Unfriction vs Screely: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Unfriction and Screely 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Unfriction
Instant overlay notes for macOS with zero friction and lightning-fast launch.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need note-taking features specifically
- • Instant overlay notes for macOS, launching in under 400ms.
- • Features include OCR from screenshots, clipboard history, and local-first storage.
Screely
Screely
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need screenshot tools features specifically
- • You need screely
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Screenshot Tools |
Rating | 77/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Unfriction | Screely |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 77 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingClipboard Managers | Screenshot Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both Unfriction and Screely solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Unfriction positions itself as "instant overlay notes for macos with zero friction and lightning-fast launch." while Screelyfocuses on "screely". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Unfriction
Unfriction makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 77/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Screely
Screely is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Screely won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Screely
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Unfriction handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Unfriction
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Unfriction is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Unfriction
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Screely has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Unfriction higher (77/100). But the community has upvoted Screely more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Unfriction Does Better
- Higher overall score (77/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Screely If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Unfriction (77/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Unfriction scores higher in our analysis, but Screely might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unfriction or Screely better?
Based on our analysis, Unfriction scores higher with 77/100. Unfriction ispaid while Screely is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Unfriction to Screely easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Unfriction and Screely offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Unfriction is paid with potential trial.Screely is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.