Vmaker - Free Screen, Webcam, and Video recording Tool (honest review)

Introduction

At the end of 2020, I completed my first season of free desktop recording software reviews. Today, I am excited to welcome you to the grand opening of Season 2. Kicking things off, today's focus is on Vmaker, a notable alternative to the well-known Loom video recording tool. Throughout this review, I will compare these two programs based on their features and usability while ensuring that I maintain my commitment to delivering honest assessments, regardless of sponsorships.

Overview of Vmaker

Vmaker is currently available for macOS and as a Chrome extension, with a Windows version expected to be released soon. It allows users to record their screens, webcam, or a combination of both. Key features include the ability to annotate, highlight mouse clicks, toggle between cameras, schedule recordings, customize screen sizes, and maintain a collaborative environment through shared folders and dashboards.

The program offers both free and professional versions; my review is focused solely on the free version. Here's how Vmaker stacks up against Loom.

Website and User Experience

Upon visiting the Vmaker website, users are greeted by a straightforward layout featuring an animation that showcases the software’s functionality. The simplicity of the design makes it easy to navigate. One appealing aspect of Vmaker is its catchy name—it’s unique and memorable. The website provides detailed use cases and features, along with a section for solutions that include additional programs offered by Vmaker.

Feature Comparison: Vmaker vs. Loom

When comparing Vmaker to Loom, there are several noteworthy differences:

Recording Quality: Vmaker allows recording at various resolutions, from 480p up to 4k HD. In contrast, Loom's free version is limited to lower resolutions.
Storage: Vmaker provides users with 15 GB of free cloud storage space, compared to Loom’s 5 GB.
Video Expiry Timeline: Users can set expiry dates for their videos.
Custom Branding: Branding options are available for users wanting a personalized experience.

Vmaker is cheaper than Loom, with plans starting at $ 7 per month versus Loom's $ 8 per month.

Getting Started with Vmaker

To start using Vmaker, the signup process is quick and straightforward. After registering, users can easily download the Chrome plugin. The installation process involves adding the extension to your browser, followed by logging into your account.

Once set up, recording is simple. Users can select from several options: screen recording, webcam recording, or a combination of both. There’s a neat countdown timer before recording initiates, which adds a touch of professionalism to the experience.

Recording Process

The recording interface includes a left-side toolbar that allows for easy navigation to pause, mic mute, or stop the recording. Vmaker also features a basic editor that allows users to trim videos post-recording. After recording, videos upload quickly to the dashboard where they can be played, edited, or downloaded immediately.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Lightweight and easy to use, especially as a Chrome extension.
Fast video upload and download speeds.
Allows for recording of specific browser tabs.
Good noise cancellation feature which enhances audio quality.

Cons:

Limited to a maximum recording quality of 480p, with a low bitrate that reduces video clarity.
Video names generated upon downloading are arbitrary and not user-friendly.
Lack of visible length indicators in the dashboard.

Conclusion

In summary, Vmaker is a solid option for teams looking for easy and quick tools to share screen recordings. However, while it excels in providing useful features for collaboration and is easy to use, its video quality leaves much to be desired for content creators focused on high-resolution desktop footage. In the realm it targets, Vmaker performs well, but it doesn't meet the needs of those aiming for polished, professional-grade video output.

I appreciate the opportunity to review Vmaker with complete transparency, and I'm hopeful that their future updates can enhance video quality. Keep an eye on my channel for more honest software reviews!

Keyword

Vmaker
Screen recording
Webcam recording
Video sharing
Online tool
Collaboration
Free vs. Professional versions
Chrome extension

FAQ

Q: Is Vmaker free to use?
A: Yes, Vmaker offers a free version, although it does have limitations compared to the professional plan.

Q: What operating systems does Vmaker support?
A: Vmaker is currently available for macOS and as a Chrome extension, with a Windows version in development.

Q: How much cloud storage do I get with Vmaker?
A: The free version of Vmaker provides 15 GB of cloud storage, significantly more than Loom's 5 GB.

Q: Can I record in HD quality?
A: The free version of Vmaker supports recording up to 480p, but higher resolutions are available in the professional version.

Q: Does Vmaker have a noise cancellation feature?
A: Yes, Vmaker includes a noise cancellation option that works effectively during recordings.