Hey there! If you‘re wondering whether the popular Bandicam screen recorder is really free to use, you‘ve come to the right place. In this detailed guide, I‘ll clear up all your questions about Bandicam‘s free and paid versions.
After testing out Bandicam myself and researching the ins and outs of both versions, I can definitively say:
Yes, Bandicam does have a 100% free version that lets you record your screen, external devices, add a webcam, draw annotations, and more without paying a dime. There‘s no catch.
But the free version has some limitations compared to the paid version. So I‘ll outline the key differences to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Let‘s dive in!
What is Bandicam? A Quick Intro
For those new to it, Bandicam is a screen capture program for Windows that lets you record everything displayed on your PC screen.
Developed by Bandisoft since 2008, Bandicam has grown to become one of the most popular game, webcam, and screen recording software worldwide.
With over 150 million downloads to date, Bandicam is widely used by:
- Gamers – To record gameplay videos and streaming.
- YouTubers – For vlogs, video tutorials, product reviews.
- Educators – To create video lessons and demos.
- Businesses – For webinars, video conferencing, training videos.
Key Features of Bandicam:
- Record any area of your screen or external video devices.
- Webcam overlay to add facecam picture-in-picture.
- Draw annotations, highlights during recording.
- Mouse click animations and effects.
- Real-time editing to trim, merge, add text.
- Chroma key removal for green screen backgrounds.
- Sync webcam and screen recordings separately.
- Upload to YouTube or live stream directly.
Bandicam works great whether you‘re recording Minecraft, unboxing videos, coding tutorials, or Zoom meetings.
It captures smooth, high quality video while keeping file sizes small by utilizing video compression technologies like NVENC, AMD VCE, and H.264.
Now let‘s break down what‘s included in the free version.
Bandicam Free Version: Key Features
The good news is that Bandicam‘s free version comes packed with ample features to meet basic screen recording needs.
You can record:
- Your computer screen
- External webcams, smartphones, consoles
- System sounds, microphone audio
- Picture-in-picture from webcam
Tools and effects:
- Annotate videos with drawings
- Mouse click animation effects
- Basic editing features
Technical capabilities:
- Up to 1280×720 HD resolution
- MPEG-1 or AVI video format
- 30 FPS frame rate
- No time limits on recordings
The free version lets you record, edit, and export screen recordings for as long as you want. You won‘t hit any duration limits or be forced to pay.
The only catch is that all recordings will have a Bandicam watermark logo added to them. But more on that later.
For casual users who need to quickly capture their screen or gameplay occasionally, the free version has you covered.
YouTube streamers have even used Bandicam‘s free version in a pinch to livestream 720p gaming footage when their regular software failed them. The watermark is a fair tradeoff for uninterrupted streaming access.
Now let‘s look at the specific ways Bandicam‘s paid version goes above and beyond the free edition.
What‘s Extra in the Paid Version of Bandicam?
While handy for basic use, the free version does impose some annoying limitations – namely the Bandicam branding and 720p resolution cap.
Bandicam‘s premium version removes all restrictions and unlocks advanced features for screen recording power users.
Key upgrades include:
1080p or 4K recording – Upgrade to Full HD or even 4K Ultra HD resolution.
Advanced codecs – Use high efficiency H.264, H.265 encoders for smaller files.
No watermark – Recordings are completely clean without any branding.
GPU acceleration – Leverage your NVIDIA or AMD graphics card for faster video processing and playback.
Chroma key – Remove green screen backgrounds to overlay custom ones.
Additional tools – Multi-layer webcam, highlight pen, animation effects.
Lossless RGB – Preserve top quality for editing with no compression.
Command line interface – Automate recording via scripts and programs.
Tech support – Get access to Bandicam‘s customer service for troubleshooting.
For YouTubers, streamers, and power users, the paid version is a must to unlock Bandicam‘s full potential.
You‘ll get way higher video fidelity, smaller files, faster encoding, and professional tools to level up the quality of your recordings.
Bandicam Pricing: How Much Does the Paid Version Cost?
Now let‘s talk pricing. How much do you have to pay to get the premium version of Bandicam?
Bandicam licenses are sold as one-time purchases, either for a lifetime or 1 year term. You can choose to cover 1 to 5 computers.
