Screen Recorder with Audio on Mac: Best Ways
To record your Mac’s screen with audio, you can use the built-in QuickTime Player for video plus system audio via a virtual audio driver, or use the free open-source OBS Studio for a more integrated setup. The best choice depends on whether you need to capture internal system sound, microphone input, or both simultaneously.
Why Screen Recording with Audio on Mac Is Tricky
Unlike Windows, macOS does not let any app record internal system audio by default. When you use QuickTime Player’s built-in screen recording, it only captures the microphone—not the sound coming from your Mac’s speakers. This is a deliberate security and privacy restriction in macOS, and it affects every screen recorder unless you install additional software. The workaround is to either use a virtual audio device that routes system audio into a recording app, or use a recorder that includes its own audio driver (like OBS Studio).
Built-in Options: QuickTime and Screenshot Toolbar
macOS includes two native screen recorders: QuickTime Player (File > New Screen Recording) and the screenshot toolbar (Shift-Command-5). Both can record the full screen or a selected area, and both let you choose a microphone. However, neither captures internal audio. To record system sound with QuickTime, you must install a virtual audio driver such as BlackHole or Soundflower, then set your Mac’s output to that driver and select it as the microphone input in QuickTime. The screenshot toolbar has the same limitation and no separate audio source selection beyond the default microphone.
Free and Paid Third-Party Recorders
Several third-party apps solve the audio problem more cleanly. OBS Studio is free, open-source, and widely used for streaming and recording. It can capture both system audio and microphone in separate tracks, and it works on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. Other popular options include Screenflick (paid, with a free trial), Capto (paid), and the free open-source Kap. Each has different strengths: OBS is most powerful but has a steeper learning curve; Screenflick is simpler and handles audio well; Kap is lightweight and good for quick clips. All of these can record internal audio without extra drivers, though some may require installing a companion helper app.
How to Record with OBS Studio (Step-by-Step)
- Download and install OBS Studio from the official website (obsproject.com).
- Open OBS and go to Settings > Audio. Set “Desktop Audio� to your default output device and “Mic/Auxiliary Audio� to your microphone.
- In the Sources panel, click the + button and choose “Display Capture� to record the entire screen, or “Window Capture� to record a specific window.
- Click “Start Recording� in the Controls panel. OBS will capture both system audio and your microphone simultaneously.
- When finished, click “Stop Recording.� The video file is saved in the location specified in Settings > Output.
If you only want system audio (no microphone), simply mute the Mic/Auxiliary Audio track in the Audio Mixer. If you want only microphone, mute the Desktop Audio track.
Using a Virtual Audio Driver with QuickTime
If you prefer to stick with QuickTime, you can install a free virtual audio driver like BlackHole (from Existential Audio). After installation, open Audio MIDI Setup (in Utilities) and create a multi-output device that sends audio to both your speakers and BlackHole. Then set that multi-output device as your Mac’s output. In QuickTime’s screen recording, select BlackHole as the microphone. This routes system audio into the recording. The downside is that you must repeat this setup each time you want to record, and you may hear no sound while recording if you don’t create the multi-output device correctly.
Common Problems and Fixes
- No system audio in recording: This is almost always because the recorder is only using the microphone. Use a virtual audio driver or a recorder like OBS that captures desktop audio.
- Audio out of sync: This can happen with Bluetooth headphones or when using virtual drivers. Try recording with wired headphones or adjust the audio offset in OBS (Settings > Advanced > Audio Offset).
- Recording is silent when using BlackHole: Ensure you have created a multi-output device that includes both your speakers and BlackHole, and that the multi-output device is selected as the output in System Settings > Sound.
- Microphone too quiet or too loud: Check input volume in System Settings > Sound > Input, and adjust gain in OBS’s audio mixer.
- Screen recording permission issues: If the recorder can’t capture the screen, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording and enable the app. You may need to restart the app after granting permission.
Comparing Recording Methods
| Method | System Audio | Microphone | Cost | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuickTime + BlackHole | Yes (with setup) | Yes | Free | Moderate |
| Screenshot Toolbar | No | Yes | Free | Very easy |
| OBS Studio | Yes | Yes | Free | Moderate to hard |
| Screenflick | Yes | Yes | Paid | Easy |
| Kap | Yes (with plugin) | Yes | Free | Easy |
What About Recording FaceTime or Zoom Calls?
Recording a video call with audio on a Mac requires capturing both system audio (the other participants) and your microphone. The same rules apply: QuickTime alone won’t do it. OBS is a common choice, but you must be careful about consent—many jurisdictions require all parties to agree to recording. Also, some video conferencing apps may block recording or display a warning. Always check the app’s terms of service and local laws before recording.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record screen with audio on Mac without installing anything?
No. The built-in QuickTime and screenshot toolbar cannot capture internal system audio without a virtual audio driver. You can record your microphone only, but to get system sound you must install a free driver like BlackHole or use a third-party app like OBS.
Why is my Mac screen recording silent?
Most likely because the recorder is only using the microphone input, and your system audio is not being routed to it. If you’re using QuickTime, you need to set your output to a virtual audio device and select that as the microphone. If you’re using OBS, make sure Desktop Audio is enabled and not muted.
Is OBS Studio really free?
Yes, OBS Studio is free and open-source. It is funded by donations and sponsorships. There is no paid version, and all features are available without cost.
Can I record only system audio without a microphone?
Yes. In OBS, just mute the Mic/Auxiliary Audio track. In QuickTime with BlackHole, select BlackHole as the microphone and don’t select a physical microphone. You’ll get only system audio.
Does screen recording with audio work on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes, all the methods described work on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. OBS Studio has native support for Apple Silicon. BlackHole also works on both architectures.
What is the best free screen recorder with audio for Mac?
OBS Studio is the most capable free option, but it has a learning curve. For a simpler free option, Kap with the “ffmpeg� plugin can record system audio, but it requires a bit of setup. If you want the easiest free method, use QuickTime with BlackHole—once set up, it’s straightforward.
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