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Whether you’re hosting a lecture or recording a podcast, sharing your screen can engage your audience. So, how can you get started? Luckily, there are plenty of apps and programs you can use to help you along the way.
In this guide, we will take a look at 11 of the best screen-sharing software and apps, and how to choose which is best for you.
What is Screen Sharing Software?
Want to get started and share your screen with ease? Your answer is screen-sharing software. This software allows you to project or display your screen with others online. You’d use this for online presentations, demos or meetings.
Most screen-sharing software also offers recording capabilities so you can capture your screen for later use.
Not sure what software to choose? Read on, and we’ll guide you.
Why should you use an app or software dedicated to screen sharing?
Using specialized screen-sharing apps or software ensures a seamless and feature-rich experience since they are purpose-built for screen-sharing. They are also more secure, protecting your data and privacy during screen sharing. Here are some of the reasons that you may want to use screen-sharing software:
- Seamless experience: When you’re sharing your screen, you want everything to run smoothly. Using the best software means that your experience is uninterrupted.
- More secure. Chances are, you don’t want the whole world to see what you’re sharing. In that case, it’s important to use screen-sharing software that protects your content and makes sure everything is secure.
- High-quality recording: Using screen-sharing software means that the content you produce will be high quality. The software is likely to record in higher quality than built-in apps or keyboard shortcuts.
- No need to send large files. When you use screen-sharing software, there is no need to send large files. Instead, you can use the screen-sharing feature and simply show your audience what is on your screen.
What to consider when choosing screen-sharing software
Before you get started and delve into the screen-sharing software out there, let’s talk about what you need to be looking out for. Here are some of the factors.
- Cost: Evaluate the pricing model of the software, whether it's a one-time purchase, subscription, or free. Also, consider your budget and how the cost aligns with the features and capabilities you need.
- Features: What does the software offer you? Look out for capabilities like screen recording, annotation tools, remote control, multi-platform support, and the ability to share specific applications or individual screens.
- Compatibility: You should make sure that the software is compatible with your operating system and the devices you intend to use. Figure out whether you want to use a computer or a smartphone.
- Security: Security is a must! Look for software that uses end-to-end encryption and other security features like two-step authentication methods and privacy controls to protect your data from unauthorized access.
- Ease of Use: If you’re new to this type of software, ease of use should be your number one priority. Consider the software's user interface and overall ease of use to save time by reducing the learning curve for both you and your participants.
- Collaboration Tools: Collaboration should be simple. If you need to collaborate during screen-sharing sessions, look for software that offers additional collaboration tools such as chat, file sharing, and whiteboarding.
- Recording capabilities: Before you choose the right screen sharing software, consider how well it records. You need to know what the video spec is ahead of getting started, especially if you are going to publish the video.
6 Best screen sharing software for Mac & Windows PCs
Now that you know what to look out for in your screen-sharing software, it’s time to look into some of the options. Here are six that you can use on Mac and Windows PCs.
1. Riverside
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Price: Free Plan, $15/month for the Standard Plan, $24/month for the Pro Plan, Business plan on request
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
For a quick screen capture, you can check out Riverside's online screen recorder tool.
But if you sign up for a Riverside account, you'll get tons more features!
Riverside is an affordable video creation platform with screen-sharing capabilities. You can set up your own virtual studio in which you can record your content and interact with others in real-time. Invite up to 9 guests and 1000 live audience members to your recording. At the click of a button, you can share your screen with every member in the studio in live time. If you’re recording a presentation, then upload your slides and record them in 4K resolution. You can even assign slide controls to a guest so you can focus on what counts.
Beyond screen sharing, Riverside offers high-quality local recordings, an easy text-based editor and automatic AI transcriptions.
Key features
- Create a virtual studio and record in up to 4K video and 48kHz audio resolution
- Host live recordings and share your screen effortlessly
- Edit as easily as reading through a transcript with our Text-based editor
- Separate screen, video and audio tracks for each participant to give you more editing flexibility
- Presentation recorder so you can upload and record high-quality slides effortlessly
- Local video and audio recording so everything records directly on your device instead of relying on your internet connection
- Automatic AI-generated transcriptions available in over 100 languages
- Producer mode allows you to hand over controls while you focus on what counts
Pros
- All in one screen sharing and video recording
- Easy to use for people of any level
- Host multiple users in real-time
- High-end recording capabilities
- Real-time audience questions
- Can assign others control of presentation slides
- Local recordings for presentation slides
Cons
- May have features you don’t need
Best for: Recording live content with guests and audiences
2. Zoom
Price: Free for basic features, while the paid plan starts at $14.99/month/host
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS
Zoom is a widely used video conferencing and screen-sharing platform thanks to its user-friendly interface and reliability. It offers seamless screen-sharing capabilities, allowing participants to view your screen in real-time.
Key Features
- Annotation and whiteboarding tools
- Cross-platform support
- Recording and cloud storage options
Pros
- Easy to use, with a large user base
- Consistent performance and video quality
- Extensive features for both free and paid users
Cons
- Some advanced features require a paid subscription
Best For: Business meetings, educational purposes, webinars, and virtual collaboration
3. Google Meet
Price: Free
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS
Google Meet is a video conferencing and screen-sharing platform. It is part of the G Suite (now Google Workspace) suite of productivity tools. Many workplaces use this technology within the business to connect workers and streamline productivity.
