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ShareX vs Lightshot: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between ShareX and Lightshot 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: ShareX wins this matchup. Our overall Screenshot Tools pick is Snagit. Our free Screenshot Tools pick is Bandicam. Pick Lightshot if you need a fully free option.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked Sep 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

ShareX

Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.

Best for you if:

  • • You want completely free and open source with no advertisements
  • • You want highly customizable workflow and extensive features for power users

Lightshot

Capture, edit, and share customizable screenshots quickly and easily.

Best for you if:

  • • You want very fast and easy to take screenshots
  • • You want offers instant editing capabilities
At a Glance
ShareXShareX
LightshotLightshot
Starts at
FreeFree tier available
FreeFree tier available
Best For
Screenshot ToolsScreenshot Tools
Rating
4.8/54.7/5
Free plan
 Yes Yes

Choose ShareX or Lightshot?

ShareX

Choose ShareX if

Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.

  • You want completely free and open source with no advertisements
  • You want highly customizable workflow and extensive features for power users
Lightshot

Choose Lightshot if

Capture, edit, and share customizable screenshots quickly and easily.

  • You want very fast and easy to take screenshots
  • You want offers instant editing capabilities
TOP RATED
ShareX logo

ShareX

Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.

Visit Website
Lightshot logo

Lightshot

Capture, edit, and share customizable screenshots quickly and easily.

Visit Website
FeatureShareXLightshot
Pricing ModelFreeFree
User Rating
★4.8/5
83 reviews
★4.7/5
131 reviews
Categories
Screenshot ToolsScreen Recording
Screenshot ToolsImage Editing

In-Depth Analysis

ShareXShareX

Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.

Starts at Free
Great value

ShareX offers an incredibly generous pricing model, as it is completely free and open-source.

Watch out

Potential costs for third-party storage services.

Strengths

  • +Completely free and open source with no advertisements.
  • +Highly customizable workflow and extensive features for power users.
  • +Supports a wide variety of capture methods and upload destinations.
  • +Lightweight and actively developed for over 18 years.
  • +Includes many useful productivity tools beyond just screen capture.

Weaknesses

  • -Only available for Windows.
  • -Can be overwhelming for new users due to the sheer number of options.
  • -User interface might not be as modern as some paid alternatives.

Key features

Multiple screen capture methods (fullscreen, active window, region, scrolling capture)Screen recording with GIF supportComprehensive annotation tools (rectangle, ellipse, text, arrows, blur, pixelate)Customizable after-capture tasks (save, copy, upload, edit, beautify)Wide range of upload destinations and custom uploader supportProductivity tools (color picker, screen ruler, image editor, video converter, OCR, QR code)

LightshotLightshot

Capture, edit, and share customizable screenshots quickly and easily.

Starts at Free
Great value

Lightshot's pricing is extremely generous as it offers a fully-featured screenshot tool completely for free.

Strengths

  • +Very fast and easy to take screenshots
  • +Offers instant editing capabilities
  • +Convenient sharing options with short links
  • +Unique 'similar image search' feature
  • +Cross-platform availability (desktop and browser extensions)

Weaknesses

  • -Online editor might require an internet connection
  • -No advanced organizational features mentioned for saved screenshots

Key features

Fast screenshot of selected areaEasy-to-use applicationShare screenshots via Internet (upload to server and get short link)Powerful editors (instant editing and online editor)Similar image searchAvailable on Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox, IE, & Opera

Pricing: ShareX vs Lightshot

PlanShareXLightshot
Tier 1
Free
Free
Free
Free

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ShareX pricing and Lightshot pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.

Go with: ShareX

Want the highest-rated option?

ShareX: 4.8/5 (83 reviews). Lightshot: 4.7/5 (131 reviews).

Go with: ShareX

Value user reviews?

ShareX: 83 reviews (4.8/5). Lightshot: 131 reviews (4.7/5).

Go with: Lightshot

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.

2

What's your use case?

Both are screenshot tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.

3

How important are ratings?

ShareX is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.7/5.

Key Takeaways

ShareX

  • Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.7/5
  • Completely free
  • Our pick for this comparison

Lightshot

  • Larger review base (131 reviews)

The Bottom Line

ShareX wins this matchup. Our overall Screenshot Tools pick is Snagit. Our free Screenshot Tools pick is Bandicam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ShareX or Lightshot better?

ShareX is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.

What are ShareX and Lightshot used for?

ShareX: Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and files with extensive customization options.. Lightshot: Capture, edit, and share customizable screenshots quickly and easily..

What does ShareX cost vs Lightshot?

ShareX is completely free. Lightshot is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

Related Comparisons & Resources

ShareX AlternativesLightshot AlternativesShareX Full ReviewLightshot Full Review
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