Compared with CleanShot X
CleanShot X screen recording, compared
CleanShot X is a much-loved Mac toolkit for screenshots and recordings, and version 5 added Studio Mode. Here’s how its recording compares.
In short
CleanShot X records a window, full screen or area with microphone, computer audio and a webcam, and version 5’s Studio Mode adds Smart Zoom that follows the cursor, cursor smoothing, motion blur, backgrounds and a video editor. It’s also a full screenshot tool with optional cloud links. ScreenRecordii is built around video only: zooms from clicks, captions, a secrets scan, callouts, a brand kit, chapters and written guides. Pick CleanShot X for an all-round capture tool; pick ScreenRecordii for videos people will watch.
- ScreenRecordii
- Mac app · records and edits locally · MP4, GIF, guides
- CleanShot X
- Mac toolkit for screenshots, recordings and cloud sharing
- Pick ScreenRecordii for
- Captions, guides, callouts, brand kits and chapters for finished videos
- Pick CleanShot X for
- One tool for screenshots, annotations and recordings, with cloud links
What CleanShot X is
CleanShot X calls itself “the Mac-native toolkit for screenshots, recordings and collaboration,” designed exclusively for macOS 13 or newer. It records with microphone and computer audio, a webcam bubble, click highlights and keystrokes. CleanShot X 5.0, released 1 September 2026, added Studio Mode: Smart Zoom (“smooth zooms that follow your cursor”), cursor smoothing, motion blur, backgrounds and a new video editor. CleanShot Cloud adds share links, but isn’t required.
From cleanshot.com, features, changelog, FAQ, read 2026-11-07.
Side by side
| ScreenRecordii | CleanShot X | |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | 14 or later | 13.0 or newer |
| Screenshots and annotation | No | Yes, its core |
| Automatic zooms | From clicks, framing the clicked control | Smart Zoom follows the cursor |
| Cursor smoothing, backgrounds | Yes | Yes (Studio Mode) |
| Captions | On-device | Not stated |
| Blur in video | Masks and an on-device secrets scan | Not stated (blur for screenshots) |
| Callouts, brand kit, chapters | Yes | Not stated |
| Written guide | Yes | Not stated |
| Cloud links | No | Optional CleanShot Cloud |
| Export | MP4 up to 4K 60, GIF, guides | MP4 (H.264), GIF |
“Not stated” means we couldn’t find it on their site, not that it’s missing. Tell us if something has changed.
Where ScreenRecordii is different
Captions and transcript cuts
On-device captions, and cuts by deleting words.
Privacy in video
Secrets found on screen and blurred as they scroll.
Made for publishing
Step badges, brand kits, chapters, and presets for YouTube, social and README GIFs.
Guides
A written walkthrough from the same take.
When CleanShot X is the better pick
- You want one app for screenshots, annotation, OCR and recording.
- You want optional cloud links with team features.
- You’re on macOS 13.
- You already buy apps through Setapp.
Questions
Does CleanShot X zoom automatically now?
Yes. CleanShot X 5’s Studio Mode adds Smart Zoom that follows your cursor.
Can I use both?
Yes. They overlap on recording, but CleanShot X is also a screenshot tool, which ScreenRecordii isn’t.
Keep reading
- Screen Studio alternativeTwo Mac recorders that zoom and frame automatically, and where they differ.
- Snagit alternativeScreenshots first, or video first: how they differ on a Mac.
- Screen recording to GIFTurn a screen recording into a small, sharp GIF for a README, docs or chat.
- Best screen recorder for MacThe main Mac screen recorders in 2026, what each is best at, and how to choose.
- Mac screen recorderRecord a display, window or area with camera and sound, already zoomed, smoothed and framed.
Hit record.
ScreenRecordii is in early access for macOS 14 and later.