Cap vs CleanShot X: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026

Cap

Open Source Screen Recording with AI Features

Screen Recording Async Video Messaging

CleanShot X

Professional Mac Screenshot Tool

Screen Recording GIF Creators+1 more

Cap

Open Source Screen Recording with AI Features

Screen Recording Async Video Messaging

CleanShot X

Professional Mac Screenshot Tool

Screen Recording GIF Creators+1 more

Cap

Cap is a screen recording application that offers two recording modes for different needs. Instant Mode lets you record and share immediately with automatic transcription and chapter generation. Studio Mode provides local recording with a full editing timeline for professional content creation.

The tool includes AI-powered features that automatically create titles, summaries, and chapters for each recording. You can record in up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, with separate tracks for screen, webcam, and audio.

Cap is completely open source, meaning you can see how it works and even host it yourself. It supports both quick team communication and high-quality content production in one application.

CleanShot X

CleanShot X is an all-in-one screenshot and screen recording application designed for macOS. It goes far beyond basic screen capture by offering professional editing tools, cloud storage, and intelligent features that save time and improve the quality of your captures.

You can take screenshots of specific areas, full screens, windows, or even entire scrolling pages. The app includes a built-in editor with annotation tools like arrows, text, shapes, highlights, and blur effects. It can also hide desktop icons automatically, add custom backgrounds, and freeze your screen to capture tricky elements like dropdown menus.

For screen recordings, CleanShot X lets you create videos or GIFs with system audio, mouse clicks, and keyboard shortcuts visible. Everything integrates smoothly with its cloud service for instant sharing via links.

Features of Cap and CleanShot X

Cap

Instant and Studio recording modes
4K 60fps screen capture
AI-generated titles, summaries, and chapters
Professional timeline editor
Custom S3 bucket support
Password-protected sharing
Viewer analytics and engagement tracking
Native Mac and Windows apps
Export to MP4 and GIF
Open source with self-hosting option

CleanShot X

Multiple screenshot modes with smart window detection
Professional annotation and editing tools
Automatic desktop icon hiding
Screen freeze for difficult captures
Scrolling capture for long pages
Screen recording with audio and GIF creation
Cloud storage with instant shareable links
OCR text extraction from images
Custom backgrounds and branding
Capture history to retrieve recent screenshots

Use Cases of Cap and CleanShot X

Cap

Screen Recording Quick Update Sharing Feedback Sharing Bug Report Creation

CleanShot X

Screen Recording Screenshot Capturing Screenshot Annotation Bug Report Creation GIF Creation

Pricing of Cap and CleanShot X

Cap

Cap offers flexible pricing to match different needs and budgets.

The free version lets you start recording immediately with basic features and shareable links up to 5 minutes long. This is perfect for trying out Cap and casual use.

Desktop License is designed for individual professionals who need unlimited local recording and editing. It costs $29 per year or $58 as a one-time payment. This includes Studio Mode, commercial usage rights, unlimited local recordings, and the ability to export to any format.

Cap Pro is the best value option for teams and power users. At $12 per month per user (billed monthly) or $8.20 per month per user (billed annually, saving 32%), it includes everything from Desktop License plus unlimited cloud storage, AI features, custom domains, and team workspaces.

For large organizations, Cap for Enterprise offers custom pricing with advanced security, priority support, SAML SSO, and bulk discounts.

CleanShot X

CleanShot X offers flexible pricing to match different needs. The basic plan provides excellent value for individual users.

App + Cloud Basic costs $29 as a one-time payment. This includes the full Mac app to keep forever, one year of free updates, and 1GB of cloud storage. After the first year, you can optionally renew for $19 per year to get continued updates, or simply keep using the version you have without renewing. Students and existing PixelSnap 2 users receive special discounts.

App + Cloud Pro is designed for teams and power users at $8 per user per month when billed annually, or $10 per month when billed monthly. This includes access to the Mac app for all team members, unlimited cloud storage, custom domain and branding options, password-protected links with self-destruct controls, and advanced team management features including single sign-on.