"I recorded with Command+Shift+5, but my colleague's voice isn't there..."
You thought you recorded that important Zoom meeting, only to find out later that you can only hear yourself. Sound familiar?
Here's the thing: Mac's built-in screen recording has a major limitation—it can't capture system audio. In this article, we'll compare 5 screen recording methods for Mac, including solutions that actually record internal audio.
The "No Audio" Problem with Mac Screen Recording
Let's start with the audio issue that trips up so many people.
Built-in Recording Only Captures Microphone Audio
Command + Shift + 5. It's convenient and easy to use, but it only records microphone audio.
This means the following audio won't be recorded:
- Your colleague's voice on Zoom or Meet
- Audio from YouTube or apps
- System notification sounds
That's why you end up with "the screen recorded fine, but the important audio is missing."
Two Ways to Solve This
To fix this problem, you need one of the following:
- Set up a virtual audio driver (like BlackHole) — Free but complex setup
- Use an app that supports internal audio — No setup required, works immediately
If you need to record a meeting right now, the second option is the way to go.
5 Ways to Screen Record on Mac
Let's look at the five specific methods.
1. Qureco — The Best Choice for Meeting Recording
If you want to record internal audio without any setup, and maybe get meeting notes too, Qureco is your best bet.
- Works the moment you install it (no initial setup)
- Records both system audio and microphone simultaneously
- No watermark even on the free version
- Pro version includes AI-generated meeting notes
- Automatic Notion integration for notes
- Zero complex settings. Just hit record
- Streamlines the entire "record → transcribe → summarize → share" workflow
- Already compatible with macOS Sequoia's monthly permission prompts
- Mac only (no Windows support)
- AI meeting notes require paid plan
When you need to record tomorrow's meeting and share it with team members who couldn't attend, Qureco is the easiest option.
2. Mac Built-in (Command + Shift + 5)
This feature comes pre-installed on every Mac. No additional software needed—you can use it right now.
- Press
Command + Shift + 5 - Select "Record Entire Screen" or "Record Selected Portion"
- Click "Record"
- Click the stop button in the menu bar when done
- No extra software, lightweight
- Simple operation
- Cannot record internal audio
- No editing features
3. OBS Studio — Most Powerful Free Option, But Complex
Popular recording and streaming software among streamers and YouTubers. Incredibly feature-rich for free software.
- Combine multiple video sources
- Live streaming support
- Highly customizable
- Completely free with no limitations
- Professional-level recording capabilities
- Complex initial setup (requires BlackHole configuration for internal audio)
- Steep learning curve
- Overkill for simple recording needs
4. Loom — Record and Share Instantly
The standout feature is instant link sharing after recording. Built specifically for information sharing in remote teams.
- Recording to shareable link in seconds
- Browser extension available
- View analytics included
- Fastest way to share with team members
- Cloud storage doesn't eat up device space
- Free version limited to 5-minute recordings
- Requires constant internet connection
- Not ideal for local storage
5. CleanShot X — All-in-One Screenshots and Recording
A popular app among Mac users that covers both screenshots and screen recording.
- Screenshots, recording, and GIF creation in one app
- Internal audio recording supported
- Built-in annotation and blur tools
- Cloud sharing feature
- One-time purchase, no recurring fees
- Edit and annotate immediately after recording
- $29 upfront cost required
- No meeting notes features
Comparison Table: All 5 Methods at a Glance
| Feature | Qureco | Built-in | OBS | Loom | CleanShot X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free+ | Free | Free | Free+ | $29 |
| System Audio | Yes | No | Yes* | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of Setup | Excellent | Excellent | Poor | Good | Good |
| Cloud Sharing | Yes | No | No | Excellent | Yes |
| AI Meeting Notes | Excellent | No | No | No | No |
| No Watermark | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
*OBS requires separate BlackHole setup
Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs
"I want to record meetings and get notes" → Qureco
Not just recording—AI automatically generates meeting notes. With Notion integration, your post-meeting work drops dramatically. If you want to streamline the entire "record → transcribe → summarize → share" workflow, Qureco is the clear choice.
"I need to quickly record my screen" → Mac Built-in
If you don't need internal audio and just want the simplest recording option, the built-in feature is enough. Nothing beats launching with a single shortcut.
"I want to quickly share videos with my team" → Loom
Perfect for when "showing this on video is faster than explaining." The speed of getting a shareable link right after recording is its biggest strength.
"I need streaming or advanced editing" → OBS Studio
Feature-wise, it's the most powerful. However, if you just want to simply record meetings, the learning curve may not be worth it.
Conclusion
- Meeting recording + notes: Qureco
- Simple recording: Mac built-in
- Team sharing focus: Loom
- Streaming & advanced editing: OBS Studio
Don't repeat the mistake of "I recorded with Command+Shift+5 but there's no audio." Choose the right tool for your needs.
Qureco Screen Recorder
Powerful screen recording app for Mac
Record meetings, let AI handle the notes, just read what arrives in Notion.
Try all features free for the first month.