Prequel vs ScreenPal: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Prequel and ScreenPal 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: ScreenPal wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio. Pick Prequel if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Prequel
Create cinematic videos from screen recordings, no editing needed
Best for you if:
- • Automatically creates zooms, camera framing, and background from your clicks and typing
- • Exports up to 4K at 120 fps using hardware encoding, all processed locally on your Mac
ScreenPal
Screen recording and video editing made easy
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Screen recording for education and business
- • Formerly Screencast-O-Matic
| At a Glance |  Prequel |  ScreenPal |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $14/moPrequel | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | - | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Prequel or ScreenPal?
Choose Prequel if
Create cinematic videos from screen recordings, no editing needed
- Saves hours of manual video editing by automating the entire post-production pass
- High-quality exports with hardware encoding, up to 4K at 120 fps
- Everything runs locally, no upload or cloud rendering required
Choose ScreenPal if
Screen recording and video editing made easy
- Easy to use
- Affordable pricing
- Good free tier
| Feature | Prequel | ScreenPal |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.5/5 234 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingVideo Editing | Screen RecordingVideo Editing |
In-Depth Analysis
Prequel
Create cinematic videos from screen recordings, no editing needed
At $14/user/month for a single tier with all features included, Prequel is fairly priced for professionals who need cinematic screen recordings without per-video fees or watermarks.
Watch out
No team seat discounts beyond $14/user/mo
Strengths
- +Saves hours of manual video editing by automating the entire post-production pass
- +High-quality exports with hardware encoding, up to 4K at 120 fps
- +Everything runs locally, no upload or cloud rendering required
Weaknesses
- -Requires an Apple Silicon Mac with macOS 14 or later; no Intel or Windows support
- -No free plan, only a trial before a paid subscription
Key features
ScreenPal
Screen recording and video editing made easy
ScreenPal's pricing is quite generous, especially the Deluxe tier at $3/month which offers unlimited recordings and no watermark.
Watch out
Premier features add 100% cost
Strengths
- +Easy to use
- +Affordable pricing
- +Good free tier
- +Popular in education
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Basic compared to Camtasia
- -Watermark on free tier
- -Limited advanced editing
- -Dated interface
Key features
Pricing: Prequel vs ScreenPal
| Plan | Prequel | ScreenPal |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $14/user/mo Prequel | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $3 month Deluxe |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $6 month Premier |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Prequel pricing and ScreenPal pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ScreenPal has a free tier. Prequel is paid only.
Go with: ScreenPal
Want the highest-rated option?
ScreenPal is rated 4.5/5. Prequel has no ratings yet.
Go with: ScreenPal
Value user reviews?
Prequel: no ratings yet. ScreenPal: 234 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: ScreenPal
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Prequel is paid. ScreenPal is freemium. ScreenPal lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are screen recording tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
ScreenPal is rated 4.5/5; Prequel has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
ScreenPal
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Prequel
- Choose if you want create cinematic videos from screen recordings, no editing needed
The Bottom Line
ScreenPal wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prequel or ScreenPal better?
ScreenPal is rated in our evaluation. Prequel is paid and ScreenPal is freemium.
What are Prequel and ScreenPal used for?
Prequel: Create cinematic videos from screen recordings, no editing needed. ScreenPal: Screen recording and video editing made easy.
What does Prequel cost vs ScreenPal?
Prequel is a paid tool. ScreenPal is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.