according to your need.

Features:

  • Built-in compression feature ensuring high-quality videos
  • Recording can be done for more than 24 hours
  • You can record videos at 4k Ultra HD resolution

Compatibility: Windows XP, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7

Pros:

  • Maximum frame rate i.e. 120 fps
  • Two different audio inputs can be recorded at the same time

Cons:

  • It does not proffer live streaming

Price: Free trial, $59 for two licenses, $39 for one license

5. EpicRewind

epicrewind recording software

This software is developed recently introducing a unique feature i.e. RAM Rolling Buffer mode. It enables the user to replay the recording instantly. The buffer contents can also be saved by pressing a hotkey.

Features:

  • You can conveniently capture screenshot and video from browser games or flash games.
  • Direct-To-Disk capture mode
  • Video Output Format and Codec can be configured with great ease.

Compatibility: It does not support windows

Pros:

  • Videos are not encoded all the time.

Cons:

  • It cannot be run on the Windows operating system.

Price: Free trial of the base version

6.D3DGear

d3dgear recording software

It is a very simple and light recorder. This software compresses the recorded files in real-time mode i.e. you are able to record screen activity even if there is less space in your storage drive. The videos can be shared over any social networking website.

Features:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Built-in compression system

Compatibility: Windows XP, 7, 10, 8, 8.1 and Vista

Pros:

  • You can do live video streaming
  • The audio files can be saved separately.

Cons:

  • Pro version is very costly

Price: 15-day free trial otherwise it costs $34.95.

7.Fraps

fraps recording software

It is one of the most famous game screen recorders having superb features. The average performance rate can also be measured by using this recorder. You can also save these statistics in a different file. It is also very light software similar to D3DGear.

Features:

  • It can be used as a benchmark tool.
  • Capture high-quality footage

Compatibility: Windows Vista, XP, 7, 10, 8.1 and 8

Pros:

  • You can record videos at 7680×4800 resolution
  • Frames can be adjusted up to 120fps

Cons:

  • It does not have streaming options

Price: Free version with few features, full version at $37

8.Microsoft Screen Encoder 4

mirosoft screen recording software

It is an advanced version of Microsoft screen encoder 3. It has wonderful graphics and live IIS (Internet Information Services) smooth streaming options. The Windows Media video, as well as audio files, can be produced with the help of this software.

Features:

  • Screen capture
  • GUI interface
  • Live template support

Compatibility: Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP service pack2

Pros:

  • High-quality playback
  • Enables encoding using H.261Intuitive interface

Cons:

  • Less editing tools in comparison to other software
  • You cannot export your recordings to Sony Vegas11

Price: Pro version costs $199.95 while the standard version is free having limited features

9.Tinytake

tinytake recording software

This game recorder is an ideal choice for making commercial presentations. This software allows its users to capture video from the selected region and upload it directly on YouTube or any other social media.

Features:

  • Drag and drop option
  • You can conveniently annotate the videos
  • Inbuilt online file viewer

Compatibility: It can work with Windows as well as Mac operating system

Pros:

  • You can develop custom shortcut keys
  • Bulk files sharing
  • You can run this software on mobile devices

Cons:

  • Files are saved only in MP4 format
  • Video recording can be done up to 2 hours
  • No free version is available for business purposes

Price: It ranges between $29.95 and $199.95 for a yearly plan. You will also get storage memory space up to 2TB with a business plan.

10.Ezvid

ezvid game recording software

This screen software is specially designed for saving the time of the users. It also increases the recording speed and video editing capabilities. You can also add text and watermark to the videos.

Features:-

  • Videos are uploaded on YouTube in a fast manner.
  • It provides computer speech for narrative purposes.
  • Modern and sleek interface

Compatibility: Windows XP SP3, 7 and Vista

Pros:

  • High-quality video resolution
  • You can also select the most popular music tracks
  • It also has a facecam and a video editor
  • You can also drag and drop videos
  • Professional videos can be created in a few minutes

Cons:

  • It is glitch and leggy.
  • It requires 10GB free space
  • Fewer features as compared to Camtasia software

Price: Free

11. Gecata

gecata

Gecata by Movavi is a lightweight video recording tool designed to capture gameplays. Screen recording with this program is easy without needing external hardware. You can capture all screen activities and save recordings in major video formats, including .MOV, .MP4, .AVI, and GIF.

Features:

  • One-click screenshots
  • Game mode for automatic recording
  • Screen and audio recording simultaneously and separately
  • Graphics hardware integration option (NVIDIA or Intel) for 400% faster encoding

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10

Pros:

  • Simple interface
  • Speedy capturing
  • Tested on dozens of games
  • Game recording up to 120fps

Cons:

  • The free version pastes a watermark on the recording
  • Lagging

Price: $30.95 for a lifetime

12. EaseUS RecExperts

recexperts

RecExperts by EaseUS is a premium screen recorder with many exciting features. For instance, you can record a particular part of the screen by making a selection through your mouse. Likewise, you can also record multiple screens side by side.

While RecExperts is made for gamers and YouTubers, you can use this tool for a wide range of purposes. Such as recording an online meeting, video tutorial, and more.

Features:

  • Sound recording and extracting
  • Web camera capturing
  • Saving captured video into GIF
  • Screenshots
  • Schedule recording with automatic stop and split options

Compatibility: Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and macOS 10.13 or later

Pros:

  • Simple software design
  • Allows editing on the captured screen
  • Supports different video and formats, including MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI

Cons:

  • Limited editing, such as trimming and cutting

Price: $19.95 per month, $39.95 per year, and $79.95 for a lifetime

13. Flashback Express (Free Version)

flashback express

Flashback Express is a screen recording and editing software. It is a powerful tool for recording desktop screens simultaneously with mic sounds. You can also add webcam recordings to recorded gameplays as most YouTubers do.

Besides, there’s no time limit on the recording. So whether you want to capture a small portion of your video or screen record several hours of gameplay, feel free to do it.

Features:

  • Video trimming
  • Multi-screen recording
  • Webcam overlay
  • Direct YouTube uploading option

Compatibility: Windows 7/8.1/10/11

Pros:

  • Easy interface
  • No watermark
  • Voice over during screen capturing
  • Selected and full-screen recording
  • You can save the recordings in MP4

Cons:

  • Difficult export settings
  • Unable to export audio in the free version
  • You need to convert the video using other programs if you want your recording in different video formats

Price: Free

14. Snagit

snagit

Snagit is another product by TechSmith (the developers of Camtasia). It’s a super easy tool to take screenshots and record screens.

You can save the captured video in MP4 and directly send the file through email. You can also upload files on different platforms and applications, including YouTube, Twitter, Slack, Google Drive, and more.

Features:

  • Screen and audio recording
  • Annotations
  • Video trimming
  • Webcam recording
  • Cloud library
  • Video conversion to GIFs
  • Panoramic screen capturing

Compatibility: Windows 10/11 and Mac 11 or later

Pros:

  • Simple user interface
  • Fast video uploading to various platforms

Cons:

  • Saved videos are only available in MP4 format

Price:$62.99 for a lifetime, including first-year maintenance (regular maintenance charges are $12.6 per year applicable after completing the first year)

15. Filmora

filmora

Filmora is an all-in-one program and is one of the top video editing tools cherished by all types of users – beginners and professionals. But what makes this software super cool for gamers and YouTubers is its screen recording option. With comprehensive features, you can record your gameplay and edit your screen recordings by using a wide range of features.

Features:

  • Support 4K editing
  • Noise removal
  • Advanced text editor
  • Color tuning
  • Audio mixing

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit) and macOS V10.1/V10.13/V10.14/V10.15/V11/V12

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Huge effects library
  • Affordable perpetual licensing
  • Wide range of features
  • Support various video formats
  • High-quality results

Cons:

  • The free version includes a watermark
  • You need to purchase the product to use some important features, such as keyframing

Price: $29.99 per month, $69.99 per year, and $79.99 for a perpetual

What to look for game screen recorder

There are many people who do not have any knowledge regarding game capture software. You must look for the following things before choosing a game screen recorder.

  • The option of personalizing the hotkeys
  • Number of built-in tools
  • How to begin and pause recording
  • Number of codes offered by it
  • Recording time
  • Editing features like cut and paste
  • Custom-made Recording Resolution
  • Adjustable video frames

In addition to this, some game recorders also affect your in-game fps (Frame per second). You should also check whether it is compatible with large-sized files or not. The quality of the video also depends upon the file size. The larger is file size, the higher is video quality. However, you can face problems while uploading huge-sized videos as online content distributors hardly support such files. So you must compress your video before sharing anywhere. There are also some recorders that provide a direct link to social networking sites. Thus you should consider these factors also before purchasing the game recording software.

You can easily run this recorder on your computer if it is updated and has 8GB of RAM. PC should also have two storage drives so as to install gaming software on one drive and record videos on another drive. It is also advisable to use computers than laptops for recording screen activities because laptops rarely have two storage drives.

