Cap vs Loom: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Cap 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Cap
Beautiful, shareable, and secure screen recordings with full ownership and open-source transparency.
Best for you if:
- • Open-source, cross-platform screen recorder with instant sharing and local editing.
- • Offers data ownership with custom S3 bucket support and privacy-by-default options.
Loom
Record screen and camera for async video messages
Best for you if:
- • Async video messaging for teams
- • Screen and camera recording
| At a Glance |  Cap |  Loom |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Cap or Loom?
Choose Cap if
Beautiful, shareable, and secure screen recordings with full ownership and open-source transparency.
- Open-source and transparent, allowing for self-hosting and community contributions.
- Prioritizes user privacy and data ownership with custom S3 integration.
- Offers both quick sharing and high-quality local editing modes.
Choose Loom if
Record screen and camera for async video messages
- Faster than writing long emails
- AI transcriptions in 50+ languages
- Easy screen and camera recording
| Feature | Cap | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 5,060 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingVideo Editing | Screen RecordingCommunication |
In-Depth Analysis
Cap
Beautiful, shareable, and secure screen recordings with full ownership and open-source transparency.
Strengths
- +Open-source and transparent, allowing for self-hosting and community contributions.
- +Prioritizes user privacy and data ownership with custom S3 integration.
- +Offers both quick sharing and high-quality local editing modes.
- +Native applications for macOS and Windows provide a smooth user experience.
- +AI features automate content organization and summarization, saving time.
Weaknesses
- -Free version has limitations on shareable link duration (5 minutes).
- -Advanced features like unlimited cloud storage and custom domains require a paid subscription.
Key features
Loom
Record screen and camera for async video messages
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: Cap vs Loom
| Plan | Cap | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 forever Free | Free Starter |
| Tier 2 | $58 / lifetime Desktop License | $15 Business |
| Tier 3 | $29 / year Desktop License | $20 Business + AI |
| Tier 4 | $8.16/mo per user, billed annually Cap Pro | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 5 | $12/mo per user, billed monthly Cap Pro | N/A |
| Tier 6 | Contact us for a quote Cap for Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Cap pricing and Loom pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Cap
Want the highest-rated option?
Loom is rated 4.7/5. Cap has no ratings yet.
Go with: Loom
Value user reviews?
Cap: no ratings yet. Loom: 5,060 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Loom
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are screen recording tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Loom is rated 4.7/5; Cap has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Loom
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Cap
- Choose if you want beautiful, shareable, and secure screen recordings with full ownership and open-source transparency
The Bottom Line
Loom is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cap or Loom better?
Loom is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Cap and Loom used for?
Cap: Beautiful, shareable, and secure screen recordings with full ownership and open-source transparency.. Loom: Record screen and camera for async video messages.
What does Cap cost vs Loom?
Cap is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Loom is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.