SimpleScreenRecorder as a Linux alternative to Bandicam
Updated
Our verdict
SimpleScreenRecorder is a solid replacement for Bandicam if you prioritize low resource usage and simplicity over advanced editing. It handles window and region capture well with hardware acceleration, keeping CPU load low. However, it lacks Bandicam's built-in annotation tools and real-time overlays. If you need to draw on the screen while recording, you will need a separate tool. For pure recording tasks with audio, SimpleScreenRecorder is efficient and reliable, making it ideal for users who want a lightweight, no-frills capture tool on Linux.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.4.4
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Captures specific windows or custom screen regions
- Supports MP4, MKV, and AVI output formats
- Records system audio and microphone input simultaneously
- Offers hardware-accelerated encoding for lower CPU overhead
- Lightweight design focused on performance
What is different
- No built-in annotation or drawing tools during recording
- Lacks real-time text or image overlay features
- Audio capture relies on PulseAudio rather than Windows-specific drivers
- No integrated post-recording editing or trimming interface
- Interface is simpler with fewer advanced configuration options
Opening your Bandicam files
SimpleScreenRecorder exports standard video containers like MP4 and MKV, which are fully compatible with Bandicam's output formats. You can open files recorded in Bandicam on Linux using standard players like VLC, and vice versa. There is no proprietary format lock-in. If you have existing Bandicam recordings, they will play without issue on Linux, and new recordings from SimpleScreenRecorder will be portable to Windows for sharing or editing in other software.
Switching from Bandicam to SimpleScreenRecorder, step by step
- Install SimpleScreenRecorder using your package manager (apt, dnf, or zypper)
- Configure audio sources to select your microphone and system audio (PulseAudio sink)
- Set your preferred output format to MP4 for compatibility
- Enable hardware acceleration if your GPU supports it to reduce CPU load
- Test recording a specific window or region to verify capture quality
- Adjust frame rate and quality presets to match your previous Bandicam settings
Key features of SimpleScreenRecorder
- Record full screen, window or custom area
- Live preview while recording
- Audio capture from PulseAudio and microphone
- Multiple output formats (MP4, MKV, AVI)
- Hardware‑accelerated encoding support
- Pause/resume during recording
- Command‑line interface for scripting
- Configurable frame rate and quality presets
How to install SimpleScreenRecorder on Linux
sudo apt install simplescreenrecordersudo apt install simplescreenrecordersudo zypper install simplescreenrecorderFrequently asked questions
Can I add text or draw on the screen while recording?
No, SimpleScreenRecorder does not have built-in annotation tools. You would need to use a separate screen annotation tool that runs in the background, or edit the video after recording.
Does it support hardware-accelerated encoding?
Yes, it supports hardware acceleration for encoding, which helps keep CPU and GPU overhead low during long recording sessions.
Is it available on major Linux distributions?
Yes, it is packaged in Debian, Ubuntu, and openSUSE, making it easy to install on most common Linux systems.
