10 Best 4K Screen Recorder for PC/Android/iPhone [2024 Updated]

Jane Zhou updated on Apr 19, 2024 to Screen Recording Utility

Today we are going to discuss the best 4K screen recorder software, which can help you record gameplay or others in 4K resolution. No matter whether you are a Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone user, you will always find the right 4K screen recorder for your task on this page.

Video resolution is undergoing drastic improvements. There was a time when people were satisfied with 480p SD. But the urge for betterment made 720p HD a reality, which was soon followed by 1080p HD and UHD 4K to keep people basking in a visual extravaganza. If the network is smooth, then you are hardly watching your favorite videos on a lower resolution.

Today we are going to share some best free 4K screen recorder software to record the desktop screen in 4K resolution. But for best results, you need to ensure that your device has an adequately high configuration. Otherwise, the resultant video will not be up to the mark.

Selecting the Best 4K Screen Recorder: What to Consider

What are some parameters that we must look at when selecting a good 4K screen and video recorder? It is essential to clear the confusion while choosing the several high-quality screen recorders available in the market. So, here are our top pointers if you're on the lookout for a good 4K recorder:

🔶Understand your requirements: Some want to find a 4K screen recorder for capturing PC gameplay, then finding a 4K recorder with hardware acceleration is necessary, or it will affect your gameplay's performance. If you only want to record videos or movies that you are interested in 4k resolution, you might focus on its output formats or sharing options.

🔶Compatibility: Not all software is completely compatible with both computer and mobile devices. If your setup is up-to-date, you will be able to find an excellent 4K video capture tool very easily. However, if you are using an older operating system, you must be more attentive to system requirements. 

🔶Functionality and recording features: Besides, you also need to focus on its recording tools. A qualified 4K screen recorder should provide essential and advanced recording features, like schedule recording, webcam and screen recording, and more. 

🔶Price: You should prioritize solutions that offer the best value for money. Additionally, special preference was given to free solutions, although they are few, and to those with a generous DEMO or trial period.

To sum up, we list three 4K video recorder apps among all the recommended tools:

  • EaseUS RecExperts (free version is available): It is compatible with both Windows and macOS computers, and offer numerous recording tools to meet different recording needs. Whether you want to record high-quality PC games or protected videos, it can always get the task done effortlessly.

  • OBS Studio: It is completely free for any recording task, but you might need to spend a long time learning how to use it, as it has a very complicated UI.

Share this helpful guide on your social platforms to help more people who are seeking a 4K screen recorder!

 

1. EaseUS RecExperts - Special Pick

  • System requirements: Windows 7 - 11 & macOS 10.13 and later
  • Price: Free version; full version for $19.95/month

As one of the best screen recorder, you can bank on EaseUS RecExperts to capture your desktop and make easy tutorials in 4K high resolution. This high-quality screen recorder offers a wide range of resolution options, including HD, Full HD, adn higher.

A unique thing about this 4K video recorder for PC is that it can record webcam footage simultaneously and display it as an overlay atop your main footage. The self-explanatory interface of this Mac and Windows screen recorder is another one of its great strengths. You can determine the audio and video format from Settings. Users can even configure hotkeys to start with various types of capturing in a fast and easy manner. 

Pros:

  • Easy to use because of the friendly UI and intuitive workflow
  • Record screen and video in different resolutions, like 720P, 1080P, 4K, and more
  • Allow users to draw lines, shapes, or others on screen in real-time
  • Start, stop, or even split the recording automatically

Cons:

  • Only allow saving 1-minute recordings in the free version

User Experience
Creating high-quality screen recordings with EaseUS RecExperts is an intuitive process that doesn't require any expert knowledge. You can use this screen recorder to capture your desktop in 4K or higher resolution, and this tool is best for capturing gameplay, creating online classes, etc.
The free version of EaseUS RecExperts lets you record as long as you want and won't leave a watermark on your recordings. Although it only allows you to save 1-minute recorded file, it is enough for the light users. If you want to enjoy unlimited recording features, you can upgrade to EaseUS RecExperts Pro for just $19.95.

2. ShadowPlay

  • System requirements: Windows 7/8/8.1/10
  • Price: Free (but you need a NVIDIA graphics card first)

If you use the NVIDIA graphic card, you cannot miss a free 4K screen recorder on your PC called ShadowPlay, which offers manual and shadow modes of screen recording. In manual mode, you can record without any upper time limit. The shadow mode can record only for 20 minutes and each new file replaces its predecessor. Besides, this program allows users to stream videos over Twitch without hampering the system's performance while running in the background.

