Top 8 Best Screen Recorders for Linux in 2025
The complete guide to capturing your screen on Linux for tutorials, gaming, and demonstrations
Screen recording on Linux has never been easier with these powerful open-source tools. Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing software demos, this guide covers the best options available in 2025.
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Why Use Linux Screen Recorders?
Key Benefits
- Open-source: Free to use and modify
- Lightweight: Many options have minimal resource usage
- Privacy-focused: No data sent to cloud services
- Customizable: Tailor to your specific recording needs
Top 8 Linux Screen Recorders
1. SimpleScreenRecorder
Best for: Users who want a balance of simplicity and powerful features
Key Features:
- Intuitive interface with advanced options
- Record full screen, window, or custom region
- Adjustable frame rates and video quality
- System audio and microphone capture
- Pause/resume during recording
- Multiple output formats (MP4, MKV, AVI, WebM)
# Installation on Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install simplescreenrecorder
# For other distributions:
# Check your package manager or visit:
# https://www.maartenbaert.be/simplescreenrecorder/Advertisement
2. OBS Studio
Best for: Professional-grade recording and live streaming
Key Features:
- Studio-quality recording and live streaming
- Multiple sources (screen, webcam, images, etc.)
- Scene composition with transitions
- Powerful audio mixing with filters
- Stream to Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms
- Vast plugin ecosystem
# Installation on Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install obs-studio
# Flatpak alternative (recommended for latest version):
flatpak install flathub com.obsproject.Studio3. Kazam
Best for: Quick and simple screen recordings
Key Features:
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Record full screen, window, or selection
- System sound and microphone capture
- Countdown timer before recording
- Save as WebM, MP4, or other formats
# Installation on Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install kazam
# Note: Kazam development has slowed, but it remains stable
# Consider alternatives if you need cutting-edge featuresAdvertisement
4. Green Recorder
Best for: Modern Linux desktops with Wayland support
Key Features:
- Supports both Xorg and Wayland
- Simple and clean interface
- Multiple output formats (MKV, MP4, AVI, GIF)
- Audio recording capabilities
- Lightweight and efficient
# Installation via Flatpak (recommended)
flatpak install flathub com.github.artemanufrij.screencast
# Alternative installation:
git clone https://github.com/artemanufrij/screencast.git
cd screencast
meson builddir --prefix=/usr
sudo ninja -C builddir install5. Peek
Best for: Creating animated GIFs and short clips
Key Features:
- Specialized for GIF creation
- Simple region selection interface
- Adjustable frame rate
- Can also export as MP4 or WebM
- Very lightweight
# Installation on Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install peek
# For other distributions:
# Check your package manager or visit:
# https://github.com/phw/peekAdvertisement
6. VokoscreenNG
Best for: Feature-rich recording with webcam overlay
Key Features:
- Picture-in-picture webcam recording
- Multiple audio sources
- Timer and countdown
- Magnifier for detailed demonstrations
- Marker tool for live annotations
# Installation via Flatpak (recommended)
flatpak install flathub org.vokoscreenNG.vokoscreenNG
# Alternative installation:
sudo apt install vokoscreen-ng7. Kooha
Best for: Elegant GTK-based screen recording
Key Features:
- Beautiful modern interface
- Supports both X11 and Wayland
- Simple one-click recording
- Audio recording options
- Save as MP4, WebM, or GIF
# Installation via Flatpak (recommended)
flatpak install flathub io.github.seadve.Kooha
# Alternative installation from source:
# See GitHub repository for instructions8. ScreenStudio
Best for: Professional tutorials with editing features
Key Features:
- Built-in video editor
- Add text, images, and overlays
- Mouse highlight effects
- Multiple output formats
- Customizable recording profiles
# Installation via AppImage
wget https://screenstudio.crombz.com/download
chmod +x ScreenStudio*.AppImage
./ScreenStudio*.AppImage
# Note: Requires Java Runtime EnvironmentAdvertisement
Comparison Table
| Tool | Best For | Wayland Support | Audio Capture | Output Formats | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimpleScreenRecorder | Balanced features | No | Yes | MP4, MKV, AVI, WebM | Intermediate |
| OBS Studio | Professional use | Yes | Yes | All major formats | Advanced |
| Kazam | Quick recordings | No | Yes | MP4, WebM | Beginner |
| Green Recorder | Wayland users | Yes | Yes | MKV, MP4, AVI, GIF | Beginner |
| Peek | GIF creation | Yes | No | GIF, MP4, WebM | Beginner |
| VokoscreenNG | Webcam overlay | Yes | Yes | MP4, MKV | Intermediate |
| Kooha | Simple recording | Yes | Yes | MP4, WebM, GIF | Beginner |
| ScreenStudio | Tutorials | No | Yes | Multiple | Intermediate |
How to Choose the Right Screen Recorder
Selection Guide
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Pro Tips for Better Screen Recording
Optimization Guide
- Frame rate: 30fps is usually sufficient for tutorials
- Resolution: Match your screen resolution for best quality
- Audio: Use an external microphone for better voice quality
- Storage: Record to a fast SSD with plenty of free space
- Encoding: Use hardware acceleration if available
Common Issues and Solutions
- Black screen recording: Try disabling hardware acceleration
- No audio: Check PulseAudio settings and input sources
- Choppy playback: Lower frame rate or resolution
- Wayland problems: Use a tool with explicit Wayland support
Future of Screen Recording on Linux
- Improved Wayland support: More tools adopting native Wayland capture
- AI enhancements: Automatic editing and voice-to-text features
- Better hardware acceleration: Leveraging modern GPUs more effectively
- Cloud integration: Direct upload to streaming platforms
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Conclusion
Linux offers excellent screen recording options for every need, from simple GIF creation to professional-grade streaming setups. The tools listed here represent the best available in 2025, combining power, flexibility, and ease of use.
Final Recommendations
- For most users: SimpleScreenRecorder or OBS Studio
- For Wayland: Green Recorder or Kooha
- For quick GIFs: Peek
- For tutorials: ScreenStudio or VokoscreenNG