You can easily run this recorder on your computer if it is updated and has 8GB of RAM. PC should also have two storage drives so as to install gaming software on one drive and record videos on another drive. It is also advisable to use computers than laptops for recording screen activities because laptops rarely have two storage drives.

FAQs

Q1. What software do YouTubers use to record gameplay?

Most gamers on YouTube use Open Broadcast System (OBS) and Bandicam to record their gameplays. However, there are a few more authentic screen recording tools for high-quality video recording, such as Filmora.

Using Filmora to record your gameplay will help you save the video in all major video formats. Moreover, the tool is also compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems.

Q2. How do I record my screen smoothly?

You should do a couple of things to avoid lagging while screen recording your gameplay. For example, do not use your built-in microphone to record your voice during screen recording. Instead, use an external microphone.

Only record what is important. Use high RAM and have a good graphics card. And most importantly, get screen recorders with at least 60fps.

Q3. Does screen recording decrease FPS?

Yes, it does affect your overall gaming performance. However, it depends on several factors. For instance, the fps won’t be affected much if you’re playing a less CPU-intensive game. The only way to sustain FPS is to have a high-quality screen recorder, such as OBS, Filmora, Bandicam, and Fraps.

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

There is no doubt that gaming is one of the largest entertainment sources for most of people. The advanced technology has led to the development of game recorders by which you can record the video of your favorite game and share it with your friends and viewers on YouTube.

Wondershare Filmstock Gaming Video Editing Skils ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-game?source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle&spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb )


You might be interested in:


If you are looking for a screen recorder that allows you to capture your gameplay, add markers to the important point during playing, and edit the recorded gameplay video easily, then we recommend you to try Wondershare DemoCreator.

With DemoCreator, you can:

  • Add Markers to important points during recording
  • Record high paced games at up to 120 fps
  • Capture video, system audio, webcam, and mic at the same time
  • Record the entire screen or just a part of your screen
  • Change video speed and add fade in and fade out with a simple drag
  • Detach audio and record voice narration during editing and reduce the noise
  • Use the Blur effect to blur the private info or remove the watermark
  • Share videos to Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch directly

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

However, if you are looking for a video editing software that provides various gameplay elements, I want to recommend - Wondershare Filmora , an easy to use while powerful video editor that allows you not only cut, split, crop, resize, reverse your videos, but also offers you multiple video effects specially designed for Fashion, Beauty, Gaming, Travel, Education, etc. Check the video to know more fantastic features, and keep reading the article to know why Filmora is still one of the best options when it comes to gameplay recording.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


15 Best Game Screen Recorders for Recording Game Videos

1. ShadowPlay

shadowplay recording software

It is free game video capture software created by Nvidia GeForce for streaming game videos. There are two modes of this video recording tool i.e. Manual mode and Shadow mode.

Features:

  • Instant replay and record
  • Excellent hardware i.e. a GPU-accelerated video encoder
  • It has a minimal performance impact
  • Records up to 4K resolution at the speed of 130 Mbps

Compatibility: Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10

Pros:

  • Unlimited recording time in manual mode
  • Allow it users to capture full desktop screen

Cons:

  • Geforce GTX 600 and above is required to operate this software.

Price: It is available free of cost.

We have researched about how to record gameplay with Nvidia ShadowPlay, check this article How to Use Nvidia Share or ShadowPlay to Record Gameplay for the detailed information.

2. Camtasia

camtasia recording software

It is one of the best game recorders for recording professional videos on your PC. You can also import HD videos from an external source. The interactive videos can also be created by using this software.

Features:

  • Stunning graphics
  • Direct link to social media
  • Effective recording option
  • Drag and drop editing
  • Google Drive integration

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8 and 7 SP1

Pros:

  • You can easily include animated items
  • Video, audio and cursor tracks can be edited individually
  • Provides panning and zooming options
  • Incorporates webcam
  • You can also use the green screen effect

Cons:

  • Free trial for only 30 days.
  • The users cannot record videos for commercial use in the free version
  • Very expensive
  • Works slowly on large projects

Price: $299.00 USD but it can be reduced if you buy 5-9 licenses

3. Open Broadcast Software

open broadcast recording software

It is an open-source game recording tool having unlimited customization options. You can get idea about this software by its name i.e. the game streams can be broadcasted on various websites such as Twitch, YouTube, Hitbox etc.

Features:

  • Simple interface
  • Limitless scenes and sources
  • It has file output to FLV or MP4
  • GPU-based video game capture

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8, 8.1, Vista and 7, Version for Linux and Mac OS X is also in the pipeline

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • High-speed performance
  • Keyboard shortcuts

Cons:

  • A sharp learning curve
  • Difficult to construct scenes

Price: Free

4.Bandicam

bandicam recording software

It is a perfect choice for beginners as it is easy to understand. You can also record a video game that utilizes the Direct X or OpenGL technology and share on YouTube with a single click. The size of the window can also be adjusted according to your need.

Features:

  • Built-in compression feature ensuring high-quality videos
  • Recording can be done for more than 24 hours
  • You can record videos at 4k Ultra HD resolution

Compatibility: Windows XP, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7

Pros:

  • Maximum frame rate i.e. 120 fps
  • Two different audio inputs can be recorded at the same time

Cons:

  • It does not proffer live streaming

Price: Free trial, $59 for two licenses, $39 for one license

5. EpicRewind

epicrewind recording software

This software is developed recently introducing a unique feature i.e. RAM Rolling Buffer mode. It enables the user to replay the recording instantly. The buffer contents can also be saved by pressing a hotkey.

Features:

  • You can conveniently capture screenshot and video from browser games or flash games.
  • Direct-To-Disk capture mode
  • Video Output Format and Codec can be configured with great ease.

Compatibility: It does not support windows

Pros:

  • Videos are not encoded all the time.

Cons:

  • It cannot be run on the Windows operating system.

Price: Free trial of the base version

6.D3DGear

d3dgear recording software

It is a very simple and light recorder. This software compresses the recorded files in real-time mode i.e. you are able to record screen activity even if there is less space in your storage drive. The videos can be shared over any social networking website.

Features:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Built-in compression system

Compatibility: Windows XP, 7, 10, 8, 8.1 and Vista

Pros:

  • You can do live video streaming
  • The audio files can be saved separately.

Cons:

  • Pro version is very costly

Price: 15-day free trial otherwise it costs $34.95.

7.Fraps

fraps recording software

It is one of the most famous game screen recorders having superb features. The average performance rate can also be measured by using this recorder. You can also save these statistics in a different file. It is also very light software similar to D3DGear.

Features:

  • It can be used as a benchmark tool.
  • Capture high-quality footage

Compatibility: Windows Vista, XP, 7, 10, 8.1 and 8

Pros:

  • You can record videos at 7680×4800 resolution
  • Frames can be adjusted up to 120fps

Cons:

  • It does not have streaming options

Price: Free version with few features, full version at $37

8.Microsoft Screen Encoder 4

mirosoft screen recording software

It is an advanced version of Microsoft screen encoder 3. It has wonderful graphics and live IIS (Internet Information Services) smooth streaming options. The Windows Media video, as well as audio files, can be produced with the help of this software.

Features:

  • Screen capture
  • GUI interface
  • Live template support

Compatibility: Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP service pack2

Pros:

  • High-quality playback
  • Enables encoding using H.261Intuitive interface

Cons:

  • Less editing tools in comparison to other software
  • You cannot export your recordings to Sony Vegas11

Price: Pro version costs $199.95 while the standard version is free having limited features

9.Tinytake

tinytake recording software

This game recorder is an ideal choice for making commercial presentations. This software allows its users to capture video from the selected region and upload it directly on YouTube or any other social media.

Features:

  • Drag and drop option
  • You can conveniently annotate the videos
  • Inbuilt online file viewer

Compatibility: It can work with Windows as well as Mac operating system

Pros:

  • You can develop custom shortcut keys
  • Bulk files sharing
  • You can run this software on mobile devices

Cons:

  • Files are saved only in MP4 format
  • Video recording can be done up to 2 hours
  • No free version is available for business purposes

Price: It ranges between $29.95 and $199.95 for a yearly plan. You will also get storage memory space up to 2TB with a business plan.

10.Ezvid

ezvid game recording software

This screen software is specially designed for saving the time of the users. It also increases the recording speed and video editing capabilities. You can also add text and watermark to the videos.

Features:-

  • Videos are uploaded on YouTube in a fast manner.
  • It provides computer speech for narrative purposes.
  • Modern and sleek interface

Compatibility: Windows XP SP3, 7 and Vista

Pros:

  • High-quality video resolution
  • You can also select the most popular music tracks
  • It also has a facecam and a video editor
  • You can also drag and drop videos
  • Professional videos can be created in a few minutes

Cons:

  • It is glitch and leggy.
  • It requires 10GB free space
  • Fewer features as compared to Camtasia software

Price: Free

11. Gecata

gecata

Gecata by Movavi is a lightweight video recording tool designed to capture gameplays. Screen recording with this program is easy without needing external hardware. You can capture all screen activities and save recordings in major video formats, including .MOV, .MP4, .AVI, and GIF.