Pros:

  • Allow users to record PC screen in 4K HDR at 60 fps and 8K HDR at 30 fps
  • 15-second GIFs can be created using the ShadowPlay videos 
  • Upload recorded videos to Facebook, Google, or Weibo with a single click

Cons:

  • ShadowPlay cannot operate without GTX 600
User Experience
Game lovers always use ShadowPlay to capture gameplay sessions. It will not affect gameplay performance, and unlike other free screen recorders, it is hardware-accelerated. Another highlight is that it is completely free to use and best for those who want to save some short gameplay highlights, like 15 seconds, 30 seconds, etc. 
However, it cannot only work without an NVIDIA graphic card. And it is a little confusing if you use it for the first time! 

As you can see, the precondition to using this free 4K video recorder is that you need to prepare a graphical card first. If you don't have one, you can try EaseUS RecExperts in terms of cost performance!

    3. Bandicam

    • System requirements: Windows 7/8/8.1/10
    • Price: Free version, full version for $44.96/year

    Bandicam is an overly reliable offering of Bandisoft Company that can record 4K videos and deliver top-notch results. This 4K screen recorder for PC has already won accolades from gamers, vloggers, trainers, and marketers around the globe.

    Moreover, it also allows users to record webcam footage and incorporates the same through picture-in-picture mode for better personalization of your video, and it is also great at capturing snapshots in PNG, JPG, and BMP formats as well. 

    Pros:

    • Record OpenGL/DirectX gameplay in 4K resolution
    • Users can optimize the quality of the captured 4K videos 
    • Allow screen capture over 24 hours' time without any halt
    • The size of the recorded files is not very bulky 

    Cons:

    • The audio and video recording settings might be difficult to remember
    User Experience:
    Bandicam is a versatile 4K screen recoder for PCs that lets you capture screen in 4K or 8K resolution without putting extra pressure on the system. It provides a wide range of recording tools that can meet almost all your recording needs. Apart from capturing your desktop screen, it also supports recording external video devices, like smartphones, IPTV, and more. But its free version will always leave a watermark on your recordings. If you have a enough budget, upgrading to the pro version is a nice option!

      4. ShareX

      • System requirements: Windows 10 and later
      • Price: Free (open-source)

      If you are searching for an entirely free 4K screen recorder for a PC that is beyond the ordinary, then you are bound to like ShareX. This free tool offers users an array of screen capture options.

      The automated capture feature helps take screenshots at regular intervals, which is especially helpful in recording the time lapse of activities. Another important attribute of ShareX is its ability to directly upload multiple screenshots taken recently from the clipboard. 

      Pros:

      • Allow capturing the entire screen, a particular region, a particular window, scrolling capture, and many more
      • Onscreen activity can be recorded as a GIF
      • Screen recordings and captures can be shared over cloud services and even social media

      Cons:

      • Not suitable for game recording
      User Experience
      As for open-source software, ShareX is one of the best screenshot tools till now. While the user interface of SahreX is nothing to write home about, the actual screen recording process is simple and boils down to just three steps. Besides, it comes with many snapshot features that will improve your working efficiency. However, unlike other tools, it doesn't offer many recording settings and tools, and it can only deal with some simple recording tasks.

        5. OBS Studio

        • System requirements: Windows & macOS & Linux
        • Price: Free

        If you are trying to find an open-source screen recorder that can be downloaded for free, look no more than OBS Studio. This high quality screen recorder can record everything ranging from video chats to video games, webcams, capture cards, browser windows, and a lot more.

        Besides, its built-in audio mixer helps in reducing background noise with the per-source filters so that you can enjoy crystal-clear audio. However, its interface is considerably complicated, and you might require some time to master this software. 

        Pros:

        • Enhance the video quality with its built-in filters
        • Users can add images and text to their live video captures
        • Game streams can be broadcasted to YouTube, Twitch, etc.

        Cons:

        • Not compatible with in-game overlay recording
        User Experience
        OBS Studio is a famous free and open-source 4K screen recorder. It provides many recording tools to help you create high-quality recordings. However, it is hard to use. Because of its complicated UI, I even spent 2 - 3 hours learning the basic recording skills. Aside from that, it is still worth trying!

        6. AZ Screen Recorder

        • System requirements: Android & iOS
        • Price: Free, but the paid features available starting from $2.49

        If you want to record screens in 4K quality on Android or iPhone, you cannot miss AZ Screen Recorder. This application provides a wide range of recording options that can meet almost all mobile device users' recording needs. For example, it lets you capture gameplay on your mobile device at 4K 60fps with simple clicks.

        Moreover, you can also use this 4K screen recorder to capture live streams, video tutorials, movies, and more in 1080P and higher resolution. To conclude, this 4K screen recorder mode apk is suitable for all mobile device users.

