Cleanshot X vs Greenshot
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Cleanshot X is a powerful screen capture and recording utility designed specifically for macOS. It offers a range of features that make it easy to capture, annotate, and share your screen with others. Whether you're a developer, designer, or simply someone who needs to share information with others, Cleanshot X is the perfect tool for the job.
Greenshot is a free, open-source screenshot tool for Windows that captures a selected region, a specific window, the full screen, or a complete scrolling web page from Internet Explorer. Every capture opens directly in Greenshot's built-in image editor, where users can annotate with shapes, arrows, and text boxes, or use dedicated pixelation and blur tools to redact sensitive information before sharing. Captures can be saved to file, copied to the clipboard, printed, attached to email, inserted directly into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote, or uploaded through plugins to services like Imgur, Flickr, Box, Dropbox, and Photobucket, plus dedicated Jira and Confluence integrations. Greenshot is licensed under GPL-3.0, with active development on GitHub and an optional donation link supporting the project.
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Powerful annotation tools
- Cloud sharing makes it easy to collaborate with others
- Exclusive to macOS, taking advantage of native features
- Completely free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license
- Built-in editor with redaction tools removes the need for a separate image editor
- Direct Office, Jira, and Confluence integrations are unusual for a free screenshot tool
- Actively maintained on GitHub with a large, established user base
- Limited to macOS, not available on other platforms
- No free version, only a paid option
- Limited customization options for annotation tools
- Windows only; the historical macOS App Store version is unmaintained and not treated as currently supported
- Interface styling is dated compared to newer commercial screenshot tools
- No native mobile app for iOS or Android
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataCleanshot X offers a paid, macOS‑only, all‑in‑one capture, annotation, and cloud‑sharing solution, while Greenshot provides a free, open‑source Windows tool focused on quick screenshots, redaction, and Office integration.
Key differences
- •Platform: Cleanshot X is macOS‑only; Greenshot runs on Windows only.
- •Pricing: Cleanshot X requires a one‑time purchase; Greenshot is free and open source.
- •Screen recording: Cleanshot X includes audio‑commentary video capture; Greenshot does not.
- •Redaction tools: Greenshot has built‑in pixelation/blur for sensitive data; Cleanshot X lacks dedicated redaction.
- •Collaboration: Cleanshot X shares via cloud‑hosted links; Greenshot relies on manual uploads/plugins.
Pricing & value
Greenshot is free under GPL‑3.0, while Cleanshot X requires a paid license.
Ease of use / learning curve
Cleanshot X is described as easy to use with an intuitive interface; Greenshot’s UI is noted as dated.
Features & depth
Cleanshot X adds screen recording, scrolling capture, timers, and cloud sharing beyond basic screenshots.
Integrations & ecosystem
Greenshot offers direct inserts into Office apps and plugins for services like Jira, Confluence, Imgur, etc.
Collaboration
Cleanshot X provides built‑in cloud‑hosted links for easy sharing; Greenshot lacks native collaborative sharing.
Support
Greenshot has community support via GitHub issues and documentation; Cleanshot X lists no support options.
Choose Cleanshot X if…
macOS professionals who need screen recording and built‑in cloud sharing and are willing to pay.
Choose Greenshot if…
Windows users needing a free tool with redaction, Office integration, and community support.
Common questions
Can I use Cleanshot X on Windows or Linux?
No, Cleanshot X is exclusive to macOS.
Is Greenshot truly free for commercial use?
Yes, Greenshot is free and open source under the GPL‑3.0 license.
Which tool supports video screen recording?
Cleanshot X includes screen recording with audio commentary; Greenshot does not.