How to Screen Record on Mac with Audio (Step-by-Step Guide)
Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by John Paul
Do you need to capture something on your Mac, like a tutorial, an online meeting, or even just a quick voice memo — and you're unsure where to start? You’re definitely not alone. Many Mac users often ask not just how to screen record on Mac with audio, but also how to record audio on Mac.
The great news is! You don’t need complicated setups or expensive tools to do either. macOS actually comes with reliable built-in apps for both audio and screen recording. And if you want more control, like recording internal system sound and mic at the same time, or capturing high-quality videos for tutorials, there’s an alternative tool that can make the process even easier. Let’s get started!
Part 1: macOS Screen and Audio Recording Support
Before jumping into the how-tos, it helps to know whether or not your Mac supports screen and audio recording. This way, you don’t waste your precious time.
- macOS Mojave (10.14) introduced the Screen Recording Toolbar (with ⌘ + Shift + 5), making screen capture much easier without third-party apps.
- macOS Catalina (10.15) improved audio recording permissions, allowing apps like QuickTime and Voice Memos to access your microphone more securely.
- macOS Big Sur and later added stricter privacy prompts for screen and microphone access, so you might need to grant permissions in System Settings the first time you record.
So, if your Mac runs Mojave or newer, you already have built-in tools for screen recording with audio and audio-only recording — no downloads or installation required.
Part 2: How to Record Audio on Mac (Built-in Options)
Sometimes, all you need is to record sound. Whether it’s a voiceover, a podcast, or notes from a lecture. macOS gives you three excellent native tools that you can use to record audio on a Mac.
Method 1: Record Audio with QuickTime (Pre-installed)
QuickTime is more than a video player; it can record high-quality audio, too. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open QuickTime Player (Applications folder). Then, go to File > New Audio Recording.
2. There, click the arrow next to the red Record button to select your microphone. Hit Record to start. When you’re done, hit Stop and proceed to File > Save to export your audio file.
Method 2: Record Audio on Mac via Voice Memos (Built-in app)
Voice Memos became a default app starting with macOS Mojave. It’s perfect for short interviews, notes, and lectures. To use it, just go to the Applications folder and open Voice Memos. You may also launch the app via Spotlight. Then, hit the Record button once you’re ready. Then, click Done to stop. The recording will be automatically saved. If enabled, it also gets synced with iCloud.
Method 3: Use GarageBand to Record Audio on Mac (Free on the App Store)
GarageBand is Apple’s full-featured audio workstation. While it’s mainly for music, it could be used for podcasts and advanced voice recording, too.
1. After installing the app, launch it and choose Empty Project. There, select Microphone as your target input.
2. Next, hit the Record button. Then, you can speak or play the audio you’re trying to record. When done, hit Stop and export the file via the Share option. Then, choose Export Song to Disk.
Part 3: How to Screen Record on Mac with Audio (Built-in)
If you want to record your screen and voice together or tutorials, meetings, or demonstrations, QuickTime Player can handle that. Follow these steps:
1. Open QuickTime Player. Then, proceed to File > New Screen Recording. There, click the arrow next to the Record button and select your microphone.
2. Next, hit the Record button. You can choose the entire screen or drag to select a portion. Speak while recording to capture your voice as well.
3. When done, click the Stop icon in the menu bar when finished. Then, save your recording. Typically, it’s automatically saved on your desktop or Movies folder.
Important Note:
QuickTime can record microphone audio, but it can’t capture system audio (e.g., music, video calls, or in-app sound) without extra plugins that you need to install manually. This can be a dealbreaker if you need to record everything that’s happening on your Mac without hassle.
Part 4: WidsMob Capture — The Best Alternative for Screen & Audio Recording on Mac
If you want to record internal audio and microphone together, or just need more control over your recordings, WidsMob Capture for Mac is a fantastic option. It’s a dedicated Mac screen and audio recording software designed for high-quality, no-hassle recording.
Key Features of WidsMob Capture:
- Record internal system sound and microphone simultaneously (no plugins required).
- Record full screen, selected area, or a specific window.
- Audio-only recording mode for podcasts, meetings, and music.
- Simple trimming tools for quick edits after recording. You don’t have to use a different app, saving time and effort in the process.
- High-quality output up to 4K — perfect for tutorials, gameplay, online meetings, and classes.
- Save recordings in various formats such as MP4, MP3, WMA, FLAC, Ogg, Opus, etc.
Indeed, this recording software is 10x better than the built-in recording on Mac. Now, if you want to try Widsmob Capture, here are the steps you need to follow:
Steps to Screen Record on Mac with Audio Using WidsMob Capture
1. Download and install WidsMob Capture for Mac. Click the button below to secure the installer.
2. Then, open the app and choose Video Recorder. Pick your recording area: Full Screen for everything or Custom to select a portion. Under Audio Settings, toggle on: Microphone – to record your voice and System Sound – to record internal audio.
3. Click REC to start recording. Do your activity on screen — both audio sources will be captured. When you’re finished, click Stop, then preview, trim, and save your video to your desired location.
Steps to Record Audio Only with WidsMob Capture
1. Open WidsMob Capture and select Audio Recorder. Toggle on System Sound and/or Microphone depending on what you need.
2. After that, hit REC to start recording audio. Click Stop to finish, then preview and save your file.
Wrapping Things Up
Learning how to record audio on Mac or how to screen record with audio on Mac doesn’t have to be confusing. With QuickTime, Voice Memos, and GarageBand, you can handle most simple recordings without downloading anything. However, if you want to record system audio and microphone together, or need high-quality, flexible recordings, WidsMob Capture for Mac provides everything in one easy-to-use package.
Whether you’re recording tutorials, online classes, podcasts, or gameplay, you now have all the tools you need to capture crystal-clear audio and video like a pro
FAQs
Yes, but there’s a catch. QuickTime can screen record on Mac with audio from your microphone, but it won’t capture internal system audio by itself. So if you’re trying to record gameplay, Zoom meetings, or YouTube videos with sound, you’ll need a workaround. A lot of users switch to WidsMob Capture because it lets you record both mic and internal audio together without complicated plugins.
Absolutely, but you have to do extra steps as there is no one-click way to enable a webcam overlay. You have to reopen QuickTime again and set a new webcam recording to do it. In other words, macOS doesn’t offer this feature by default, unlike WidsMob Capture, which lets you record your screen and webcam simultaneously with just a click. It’s a super handy setup for online classes, tutorials, or reaction videos where you want your face and screen to appear together.