Zight vs CleanShot X: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Zight and CleanShot X 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: CleanShot X wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio. Pick Zight if you need screen recording.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zight
Capture, annotate, and share visual communication instantly.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want extremely fast capture and sharing
- • You want intuitive annotation tools
CleanShot X
Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and recordings
Best for you if:
- • You want beautiful annotations
- • You want cloud storage
| At a Glance | Zight | CleanShot X |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $8/monthCloud |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screenshot Tools |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.9/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Zight or CleanShot X?
Choose Zight if
Capture, annotate, and share visual communication instantly.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want extremely fast capture and sharing
- You want intuitive annotation tools
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not screenshot tools-shaped
Choose CleanShot X if
Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and recordings
- You want beautiful annotations
- You want cloud storage
- Your work is screenshot tools-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
| Feature | Zight | CleanShot X |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 1,419 reviews | ★4.9/5 5 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingScreenshot Tools | Screenshot ToolsScreen Recording |
In-Depth Analysis
Zight
Capture, annotate, and share visual communication instantly.
Zight's pricing is fair, offering a generous free tier for basic needs.
Strengths
- +Extremely fast capture and sharing
- +Intuitive annotation tools
- +Reduces need for long emails and meetings
- +Supports both video and static image capture
- +Easy integration into existing workflows
Weaknesses
- -Free plan has limitations on recording length and features
- -Some advanced video editing features are not available
- -Requires desktop application for full functionality
Key features
CleanShot X
Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and recordings
CleanShot X is the best screenshot tool on macOS, and its pricing reflects unusual honesty: $29 one-time gets you a permanent license with 1 GB cloud storage and one year of updates.
Watch out
The $19/year update renewal is optional but recommended. Without it, you keep the current version permanently but miss new features, OS compatibility updates, and bug fixes. A major macOS update could eventually break an un-renewed license.
Strengths
- +Beautiful annotations
- +Cloud storage
- +Scrolling capture
Weaknesses
- -Mac only
- -Subscription model
Key features
Pricing: Zight vs CleanShot X
| Plan | Zight | CleanShot X |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $29 once One-time |
| Tier 2 | $9/mo Pro | $8 month Cloud |
| Tier 3 | $11/user Team | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Zight pricing and CleanShot X pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zight has a free tier. CleanShot X is paid only.
Go with: Zight
Want the highest-rated option?
Zight: 4.6/5 (1,419 reviews). CleanShot X: 4.9/5 (5 reviews).
Go with: CleanShot X
Value user reviews?
Zight: 1,419 reviews (4.6/5). CleanShot X: 5 reviews (4.9/5).
Go with: Zight
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Zight is freemium. CleanShot X is paid. Zight lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Zight is a screen recording tool. CleanShot X is in screenshot tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
CleanShot X is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
CleanShot X
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.6/5
- Our pick for this comparison
Zight
- Has a free tier
- Larger review base (1,419 reviews)
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
CleanShot X wins this matchup. Our overall Screen Recording pick is LogRocket. Our free Screen Recording pick is OBS Studio. Zight has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zight or CleanShot X better?
CleanShot X is rated in our evaluation. Zight is freemium and CleanShot X is paid.
What are Zight and CleanShot X used for?
Zight: Capture, annotate, and share visual communication instantly.. CleanShot X: Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and recordings.
What does Zight cost vs CleanShot X?
Zight is freemium (free tier + paid plans). CleanShot X is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.