Features:

  • One-click screenshots
  • Game mode for automatic recording
  • Screen and audio recording simultaneously and separately
  • Graphics hardware integration option (NVIDIA or Intel) for 400% faster encoding

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10

Pros:

  • Simple interface
  • Speedy capturing
  • Tested on dozens of games
  • Game recording up to 120fps

Cons:

  • The free version pastes a watermark on the recording
  • Lagging

Price: $30.95 for a lifetime

12. EaseUS RecExperts

recexperts

RecExperts by EaseUS is a premium screen recorder with many exciting features. For instance, you can record a particular part of the screen by making a selection through your mouse. Likewise, you can also record multiple screens side by side.

While RecExperts is made for gamers and YouTubers, you can use this tool for a wide range of purposes. Such as recording an online meeting, video tutorial, and more.

Features:

  • Sound recording and extracting
  • Web camera capturing
  • Saving captured video into GIF
  • Screenshots
  • Schedule recording with automatic stop and split options

Compatibility: Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and macOS 10.13 or later

Pros:

  • Simple software design
  • Allows editing on the captured screen
  • Supports different video and formats, including MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI

Cons:

  • Limited editing, such as trimming and cutting

Price: $19.95 per month, $39.95 per year, and $79.95 for a lifetime

13. Flashback Express (Free Version)

flashback express

Flashback Express is a screen recording and editing software. It is a powerful tool for recording desktop screens simultaneously with mic sounds. You can also add webcam recordings to recorded gameplays as most YouTubers do.

Besides, there’s no time limit on the recording. So whether you want to capture a small portion of your video or screen record several hours of gameplay, feel free to do it.

Features:

  • Video trimming
  • Multi-screen recording
  • Webcam overlay
  • Direct YouTube uploading option

Compatibility: Windows 7/8.1/10/11

Pros:

  • Easy interface
  • No watermark
  • Voice over during screen capturing
  • Selected and full-screen recording
  • You can save the recordings in MP4

Cons:

  • Difficult export settings
  • Unable to export audio in the free version
  • You need to convert the video using other programs if you want your recording in different video formats

Price: Free

14. Snagit

snagit

Snagit is another product by TechSmith (the developers of Camtasia). It’s a super easy tool to take screenshots and record screens.

You can save the captured video in MP4 and directly send the file through email. You can also upload files on different platforms and applications, including YouTube, Twitter, Slack, Google Drive, and more.

Features:

  • Screen and audio recording
  • Annotations
  • Video trimming
  • Webcam recording
  • Cloud library
  • Video conversion to GIFs
  • Panoramic screen capturing

Compatibility: Windows 10/11 and Mac 11 or later

Pros:

  • Simple user interface
  • Fast video uploading to various platforms

Cons:

  • Saved videos are only available in MP4 format

Price:$62.99 for a lifetime, including first-year maintenance (regular maintenance charges are $12.6 per year applicable after completing the first year)

15. Filmora

filmora

Filmora is an all-in-one program and is one of the top video editing tools cherished by all types of users – beginners and professionals. But what makes this software super cool for gamers and YouTubers is its screen recording option. With comprehensive features, you can record your gameplay and edit your screen recordings by using a wide range of features.

Features:

  • Support 4K editing
  • Noise removal
  • Advanced text editor
  • Color tuning
  • Audio mixing

Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit) and macOS V10.1/V10.13/V10.14/V10.15/V11/V12

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Huge effects library
  • Affordable perpetual licensing
  • Wide range of features
  • Support various video formats
  • High-quality results

Cons:

  • The free version includes a watermark
  • You need to purchase the product to use some important features, such as keyframing

Price: $29.99 per month, $69.99 per year, and $79.99 for a perpetual

What to look for game screen recorder

There are many people who do not have any knowledge regarding game capture software. You must look for the following things before choosing a game screen recorder.

  • The option of personalizing the hotkeys
  • Number of built-in tools
  • How to begin and pause recording
  • Number of codes offered by it
  • Recording time
  • Editing features like cut and paste
  • Custom-made Recording Resolution
  • Adjustable video frames

In addition to this, some game recorders also affect your in-game fps (Frame per second). You should also check whether it is compatible with large-sized files or not. The quality of the video also depends upon the file size. The larger is file size, the higher is video quality. However, you can face problems while uploading huge-sized videos as online content distributors hardly support such files. So you must compress your video before sharing anywhere. There are also some recorders that provide a direct link to social networking sites. Thus you should consider these factors also before purchasing the game recording software.

You can easily run this recorder on your computer if it is updated and has 8GB of RAM. PC should also have two storage drives so as to install gaming software on one drive and record videos on another drive. It is also advisable to use computers than laptops for recording screen activities because laptops rarely have two storage drives.

You can easily run this recorder on your computer if it is updated and has 8GB of RAM. PC should also have two storage drives so as to install gaming software on one drive and record videos on another drive. It is also advisable to use computers than laptops for recording screen activities because laptops rarely have two storage drives.

FAQs

Q1. What software do YouTubers use to record gameplay?

Most gamers on YouTube use Open Broadcast System (OBS) and Bandicam to record their gameplays. However, there are a few more authentic screen recording tools for high-quality video recording, such as Filmora.

Using Filmora to record your gameplay will help you save the video in all major video formats. Moreover, the tool is also compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems.

Q2. How do I record my screen smoothly?

You should do a couple of things to avoid lagging while screen recording your gameplay. For example, do not use your built-in microphone to record your voice during screen recording. Instead, use an external microphone.

Only record what is important. Use high RAM and have a good graphics card. And most importantly, get screen recorders with at least 60fps.

Q3. Does screen recording decrease FPS?

Yes, it does affect your overall gaming performance. However, it depends on several factors. For instance, the fps won’t be affected much if you’re playing a less CPU-intensive game. The only way to sustain FPS is to have a high-quality screen recorder, such as OBS, Filmora, Bandicam, and Fraps.

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Superior Audio Options for Video Makers

Best Microphone for YouTubers

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you want your viewers to be glued to their screens then quality audio is just as important as quality video for your YouTube channel. People will watch your vlog because they want to hear what you are saying. It can be tempting to use the audio your camera records rather than buy a separate microphone. Unfortunately, the microphones built into most cameras will only record mediocre audio. In this case, we have researched and found out the following best microphones for YouTube videos based on its price and performance. Besides, we will also highlight the best microphones for different recording scenarios. Whether you’re making gaming videos or recording yourself singing, or filming inside or outside, you will get to know which one is best for your situation. Let’s check out now.

Part 1: Best Microphones for YouTube Videos [Best for All]

Here are examples of some of the best external microphones for YouTube:

1. Blue Snowball USB Mic - $60

microphone

The Snowball is especially good for vlogging from your webcam because it is easy to hook up to your computer using a USB port. It will record your audio simultaneously while you are using your webcam. The biggest drawback of the Snowball is that it needs to be close to you while your record. This combined with its larger size means that it will probably need to be in your shot.

2. RØDE Video Shotgun Mic - $140

microphone

The Shotgun attaches to your DSLR camera and is great for capturing specific sounds, like dialogue, without a lot of background noise. To work well it needs to be pointing at the person who is speaking, and it should be fairly close to them as well. This means that the camera cannot be too far back from you while you vlog.

3. Audio-Technica AT875R Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone - $240

microphone

This microphone is similar to the ones you think of being mounted on boom poles on professional sets, and it can easily be mounted onto a pole and used the same way. This gradient condenser mic is good at picking up sound at a distance, and at only picking up sound coming from directly in front of it. If you are working alone then you can set this mic up on a stand so it is pointing at you, or if you have a friend to help you you can ask them to hold it on a boom pole.

4. Sony LAV Wireless Mic System - $600

microphone

A LAV Mic, also called a lavalier or lapel mic, is a small microphone which can be clipped onto clothing. Wearing a LAV Mic while you vlog will allow you to move around freely and still capture great audio, rather than being stuck in range of a stationary mic. There are both wired and wireless options available in LAV Mics.

5. Roland R-05 WAVE/MP3 Recorder - $200

microphone

The R-05 is a pocket recorder that captures flawless audio. Its small size means you can hide it in your pocket and it will not show up in your video. Also, since it does not need to hook up to your camera or computer you will have freedom of movement.

Part 2: Best Microphones for All Types of YouTube Creators

If you have to invest in a new piece of equipment for your YouTube channel, consider upgrading your microphones. Your viewers can forgive your grainy video footage, poor lighting, and unsteady camera handling, but if your audio sounds like you’re speaking across the road on a busy highway, all your hard work will be wasted, because nobody will want to watch it.

But the thing about microphones is that they are not all created equal. Depending on the type of videos you’re filming and the environment where you’re recording, the capabilities of the microphone will differ.

1. Best Microphone for Live Streamers and Gamers

Blue Yeti USB - $150

As a live streamer, gamer, or vlogger such as beauty or lifestyle, you’ll want a balance of easy setup and high-quality audio. The Blue Yeti USB delivers on that.

