Best Screen Recorder Apps for Android: The Top Screen Recorders for Android

If you need to record your phone screen right now, here’s what works best:

Android 11 and newer: Use the built-in screen recorder. Swipe down twice, find “Screen recorder,” and start recording.

Android 10 and older, or want more features: Try ScreenFloat, AZ Screen Recorder, or Mobizen.

For editing after recording: CapCut has strong built-in editing tools.

For streaming while recording: OBS Studio works, but requires setup.

The built-in option is free and reliable. Third-party apps offer better features like pause, high resolution, and easier editing. We’ll explain which app fits your specific need below.

Why You Might Need a Screen Recorder

Screen recording on Android solves real problems.

You might need to:

• Show someone how to do something on your phone
• Record a tutorial for social media
• Capture gaming footage for YouTube
• Save proof of a bug or error
• Document an important conversation or transaction
• Create training videos for work
• Record a webinar or online meeting

Most people try the built-in recorder first and wonder if there’s something better. There often is, depending on what you’re recording and why.

Understanding Screen Recorder Basics on Android

Screen recording works differently depending on your Android version and phone model.

Android 11 and newer come with a native screen recorder. It’s simple and takes almost no storage. The downside: limited features like no pause button or watermark removal.

Android 10 and older don’t have built-in recording. You must use a third-party app.

Phone model matters too. Samsung phones have a built-in recorder with extra features. OnePlus includes a recorder. Pixel phones get Google’s simple version.

Permission issues can block recording. Apps need permission to capture audio and access your screen. Without these, recording fails or captures video without sound.

Storage is critical. A one-minute video at high quality takes 50-150 MB. An hour-long recording takes several gigabytes. Always check available space before recording.

Frame rate and resolution affect quality and file size. Recording at 1080p 60fps looks professional but creates larger files. Recording at 720p 30fps saves space but looks less sharp.

Best Built-in Screen Recorder: Android Native Option

The simplest choice is using what’s already on your phone.

How to Use Android’s Built-in Screen Recorder

Step 1: Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the quick settings panel fully.

Step 2: Look for “Screen recorder” or “Record screen.” Some phones call it “Screen Recorder” or “Screen capture.”

Step 3: Tap it. A menu appears asking permission and audio preferences.

Step 4: Choose if you want internal audio, microphone audio, or both.

Step 5: Tap “Start” or “Record.” The phone counts down three seconds, then starts.

Step 6: A floating button appears. Tap it when done to stop.

Step 7: Videos save to your Photos app or a dedicated folder.

Pros of Built-in Recording

• Completely free
• No ads or watermarks
• Takes minimal storage compared to apps
• Syncs with Google Photos if you use it
• No learning curve
• No app permissions to manage
• Works offline
• Battery efficient

Cons of Built-in Recording

• No pause button (you must stop and restart)
• Cannot record system audio on some Android versions
• Limited resolution options
• No watermark or branding features
• Cannot record while another app is playing protected content (Netflix, YouTube won’t record)
• Difficult to record longer than 5-10 minutes smoothly
• No built-in editing tools

When to use the built-in recorder: Quick demos, simple tutorials, personal use, or when you want zero setup.

Top Third-Party Screen Recorder Apps

When you need more control, these apps deliver better results.

ScreenFloat: Best for Simplicity and Quality

ScreenFloat keeps things simple without sacrificing quality.

What it does well:

• Records in up to 1080p at 60fps
• Pause and resume without stopping
• Very low file sizes compared to competitors
• Clean interface with no ads
• Works in background without interruption
• Records audio from apps and microphone simultaneously
• No watermark
• Floating control button stays out of the way

What it lacks:

• Doesn’t record very long sessions smoothly (over 30 minutes may lag)
• Limited editing features
• No live streaming
• Costs money ($2-3)

Best for: YouTube shorts, app tutorials, demonstration videos, social media content.

Storage: A 10-minute 1080p video takes roughly 400-600 MB.

AZ Screen Recorder: Best for Features

AZ Screen Recorder packs the most tools into one app.

