Camtasia vs Clipchamp: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Camtasia and Clipchamp 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: Clipchamp wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio. Pick Camtasia if you need screen recording.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Camtasia
Record and edit polished videos without prior experience
Best for you if:
- • You want good screen recording
- • You want video editing included
Clipchamp
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want free video editor
- • You want microsoft owned
| At a Glance | Camtasia | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $39.84/moStarter | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Video Editing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Camtasia or Clipchamp?
Choose Camtasia if
Record and edit polished videos without prior experience
- You want good screen recording
- You want video editing included
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not video editing-shaped
Choose Clipchamp if
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want free video editor
- You want microsoft owned
- Your work is video editing-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
| Feature | Camtasia | Clipchamp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 2,217 reviews | ★3.5/5 5,150 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingVideo Editing | Video EditingScreen Recording |
In-Depth Analysis
Camtasia
Record and edit polished videos without prior experience
Camtasia's pricing, particularly the Starter tier at $39.84/year, appears very generous for its feature set, especially with Snagit included.
Strengths
- +Good screen recording
- +Video editing included
- +Good for tutorials
- +Templates
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Subscription now
- -Heavy application
- -Learning curve
- -Updates cost extra
Key features
Clipchamp
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
Clipchamp's pricing is incredibly generous, offering a robust free tier with 1080p exports and a premium tier included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Strengths
- +Free video editor
- +Microsoft owned
- +Browser-based
- +Good for simple edits
- +Windows integration
Weaknesses
- -Limited features
- -Export quality varies
- -Watermark on free
- -Less powerful than alternatives
- -Template limitations
Key features
Pricing: Camtasia vs Clipchamp
| Plan | Camtasia | Clipchamp |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $39.84 Starter | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $183.75 Essentials | Included with Microsoft 365 Premium |
| Tier 3 | $254.36 Create | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $611.89 Pro | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Camtasia pricing and Clipchamp pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Clipchamp has a free tier. Camtasia is paid only.
Go with: Clipchamp
Want the highest-rated option?
Camtasia: 4.6/5 (2,217 reviews). Clipchamp: 3.5/5 (5,150 reviews).
Go with: Camtasia
Value user reviews?
Camtasia: 2,217 reviews (4.6/5). Clipchamp: 5,150 reviews (3.5/5).
Go with: Clipchamp
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Camtasia is paid. Clipchamp is freemium. Clipchamp lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Camtasia is a screen recording tool. Clipchamp is in video editing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Camtasia is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 3.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Clipchamp
- Larger review base (5,150 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Camtasia
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.5/5
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
Clipchamp wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camtasia or Clipchamp better?
Clipchamp is rated in our evaluation. Camtasia is paid and Clipchamp is freemium.
What are Camtasia and Clipchamp used for?
Camtasia: Record and edit polished videos without prior experience. Clipchamp: Browser-based video editor by Microsoft.
What does Camtasia cost vs Clipchamp?
Camtasia is a paid tool. Clipchamp is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.