The Best Free Software for Recording Zoom Meetings: OBS Studio or Bandicam?

Recording Zoom meetings is often necessary for documentation, training, or simply sharing important discussions with stakeholders. While Zoom offers its built-in recording feature, third-party software like OBS Studio and Bandicam provide additional flexibility and advanced functionalities. In this article, we explore these options to determine which one is best suited for your needs.

Option 1: OBS Studio - A Powerful Open-Source Tool

One of the best free softwares for recording Zoom meetings is OBS Studio, an open-source tool that offers extensive customization and control. Here’s how to use it effectively:

Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio

You can download OBS Studio from its official website. Follow the installation process to get it set up on your device.

Step 2: Set Up OBS Studio

Open OBS and create a new scene. Add a Screen Capture settings to capture the contents of your screen, including Zoom meetings. Configure Audio settings to ensure clear and high-quality audio. Start capturing by clicking the appropriate button. To stop the recording, click the stop button or use the hotkey.

Why OBS Studio is a Great Choice:

Flexibility: You can adjust settings based on your specific needs. High-Quality: OBS Studio supports high-definition recording, ensuring clear and detailed audio and video. Free and Open-Source: The software is completely free and can be customized with plugins.

Option 2: Bandicam - A Versatile Screen Recording Software

Bandicam is another excellent free option for recording Zoom meetings. It is known for its versatility and ease of use. Here’s how to use it to capture Zoom meetings:

Step 1: Download and Install Bandicam

Go to the official Bandicam website and download the software. Follow the installation instructions to set it up on your device.

Step 2: Configure Audio Settings in Bandicam

If you want to record both your system audio and your voice, set the settings as follows:

In Bandicam, under the Recording settings, select Use source's microphone and video capture card to record both system audio and your voice. If you only want to record system audio, set the settings to Use system's microphone and video capture card.

Step 3: Record Your Zoom Meeting

Open Zoom and join your meeting. In Bandicam, choose either a predefined project or a custom capture area. Start recording by clicking the record button or pressing F12. Stop the recording by clicking the stop button or pressing F12 again. Review and share your recording through the video icon in Bandicam.

Why Bandicam is Superior to Zoom’s Built-in Recording Feature

While Zoom’s built-in recording feature is convenient, it lacks some of the advanced features offered by Bandicam. Here are the key reasons why Bandicam is a superior choice:

Flexibility in Permissions: With Bandicam, you can record your screen during a Zoom meeting even without the host's permission. This makes it more flexible and useful in various scenarios. Optimized Recording Performance: Bandicam uses a hardware-accelerated H.264 encoder, which ensures smooth and high-quality recordings even on lower-end systems. Immediate Access to Recordings: Bandicam allows you to access your recordings immediately after a meeting without the need for a conversion process. Easy Sharing Options: Bandicam features a built-in upload function that allows you to share your videos directly on platforms like YouTube, Google Drive, or Vimeo.

Conclusion

Both OBS Studio and Bandicam are excellent options for recording Zoom meetings. OBS Studio is ideal for those who need more control and customization, while Bandicam offers a balance of ease of use and advanced features. Choose the one that best fits your needs and recording requirements.