 Best Microphone for Live Streamers and Gamers: Blue Yeti USB

It’s the closest budget microphone to a professional studio mic on the market, and it feels that way when you hold its solid metal frame for the first time. Connecting directly to your computer via USB, the Blue Yeti comes with a 6-feet long USB cable. Out of the box, it sits upon a sturdy stand, which can be removed and the mic can be threaded a shock mount.

The Blue Yeti can pick up audio in four different polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. This makes it incredibly versatile, but if you are streaming, I recommend keeping it on cardioid.

Tip: In cardioid mode, speak into the front of the mic, not the top of it.

2. Best Microphones for Outdoor Locations

Rode VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone - $268

When you are filming outside, you are dealing with audio from all different directions: distant traffic, a gust of wind, the neighbor’s kids, etc.

 Best Microphones for Outdoor Locations: Rode VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone

That’s why a shotgun mic is better than an omnidirectional one for outdoor situations. Shotgun microphones, such as the Rode VideoMic Pro, picks up audio only in the direction it’s pointing in. You can aim it at your subject and it will give you clear audio without a lot of background noises.

The Rode VideoMic Pro comes with a mount that attaches on top of your camera, if you are filming outdoors. So if you are holding the camera and vlogging, then the audio will be great. However, if you want to take advantage of the space, and set the camera further away, you should attach the mic on a boom or a stand to get the best audio.

Tip: With Rode VideoMic Pro, and any mic you use to shoot outdoors, always do a sound check to make sure the quality is up to standard. Ten seconds of your subject talking at the level they will be speaking in will be enough to judge the sound quality.

3. Best Microphone for Music (Vocals)

Audio-Technica AT2035 - $163

If you are a serious musician on YouTube, then you will need a serious microphone like the Audio-Technica AT2035. This microphone connects via an XLR cable and requires phantom power, so you will need to invest in an audio interface, if you don’t already have one.

 Best Microphone for Music (Vocals): Audio-Technica AT2035

Nevertheless, this microphone does a fantastic job isolating the source of sound and eliminating background noise. Even if you’re recording in your bedroom, and not a professional studio, you’ll still get high quality vocals from this microphone.

Tip : Position yourself 8-12 inches away from the mic when singing. This allows your voice to sound more natural (too close and it’ll sound bassy) and it prevents the audio volume from fluctuating too dramatically as you move around or sing loudly one part and quietly at another.

4. Best Microphone for Voice Over

Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone - $529

The Rode NTK Tube is arguably one of the best microphone for its price. You can spend a thousand dollars and get a professional studio microphone, but you can’t do much better than the Rode NTK.

 Best Microphone for  Voiceover: Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone

If you’re recording out of a studio environment, whether it’s a professional, semi-professional, or a closet with soft padded walls, the Rode NTK will give warmth and richness to every word you speak, while still offering crispness. Allow it to warm up for a few minutes before you start recording, and you’ll have awesome audio for your voice over.

This mic is great for YouTubers who are creating video essays, ADR, animated videos, or other videos that require top quality narrations.

Tip: Make sure you have a mic stand that you can raise to your standing height. Standing while recording voice over allows you diaphragm to open up, which will improve the quality of your voice.

5. Best Microphone for Big Echoey Space

Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic - $449

Commonly used to record isolated percussions or brass instruments, the Sennheiser MD 421 II is also wonderful if you need to record vocals in a large room. As a versatile dynamic mic, it doesn’t allow background noises or reverberations to bleed into the source vocal.

 Best Microphone for Big Echoey Space: Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic

The Sennheiser MD 421 II has a rugged design as it’s built for live situations, such as concerts. This is a great microphone to have in your arsenal, should you end up recording in a large venue such as a conference or an arena.

If you are a YouTuber who makes a lot of video in warehouses, workshops, or rehearsal halls, then you should consider investing in a Sennheiser MD 421 II to get the most out of these acoustically complicated locations.

Tip : Sometimes audio in a loud, big environment can’t be saved by the best microphone. If that’s the case, film the source of the background noise. Get b-roll of people walking around, machinery operating, or whatever challenging sound you are dealing with in the large space. Cutting to these noise makers will give the audience a reference for the background noise, which helps conceal it.

6. Best Handheld Microphone for Interviews

Zoom ZH1 H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder - $68.99

This unidirectional microphone delivers clear and crisp audio. Compact, portable, and lightweight, the Zoom ZH1 H1 is a terrific choice for YouTubers who are looking for a handheld option for a microphone.

 Best Microphone for Interviews: Zoom ZH1 H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

As a YouTuber, you may not have a crew to help you wrangle cable or a team member to help you monitor your audio levels, that is what makes Zoom ZH1 H1 a solid choice, as it is wireless and you can check the levels right in the palm of your hands as you record and even hear playback on the device.

The only thing that might slow you down, is that the audio will be captured directly onto the device, which means that you will need to sync up your audio to video afterward.

Tip : Before you start your interview, hit record on video and audio and then clap on camera, causing the audio to spike and giving you a video reference. This will give you a clear mark for syncing up, the sound of the clap and your hands coming together on camera.

7. Best Microphone for Action and Fitness

Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount - $214.90

 Best Microphone for Action and Fitness: Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount

If you’re a YouTuber who films a lot of action shots or fitness videos, where you, your camera and your microphone are in motion, then I recommend the Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount.

The Rode VMRP VideoMic Pro is a shotgun microphone that can focus on your subject in front of the camera with a low self-noise. This is excellent when you’re filming action shots, because you can always direct your mic at what you want to record knowing you won’t capture too much from other angles.

The Rycote Lyre shock mount eliminates any external audio that can be caused by movements to the microphone and camera. The shock mount is made of an elastic solution, so it’s incredibly durable.

Tip : For a greater range, the Rode VMRP Video Mic Pro can be mounted onto a boom pole, should the subject need to move around within the shot or if the camera needs to move away from the subject.

8. Best Waterproof Microphone

Sennheiser MKE 2 elements - Action Mic for the GoPro HERO4 - $200

 Best Waterproof Microphone: Sennheiser MKE 2 elements - Action Mic for the GoPro HERO4

In or around water, nothing can ruin a day of shooting faster than getting your equipment wet. If you’re using GoPro Hero4 for shooting all your intense water shots, you would be familiar with the awful audio you capture when the camera is inside the waterproof casing.

Lucky for you, Sennheiser has developed a waterproof microphone, the MKE 2 elements. This little furry ball that connects to your GoPro Hero4 can withstand up to 1 meter of water. Because underwater sound is captured differently (via a hydrophone ), the Sennheiser MKE 2 elements can’t actually record audio underwater, however, it’ll be ready to keep recording quality audio once it resurfaces.

Tip: Double check to make sure that the mic cable is not blocking the seal of the waterproof case of the camera before launching it into the water.

Different situations call for different equipment. This is the true for tradespeople, golfers, and YouTubers. If you want to get the best audio, it’s more than simply buying the most expensive one, you’ll also need to find the microphone most suited for that situation.

I hope this post helped you improve your audio quality. If you are having challenges finding a good microphone for a particular scenario, let us know in the comments below!

Part 3: 10 Tips for Recording YouTube Audio [Video Tutorial]

After picking up the best microphone based on your need, you can record your audio now. But wait, here are 10 tips for using the microphones to record better audio for your YouTube video. In case that you are in a hurry, we have summarized the following tips for a quick look.

  • Silence everything you don’t want your mic to record.
  • Put your mobile phone in airplane mode.
  • Minimize echo.
  • Block wind from reaching your mic.
  • Upgrade your mic.
  • Adjust your levels.
  • Start with a sound cue if you’re planning to do some syncing in post.
  • Get close to the sound.
  • ADR.
  • Record Ambient Sound.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

Part 4: How to Sync your Audio in Filmora

Both the LAV Mics and the R-05 will create separate audio clips which you will need to sync up with your video when you are finished recording.

Note: when you start recording, clap two or three times. This will create distinct and visible audio spikes for you to look for when you sync the audio with video.

1. Import Video and Audio Files

Once you have finished recording and have opened up Filmora Video Editor , import your video and drag and drop it into your timeline. The audio recorded with the built in camera mic is already lined with your video clip and your audio and video will both automatically share the video track.

Now import the audio from your external microphone and drag and drop it to your audio track. The audio track is initially hidden, but it will appear when you pull an audio file into the timeline.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

2.Detach Default Audio from Video

Since you have recorded a separate audio file, you should detach the original audio recorded with the built-in camera mic from the video. To do this, just right click the video clip in the timeline and select Audio Detach from the drop down menu.

 Audio detach

3.Align Spikes in Video Audio and Recorded Audio

Find the spikes that represent your clapping in both audio tracks. Then, adjust your external audio so its clapping patterns are in line with those in your camera’s audio track. You can magnify your timeline for a better control.

Once your external audio is synced to your camera’s audio it will also be synced to your video. You no longer need your camera’s audio and can delete it.

