Alternatives · Screen Recording
Fraps alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the best Fraps alternative for most people is OBS Studio (2.8 GPA), third in our ranking of screen recording and video tools. It's also the best free one.
Fraps compared with 4 alternatives: OBS Studio, Bandicam, Movavi Screen Recorder and ScreenRec.
Fraps has a free plan. Paid plans start at $37, one-time. 3 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a Fraps sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| FrapsThis tool | Free plan · from $37 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| OBS Studio | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Bandicam | Free plan · from $33.26/yr | Yes | macOS, Windows |
| Movavi Screen Recorder | Free trial · from $19.99/mo | Trial only | macOS, Windows |
| ScreenRec | Free plan · from $4.99/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux |
How each one differs from Fraps
OBS Studio
Free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming
- OBS Studio is free.
- OBS Studio also lists macOS and Linux apps.
- OBS Studio is open source, according to its own site.
- OBS Studio also covers noise cancellation.
- OBS Studio does not cover screenshots, which Fraps does.
Suits: Live streamers who want detailed control of scenes, sources and audio
Bandicam
Screen, game and webcam recorder for Windows, with a Mac edition
- Bandicam starts at $33.26 per year for 1 PC (Personal Annual), or $53.90 one-time.
- Bandicam also lists a macOS app.
- Bandicam also covers transcription and video editing.
Suits: Windows users recording gameplay with an FPS counter
Movavi Screen Recorder
Desktop screen recorder with webcam overlay and scheduling
- Movavi Screen Recorder starts at $19.99 per month or $44.99 per year (US Mac App Store prices).
- Movavi Screen Recorder has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Fraps.
- Movavi Screen Recorder also lists a macOS app.
- Movavi Screen Recorder also covers noise cancellation.
Suits: Recording webinars, online courses and video calls to watch later
ScreenRec
Desktop screen recorder and screenshot tool with instant share links
- ScreenRec starts at $4.99 per month, billed annually ($59.90); $8.32 billed monthly.
- ScreenRec also lists macOS and Linux apps.
- ScreenRec also covers transcription and dictation.
Suits: Teams that need the same recorder on Windows, Mac and Linux
Limits worth knowing in Fraps
- Windows only; the download page lists Windows XP, 2003, Vista and Windows 7 and does not name later Windows versions.
- The latest release on the site is 3.5.99, dated February 26, 2013.
- It works with games that use DirectX or OpenGL.
- The free version is limited; the Buy page says registration is needed for unlimited recording and movies without a watermark.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Fraps?
The alternatives to Fraps in this directory are OBS Studio, Bandicam, Movavi Screen Recorder and ScreenRec. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Fraps.
Is there a free alternative to Fraps?
Yes. OBS Studio is free to use. Bandicam and ScreenRec have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Fraps alternatives work on macOS?
The Fraps listing does not include a macOS app. OBS Studio, Bandicam, Movavi Screen Recorder and ScreenRec list one.
Which Fraps alternatives work on Linux?
The Fraps listing does not include a Linux app. OBS Studio and ScreenRec list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Fraps?
OBS Studio is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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