Lifetime License
- 1 PC – $39.99
- 2 PC – $59.99
- 3 PC – $79.99
- 4 PC – $99.99
- 5 PC – $119.99
1 Year License
- 1 PC – $24.99
- 2 PC – $34.99
- 3 PC – $44.99
- 4 PC – $54.99
- 5 PC – $64.99
The lifetime license works out cheaper in the long run compared to renewing yearly. But the 1 year option provides more flexibility.
Either way, you make a single payment and can then use Bandicam indefinitely on your licensed computers without ongoing costs.
Many users feel Bandicam is underpriced given its performance and depth of features. The price point makes it accessible to hobbyists and pros alike.
But students and anyone on a tight budget can still get solid use from the free version.
Free vs Paid: Key Differences at a Glance
Here is a quick comparison table highlighting the main limitations of the free version versus benefits of the paid edition:
| Feature | Free Version | Paid Version |
|---|---|---|
| Watermark | Bandicam logo added | No watermarks |
| Max resolution | 1280×720 HD | Up to 4K UHD |
| Encoding | AVI, MPEG-1 | H.264, H.265 |
| Frame rate | 30 FPS | 60 FPS or more |
| Editing tools | Basic | Advanced chroma key, annotations |
| GPU acceleration | No | Yes, NVENC/AMD VCE |
| Tech support | No | Yes |
So in summary, the free version equips you with core functionality while the paid unlocks advanced settings and customization.
But even without those extras, millions of users have found ways to create great content using free Bandicam with some creativity.
Next let‘s dig into some of the most common questions about the free and paid versions.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Bandicam
Here are answers to some of the most popular questions I‘ve seen asked about Bandicam online:
Is the free version really free forever?
Yep, the free version of Bandicam never expires. You can continue using it indefinitely. The only catch is the watermark on recordings.
Can I remove the watermark from the free version?
Unfortunately, no. There is no way around the watermark except upgrading to paid. It‘s locked in place to encourage you to upgrade.
Does the free version have a time limit for recordings?
Nope! You can record for as long and as many times as you want with no caps.
Can I try the paid tools for free initially?
Yes, Bandicam offers a free trial period after installing where you can access the premium tools before deciding whether to purchase.
Is Bandicam safe to download and use?
Yes, Bandicam is 100% safe software from a reputable company used by millions globally. It is virus and malware free.
Does Bandicam use a lot of CPU or slow down my PC?
With the right settings, Bandicam has relatively low overhead. Using GPU acceleration ensures smooth performance during recording.
Can I get a refund if I don‘t like the paid version?
Bandicam offers a 30 day money back guarantee on paid licenses if you are unsatisfied for any reason.
What format does Bandicam record in?
By default, Bandicam records in AVI or MPEG-1 format. The paid version unlocks advanced recording codecs like H.264 and HEVC for smaller files.
Which is better for YouTube – Bandicam or OBS?
Both are great. Bandicam makes it easier to capture high quality gameplay footage. OBS is more customizable for complex streams. Most YouTubers use both!
Is Bandicam safe from game or app bans?
Yes, Bandicam is 100% safe to use when recording things like Netflix or gameplay. It will not trigger any content or anti-cheat restrictions.
Can I edit Bandicam recordings in other software?
Absolutely! The video files recorded by Bandicam work seamlessly with all major editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, VSDC, Filmora, and more.
That covers the bulk of common Bandicam questions I‘ve seen. Let me know if you have any others!
Final Verdict: Should You Use Free or Paid Bandicam?
So in closing, here are my recommendations based on your use case:
💻 For casual and basic screen recording needs, Bandicam‘s free version works great. The functionality is solid despite the Bandicam watermark and 720p limit.
🎥 For advanced users, streamers, YouTubers, the paid version is 100% worth it to unlock unlimited quality and customization power.
🤑 The pricing is reasonable considering how robust Bandicam is. The lifetime license pays for itself long-term.
😊 Bandicam stays true to their word – the free version has no tricks. Upgrade to paid seamlessly when you need to.
I hope this guide has cleared up any confusion around exactly what you get with Bandicam‘s free and premium versions. Let me know if you have any other questions!