What it does well:

• Records 4K if your phone supports it
• Pause and resume recording
• Built-in editing suite with filters and effects
• Draws on screen during recording (pointer tool)
• Records without showing the control buttons
• Schedule recording to start at a specific time
• Records in portrait or landscape automatically
• Free version works fine for most needs

What it lacks:

• Ads in the free version (paid removes them)
• Uses more battery than simpler apps
• Larger file sizes even at lower resolution
• Can be buggy on older phones

Best for: Gaming videos, longer tutorials, content you’ll edit after.

Storage: A 10-minute 1080p video takes 700-1000 MB.

Cost: Free with ads, or $6-8 for ad-free version.

Mobizen: Best for Samsung Phone Users

Mobizen integrates deeply with Samsung devices.

What it does well:

• Specifically optimized for Samsung phones
• Pause and resume recording
• Records at various resolutions
• Built-in editor with music library
• Share directly to social platforms
• Floating button customization
• Reliable performance even on older Samsung models

What it lacks:

• More cluttered interface than competitors
• Takes longer to start recording
• Ads present in free version
• File sizes on the larger side

Best for: Samsung Galaxy owners, quick social media videos, people who want integrated editing.

Cost: Free with ads, premium available.

OBS Studio: Best for Professional Use and Streaming

OBS Studio is the professional choice but requires setup.

What it does well:

• Live stream while recording
• Record multiple sources at once
• Professional-grade controls for bitrate and codec
• Extremely customizable
• Free and open-source
• Used by professional streamers worldwide
• Can record to multiple formats

What it lacks:

• Steep learning curve
• Takes 5-10 minutes to set up properly
• Uses more battery and storage
• Interface is complex for beginners
• Requires Android 6.0 or newer and specific permissions

Best for: Twitch streamers, professional content creators, people live streaming gameplay.

Cost: Completely free.

Setup difficulty: High. Plan on spending 30 minutes learning the basics.

CapCut: Best for Quick Editing After Recording

CapCut combines recording with powerful editing.

What it does well:

• Screen recording is just one feature
• Outstanding editing tools built-in
• Auto captions and text
• Music library with no copyright issues
• Exports with no watermark
• Very fast rendering
• Trending effects and templates
• Completely free

What it lacks:

• Requires strong internet for some features
• Large app size (500+ MB)
• Some editing features require learning
• Cannot pause recording during capture

Best for: YouTube videos, TikTok content, anything needing serious editing.

Cost: Free (optional paid features for advanced effects).

Screen Recorders at a Glance

App	Price	Best For	Resolution	Pause Feature	Built-in Editor
Android Built-in	Free	Quick demos	1080p max	No	No
ScreenFloat	$2-3	Simple quality	1080p	Yes	No
AZ Screen Recorder	Free/Paid	Features	4K	Yes	Yes
Mobizen	Free/Premium	Samsung users	1080p	Yes	Yes
OBS Studio	Free	Streaming	1080p	Yes	No
CapCut	Free	Editing heavy	1080p	No	Yes

Step-by-Step: How to Record Your First Screen Video

This works with any app you choose.

Before You Start

Check your storage. You need at least 1 GB free for a decent recording.

Close unnecessary apps. This prevents stuttering and saves battery.

Plug in your charger. Screen recording drains battery fast.

Test audio. Make sure your microphone works if you want to narrate.

The Recording Process

Step 1: Open your screen recorder app or quick settings.

Step 2: Adjust settings. Choose resolution (1080p is usually best), frame rate (30fps is standard), and audio sources.

Step 3: Tap Record or Start.

Step 4: Wait for the countdown if your app has one (usually 3 seconds).

Step 5: Speak clearly if narrating. Wait for video to load if you’re recording an app.

Step 6: Keep your phone steady. Movement makes the recording look shaky.

Step 7: Talk slowly. People watching tutorials need time to follow along.

Step 8: Tap Stop when finished.

Step 9: Find your recording. Usually in Photos, Gallery, or a dedicated folder.