Watch the video below to check more features about Filmora.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you want your viewers to be glued to their screens then quality audio is just as important as quality video for your YouTube channel. People will watch your vlog because they want to hear what you are saying. It can be tempting to use the audio your camera records rather than buy a separate microphone. Unfortunately, the microphones built into most cameras will only record mediocre audio. In this case, we have researched and found out the following best microphones for YouTube videos based on its price and performance. Besides, we will also highlight the best microphones for different recording scenarios. Whether you’re making gaming videos or recording yourself singing, or filming inside or outside, you will get to know which one is best for your situation. Let’s check out now.

Part 1: Best Microphones for YouTube Videos [Best for All]

Here are examples of some of the best external microphones for YouTube:

1. Blue Snowball USB Mic - $60

microphone

The Snowball is especially good for vlogging from your webcam because it is easy to hook up to your computer using a USB port. It will record your audio simultaneously while you are using your webcam. The biggest drawback of the Snowball is that it needs to be close to you while your record. This combined with its larger size means that it will probably need to be in your shot.

2. RØDE Video Shotgun Mic - $140

microphone

The Shotgun attaches to your DSLR camera and is great for capturing specific sounds, like dialogue, without a lot of background noise. To work well it needs to be pointing at the person who is speaking, and it should be fairly close to them as well. This means that the camera cannot be too far back from you while you vlog.

3. Audio-Technica AT875R Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone - $240

microphone

This microphone is similar to the ones you think of being mounted on boom poles on professional sets, and it can easily be mounted onto a pole and used the same way. This gradient condenser mic is good at picking up sound at a distance, and at only picking up sound coming from directly in front of it. If you are working alone then you can set this mic up on a stand so it is pointing at you, or if you have a friend to help you you can ask them to hold it on a boom pole.

4. Sony LAV Wireless Mic System - $600

microphone

A LAV Mic, also called a lavalier or lapel mic, is a small microphone which can be clipped onto clothing. Wearing a LAV Mic while you vlog will allow you to move around freely and still capture great audio, rather than being stuck in range of a stationary mic. There are both wired and wireless options available in LAV Mics.

5. Roland R-05 WAVE/MP3 Recorder - $200

microphone

The R-05 is a pocket recorder that captures flawless audio. Its small size means you can hide it in your pocket and it will not show up in your video. Also, since it does not need to hook up to your camera or computer you will have freedom of movement.

Part 2: Best Microphones for All Types of YouTube Creators

If you have to invest in a new piece of equipment for your YouTube channel, consider upgrading your microphones. Your viewers can forgive your grainy video footage, poor lighting, and unsteady camera handling, but if your audio sounds like you’re speaking across the road on a busy highway, all your hard work will be wasted, because nobody will want to watch it.

But the thing about microphones is that they are not all created equal. Depending on the type of videos you’re filming and the environment where you’re recording, the capabilities of the microphone will differ.

1. Best Microphone for Live Streamers and Gamers

Blue Yeti USB - $150

As a live streamer, gamer, or vlogger such as beauty or lifestyle, you’ll want a balance of easy setup and high-quality audio. The Blue Yeti USB delivers on that.

 Best Microphone for Live Streamers and Gamers: Blue Yeti USB

It’s the closest budget microphone to a professional studio mic on the market, and it feels that way when you hold its solid metal frame for the first time. Connecting directly to your computer via USB, the Blue Yeti comes with a 6-feet long USB cable. Out of the box, it sits upon a sturdy stand, which can be removed and the mic can be threaded a shock mount.

The Blue Yeti can pick up audio in four different polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. This makes it incredibly versatile, but if you are streaming, I recommend keeping it on cardioid.

Tip: In cardioid mode, speak into the front of the mic, not the top of it.

2. Best Microphones for Outdoor Locations

Rode VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone - $268

When you are filming outside, you are dealing with audio from all different directions: distant traffic, a gust of wind, the neighbor’s kids, etc.

 Best Microphones for Outdoor Locations: Rode VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone

That’s why a shotgun mic is better than an omnidirectional one for outdoor situations. Shotgun microphones, such as the Rode VideoMic Pro, picks up audio only in the direction it’s pointing in. You can aim it at your subject and it will give you clear audio without a lot of background noises.

The Rode VideoMic Pro comes with a mount that attaches on top of your camera, if you are filming outdoors. So if you are holding the camera and vlogging, then the audio will be great. However, if you want to take advantage of the space, and set the camera further away, you should attach the mic on a boom or a stand to get the best audio.

Tip: With Rode VideoMic Pro, and any mic you use to shoot outdoors, always do a sound check to make sure the quality is up to standard. Ten seconds of your subject talking at the level they will be speaking in will be enough to judge the sound quality.

3. Best Microphone for Music (Vocals)

Audio-Technica AT2035 - $163

If you are a serious musician on YouTube, then you will need a serious microphone like the Audio-Technica AT2035. This microphone connects via an XLR cable and requires phantom power, so you will need to invest in an audio interface, if you don’t already have one.

 Best Microphone for Music (Vocals): Audio-Technica AT2035

Nevertheless, this microphone does a fantastic job isolating the source of sound and eliminating background noise. Even if you’re recording in your bedroom, and not a professional studio, you’ll still get high quality vocals from this microphone.

Tip : Position yourself 8-12 inches away from the mic when singing. This allows your voice to sound more natural (too close and it’ll sound bassy) and it prevents the audio volume from fluctuating too dramatically as you move around or sing loudly one part and quietly at another.

4. Best Microphone for Voice Over

Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone - $529

The Rode NTK Tube is arguably one of the best microphone for its price. You can spend a thousand dollars and get a professional studio microphone, but you can’t do much better than the Rode NTK.

 Best Microphone for  Voiceover: Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone

If you’re recording out of a studio environment, whether it’s a professional, semi-professional, or a closet with soft padded walls, the Rode NTK will give warmth and richness to every word you speak, while still offering crispness. Allow it to warm up for a few minutes before you start recording, and you’ll have awesome audio for your voice over.

This mic is great for YouTubers who are creating video essays, ADR, animated videos, or other videos that require top quality narrations.

Tip: Make sure you have a mic stand that you can raise to your standing height. Standing while recording voice over allows you diaphragm to open up, which will improve the quality of your voice.

5. Best Microphone for Big Echoey Space

Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic - $449

Commonly used to record isolated percussions or brass instruments, the Sennheiser MD 421 II is also wonderful if you need to record vocals in a large room. As a versatile dynamic mic, it doesn’t allow background noises or reverberations to bleed into the source vocal.

 Best Microphone for Big Echoey Space: Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic

The Sennheiser MD 421 II has a rugged design as it’s built for live situations, such as concerts. This is a great microphone to have in your arsenal, should you end up recording in a large venue such as a conference or an arena.

If you are a YouTuber who makes a lot of video in warehouses, workshops, or rehearsal halls, then you should consider investing in a Sennheiser MD 421 II to get the most out of these acoustically complicated locations.

Tip : Sometimes audio in a loud, big environment can’t be saved by the best microphone. If that’s the case, film the source of the background noise. Get b-roll of people walking around, machinery operating, or whatever challenging sound you are dealing with in the large space. Cutting to these noise makers will give the audience a reference for the background noise, which helps conceal it.

6. Best Handheld Microphone for Interviews

Zoom ZH1 H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder - $68.99

This unidirectional microphone delivers clear and crisp audio. Compact, portable, and lightweight, the Zoom ZH1 H1 is a terrific choice for YouTubers who are looking for a handheld option for a microphone.

 Best Microphone for Interviews: Zoom ZH1 H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

As a YouTuber, you may not have a crew to help you wrangle cable or a team member to help you monitor your audio levels, that is what makes Zoom ZH1 H1 a solid choice, as it is wireless and you can check the levels right in the palm of your hands as you record and even hear playback on the device.

The only thing that might slow you down, is that the audio will be captured directly onto the device, which means that you will need to sync up your audio to video afterward.

Tip : Before you start your interview, hit record on video and audio and then clap on camera, causing the audio to spike and giving you a video reference. This will give you a clear mark for syncing up, the sound of the clap and your hands coming together on camera.

7. Best Microphone for Action and Fitness

Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount - $214.90

 Best Microphone for Action and Fitness: Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount

If you’re a YouTuber who films a lot of action shots or fitness videos, where you, your camera and your microphone are in motion, then I recommend the Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount.

The Rode VMRP VideoMic Pro is a shotgun microphone that can focus on your subject in front of the camera with a low self-noise. This is excellent when you’re filming action shots, because you can always direct your mic at what you want to record knowing you won’t capture too much from other angles.

The Rycote Lyre shock mount eliminates any external audio that can be caused by movements to the microphone and camera. The shock mount is made of an elastic solution, so it’s incredibly durable.

Tip : For a greater range, the Rode VMRP Video Mic Pro can be mounted onto a boom pole, should the subject need to move around within the shot or if the camera needs to move away from the subject.

8. Best Waterproof Microphone

Sennheiser MKE 2 elements - Action Mic for the GoPro HERO4 - $200

 Best Waterproof Microphone: Sennheiser MKE 2 elements - Action Mic for the GoPro HERO4

In or around water, nothing can ruin a day of shooting faster than getting your equipment wet. If you’re using GoPro Hero4 for shooting all your intense water shots, you would be familiar with the awful audio you capture when the camera is inside the waterproof casing.

