Lumiko vs Screencastify: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Lumiko and Screencastify 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: Screencastify wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio. Pick Lumiko if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Lumiko
Record, edit, and share screen videos locally with smart zoom
Best for you if:
- • You want free tier includes unlimited recording, auto-zoom, and up to 1440p exports with no time limits
- • You want all processing is local, no cloud upload, ensuring privacy and instant rendering
Screencastify
Record, edit, and engage with AI-powered screen videos
Best for you if:
- • You want easy screen recording
- • You want chrome-based
| At a Glance | Lumiko | Screencastify |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | - | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Lumiko or Screencastify?
Choose Lumiko if
Record, edit, and share screen videos locally with smart zoom
- You want free tier includes unlimited recording, auto-zoom, and up to 1440p exports with no time limits
- You want all processing is local, no cloud upload, ensuring privacy and instant rendering
Choose Screencastify if
Record, edit, and engage with AI-powered screen videos
- You want easy screen recording
- You want chrome-based
| Feature | Lumiko | Screencastify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.6/5 83 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingVideo Editing | Screen RecordingVideo Editing |
In-Depth Analysis
Lumiko
Record, edit, and share screen videos locally with smart zoom
Lumiko's pricing is exceptionally fair, with a robust free tier and a $9 one-time Pro Lifetime fee that undercuts nearly every subscription-based screen recorder.
Watch out
Free tier adds a watermark on exports
Strengths
- +Free tier includes unlimited recording, auto-zoom, and up to 1440p exports with no time limits
- +All processing is local, no cloud upload, ensuring privacy and instant rendering
- +One-time lifetime payment for Pro, no subscription required
Weaknesses
- -Only available as a Chrome extension (Manifest V3), not a standalone desktop app
- -Free exports include a watermark that can only be removed with the Pro upgrade
Key features
Screencastify
Record, edit, and engage with AI-powered screen videos
Screencastify's pricing is quite generous, especially the Free tier offering 10 videos and 30-minute recordings.
Watch out
No mention of storage limits for videos
Strengths
- +Easy screen recording
- +Chrome-based
- +Good for teachers
- +Fair pricing
- +Easy sharing
Weaknesses
- -Chrome only
- -Limited editing
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Time limits free
- -Feature gaps
Key features
Pricing: Lumiko vs Screencastify
| Plan | Lumiko | Screencastify |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $9 one-time Pro Lifetime | $7 Starter |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $10 Pro |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Enterprise/EDU |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Lumiko pricing and Screencastify pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Lumiko
Want the highest-rated option?
Screencastify is rated 4.6/5. Lumiko has no ratings yet.
Go with: Screencastify
Value user reviews?
Lumiko: no ratings yet. Screencastify: 83 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Screencastify
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?
Screencastify is rated 4.6/5; Lumiko has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Screencastify
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Lumiko
- Choose if you want record, edit, and share screen videos locally with smart zoom
The Bottom Line
Screencastify wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lumiko or Screencastify better?
Screencastify is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Lumiko and Screencastify used for?
Lumiko: Record, edit, and share screen videos locally with smart zoom. Screencastify: Record, edit, and engage with AI-powered screen videos.
What does Lumiko cost vs Screencastify?
Lumiko is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Screencastify is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.