CleanShot X vs Tella: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CleanShot X and Tella 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:
CleanShot X
Superior screenshot and screen recording for Mac
Best for you if:
- • Premium Mac screenshot tool
- • Screen recording included
Tella
Beautiful screen recordings
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Screen recorder with teleprompter
- • Create tutorials and demos easily
| At a Glance |  CleanShot X | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | CleanShot X | Tella |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 204 |
| Categories | Screen RecordingScreenshot Tools | Screen RecordingVideo Editing |
Understanding the Differences
Both CleanShot X and Tella solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.CleanShot X positions itself as "superior screenshot and screen recording for mac" while Tellafocuses on "beautiful screen recordings". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose CleanShot X
CleanShot X makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Tella
Tella is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 82/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Tella won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Tella
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Tella is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Tella
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. CleanShot X is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: CleanShot X
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Tella has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Tella higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Tella more (204 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Tella Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider CleanShot X If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Tella (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Tella scores higher in our analysis, but CleanShot X might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CleanShot X or Tella better?
Based on our analysis, Tella scores higher with 82/100. CleanShot X ispaid while Tella is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from CleanShot X to Tella easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do CleanShot X and Tella offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. CleanShot X is paid with potential trial.Tella is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.