NVIDIA ShadowPlay
NVIDIA ShadowPlay: A free Windows recorder with high-resolution capture for NVIDIA GPU users. Ranked #4 of 30 in Game Recording Software by our editors (8.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free high-resolution NVIDIA GPU capture.
At a glance
- Editor score8.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree high-resolution NVIDIA GPU capture
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Instant replayYes
- Founded1993 · Santa Clara, California, United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free access to manual recording, Instant Replay, and Highlights
- Captures up to 8K HDR at 30 fps or 4K HDR at 120 fps
- Supports Twitch, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live integrations
Where it doesn't
- Requires a Windows PC with an NVIDIA GPU
- AV1 recording is limited to supported RTX 40-series GPUs
- Capture capabilities vary by GPU model, codec, and settings
Our verdict on NVIDIA ShadowPlay
NVIDIA ShadowPlay is gameplay capture software delivered through the NVIDIA App for PC gamers and creators using NVIDIA GPUs. It covers manual gameplay recording, DVR-style Instant Replay, Automatic Highlights capture, screenshots, microphone recording, and configurable video settings. The in-game overlay provides access to recording controls and configurable hotkeys, while the Gallery organizes captured content. Its audience is therefore focused on Windows users who already have compatible NVIDIA hardware and want recording integrated with their graphics software.
Its strongest area is capture flexibility. NVIDIA documents recording up to 8K HDR at 30 fps or 4K HDR at 120 fps, giving users options for high-resolution or high-frame-rate footage. AV1 video recording is available on supported RTX 40-series GPUs. The software also supports microphone recording and push-to-talk controls, so gameplay clips can include voice input. Instant Replay suits users who want to preserve recent gameplay without relying only on manual recording, while Automatic Highlights can capture selected in-game moments.
ShadowPlay is free and includes the core recording features without a paid tier. Livestream integrations cover Facebook Live, Twitch, and YouTube Live. The main constraint is platform and hardware dependence: ShadowPlay is for Windows, and available capture capabilities depend on the GPU model, codec, and settings. Users with a compatible NVIDIA GPU should pick it for free, high-resolution capture and a built-in overlay. Users who need broader hardware or platform support should choose a recorder designed for systems beyond NVIDIA Windows PCs.
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NVIDIA ShadowPlay pricing
NVIDIA ShadowPlay fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Instant replay | Yes |
| Capture resolution | 8k |
| Recording modes | Multi-mode |
| Watermark-free video | Not verified |
| GPU encoding | Yes |
| Webcam overlay | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Windows |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Live chat, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Facebook Live, Twitch, YouTube Live |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | nvidia.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
NVIDIA ShadowPlay integrations
NVIDIA ShadowPlay lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Facebook Live
- Twitch
- YouTube Live
Alternatives to NVIDIA ShadowPlay
- OBS StudioA flexible free recorder and streaming tool for creators who want control.9.3
- SteelSeries MomentsA free Windows clip editor with automatic highlights, multi-track audio, and direct sharing.9.1
- OutplayedA versatile Windows recorder for automatic highlights, full sessions, and clip sharing.9.0
See all NVIDIA ShadowPlay alternatives →
NVIDIA ShadowPlay vs the competition
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay vs OBS Studio
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay vs SteelSeries Moments
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay vs Outplayed
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay vs Bandicam
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay vs Medal
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay vs Streamlabs Highlighter
Compare NVIDIA ShadowPlay with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
NVIDIA ShadowPlay is ranked in 5 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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