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Capture, annotate, and share screenshots and recordings

From $29/mo, free trialVisit Website
Reviews on G2
5 reviews tracked 1 press mention

The Bottom Line

Price
From $29/mo, free trial. Compare plans

Key facts

  • CleanShot is a screen capture tool for Mac that makes taking and annotating screenshots effortless
  • It provides scrolling capture, GIF recording, annotations, and cloud upload in one elegant app
  • Offers a one-time purchase or subscription for cloud features

Pros

  • Beautiful annotations
  • Cloud storage
  • Scrolling capture

Cons

  • Mac only
  • Subscription model

What is CleanShot X?

Editorial review
CleanShot X is the ultimate screenshot and screen recording tool for Mac. Capture anything - scrolling screenshots, specific windows, or timed shots. Annotate with arrows, text, and blur sensitive information. Cloud storage with instant shareable links. Screen recording with webcam overlay. The screenshot tool that Mac power users can't imagine living without.

Available on: macOS

Ratings Across the Web

4.9 (5 reviews)

CleanShot X holds an aggregate rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 5 reviews across G2, last checked August 24, 2026.

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • Screenshots
  • Screen recording
  • Annotations
  • Cloud storage
  • Quick access
  • macOS native

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Oct 13, 2026

CleanShot X plans and prices, checked October 2026
PlanPriceDetails
One-time

$29/once

Basic

  • Screenshots
  • Screen recording
  • Annotations
+1 more
  • Cloud 1GB
Cloud Popular

$8/month

Pro

  • Unlimited cloud
  • Quick access
  • Share links

Is CleanShot X worth the price?

Great value

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.

This model is increasingly rare in a subscription-driven market. The Cloud Pro plan at $8/user/month (annual) targets teams needing branded sharing with custom domains, self-destruct links, and SSO, but solo users will find the one-time purchase covers 95% of needs.

The 30-day money-back guarantee removes purchase risk. The only catch: it is Mac-only with no Windows or Linux version.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

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.

The 1 GB cloud storage on the Basic plan fills up fast if you upload screen recordings or GIFs. You will need to manage storage manually or upgrade to Pro for unlimited storage.

The main additions are unlimited cloud storage, custom domains, branding, and team features, evaluate whether you actually need these before committing.

Additional Mac licenses for the same user are managed through the License Manager, but adding seats for different team members requires separate purchases at the one-time tier or a Pro subscription.

Screen recordings and GIF captures produce large files. Cloud links with the free tier are subject to fair-use limits, and heavy usage could trigger throttling.

Full CleanShot X pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

How CleanShot X's pricing compares

At $8/mo, billing unit not specified, CleanShot X is mid-range of its 2 comparable direct competitors ($3.25 to $20/mo across the set).

$3.25
CleanShot X
$8
$20

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Oct 13, 2026.

Reviews

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4.9/5

Across 5 verified user reviews on G2

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CleanShot X FAQ

How does CleanShot X facilitate detailed visual communication?

CleanShot X allows users to capture various types of screenshots, including scrolling captures and specific windows, and then annotate them with arrows, text, and blurs. These features help users highlight important information and clarify their messages effectively. The annotated images can then be shared instantly via cloud storage with shareable links.

Which teams benefit most from CleanShot X?

Teams that frequently need to document processes, provide visual feedback, or create tutorials will find CleanShot X particularly useful. Its robust annotation tools and screen recording capabilities, including webcam overlay, streamline communication for product development, design, and support teams.

How does CleanShot X compare to Snagit for screen capture and annotation?

CleanShot X offers cloud storage and scrolling capture features, similar to Snagit, but it is exclusively available for Mac users. Its strength lies in providing beautiful annotations and instant shareable links for Mac power users. Snagit, on the other hand, is available on multiple operating systems.

What kind of limitations should users be aware of with CleanShot X?

CleanShot X is exclusively designed for the Mac operating system, meaning it is not available for Windows or other platforms. Additionally, the product operates on a subscription model, so there is no permanently free tier for users.

Can CleanShot X capture content that extends beyond the visible screen?

Yes, CleanShot X supports scrolling capture, which allows users to capture entire web pages or long documents that extend beyond the current viewable area. This feature ensures that all necessary content is included in a single screenshot. It also supports capturing specific windows or timed shots.

How is CleanShot X priced?

CleanShot X is offered as a paid product and operates on a subscription model. There is no permanently free tier available for its features, ensuring continuous access to its advanced screenshot and screen recording capabilities.

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