        Pros:

        • Simple and easy to use
        • There will be no watermark on your recordings
        • Offer real-time drawing tools during the recording
        • All recording features are available in the free version

        Cons:

        • Ads in the free version

        7. Snagit

        • System requirements: Windows 11/10/Server 2016/Server 2019 & macOS Monterey and later
        • Price: Free trail, full version for $39.00 /year

        You can exercise a variety of editing and customization options with this powerful 4K screen recorder app, Snagit, which is ideal for individuals who often create website or software reviews and video tutorials.

        Snagit also allows users to add notable effects for enhancing the recorded images or videos. It also becomes possible to trim your recordings as per preference and convert videos into animated GIFs. Snagit is also helpful in extracting text from a file or screen capture for pasting it easily into other documents to make quick edits.

        Pros:

        • Share videos directly to different word processing software, cloud services, and social media platforms
        • Create a GIF or "how-to" video by drawing over a series of screenshots
        • The "Favorites" feature collates all of your valuable tools under a single umbrella

        Cons:

        • Come with an expensive price tag

          8. Movavi Screen Recorder

          • System requirements: Windows & macOS
          • Price: Free trail; full version for $44.95 /year

          This easy-to-use 4K screen capture can help you record everything from videos to webinars, Skype video chats, movies, and TV series in high quality. With its built-in video module, you can even create complete clips like tutorials, video blog content, how-tos, and more. If you want to know how to record a Zoom meeting, you can also find solutions within this program.

          In addition, it offers different audio options: recording the screen with system sounds, plugging in your microphone, or adding a voice commentary. Once you schedule the recordings in advance, this 4K video recorder can help capture your screen even when you are away.

          Pros:

          • Users can record full screen or opt for custom capture
          • Can render perfect output footage by capturing Full HD videos at 60 fps
          • Results can be shared easily over social media channels

          Cons:

          • Come with an expensive price tag

            9. Camtasia

            • System requirements: Windows 10/11 & macOS 11.0/13.0/later
            • Price: Free version; $179.88 /year for individual

            Camtasia is a professional 4K screen capture and video editor with pre-built templates to reduce editing time. A simple drag-and-drop interface makes it possible to add, remove, trim, or move sections of audio and video.

            This software also allows users to record either the entire screen, a region, specific dimensions, or an application. You can even import audio, video, and image files from your computer or the cloud, or any other external device for being dropped right into your recordings. 

            Pros:

            • Interactive quizzes help add to the level of user engagement
            • You can easily select a variety of music and sound effects from its exhaustive built-in library
            • Superb animation effects like transitions and annotations help make the end videos look more professional
            • Can record from video calls, browsers, desktops, and many more

            Cons:

            • It might feel a little intimidating to amateur users

              10. QuickTime Player

              • System requirements: macOS 10.13 and later
              • Price: Free

              There is a built-in 4K screen capture on your Mac called QuickTime Player. It comes loaded with a plethora of features, one of which is screen recording. You can thus bank on this user-friendly software to capture your entire computer screen or a particular portion by moving your cursor to the specified location.

              Functions like "Task Scheduler" and "Follow Recording" bring in more time savings as you can concentrate on more important avenues while the program takes care of all your screen captures automatically.

              Pros:

              • The video can be uploaded over social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo
              • A simple and clean interface is loved by users of all experience levels
              • Support live streaming of contents
              • The built-in annotating tool adds a professional flair to the recordings

              Cons:

              • Basic recording and editing tools

                Conclusion

                On this page, we have talked about 9 excellent 4K screen recording software, and which one do you prefer? No matter what you choose, make sure to select the one according to your needs.

                If you can't decide which one is better, you can try EaseUS RecExperts. Whether you want to create interactive presentations, demonstrate any computer activity, or create a flowchart of tips and tricks, this screencast software can let you do all that in 4K UHD resolution.

                FAQ About 4K Screen Recorder

                1. Can you screen record in 4K?

                Yes. Screen Recording can be done in 4K resolution only if you have 4K Screen recorder software like OBS Studio, EaseUS RecExperts, Movavi Screen Recorder, etc.

                2. Do you need a 4K monitor to record in 4K?

                Yes, that is possible. But quality can not be assured. The best and easiest way to record 4K content is to record it on a display that has 4K as its native resolution.

                3. How do I record in 4K?

                4K is four times the resolution of 1080p and offers fantastic video quality right from your screen. Keep in mind that depending on your device, there are varying levels of 4K support.

                4. Can you record 4K on a 1080p monitor?

                Your capture method needs to have access to an actual 4K feed before it is scaled.

                Some software can do this if it renders and generates the recording itself, but virtually video games are not designed to do this. Like something like 3D Studio Max might be able to generate a 4K video on a 1080p monitor.