Screen Recording on X11
X11 recorders can capture the display directly rather than asking a Wayland portal for a stream. FFmpeg documents this through its x11grab input, which can capture a display, region, or window ID. Desktop apps add source selection, audio, controls, and editing around that capture path.
Why Screenix is the better value
One Linux app. $39/year or $59 once.
Record, polish, edit, transcribe, and share without stacking separate tools or giving up local ownership.
Native Linux
Direct X11 and portal-based capture on supported Wayland desktops
One complete workflow
Record, polish, edit, transcribe, and share
Your files, your choice
Keep recordings local, use hosted sharing, or bring your own storage
Simple pricing
$39/yr with hosted sharing or $59 lifetime with your own storage
4 Best X11 Screen Recorders
Compared for full-screen, window, region, audio, and editing
Screenix
Best for captures that need annotation or a finished video
Pros
- Screen and window selection
- Microphone and system audio
- Reconstructed cursor motion and click-generated zooms
- Built-in editing and MP4 export
Cons
- Paid after the trial: $39/yr or $59 lifetime
- No livestreaming mode
OBS Studio
Best for X11 streaming and complex scenes
Pros
- XSHM display capture
- Window and source composition
- Audio mixer and streaming
Cons
- Scene setup required
- No tutorial editor
SimpleScreenRecorder
Purpose-built GUI recorder for X11
Pros
- Whole screen, region, and OpenGL capture
- Audio synchronization
- Pause, preview, and codec controls
Cons
- No native Wayland capture
- No annotation or automatic zooms
FFmpeg x11grab
Best scriptable low-level option
Pros
- Officially supports display, region, and window-ID capture
- Controls frame rate, cursor visibility, and region display
- Easy to automate
Cons
- Command-line only
- Audio must be added as a separate input
- No interactive editor