Lucky for you, Sennheiser has developed a waterproof microphone, the MKE 2 elements. This little furry ball that connects to your GoPro Hero4 can withstand up to 1 meter of water. Because underwater sound is captured differently (via a hydrophone ), the Sennheiser MKE 2 elements can’t actually record audio underwater, however, it’ll be ready to keep recording quality audio once it resurfaces.

Tip: Double check to make sure that the mic cable is not blocking the seal of the waterproof case of the camera before launching it into the water.

Different situations call for different equipment. This is the true for tradespeople, golfers, and YouTubers. If you want to get the best audio, it’s more than simply buying the most expensive one, you’ll also need to find the microphone most suited for that situation.

I hope this post helped you improve your audio quality. If you are having challenges finding a good microphone for a particular scenario, let us know in the comments below!

Part 3: 10 Tips for Recording YouTube Audio [Video Tutorial]

After picking up the best microphone based on your need, you can record your audio now. But wait, here are 10 tips for using the microphones to record better audio for your YouTube video. In case that you are in a hurry, we have summarized the following tips for a quick look.

  • Silence everything you don’t want your mic to record.
  • Put your mobile phone in airplane mode.
  • Minimize echo.
  • Block wind from reaching your mic.
  • Upgrade your mic.
  • Adjust your levels.
  • Start with a sound cue if you’re planning to do some syncing in post.
  • Get close to the sound.
  • ADR.
  • Record Ambient Sound.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

Part 4: How to Sync your Audio in Filmora

Both the LAV Mics and the R-05 will create separate audio clips which you will need to sync up with your video when you are finished recording.

Note: when you start recording, clap two or three times. This will create distinct and visible audio spikes for you to look for when you sync the audio with video.

1. Import Video and Audio Files

Once you have finished recording and have opened up Filmora Video Editor , import your video and drag and drop it into your timeline. The audio recorded with the built in camera mic is already lined with your video clip and your audio and video will both automatically share the video track.

Now import the audio from your external microphone and drag and drop it to your audio track. The audio track is initially hidden, but it will appear when you pull an audio file into the timeline.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

2.Detach Default Audio from Video

Since you have recorded a separate audio file, you should detach the original audio recorded with the built-in camera mic from the video. To do this, just right click the video clip in the timeline and select Audio Detach from the drop down menu.

 Audio detach

3.Align Spikes in Video Audio and Recorded Audio

Find the spikes that represent your clapping in both audio tracks. Then, adjust your external audio so its clapping patterns are in line with those in your camera’s audio track. You can magnify your timeline for a better control.

Once your external audio is synced to your camera’s audio it will also be synced to your video. You no longer need your camera’s audio and can delete it.

Watch the video below to check more features about Filmora.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you want your viewers to be glued to their screens then quality audio is just as important as quality video for your YouTube channel. People will watch your vlog because they want to hear what you are saying. It can be tempting to use the audio your camera records rather than buy a separate microphone. Unfortunately, the microphones built into most cameras will only record mediocre audio. In this case, we have researched and found out the following best microphones for YouTube videos based on its price and performance. Besides, we will also highlight the best microphones for different recording scenarios. Whether you’re making gaming videos or recording yourself singing, or filming inside or outside, you will get to know which one is best for your situation. Let’s check out now.

Part 1: Best Microphones for YouTube Videos [Best for All]

Here are examples of some of the best external microphones for YouTube:

1. Blue Snowball USB Mic - $60

microphone

The Snowball is especially good for vlogging from your webcam because it is easy to hook up to your computer using a USB port. It will record your audio simultaneously while you are using your webcam. The biggest drawback of the Snowball is that it needs to be close to you while your record. This combined with its larger size means that it will probably need to be in your shot.

2. RØDE Video Shotgun Mic - $140

microphone

The Shotgun attaches to your DSLR camera and is great for capturing specific sounds, like dialogue, without a lot of background noise. To work well it needs to be pointing at the person who is speaking, and it should be fairly close to them as well. This means that the camera cannot be too far back from you while you vlog.

3. Audio-Technica AT875R Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone - $240

microphone

This microphone is similar to the ones you think of being mounted on boom poles on professional sets, and it can easily be mounted onto a pole and used the same way. This gradient condenser mic is good at picking up sound at a distance, and at only picking up sound coming from directly in front of it. If you are working alone then you can set this mic up on a stand so it is pointing at you, or if you have a friend to help you you can ask them to hold it on a boom pole.

4. Sony LAV Wireless Mic System - $600

microphone

A LAV Mic, also called a lavalier or lapel mic, is a small microphone which can be clipped onto clothing. Wearing a LAV Mic while you vlog will allow you to move around freely and still capture great audio, rather than being stuck in range of a stationary mic. There are both wired and wireless options available in LAV Mics.

5. Roland R-05 WAVE/MP3 Recorder - $200

microphone

The R-05 is a pocket recorder that captures flawless audio. Its small size means you can hide it in your pocket and it will not show up in your video. Also, since it does not need to hook up to your camera or computer you will have freedom of movement.

Part 2: Best Microphones for All Types of YouTube Creators

If you have to invest in a new piece of equipment for your YouTube channel, consider upgrading your microphones. Your viewers can forgive your grainy video footage, poor lighting, and unsteady camera handling, but if your audio sounds like you’re speaking across the road on a busy highway, all your hard work will be wasted, because nobody will want to watch it.

But the thing about microphones is that they are not all created equal. Depending on the type of videos you’re filming and the environment where you’re recording, the capabilities of the microphone will differ.

1. Best Microphone for Live Streamers and Gamers

Blue Yeti USB - $150

As a live streamer, gamer, or vlogger such as beauty or lifestyle, you’ll want a balance of easy setup and high-quality audio. The Blue Yeti USB delivers on that.

 Best Microphone for Live Streamers and Gamers: Blue Yeti USB

It’s the closest budget microphone to a professional studio mic on the market, and it feels that way when you hold its solid metal frame for the first time. Connecting directly to your computer via USB, the Blue Yeti comes with a 6-feet long USB cable. Out of the box, it sits upon a sturdy stand, which can be removed and the mic can be threaded a shock mount.

The Blue Yeti can pick up audio in four different polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. This makes it incredibly versatile, but if you are streaming, I recommend keeping it on cardioid.

Tip: In cardioid mode, speak into the front of the mic, not the top of it.

2. Best Microphones for Outdoor Locations

Rode VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone - $268

When you are filming outside, you are dealing with audio from all different directions: distant traffic, a gust of wind, the neighbor’s kids, etc.

 Best Microphones for Outdoor Locations: Rode VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone

That’s why a shotgun mic is better than an omnidirectional one for outdoor situations. Shotgun microphones, such as the Rode VideoMic Pro, picks up audio only in the direction it’s pointing in. You can aim it at your subject and it will give you clear audio without a lot of background noises.

The Rode VideoMic Pro comes with a mount that attaches on top of your camera, if you are filming outdoors. So if you are holding the camera and vlogging, then the audio will be great. However, if you want to take advantage of the space, and set the camera further away, you should attach the mic on a boom or a stand to get the best audio.

Tip: With Rode VideoMic Pro, and any mic you use to shoot outdoors, always do a sound check to make sure the quality is up to standard. Ten seconds of your subject talking at the level they will be speaking in will be enough to judge the sound quality.

3. Best Microphone for Music (Vocals)

Audio-Technica AT2035 - $163

If you are a serious musician on YouTube, then you will need a serious microphone like the Audio-Technica AT2035. This microphone connects via an XLR cable and requires phantom power, so you will need to invest in an audio interface, if you don’t already have one.

 Best Microphone for Music (Vocals): Audio-Technica AT2035

Nevertheless, this microphone does a fantastic job isolating the source of sound and eliminating background noise. Even if you’re recording in your bedroom, and not a professional studio, you’ll still get high quality vocals from this microphone.

Tip : Position yourself 8-12 inches away from the mic when singing. This allows your voice to sound more natural (too close and it’ll sound bassy) and it prevents the audio volume from fluctuating too dramatically as you move around or sing loudly one part and quietly at another.

4. Best Microphone for Voice Over

Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone - $529

The Rode NTK Tube is arguably one of the best microphone for its price. You can spend a thousand dollars and get a professional studio microphone, but you can’t do much better than the Rode NTK.

 Best Microphone for  Voiceover: Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone

If you’re recording out of a studio environment, whether it’s a professional, semi-professional, or a closet with soft padded walls, the Rode NTK will give warmth and richness to every word you speak, while still offering crispness. Allow it to warm up for a few minutes before you start recording, and you’ll have awesome audio for your voice over.

This mic is great for YouTubers who are creating video essays, ADR, animated videos, or other videos that require top quality narrations.

Tip: Make sure you have a mic stand that you can raise to your standing height. Standing while recording voice over allows you diaphragm to open up, which will improve the quality of your voice.

