How to Screen Record on MacBook with Audio
Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by Rhea Cabalida
Screen recording presentations, meetings, and tutorials on MacBooks is a convenient way to do tasks and capture important information. The good thing is, whether you use a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, macOS has provided a way to record your screen, be it with its default screen recording tool, QuickTime, or third-party programs.
In this article, we will show you how to screen record on MacBook with audio using QuickTime and some of the most recommended alternatives. We also included tips and useful information that can help you during the process. Read on!
MacBook’s Built-In Screen Recorder - QuickTime Player
For all macOS computers, Apple has pre-installed QuickTime Player, a multimedia tool that can manage media files and do screen recordings at the same time.
For users seeking an easy way to screen record on a MacBook, this is the best option. It's lightweight, easy to use, and, most of all, free! It's a decent tool, recommended for basic recording projects.
QuickTime Screen Recorder Features:
✅ Records the full or a portion of the screen
✅ External audio recording (microphone)
✅ Basic video editing tools
✅ Exports recordings to MOV format
✅ One-click start and stop option
How to Screen Record on MacBook via QuickTime Player
Follow these steps to start recording your screen using QuickTime.
Step 1:
Go to Applications, then open QuickTime. You can also press Command + Space, type QuickTime, and press Enter.
Step 2:
Next, click File, then select New Screen Recording.
Step 3:
Tick the arrow beside the record button to access the audio settings. From there, select the mic you will be using.
Step 4:
Click anywhere on your screen, then select whether to record the entire screen or just a portion.
Step 5:
When everything is set, press Record to start. Press the stop button when you’re done. The file will then be saved on the default path in a MOV format.
Is QuickTime Worth Trying?
If you want to record for free, then yes, it's a good choice. However, QuickTime doesn't offer a lot of features, like recording system sounds.
It can only record the audio coming from your microphone; it will not include music/sound from apps or the browser.
If you want to be able to screen record with audio on MacBook, you will need to use third-party alternatives. These programs have better features that you can use to improve your screen recordings.
💡 For a more detailed walkthrough, check our QuickTime Screen Recording Guide
Aiseesoft Screen Recorder
To screen record on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with audio, we highly recommend using Aiseesoft Screen Recorder. Not only will it record your screen, it will also capture audio from the external/internal microphone and system sound in crisp and clear quality.
This means you can record movies, music videos, and even do a voiceover on your YouTube tutorials and more. Pretty cool, right?
Apart from that, Aiseesoft also offers:
✅ Screen, audio, and webcam recording
✅ Take screenshots during recording
✅ Export in MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI, etc.
✅ Real-time drawing & annotations
✅ Video editing features
✅ HD video quality
Aiseesoft is an excellent tool for both beginners and professionals. It's lightweight, has an accessible interface, and most of all, it's easy to operate. Try it now!
OBS Studio
Open Broadcaster Software is a widely known free and open-source recording/streaming software. It is the go-to program for streamers and online video creators. Because it's open-source, the tool can be highly flexible and can be used depending on the user's preference.
By default, OBS can be downloaded as a screen recorder and streaming tool, but the features can be upgraded with the help of the free plugins, which were developed by the OBS community itself.
As for the screen recording feature, OBS offers:
✅ Built-in video editor with effects & transitions
✅ Webcam, screen, and system audio recorder
✅ Customizable output settings
✅ Wide variety of formats
The only downside OBS has is the steep learning curve. It can be confusing for beginners, but with familiarization, we’re pretty sure you’ll get the hang of it. The lack of support is also a problem; most users only rely on the OBS community to solve issues regarding the program.
💡 To know more about OBS and its features, check this out: The Complete Guide for OBS Screen Recorder
Camtasia
Camtasia by TechSmith offers the most advanced features compared to other screen recording software. It's popular among users who want to screen record with audio on MacBook or Windows, to create polished tutorial videos and presentations.
Camtasia offers:
✅ Built-in video editor with effects and transitions
✅ Records screen, webcam, & system audio
✅ Easy drag-and-drop editing
✅ Templates for educational & business content
In terms of price, Camtasia is a bit expensive compared to Aiseesoft and other paid tools. But, with its premium features, it can be worth it.
💡 For the full comprehensive review of Camtasia, read this: An Unbiased Review for TechSmith Camtasia
QuickTime vs. Aiseesoft vs. OBS vs. Camtasia - Who Takes the Lead?
The four ways we listed to screen record on MacBook have different charms, and can be used in various situations and projects. Here’s a closer look at their differences.
| Feature | QuickTime Player | Aiseesoft Screen Recorder | OBS Studio | Camtasia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| System Audio Recorder | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Recorder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Webcam Recorder | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Editing Tools | Basic | Basic | Limited | Advanced |
| Price | Free | Paid (Free Trial) | Free | Paid (Free Trial) |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Easy | Hard | Medium |
What is the Best Tool to Screen Record on MacBook Air/Pro
As mentioned, each tool can be used for a different purpose and project, but if you’re a bit confused and can’t make a choice, here’s a tip:
➡️ Pick QuickTime to screen record on MacBook Pro/Air for basic projects, and if you don’t want to spend a dime.
➡️ Pick Aiseesoft Screen Recorder to capture both screen and audio in the best quality.
➡️ Pick OBS Studio if you want to stream while screen recording (gameplay, reaction videos, etc.).
➡️ Pick Camtasia if you need premium video editing tools for professional projects.
Choose the Right Format
Choosing the right output format is an essential part of screen recording. The format will determine the quality and flexibility of the clip. If you have no idea what format to pick, here’s a quick guide.
✅ MP4: The most popular video format, it's highly compatible and offers a great balance between size and quality.
✅ MOV: This is Apple’s native format, which offers great quality, recommended for high-graphic videos.
✅ AVI / WMV: Rarely used, but it is great if you want high-quality playbacks.
Set the Right Settings
To avoid disturbances and to have a smooth recording process, here are things you can do:
✅ Use an external microphone for a clearer sound. A mic that filters background noise would be better.
✅ Set the quality to 1080p or 4K detailed visuals and avoid screen lags on playback.
✅ Close unused apps and tabs to reduce the lag on your MacBook.
✅ Enable “Do Not Disturb” mode to block pop-ups during recording.
✅ Check your sources before recording (mic and webcam) before starting.
Conclusion
With the recommended tools, we’re pretty sure that you can now screen record on a MacBook with audio with no worries. Just take note of the features we listed so you’ll know which one to pick.