Screencast-O-Matic rebranded to ScreenPal in 2023 but keeps the same features. It records your screen, webcam, or both, and includes a built-in video editor. The free version works for basic recordings, but the 15-minute limit and watermark push most users toward the $3/month Deluxe plan. Here’s what you get at each tier.
- The free plan caps recordings at 15 minutes and adds a watermark; upgrading to Deluxe at $3/month removes both limits.
- System audio recording is not available on the free tier, which makes it unsuitable for software tutorials requiring in-app sounds.
- The Deluxe plan exports at 1080p, while the free version is limited to 720p, which looks blurry on high-resolution monitors.
- ScreenPal works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, but the browser version lacks the full feature set of the desktop app.
- For advanced streaming or recording needs, OBS Studio is a free alternative, though it has a steeper learning curve.
#ScreenPal Features and Recording Process
ScreenPal captures your screen activity with optional webcam overlay and microphone audio. According to ScreenPal’s official site, the tool is used by over 100 million people for tutorials, presentations, and educational content.
The recording process is simple:
- Go to screenpal.com and create a free account
- Download and install the screen recorder
- Select your capture area (full screen, window, or custom region)
- Choose audio sources (microphone, system audio, or both)
- Click Record and start your screen capture
- Stop recording and edit in the built-in editor
We tested ScreenPal in March 2026 on a Windows 11 laptop. Recording a 10-minute tutorial with webcam overlay produced a smooth 1080p video with no frame drops. The file exported as MP4 in about 45 seconds.
#ScreenPal Pricing Plans Compared
| Feature | Free | Deluxe ($3/mo) | Premier ($6/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recording limit | 15 minutes | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Watermark | Yes | No | No |
| System audio | No | Yes | Yes |
| Video editing | Basic trim | Full editor | Full editor + effects |
| Stock media library | No | Limited | Full access |
| Export quality | 720p | 1080p | 4K |
According to ScreenPal’s pricing page, all paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. The Deluxe plan covers what most users need. The Premier plan adds stock footage, advanced transitions, and 4K export.
#Is the Free Version Worth Using?
The free version works for quick, short recordings under 15 minutes. The watermark appears in the bottom-left corner and can’t be removed without upgrading. You also can’t record system audio (only microphone), which limits its usefulness for software tutorials where you need to capture in-app sounds.
In our testing, the free version handled basic screen recording well. The 720p output looked acceptable on smaller screens but noticeably blurry on 1440p or 4K monitors. If you’re recording for professional use, the Deluxe plan at $3/month is worth the upgrade.
#Pros and Cons of ScreenPal
Pros:
- Simple interface that works without a learning curve
- Records screen, webcam, or both simultaneously
- Built-in editor eliminates the need for separate editing software
- Works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
- Affordable paid plans compared to Camtasia ($300) or ScreenFlow ($175)
Cons:
- Free version has a 15-minute limit and watermark
- No system audio recording on the free plan
- Video editor is basic compared to dedicated editors like DaVinci Resolve
- Requires desktop app for full functionality (browser version is limited)
- Stock media library is small compared to competitors
#ScreenPal vs OBS, Loom, and Camtasia
| Tool | Price | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| ScreenPal | Free / $3-6/mo | Quick tutorials, educators | Basic editor, watermark on free |
| OBS Studio | Free | Streaming, advanced users | Steep learning curve, no editor |
| Loom | Free / $15/mo | Business communication | 5-min limit on free, no editing |
| Camtasia | $300 one-time | Professional tutorials | Expensive, resource-heavy |
According to G2’s screen recording software comparison, ScreenPal ranks well for ease of use but falls behind Camtasia and OBS for advanced features. For most casual users and educators, ScreenPal hits the right balance of simplicity and capability.
#Who Should Use ScreenPal?
Teachers and educators. ScreenPal’s annotation tools (draw on screen, add text, highlight) make it ideal for creating lesson videos. The webcam overlay lets students see the instructor while watching the tutorial.
Small business owners. Product demos and how-to videos are easy to create without hiring a video editor. The built-in editor handles basic cuts, transitions, and captions.
Content creators on a budget. At $3/month, ScreenPal is one of the cheapest ways to produce screen recordings without watermarks. It’s a good starting point before investing in more expensive tools.
If you’re looking for other productivity tools, check our guides on voice changers for Zoom, how to screenshot on Lenovo laptops, Optimizilla image compression, Dailymotion video downloader, or how to blow up on TikTok.
#Bottom Line
ScreenPal is a solid screen recorder for educators and casual users who need simple recordings with basic editing. The free version works for short clips, but the $3/month Deluxe plan removes the watermark and recording limit. Skip the Premier plan unless you need stock footage or 4K export. For advanced recording and streaming, OBS Studio is free and more powerful, though harder to learn.
#Frequently Asked Questions
#Is Screencast-O-Matic the same as ScreenPal?
Yes. Screencast-O-Matic rebranded to ScreenPal in 2023. The features, pricing, and functionality remain the same. If you had a Screencast-O-Matic account, it still works with ScreenPal.
#Can I use ScreenPal for free?
Yes. The free version lets you record up to 15 minutes with a watermark. You get basic editing tools and can export at 720p. System audio recording and watermark removal require the Deluxe plan at $3/month.
#Does ScreenPal work on Chromebook?
Yes, but with limitations. ScreenPal offers a browser-based recorder that works on Chromebooks. However, the browser version has fewer features than the desktop app. You can’t record system audio or use advanced editing tools in the browser.
#Can I record my screen and webcam at the same time?
Yes. ScreenPal supports simultaneous screen and webcam recording on all plans, including the free version. The webcam appears as a small overlay in the corner of your screen recording. You can resize and reposition it in the editor.
#How do I remove the ScreenPal watermark?
Upgrade to the Deluxe plan ($3/month) or Premier plan ($6/month). There’s no way to remove the watermark on the free plan. Both paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
#What video formats does ScreenPal export?
ScreenPal exports to MP4, AVI, and FLV formats. MP4 is the default and works with most platforms. You can also upload directly to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive from within the app.