Published on Apr 10, 2025 5 min read

Top 3 Screen Recording Tools That Come With Built-In Video Editing

Recording a screen is something that many people now do daily—whether for work, learning, gaming, or sharing information. But just recording isn’t enough. Most users also need to edit their videos. Instead of switching between different apps for each task, it’s smarter to use a screen recording tool that includes editing features. These all-in-one solutions save time, reduce hassle, and make video creation more efficient.

This guide highlights the top 3 screen recording tools with built-in editing features. Each tool is selected based on its ease of use, editing power, affordability, and popularity among users. Whether someone is a complete beginner or a skilled content creator, these tools offer reliable performance for everyday screen recording and video editing tasks.

1. Camtasia – A Complete Recording and Editing Tool

TechSmith made Camtasia a reliable tool for recording your screen. Camtasia has been used a lot in schools, businesses, and to make videos for the web because it has strong editing tools and an easy-to-use interface. Some of the best options for people who want to record and edit movies in one place are included.

What makes Camtasia stand out is how beginner-friendly it is, even though it offers professional-level tools. Teachers, marketers, YouTubers, and trainers often rely on Camtasia to produce tutorials, webinars, and online courses.

Main Features of Camtasia

Once users finish recording their screen, they can immediately begin editing with Camtasia’s built-in video editor. The layout is drag-and-drop, and the tools are easy to understand.

• Record full screen, window, webcam, or custom region
• Timeline-based editor for simple drag-and-drop editing
• Add transitions, effects, callouts, and visual highlights
• Voice narration, background music, and audio cleanup tools
• Pre-built templates for fast video production
• Integration with PowerPoint and other content platforms
• Export options for MP4, YouTube, Google Drive, and more

Camtasia also allows users to emphasize mouse clicks, add text overlays, and zoom in on key areas—all features that make videos more engaging and easier to follow.

Who Is Camtasia Best For?

Camtasia is ideal for those who produce video content regularly, especially professionals in teaching, marketing, or corporate training. It’s also perfect for teams that need polished videos for clients or internal use.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Includes advanced editing features
• Strong technical support and tutorials

Cons:

• Paid software (offers a 30-day free trial)
• Requires a relatively powerful computer for best performance

2. OBS Studio + HitFilm – Free Yet Feature-Rich Option

OBS Studio is a free, open-source software used by gamers, live streamers, educators, and professionals to record or broadcast their screens. It doesn’t have built-in video editing tools, but when paired with HitFilm Express, users get a full recording and editing package at zero cost.

This combination is powerful, especially for users who want high-quality output but are working on a budget. OBS handles the screen recording, and HitFilm handles the video editing. Together, they offer flexibility and creative control without needing to purchase expensive software.

OBS Studio Features

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) allows users to capture real-time video and audio from multiple sources. It's highly customizable and works well for everything from online tutorials to game walkthroughs.

• Unlimited screen, audio, and webcam recording
• Real-time capture of multiple windows
• Custom overlays and screen layouts
• Streaming support for Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux

HitFilm Express Features

HitFilm Express is a non-linear video editor with advanced features often found in professional software. Users can trim clips, add effects, and mix audio—all for free.

• Multi-layer video and audio editing
• 2D and 3D visual effects
• Custom titles and motion graphics
• Templates and presets for fast editing

While there’s a bit of a learning curve with both OBS and HitFilm, the tools become easier to manage with use. Many users find free video tutorials helpful for learning both platforms.

Best For:

This combo is ideal for intermediate to advanced users who want full control over their projects but don't want to spend money. Content creators, developers, and video hobbyists often benefit from this free but powerful setup.

Pros:

• 100% free and open-source
• Offers advanced recording and editing
• Active user communities and learning resources

Cons:

• Not as beginner-friendly
• Requires two programs instead of one

3. ScreenPal – Simple and Budget-Friendly Video Creation

Previously known as Screencast-O-Matic, ScreenPal is a very easy-to-use screen recorder with built-in editing features. It’s a go-to option for teachers, students, and small business owners who need to make simple videos fast. ScreenPal focuses on core recording and editing features without overwhelming the user. Its clean layout and lightweight design make it usable even on older or less powerful computers.

Key Features of ScreenPal

Users can record their screen, webcam, or both and then directly jump into basic editing. While the editing tools are not as advanced as in Camtasia, they are more than enough for most day-to-day tasks.

• Record screen, webcam, or both at once
• Trim, cut, and crop video clips
• Add music, narration, and captions
• Use arrows, text boxes, and overlays
• Publish to YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive, or cloud

ScreenPal also provides cloud storage and collaboration options, which can be helpful for teams working on shared video projects.

Best Use Cases

ScreenPal is best for basic tutorial videos, explainer videos, customer support content, and class assignments. It’s also suitable for people who want a fast and simple way to record without learning complex tools.

Pros:

• Easy to learn and use
• Fast sharing and publishing
• Budget-friendly, with a free version available

Cons:

• Limited editing tools
• Watermarks in the free version
• Some features require internet access

Conclusion

Screen recording with editing features has become essential for content creators, educators, marketers, and anyone working remotely. All three tools—Camtasia, OBS Studio with HitFilm Express, and ScreenPal—offer strong solutions that cater to different needs and experience levels. Camtasia is a premium tool that offers everything in one place. OBS + HitFilm provides a free but powerful combo for tech-savvy users. ScreenPal keeps things simple, making it ideal for quick and easy projects. By choosing the right tool, users can create high-quality videos faster and with less effort.