Step 10: Edit if needed or share directly.

Common Recording Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid recording at maximum resolution. It creates massive files that drain battery and storage. 1080p at 30fps is perfect for most purposes.

Don’t record while other apps are updating. This causes dropped frames and stuttering.

Never record with low battery. Your phone will slow down or shut off mid-recording.

Skip recording system sounds if you’re narrating. Too much audio layering is confusing.

Don’t use maximum brightness during recording. It reduces battery life drastically.

Avoid recording while connected to unstable WiFi if using cloud features.

Recording Different Types of Content

What you’re recording matters. Different content needs different settings.

Recording Tutorials or How-To Videos

Use 1080p at 30fps. Zoom in on small elements so viewers can see clearly. Narrate slowly. Pause between steps so viewers can catch up. Record during daytime or well-lit settings.

Best app: ScreenFloat or Android built-in.

Recommended settings: Internal audio off, microphone on, 1080p 30fps.

File size per 10 minutes: 400-600 MB.

Recording Gameplay

Use 60fps for smooth motion. Higher resolution looks better (1080p or higher). Record with no narration first, add commentary in editing. Close background apps to prevent lag.

Best app: AZ Screen Recorder or OBS Studio.

Recommended settings: 1080p 60fps, internal audio on.

File size per 10 minutes: 800-1200 MB.

Recording Video Calls or Meetings

Record internal audio and microphone. Use lower resolution (720p) to save space for long meetings. Disable notifications to prevent interruptions. Place phone on stable surface.

Best app: Android built-in or ScreenFloat.

Recommended settings: 720p 30fps, both audio sources on.

File size per 10 minutes: 250-400 MB.

Recording for Social Media

Use portrait orientation naturally. Keep videos short (under 60 seconds). Add text overlays. Use trending music. Lower resolution is fine (720p). Vertical video works best.

Best app: CapCut or AZ Screen Recorder.

Recommended settings: 720p 30fps vertical.

File size per minute: 30-50 MB.

Recording Live Streams

You need real-time encoding and upload capability. Stream while recording simultaneously. Stable internet connection is essential. Use OBS Studio if your phone supports it.

Best app: OBS Studio.

Recommended settings: 720p 30fps, optimized for your internet speed.

Audio Recording: Critical for Most Videos

Audio makes or breaks a screen recording.

Internal Audio vs. Microphone Audio

Internal audio captures what’s happening on your phone. Music playing, app sounds, notifications. Good for gaming videos or app walkthroughs. Bad for narration because it includes notifications.

Microphone audio captures your voice. Essential for tutorials. Good for explaining what you’re doing. Bad if there’s background noise in your room.

Both together gives you everything but creates large files and can sound cluttered.

Getting Good Audio Quality

Use a quiet room. Turn off notifications. Silence your phone briefly before recording. Speak into the microphone clearly from 6-12 inches away. Avoid recording near fans, air conditioners, or traffic.

If recording outdoors, use a windscreen or cover the microphone with cloth. This reduces wind noise.

Test audio first. Do a 10-second test recording. Play it back. If you can’t hear clearly, adjust microphone position or try again in a quieter space.

Record in segments if you’re narrating. Stop between thoughts. This makes editing easier.

Fixing Bad Audio in Post-Production

If you recorded bad audio, editing apps can help slightly. CapCut has noise reduction and volume normalization. It won’t fix audio that’s completely inaudible, but it helps with background noise.

Record again if possible. Good audio at the source is always better than trying to fix it later.

Storage and File Size Management

Screen recordings eat storage quickly.

Understanding File Sizes

A one-minute 1080p 30fps recording takes roughly 40-60 MB. An hour-long video takes 2.4-3.6 GB. This is why long recordings need careful planning.

Video files are usually larger on Android than on computers because phones compress less. A 10-minute YouTube-quality video might be 400-600 MB from your phone but only 200-300 MB when uploaded.

Saving Storage Space

Record at 720p instead of 1080p. This cuts file size roughly in half. The quality is still good, just not perfect.

