Bandicam vs Loom: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Bandicam and Loom comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Loom wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio. Pick Bandicam if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Bandicam
Capture anything on your PC screen with high-quality video and superior performance.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Loom requires payment)
- • You want lightweight and high-performance software
- • You want supports 4K UHD video and high frame rates for gaming
Loom
Record screen and camera for async video messages
Best for you if:
- • You want faster than writing long emails
- • You want aI transcriptions in 50+ languages
| At a Glance | Bandicam | Loom |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Bandicam or Loom?
Choose Bandicam if
Capture anything on your PC screen with high-quality video and superior performance.
- You want a fully free tool (Loom requires payment)
- You want lightweight and high-performance software
- You want supports 4K UHD video and high frame rates for gaming
Choose Loom if
Record screen and camera for async video messages
- You want faster than writing long emails
- You want aI transcriptions in 50+ languages
| Feature | Bandicam | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 358 reviews | ★4.7/5 2,944 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingScreenshot Tools | Screen RecordingCommunication |
In-Depth Analysis
Bandicam
Capture anything on your PC screen with high-quality video and superior performance.
Bandicam's pricing is extremely generous with its free download option, making it accessible to anyone needing basic screen capture.
Watch out
Potential watermarks on free version
Strengths
- +Lightweight and high-performance software
- +Supports 4K UHD video and high frame rates for gaming
- +Versatile recording options including screen, game, and external devices
- +Includes useful features like real-time drawing and scheduled recording
- +Maintains high video quality with good compression
Weaknesses
- -Primarily for Windows (a macOS version is available)
- -Personal license does not include an invoice
- -Perpetual license only guarantees updates within the same software title
Key features
Loom
Record screen and camera for async video messages
Loom's pricing is generally fair, offering a generous free tier for basic use.
Watch out
AI features are an additional $5/user/month.
Strengths
- +Faster than writing long emails
- +AI transcriptions in 50+ languages
- +Easy screen and camera recording
Weaknesses
- -Video quality limited on free tier
- -Storage limits for free users
Key features
Pricing: Bandicam vs Loom
| Plan | Bandicam | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Download | Free Starter |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $15 Business |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $20 Business + AI |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Bandicam pricing and Loom pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Bandicam is free. Loom is freemium.
Go with: Bandicam
Want the highest-rated option?
Bandicam: 4.2/5 (358 reviews). Loom: 4.7/5 (2,944 reviews).
Go with: Loom
Value user reviews?
Bandicam: 358 reviews (4.2/5). Loom: 2,944 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Loom
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Bandicam is free. Loom is freemium. Go with Bandicam if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are screen recording tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Loom is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Loom
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (2,944 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Bandicam
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Loom wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio. That said, Bandicam is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bandicam or Loom better?
Loom is rated in our evaluation. Bandicam is free and Loom is freemium.
What are Bandicam and Loom used for?
Bandicam: Capture anything on your PC screen with high-quality video and superior performance.. Loom: Record screen and camera for async video messages.
What does Bandicam cost vs Loom?
Bandicam is completely free. Loom is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.