5. Best Microphone for Big Echoey Space

Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic - $449

Commonly used to record isolated percussions or brass instruments, the Sennheiser MD 421 II is also wonderful if you need to record vocals in a large room. As a versatile dynamic mic, it doesn’t allow background noises or reverberations to bleed into the source vocal.

 Best Microphone for Big Echoey Space: Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic

The Sennheiser MD 421 II has a rugged design as it’s built for live situations, such as concerts. This is a great microphone to have in your arsenal, should you end up recording in a large venue such as a conference or an arena.

If you are a YouTuber who makes a lot of video in warehouses, workshops, or rehearsal halls, then you should consider investing in a Sennheiser MD 421 II to get the most out of these acoustically complicated locations.

Tip : Sometimes audio in a loud, big environment can’t be saved by the best microphone. If that’s the case, film the source of the background noise. Get b-roll of people walking around, machinery operating, or whatever challenging sound you are dealing with in the large space. Cutting to these noise makers will give the audience a reference for the background noise, which helps conceal it.

6. Best Handheld Microphone for Interviews

Zoom ZH1 H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder - $68.99

This unidirectional microphone delivers clear and crisp audio. Compact, portable, and lightweight, the Zoom ZH1 H1 is a terrific choice for YouTubers who are looking for a handheld option for a microphone.

 Best Microphone for Interviews: Zoom ZH1 H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

As a YouTuber, you may not have a crew to help you wrangle cable or a team member to help you monitor your audio levels, that is what makes Zoom ZH1 H1 a solid choice, as it is wireless and you can check the levels right in the palm of your hands as you record and even hear playback on the device.

The only thing that might slow you down, is that the audio will be captured directly onto the device, which means that you will need to sync up your audio to video afterward.

Tip : Before you start your interview, hit record on video and audio and then clap on camera, causing the audio to spike and giving you a video reference. This will give you a clear mark for syncing up, the sound of the clap and your hands coming together on camera.

7. Best Microphone for Action and Fitness

Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount - $214.90

 Best Microphone for Action and Fitness: Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount

If you’re a YouTuber who films a lot of action shots or fitness videos, where you, your camera and your microphone are in motion, then I recommend the Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount.

The Rode VMRP VideoMic Pro is a shotgun microphone that can focus on your subject in front of the camera with a low self-noise. This is excellent when you’re filming action shots, because you can always direct your mic at what you want to record knowing you won’t capture too much from other angles.

The Rycote Lyre shock mount eliminates any external audio that can be caused by movements to the microphone and camera. The shock mount is made of an elastic solution, so it’s incredibly durable.

Tip : For a greater range, the Rode VMRP Video Mic Pro can be mounted onto a boom pole, should the subject need to move around within the shot or if the camera needs to move away from the subject.

8. Best Waterproof Microphone

Sennheiser MKE 2 elements - Action Mic for the GoPro HERO4 - $200

 Best Waterproof Microphone: Sennheiser MKE 2 elements - Action Mic for the GoPro HERO4

In or around water, nothing can ruin a day of shooting faster than getting your equipment wet. If you’re using GoPro Hero4 for shooting all your intense water shots, you would be familiar with the awful audio you capture when the camera is inside the waterproof casing.

Lucky for you, Sennheiser has developed a waterproof microphone, the MKE 2 elements. This little furry ball that connects to your GoPro Hero4 can withstand up to 1 meter of water. Because underwater sound is captured differently (via a hydrophone ), the Sennheiser MKE 2 elements can’t actually record audio underwater, however, it’ll be ready to keep recording quality audio once it resurfaces.

Tip: Double check to make sure that the mic cable is not blocking the seal of the waterproof case of the camera before launching it into the water.

Different situations call for different equipment. This is the true for tradespeople, golfers, and YouTubers. If you want to get the best audio, it’s more than simply buying the most expensive one, you’ll also need to find the microphone most suited for that situation.

I hope this post helped you improve your audio quality. If you are having challenges finding a good microphone for a particular scenario, let us know in the comments below!

Part 3: 10 Tips for Recording YouTube Audio [Video Tutorial]

After picking up the best microphone based on your need, you can record your audio now. But wait, here are 10 tips for using the microphones to record better audio for your YouTube video. In case that you are in a hurry, we have summarized the following tips for a quick look.

  • Silence everything you don’t want your mic to record.
  • Put your mobile phone in airplane mode.
  • Minimize echo.
  • Block wind from reaching your mic.
  • Upgrade your mic.
  • Adjust your levels.
  • Start with a sound cue if you’re planning to do some syncing in post.
  • Get close to the sound.
  • ADR.
  • Record Ambient Sound.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

Part 4: How to Sync your Audio in Filmora

Both the LAV Mics and the R-05 will create separate audio clips which you will need to sync up with your video when you are finished recording.

Note: when you start recording, clap two or three times. This will create distinct and visible audio spikes for you to look for when you sync the audio with video.

1. Import Video and Audio Files

Once you have finished recording and have opened up Filmora Video Editor , import your video and drag and drop it into your timeline. The audio recorded with the built in camera mic is already lined with your video clip and your audio and video will both automatically share the video track.

Now import the audio from your external microphone and drag and drop it to your audio track. The audio track is initially hidden, but it will appear when you pull an audio file into the timeline.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

2.Detach Default Audio from Video

Since you have recorded a separate audio file, you should detach the original audio recorded with the built-in camera mic from the video. To do this, just right click the video clip in the timeline and select Audio Detach from the drop down menu.

 Audio detach

3.Align Spikes in Video Audio and Recorded Audio

Find the spikes that represent your clapping in both audio tracks. Then, adjust your external audio so its clapping patterns are in line with those in your camera’s audio track. You can magnify your timeline for a better control.

Once your external audio is synced to your camera’s audio it will also be synced to your video. You no longer need your camera’s audio and can delete it.

Watch the video below to check more features about Filmora.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you want your viewers to be glued to their screens then quality audio is just as important as quality video for your YouTube channel. People will watch your vlog because they want to hear what you are saying. It can be tempting to use the audio your camera records rather than buy a separate microphone. Unfortunately, the microphones built into most cameras will only record mediocre audio. In this case, we have researched and found out the following best microphones for YouTube videos based on its price and performance. Besides, we will also highlight the best microphones for different recording scenarios. Whether you’re making gaming videos or recording yourself singing, or filming inside or outside, you will get to know which one is best for your situation. Let’s check out now.

Part 1: Best Microphones for YouTube Videos [Best for All]

Here are examples of some of the best external microphones for YouTube:

1. Blue Snowball USB Mic - $60

microphone

The Snowball is especially good for vlogging from your webcam because it is easy to hook up to your computer using a USB port. It will record your audio simultaneously while you are using your webcam. The biggest drawback of the Snowball is that it needs to be close to you while your record. This combined with its larger size means that it will probably need to be in your shot.

2. RØDE Video Shotgun Mic - $140

microphone

The Shotgun attaches to your DSLR camera and is great for capturing specific sounds, like dialogue, without a lot of background noise. To work well it needs to be pointing at the person who is speaking, and it should be fairly close to them as well. This means that the camera cannot be too far back from you while you vlog.

3. Audio-Technica AT875R Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone - $240

microphone

This microphone is similar to the ones you think of being mounted on boom poles on professional sets, and it can easily be mounted onto a pole and used the same way. This gradient condenser mic is good at picking up sound at a distance, and at only picking up sound coming from directly in front of it. If you are working alone then you can set this mic up on a stand so it is pointing at you, or if you have a friend to help you you can ask them to hold it on a boom pole.

4. Sony LAV Wireless Mic System - $600

microphone

A LAV Mic, also called a lavalier or lapel mic, is a small microphone which can be clipped onto clothing. Wearing a LAV Mic while you vlog will allow you to move around freely and still capture great audio, rather than being stuck in range of a stationary mic. There are both wired and wireless options available in LAV Mics.

5. Roland R-05 WAVE/MP3 Recorder - $200

microphone

The R-05 is a pocket recorder that captures flawless audio. Its small size means you can hide it in your pocket and it will not show up in your video. Also, since it does not need to hook up to your camera or computer you will have freedom of movement.

Part 2: Best Microphones for All Types of YouTube Creators

If you have to invest in a new piece of equipment for your YouTube channel, consider upgrading your microphones. Your viewers can forgive your grainy video footage, poor lighting, and unsteady camera handling, but if your audio sounds like you’re speaking across the road on a busy highway, all your hard work will be wasted, because nobody will want to watch it.

But the thing about microphones is that they are not all created equal. Depending on the type of videos you’re filming and the environment where you’re recording, the capabilities of the microphone will differ.

1. Best Microphone for Live Streamers and Gamers

Blue Yeti USB - $150

As a live streamer, gamer, or vlogger such as beauty or lifestyle, you’ll want a balance of easy setup and high-quality audio. The Blue Yeti USB delivers on that.

 Best Microphone for Live Streamers and Gamers: Blue Yeti USB

It’s the closest budget microphone to a professional studio mic on the market, and it feels that way when you hold its solid metal frame for the first time. Connecting directly to your computer via USB, the Blue Yeti comes with a 6-feet long USB cable. Out of the box, it sits upon a sturdy stand, which can be removed and the mic can be threaded a shock mount.

