Prequel vs Soapbox: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Prequel and Soapbox 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: Soapbox 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
Soapbox
Capture high-quality videos and screen recordings directly from your browser, with built-in editing and AI tools.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Browser-based video and screen recording with webcam and screen capture.
- • Includes AI-powered teleprompter, script generation, and in-browser editing.
| At a Glance |  Prequel |  Soapbox |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $14/moPrequel | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | - | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Prequel or Soapbox?
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 Soapbox if
Capture high-quality videos and screen recordings directly from your browser, with built-in editing and AI tools.
- Easy to use directly from a web browser, no software download required.
- Comprehensive suite of recording and editing tools in one platform.
- AI features like script generation and social clip creation save time.
| Feature | Prequel | Soapbox |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.8/5 18 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
Soapbox
Capture high-quality videos and screen recordings directly from your browser, with built-in editing and AI tools.
Soapbox's pricing is on the expensive side for individual users, with the Pro tier starting at $79/month billed annually.
Watch out
Bandwidth overages not explicitly detailed
Strengths
- +Easy to use directly from a web browser, no software download required.
- +Comprehensive suite of recording and editing tools in one platform.
- +AI features like script generation and social clip creation save time.
- +Seamless integration with Wistia's robust video marketing platform.
- +Group recording feature enables collaborative content creation.
Weaknesses
- -Group Recording is currently in beta, which might imply some instability or limited features.
- -Full benefits are realized when integrated with the broader Wistia ecosystem, which may have additional costs.
Key features
Pricing: Prequel vs Soapbox
| Plan | Prequel | Soapbox |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $14/user/mo Prequel | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $79/mo, billed annually Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $319/mo, billed annually Advanced |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Premium |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Prequel pricing and Soapbox pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Soapbox has a free tier. Prequel is paid only.
Go with: Soapbox
Want the highest-rated option?
Soapbox is rated 4.8/5. Prequel has no ratings yet.
Go with: Soapbox
Value user reviews?
Prequel: no ratings yet. Soapbox: 18 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Soapbox
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Prequel is paid. Soapbox is freemium. Soapbox lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are screen recording tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Soapbox is rated 4.8/5; Prequel has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Soapbox
- 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
Soapbox wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prequel or Soapbox better?
Soapbox is rated in our evaluation. Prequel is paid and Soapbox is freemium.
What are Prequel and Soapbox used for?
Prequel: Create cinematic videos from screen recordings, no editing needed. Soapbox: Capture high-quality videos and screen recordings directly from your browser, with built-in editing and AI tools..
What does Prequel cost vs Soapbox?
Prequel is a paid tool. Soapbox is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.