Screen Studio vs Shotcut: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Screen Studio and Shotcut 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: Shotcut wins this matchup. LogRocket is our overall Screen Recording pick. LogRocket is our free Screen Recording pick. Pick Screen Studio if you need screen recording.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Screen Studio
Beautiful screen recordings for Mac
Best for you if:
- • You want professional quality output
- • You want automatic enhancements
Shotcut
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Screen Studio requires payment)
- • You want free video editor
- • You want open source
| At a Glance | Screen Studio | Shotcut |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $89/moStandard | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Video Editing |
Rating | - | 4.0/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Screen Studio or Shotcut?
Choose Screen Studio if
Beautiful screen recordings for Mac
- You want professional quality output
- You want automatic enhancements
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not video editing-shaped
Choose Shotcut if
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
- You want a fully free tool (Screen Studio requires payment)
- You want free video editor
- You want open source
- Your work is video editing-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
| Feature | Screen Studio | Shotcut |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.0/5 125 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingVideo & Media | Video EditingScreen Recording |
In-Depth Analysis
Screen Studio
Beautiful screen recordings for Mac
Screen Studio's one-time purchase of $89 for its Standard tier is fair, offering a good value proposition compared to subscription-based alternatives.
Strengths
- +Professional quality output
- +Automatic enhancements
- +Multiple export formats
- +Easy to use
Weaknesses
- -Mac only
- -One-time purchase
- -Resource intensive
Key features
Shotcut
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
Shotcut's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free and open-source, offering all features without any cost.
Watch out
No overage fees or seat minimums.
Strengths
- +Free video editor
- +Open source
- +Cross-platform
- +Good for beginners
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -UI dated
- -Learning curve
- -Performance varies
- -Feature gaps
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: Screen Studio vs Shotcut
| Plan | Screen Studio | Shotcut |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $89 Standard | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Screen Studio pricing and Shotcut pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Shotcut is free. Screen Studio is paid.
Go with: Shotcut
Want the highest-rated option?
Shotcut is rated 4.0/5. Screen Studio has no ratings yet.
Go with: Shotcut
Value user reviews?
Screen Studio: no ratings yet. Shotcut: 125 reviews (4.0/5).
Go with: Shotcut
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Screen Studio is paid. Shotcut is free. Go with Shotcut if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Screen Studio is a screen recording tool. Shotcut is in video editing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Shotcut is rated 4.0/5; Screen Studio has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Shotcut
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Screen Studio
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
Shotcut wins this matchup. LogRocket is our overall Screen Recording pick. LogRocket is our free Screen Recording pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Screen Studio or Shotcut better?
Shotcut is rated in our evaluation. Screen Studio is paid and Shotcut is free.
What are Screen Studio and Shotcut used for?
Screen Studio: Beautiful screen recordings for Mac. Shotcut: Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features..
What does Screen Studio cost vs Shotcut?
Screen Studio is a paid tool. Shotcut is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.