The Blue Yeti can pick up audio in four different polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. This makes it incredibly versatile, but if you are streaming, I recommend keeping it on cardioid.

Tip: In cardioid mode, speak into the front of the mic, not the top of it.

2. Best Microphones for Outdoor Locations

Rode VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone - $268

When you are filming outside, you are dealing with audio from all different directions: distant traffic, a gust of wind, the neighbor’s kids, etc.

 Best Microphones for Outdoor Locations: Rode VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone

That’s why a shotgun mic is better than an omnidirectional one for outdoor situations. Shotgun microphones, such as the Rode VideoMic Pro, picks up audio only in the direction it’s pointing in. You can aim it at your subject and it will give you clear audio without a lot of background noises.

The Rode VideoMic Pro comes with a mount that attaches on top of your camera, if you are filming outdoors. So if you are holding the camera and vlogging, then the audio will be great. However, if you want to take advantage of the space, and set the camera further away, you should attach the mic on a boom or a stand to get the best audio.

Tip: With Rode VideoMic Pro, and any mic you use to shoot outdoors, always do a sound check to make sure the quality is up to standard. Ten seconds of your subject talking at the level they will be speaking in will be enough to judge the sound quality.

3. Best Microphone for Music (Vocals)

Audio-Technica AT2035 - $163

If you are a serious musician on YouTube, then you will need a serious microphone like the Audio-Technica AT2035. This microphone connects via an XLR cable and requires phantom power, so you will need to invest in an audio interface, if you don’t already have one.

 Best Microphone for Music (Vocals): Audio-Technica AT2035

Nevertheless, this microphone does a fantastic job isolating the source of sound and eliminating background noise. Even if you’re recording in your bedroom, and not a professional studio, you’ll still get high quality vocals from this microphone.

Tip : Position yourself 8-12 inches away from the mic when singing. This allows your voice to sound more natural (too close and it’ll sound bassy) and it prevents the audio volume from fluctuating too dramatically as you move around or sing loudly one part and quietly at another.

4. Best Microphone for Voice Over

Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone - $529

The Rode NTK Tube is arguably one of the best microphone for its price. You can spend a thousand dollars and get a professional studio microphone, but you can’t do much better than the Rode NTK.

 Best Microphone for  Voiceover: Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone

If you’re recording out of a studio environment, whether it’s a professional, semi-professional, or a closet with soft padded walls, the Rode NTK will give warmth and richness to every word you speak, while still offering crispness. Allow it to warm up for a few minutes before you start recording, and you’ll have awesome audio for your voice over.

This mic is great for YouTubers who are creating video essays, ADR, animated videos, or other videos that require top quality narrations.

Tip: Make sure you have a mic stand that you can raise to your standing height. Standing while recording voice over allows you diaphragm to open up, which will improve the quality of your voice.

5. Best Microphone for Big Echoey Space

Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic - $449

Commonly used to record isolated percussions or brass instruments, the Sennheiser MD 421 II is also wonderful if you need to record vocals in a large room. As a versatile dynamic mic, it doesn’t allow background noises or reverberations to bleed into the source vocal.

 Best Microphone for Big Echoey Space: Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic

The Sennheiser MD 421 II has a rugged design as it’s built for live situations, such as concerts. This is a great microphone to have in your arsenal, should you end up recording in a large venue such as a conference or an arena.

If you are a YouTuber who makes a lot of video in warehouses, workshops, or rehearsal halls, then you should consider investing in a Sennheiser MD 421 II to get the most out of these acoustically complicated locations.

Tip : Sometimes audio in a loud, big environment can’t be saved by the best microphone. If that’s the case, film the source of the background noise. Get b-roll of people walking around, machinery operating, or whatever challenging sound you are dealing with in the large space. Cutting to these noise makers will give the audience a reference for the background noise, which helps conceal it.

6. Best Handheld Microphone for Interviews

Zoom ZH1 H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder - $68.99

This unidirectional microphone delivers clear and crisp audio. Compact, portable, and lightweight, the Zoom ZH1 H1 is a terrific choice for YouTubers who are looking for a handheld option for a microphone.

 Best Microphone for Interviews: Zoom ZH1 H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

As a YouTuber, you may not have a crew to help you wrangle cable or a team member to help you monitor your audio levels, that is what makes Zoom ZH1 H1 a solid choice, as it is wireless and you can check the levels right in the palm of your hands as you record and even hear playback on the device.

The only thing that might slow you down, is that the audio will be captured directly onto the device, which means that you will need to sync up your audio to video afterward.

Tip : Before you start your interview, hit record on video and audio and then clap on camera, causing the audio to spike and giving you a video reference. This will give you a clear mark for syncing up, the sound of the clap and your hands coming together on camera.

7. Best Microphone for Action and Fitness

Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount - $214.90

 Best Microphone for Action and Fitness: Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount

If you’re a YouTuber who films a lot of action shots or fitness videos, where you, your camera and your microphone are in motion, then I recommend the Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount.

The Rode VMRP VideoMic Pro is a shotgun microphone that can focus on your subject in front of the camera with a low self-noise. This is excellent when you’re filming action shots, because you can always direct your mic at what you want to record knowing you won’t capture too much from other angles.

The Rycote Lyre shock mount eliminates any external audio that can be caused by movements to the microphone and camera. The shock mount is made of an elastic solution, so it’s incredibly durable.

Tip : For a greater range, the Rode VMRP Video Mic Pro can be mounted onto a boom pole, should the subject need to move around within the shot or if the camera needs to move away from the subject.

8. Best Waterproof Microphone

Sennheiser MKE 2 elements - Action Mic for the GoPro HERO4 - $200

 Best Waterproof Microphone: Sennheiser MKE 2 elements - Action Mic for the GoPro HERO4

In or around water, nothing can ruin a day of shooting faster than getting your equipment wet. If you’re using GoPro Hero4 for shooting all your intense water shots, you would be familiar with the awful audio you capture when the camera is inside the waterproof casing.

Lucky for you, Sennheiser has developed a waterproof microphone, the MKE 2 elements. This little furry ball that connects to your GoPro Hero4 can withstand up to 1 meter of water. Because underwater sound is captured differently (via a hydrophone ), the Sennheiser MKE 2 elements can’t actually record audio underwater, however, it’ll be ready to keep recording quality audio once it resurfaces.

Tip: Double check to make sure that the mic cable is not blocking the seal of the waterproof case of the camera before launching it into the water.

Different situations call for different equipment. This is the true for tradespeople, golfers, and YouTubers. If you want to get the best audio, it’s more than simply buying the most expensive one, you’ll also need to find the microphone most suited for that situation.

I hope this post helped you improve your audio quality. If you are having challenges finding a good microphone for a particular scenario, let us know in the comments below!

Part 3: 10 Tips for Recording YouTube Audio [Video Tutorial]

After picking up the best microphone based on your need, you can record your audio now. But wait, here are 10 tips for using the microphones to record better audio for your YouTube video. In case that you are in a hurry, we have summarized the following tips for a quick look.

  • Silence everything you don’t want your mic to record.
  • Put your mobile phone in airplane mode.
  • Minimize echo.
  • Block wind from reaching your mic.
  • Upgrade your mic.
  • Adjust your levels.
  • Start with a sound cue if you’re planning to do some syncing in post.
  • Get close to the sound.
  • ADR.
  • Record Ambient Sound.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

Part 4: How to Sync your Audio in Filmora

Both the LAV Mics and the R-05 will create separate audio clips which you will need to sync up with your video when you are finished recording.

Note: when you start recording, clap two or three times. This will create distinct and visible audio spikes for you to look for when you sync the audio with video.

1. Import Video and Audio Files

Once you have finished recording and have opened up Filmora Video Editor , import your video and drag and drop it into your timeline. The audio recorded with the built in camera mic is already lined with your video clip and your audio and video will both automatically share the video track.

Now import the audio from your external microphone and drag and drop it to your audio track. The audio track is initially hidden, but it will appear when you pull an audio file into the timeline.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

2.Detach Default Audio from Video

Since you have recorded a separate audio file, you should detach the original audio recorded with the built-in camera mic from the video. To do this, just right click the video clip in the timeline and select Audio Detach from the drop down menu.

 Audio detach

3.Align Spikes in Video Audio and Recorded Audio

Find the spikes that represent your clapping in both audio tracks. Then, adjust your external audio so its clapping patterns are in line with those in your camera’s audio track. You can magnify your timeline for a better control.

Once your external audio is synced to your camera’s audio it will also be synced to your video. You no longer need your camera’s audio and can delete it.

Watch the video below to check more features about Filmora.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

  • Title: Famous Gamers' Software Choices for 2024
  • Author: Thomas
  • Created at : 2024-05-31 12:45:30
  • Updated at : 2024-06-01 12:45:30
  • Link: https://youtube-help.techidaily.com/famous-gamers-software-choices-for-2024/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
On this page
Famous Gamers' Software Choices for 2024