CleanShot X vs Loom
Quick verdict
CleanShot X and Loom are both excellent screen recording tools, and the right pick depends on what you need. CleanShot X is the screenshot and screen-recording tool for Mac power users, while Loom is record quick video messages of your screen and camera. For most people, Loom is the safer default thanks to its wider adoption — but CleanShot X can be the better fit for the right workflow.
CleanShot X vs Loom is one of those comparisons that comes up again and again. Both are strong screen recording tools, both have loyal fans, and both could be the right call depending on your situation.
We track hundreds of screen recording tools on DesignBookmark, so we've put them side by side below: what each one is, where they overlap, how they differ, and a clear answer to which you should choose.
No fluff and no fabricated benchmarks — just an honest, practical comparison to help you decide fast.
At a glance
| CleanShot X | Loom | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| On DesignBookmark | Listed | Featured pick |
| Categories | 2 | 1 |
Pricing is a general guide and changes often — always confirm current plans on each tool's site.
What they have in common
At a high level, CleanShot X and Loom are after the same thing. Both sit in our screen recording category, both are aimed at designers, developers and creators, and both are built to make that job faster and more enjoyable.
So if you're only going to use one, you won't be missing out on the fundamentals either way — the question is which one's particular take on screen recording tool suits you best. That's what the rest of this comparison digs into.
CleanShot X
At its core, CleanShot X is the screenshot and screen-recording tool for Mac power users. Its biggest strength is the everyday experience — the small details are thought through, so it gets out of your way and lets you work.
Against Loom, it tends to win people over when a clean, familiar workflow is the priority. On the pricing side, CleanShot X is generally freemium — always click through to confirm current plans, since they change often.
Loom
At its core, Loom is record quick video messages of your screen and camera. What stands out is how focused and dependable it feels: it does what it promises, release after release.
Compared with CleanShot X, it's the one to reach for when you'd rather not fight the interface to get started. On the pricing side, Loom is generally freemium — always click through to confirm current plans, since they change often.
How to choose between CleanShot X and Loom
Pick CleanShot X
Choose CleanShot X if you'd rather have one screen recording tool that stretches across more of your workflow.
Pick Loom
Choose Loom if you want the more established, widely-adopted pick that most people reach for first, and you prefer a focused screen recording tool that does its core job exceptionally well.
Pricing & how you'll pay
CleanShot X and Loom use broadly similar pricing models, so cost is unlikely to be the deciding factor. Focus instead on which one fits your workflow — and always confirm the latest plans on each site, since pricing changes often.
Workflow & learning curve
The best screen recording tool is the one that disappears into your routine. Think about which interface feels more natural to you, which integrates with the apps you already use, and which you'd actually open every day. A short free trial of each tells you more than any feature chart.
Scope — all-rounder or specialist
CleanShot X stretches across more of the workflow, which is handy if you want fewer tools to juggle. Loom is more focused, which often means it does its core job better. Decide whether you want breadth or depth.
Momentum & community
A tool is only as good as the team and community behind it. Both CleanShot X and Loom are actively maintained and listed on DesignBookmark for that reason — but it's worth a quick look at each one's changelog and community to see which is moving in a direction you like.
Frequently asked questions
Is CleanShot X better than Loom?+
Neither is universally "better" — they're both strong screen recording tools, which is why people compare them. CleanShot X suits you if you want the screenshot and screen-recording tool for Mac power users; Loom suits you if you want record quick video messages of your screen and camera. The best way to decide is to try both on a real project.
What's the difference between CleanShot X and Loom?+
They overlap a lot — both are screen recording tools aimed at the same audience. The practical difference is emphasis: CleanShot X is the screenshot and screen-recording tool for Mac power users, whereas Loom is record quick video messages of your screen and camera. That shapes which workflows each one feels best for.
Is CleanShot X or Loom cheaper?+
Their pricing models are broadly similar (CleanShot X is freemium, Loom is freemium), so cost isn't the deciding factor for most people. Check each site for the current plans, since they change regularly.
Can I use CleanShot X and Loom together?+
Often, yes. Plenty of people use more than one screen recording tool side by side — one as their main driver and another for the things it does best. There's no rule that says you must pick only one, though most settle on a primary tool over time.
Is there a free version of CleanShot X or Loom?+
Both generally offer a free or freemium way in, so you can try CleanShot X and Loom before paying for either.
The bottom line
The bottom line: Loom is the easier one to recommend as a default, but there's no wrong answer between CleanShot X and Loom — they're both genuinely good screen recording tools. Re-read the "how to choose" points above, take whichever one speaks to you for a quick spin, and keep the one that earns a permanent place in your workflow.