Alternative guide

Screen UI vs Loom

Quick Answer

Screen UI is a free Loom alternative when you want local Mac recording, local editing, project files, captions, self-managed exports, and lifetime app updates. Loom is better when cloud hosting, instant share links, team comments, reactions, analytics, and async workplace communication are the main reason to record.

Loom is excellent when the job is quick recording, cloud hosting, instant links, team comments, and async communication. Screen UI is a better fit when you want a free local Mac-first recording editor, multi-recording project files, local caption work, exports you can publish yourself, and lifetime app updates for everyone.

Compared fairly

What Loom is good at.

This page is written as a decision guide, not a takedown. Loom is a strong choice when its workflow matches the job.

Free Starter plan with recording and storage limits

Verified from public product or pricing material before this comparison was generated.

Paid plans with unlimited recording time and storage

Verified from public product or pricing material before this comparison was generated.

Cloud sharing, comments, reactions, and video library

Verified from public product or pricing material before this comparison was generated.

Chrome, desktop, and mobile recording workflows

Verified from public product or pricing material before this comparison was generated.

Feature matrix

Screen UI vs Loom.

Decision point Screen UI Loom
Best fit Local polished product demos and tutorials Async video messages and cloud-hosted sharing
Cost and updates Free-forever app with lifetime app updates for everyone Free Starter plan plus paid team-oriented plans; verify current plan details before purchasing
Free option Unlimited video, GIF, and animated WebP exports Starter plan with 5 minute recording limit and 25 video storage limit
Multiple recordings Add recordings to one project and keep them editable Cloud video workflow with recording, sharing, and editing tools
Privacy/local workflow Record, edit, save, and export locally; transcription can use local Apple Speech Built around hosted videos, libraries, links, and team collaboration
Export formats Video, GIF, and animated WebP Designed primarily for hosted video sharing and downloads
Collaboration Local project files first Comments, emoji reactions, team storage, and admin plans

Decision guide

Which one should you choose?

Choose Screen UI when

Choose Screen UI if your screen recording should stay as a free local editable project and the final output is a polished demo, tutorial, GIF, or animated WebP.

Choose Loom when

Choose Loom if you need fast cloud sharing, browser or desktop recording, team comments, reactions, AI-assisted summaries, and hosted links.

FAQ

Loom alternative questions.

Is Screen UI a Loom alternative?

Yes, if you want local Mac screen recording and editing instead of a cloud-first async video messaging workflow. Loom is stronger for instant links, team comments, and hosted sharing.

Does Screen UI host videos like Loom?

No. Screen UI is focused on local recording, editing, saving, and exporting. That is useful when you want to publish the finished file yourself rather than use a hosted Loom link.

Which is better for private product demos?

Screen UI is the better fit when the project should remain local during editing. Loom is better when sharing, analytics, comments, and cloud access are the main workflow.

Is Screen UI cheaper than Loom?

Screen UI is positioned as a free alternative, with unlimited free exports and no paid tier or export limits. Always verify current pricing for both apps before purchasing.

Do Screen UI users get lifetime updates?

Yes. Screen UI includes lifetime app updates for everyone using the app, with no paid tier.

Sources

Facts checked from public pages.

Last reviewed 2026-06-03. Product plans and features can change, so verify current details before purchasing.