Record at 30fps instead of 60fps. Frame rate matters most for gaming. For tutorials and demos, 30fps is invisible to viewers.

Delete recordings you won’t use. Old practice takes take up space.

Use cloud storage. Upload videos to Google Drive or YouTube to free up phone space.

Trim videos after recording. Cutting out the beginning and end can save hundreds of MB.

Compress before sharing. Apps like HandBrake can reduce file size by 30-50% without losing much quality.

Privacy and Permissions Explained

Screen recording involves sensitive permissions.

What Permissions Are Needed

Screen recording requires permission to capture your screen. This is built into Android and you grant it through the app.

Microphone permission lets the app record your voice. You grant this when first opening the app.

Storage permission allows saving the recording. Without it, the video can’t save.

Some apps ask for “draw over other apps” permission. This lets them show control buttons on top of everything. It’s safe and necessary for apps to function.

Privacy Concerns

Third-party screen recorders can theoretically record sensitive information. Use apps from trusted developers only. Check reviews and permission requests.

Never share your recording password or sensitive data while recording if others might see the video.

Be aware that some apps collect usage data. Read privacy policies if concerned.

Google’s built-in recorder and CapCut (owned by ByteDance) are well-established but have privacy considerations you should know about.

OBS Studio is open-source, so the code is publicly auditable.

Recording Others

If you’re recording a call with someone else, inform them first. In some locations, recording others without consent is illegal.

If you’re recording a meeting, tell participants beforehand.

Never record and share someone’s private information without permission.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Issues happen. Here’s how to fix them.

Recording Stops Unexpectedly

Cause: Usually low storage or low battery.

Fix: Check available storage before recording. Ensure you have at least 500 MB free. Plug in your charger.

Also try: Close background apps. Turn off auto-brightness. Reduce screen resolution.

Audio Isn’t Recording

Cause: Microphone permission not granted or internal audio disabled in settings.

Fix: Open the app settings. Grant microphone permission. Check audio source settings within the recording app.

Try: Restart your phone. Restart the app. Test microphone in another app like voice notes.

Video is Choppy or Stuttering

Cause: Too many background apps, low storage, or recording too high resolution.

Fix: Close all apps except the one you’re recording. Use lower resolution (720p instead of 1080p). Try 30fps instead of 60fps.

Also: Reduce screen brightness. Avoid recording while phone is charging (sounds weird but helps). Restart your phone first.

Video Won’t Save or Disappears

Cause: Storage permission not granted or not enough storage space.

Fix: Check that the app has storage permission. Free up at least 1 GB of space. Try recording again.

Also: Check if the file exists in the app’s folder through your file manager. Sometimes it saves in an unexpected location.

Audio is Too Quiet

Cause: Low microphone volume or recording at low internal audio level.

Fix: Speak louder into the microphone. Move microphone closer (4-6 inches from mouth). Increase internal audio in app settings if available.

Try: Boost audio in post-production using CapCut or similar editing app.

Recording Won’t Start

Cause: App permission issues or compatibility problem.

Fix: Uninstall and reinstall the app. Grant all requested permissions. Restart your phone. Check Android version compatibility.

Also: Try the built-in recorder instead. It has fewer compatibility issues.

Performance Impact: What Recording Does to Your Phone

Screen recording affects your phone’s performance.

Battery Drain

Screen recording typically drains battery 2-3 times faster than normal use. A full battery records for roughly 4-6 hours depending on settings and phone. Recording at 1080p 60fps drains faster than 720p 30fps.

Always charge before recording anything longer than 30 minutes.

Reduce screen brightness by 30-50%. This is the single most helpful battery-saving step.

Close all background apps. They compete for processing power.

Storage Usage

Recording uses storage proportional to resolution and frame rate. A full storage phone may not record at all.

Maintain at least 1 GB free space at all times. Android reserves space for updates.

Older phones with 32 GB storage fill up quickly with video recordings. Consider a phone with more storage if you record regularly.

Cloud backup helps. Upload immediately after recording to free space.