Apowersoft vs Bandicam: which one should you choose?
Quick answer: Choose Bandicam if screen and game recording is the main job, because it has a dedicated game recording mode, a free version and a one-time license at $53.90. Choose Apowersoft if you also need phone mirroring, video conversion or PDF tools, since its Apowersoft Unlimited bundle covers 13 products for US$59.95 a year.
Apowersoft vs Bandicam at a glance
| Apowersoft | Bandicam | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From US$12.95 (Screen Capture Pro); ApowerREC screen recorder from US$19.95 | $33.26/year (personal, 1 PC) |
| Free option | Free online tools for screen recording, audio recording and conversion | Free version; recordings capped at 5 minutes |
| One-time license | License terms are not shown for every product | $53.90 one-time (personal, 1 PC) |
| Bundle | Apowersoft Unlimited: 13 products for US$59.95/year | Bandicam + Bandicut video cutter: $49.97/year |
| Recorder platforms | ApowerREC records on Windows, Mac and iOS | Windows; separate Mac version |
| Game recording | Not listed | Game recording mode that detects the running game, with an FPS overlay |
| Best for | Recording screens and mirroring phones to a PC | Recording gameplay, tutorials and webcam videos |
From each official site, checked November 14, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you buy.
Key differences
- Bandicam is a single recorder for screen, game, webcam and external devices such as HDMI capture and consoles, while Apowersoft is a family of tools that includes a screen recorder, phone mirroring, video conversion and PDF editing.
- Bandicam has a game recording mode that detects the running game, which is not among Apowersoft's listed features.
- Apowersoft's ApowerMirror mirrors Android and iPhone screens to a computer, which Bandicam does not list.
- Bandicam shows clear annual and one-time prices, while Apowersoft lists starting prices and does not show the license term for every product.
- Bandicam's free version limits each recording to 5 minutes, while Apowersoft offers free browser-based tools for screen and audio recording.
In one line each
Apowersoft
Desktop and online tools for screen recording, phone mirroring, video conversion and PDF editing. Starting price: From US$12.95 (varies by product). Free plan / trial: Free online tools available. Best for: Recording screens and mirroring phones to a PC.
Read the full Apowersoft summary →Bandicam
Lightweight screen, game and webcam recorder for Windows and Mac with a free version. Starting price: $33.26/year (personal, 1 PC). Best for: Recording gameplay, tutorials and webcam videos.
Read the full Bandicam summary →Frequently asked questions
Does Apowersoft or Bandicam have a free version?
Both have free options. Bandicam's free version records without a watermark but caps each recording at 5 minutes, and exports with edits are watermarked. Apowersoft offers free online tools for screen recording, audio recording and conversion.
Which is better for recording games, Apowersoft or Bandicam?
Bandicam is the better fit for games. It has a game recording mode that detects the running game, a game FPS overlay and can record from consoles through HDMI capture. Apowersoft's ApowerREC is a general screen recorder.
Is Apowersoft cheaper than Bandicam?
It depends on what you need. ApowerREC starts from US$19.95, but the license term is not clearly listed, while Bandicam costs $33.26 a year or $53.90 one-time for one PC. If you need several tools, Apowersoft Unlimited covers 13 products for US$59.95 a year.
Can I use Bandicam or Apowersoft on a Mac?
Yes. Bandicam has a separate Mac version alongside its Windows app. Apowersoft's ApowerREC records the screen on Windows, Mac and iOS.
See all pc & phone utilities compared →
We summarise each product from its official website, pricing page and documentation. We don't run hands-on tests or give star ratings. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.