Key Features
- High-quality screen sharing
- Integration with Google Workspace apps
- Real-time chat and reactions
- Collaborate with the team using whiteboards
- Join break-out rooms to chat
Pros
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace tools
- User-friendly interface
- Works well for impromptu meetings
Cons
- Limited features compared to some dedicated webinar platforms
Best For: Virtual meetings, small to medium-sized team collaboration, and anyone already using Google Workspace for productivity
4. Microsoft Teams
Price: Basic Plan: Free, Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6.00/month, Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/month, Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $22.00/month
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS
Microsoft Teams a collaboration platform that allows users to host video meetings and share their screens. It also integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 applications, providing a comprehensive productivity suite.
Key Features
- Work on files simultaneously while screen sharing
- Integration with Microsoft 365 apps like Word and Excel
- Chat, file sharing, and collaboration tools
Pros
- Robust collaboration features
- Well-suited for businesses of all sizes
Cons
- Some features may require a Microsoft 365 subscription
- The user interface can be complex for first-time users
Best For: Organizations using Microsoft 365
5. AnyDesk
Price: Free for personal use, while the Business plan starts at $14.90/month.
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
AnyDesk is a remote desktop software famous for its fast connection speeds and low latency. This program allows users to access and control remote computers or share their screens with others.
Key Features
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Security features like encryption
- File transfer and clipboard sharing
Pros
- Exceptional speed and performance
- Minimal latency for real-time interactions
Cons
- Its advanced features require a paid subscription
Best For: Providing real-time technical support
5. TeamViewer
Price: Free for personal use, while the Business plan starts at $14.90/month
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS devices
TeamViewer is a screen-sharing software that allows users to access and control remote computers. It also offers secure connections for sharing screens and files across different platforms.
Key Features
- Remote control of computers
- File transfer and sharing
- Meeting and presentation features
Pros
- Reliable performance and security
- Suitable for both personal and business use
Cons
- The free version is for personal use only
Best For: Technical support among IT professionals
5 Best screen sharing apps for iOS & Android
But wait, what if you want to screen-share on your smartphone? Don’t worry — there are plenty of programs and apps that you can use. Here are five options.
1. AirDroid Cast
Price: Free with in-app purchases (Basic Plan is $12/device/year while the Standard Plan is $21/device/year)
Compatibility: iOS, Android
AirDroid Cast is a screen-sharing and remote control app that allows users to mirror their mobile device screen to any device, including TVs, computers, and other smartphones.
Key Features
- High-quality screen sharing
- Remote control of Android devices
- Cross-platform support
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Powerful and versatile
Cons
- Most of its advanced features require a paid upgrade
Best For: Tech support and presentations
2. LetsView
Price: Free with in-app purchases starting from $19.95 /user/month
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
LetsView is a versatile and easy-to-use screen-sharing software that allows users to share their screens across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
Key Features
- Wireless connection via Wi-Fi
- Annotation and drawing tools
- Screen recording capability
Pros
- Broad compatibility across different devices and operating systems
- Supports both wired and wireless screen-sharing
Cons
- It may not be suitable for business use
Best For: Personal and professional use, including presentations and collaborative work
3. Vysor
Price: Basic Plan - Free, Vysor Pro - $2.50/month
Compatibility: Android (with a Chrome extension available for Windows and macOS)
Vysor is a screen mirroring and sharing solution primarily designed for Android devices. It allows users to mirror their Android screens on a computer (Windows or macOS). You can do this using a Chrome browser extension or a dedicated desktop app.
Key Features
- Android screen mirroring on a computer
- Remote control of Android devices
- Drag-and-drop file transfer
Pros
- Easy setup and connection
- Allows wireless or USB-connected screen sharing
Cons
- Limited to Android devices
Best For: Android app developers and tech enthusiasts
4. GoToMeeting
Price: Free for basic features. Paid plans start at $14.99/month/host
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows
GoToMeeting is a well-known online meeting and video conferencing platform with robust screen-sharing capabilities for effective presentations and discussions.
Key Features
- Integrated audio and video conferencing
- Meeting recording and transcription capability
- Mobile apps for on-the-go meetings
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Strong security features
Cons
- Limited features in the free trial
Best For: Virtual meetings, webinars, and collaborative sessions
5. BlueJeans
Price: Basic, $9.99/month/host for up to 50 participants, Pro, $17.99/month/host and the Enterprise plan, $29.99/month/hos
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices
BlueJeans is a cloud-based video conferencing and screen-sharing platform that provides a range of features for hosting virtual meetings, webinars, and collaborative sessions.
Key Features
- High-definition screen sharing
- Dolby Voice audio technology
Pros
- Offers integrations with popular productivity and collaboration tools, enhancing productivity
- Supports multiple platforms
Cons
- May depend on internet speed
Best For: Online training sessions and educational purposes
FAQs on Screen Sharing Software & Apps
What is the easiest screen sharing app?
The ease of use can vary depending on individual preferences, but some of the most user-friendly screen-sharing apps include Riverside, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and LetsView.
What apps allow screen sharing on FaceTime?
Although no apps allow screen sharing on FaceTime, Apple now enables iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to perform this action. However, your Mac needs to be running macOS 12.1 or the latest update, while your iPhone/iPad must at least be operating on the 15.1 OS or the latest version.
How do I share my screen with someone?
Of course, the specific steps involved will vary depending on the app you are using. However, most screen-sharing apps follow this process:
- Open the screen-sharing app
- Select the device you want to share your screen with
- Start the screen-sharing session
Once the screen-sharing session has started, the other person can see your screen. You can then share whatever you want with them, such as a presentation, a document, or a video.
Can I share my screen with another phone?
Yes, you can share your screen with another phone by installing a screen-sharing app on both devices and following the steps above to start the session. In this guide, we have covered some of the main screen-sharing apps you can use.
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