Shots vs CleanShot X

A cross-platform alternative to CleanShot X that runs in your browser.

Try ShotsSee the feature table

The verdict

These tools do different jobs. CleanShot X is a macOS capture app: screen recording, scrolling capture, pinned overlays, and a capture hotkey. Shots does none of that. It picks up after the capture, turning an existing image into a presentable graphic in any browser on any operating system. If you want the capture workflow itself, and you are on a Mac, CleanShot X is the right tool.

CleanShot X is the best macOS screen capture tool. Shots is the better choice for screenshot beautification with backgrounds, 3D effects, and animations, and works on any platform.

Shots

Open source

From $199/mo, open source (Apache 2.0), runs in any browser

Where it wins

  • Works on any OS
  • Runs in browser (no install)
  • 250+ gradient backgrounds
  • 3D perspective effects
  • Full animation timeline
  • Video export (MP4, WebM, GIF)
  • Open source

CleanShot X

$29 one-time or $8/mo (Cloud)

Limitations

  • macOS only
  • Paid software
  • No web-based editor
  • No animation timeline
  • Limited background styling
  • No 3D perspective transforms

Feature by feature

FeatureShotsCleanShot X
PriceFrom $199/mo$29+ one-time
PlatformAny browsermacOS only
Screen CaptureVia browser/OS toolsBuilt-in (excellent)
Background Styling250+ gradients, imagesBasic solid backgrounds
Device FramesiPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, Safari, Chrome, ArcNot available
3D EffectsFull perspective transformsNot available
Animations40+ presets, keyframesNot available
Video ExportMP4, WebM, GIFScreen recording
Cloud StorageDesigns saved to your workspaceCleanShot Cloud
AnnotationsText, arrows, overlaysText, arrows, shapes, blur
Open SourceYes (Apache 2.0)No

CleanShot X pricing and feature details checked on September 20, 2026 against https://cleanshot.com. Third-party plans change without notice, so confirm current pricing on their site before deciding. Visit CleanShot X

Frequently asked questions

For screenshot beautification, yes. Shots offers gradient backgrounds, 3D perspective, animations, and video export that CleanShot X lacks. CleanShot X has superior built-in screen capture, scrolling capture, and macOS integration.

Yes. Shots runs in any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebooks. CleanShot X is macOS-only.

No. CleanShot X focuses on screen capture and basic annotation. Shots provides a full animation timeline with 40+ presets and exports animations as MP4, WebM, or GIF.

Other comparisons

Shots vsPika StyleShots includes 3D tilt, animations, and video export in every plan, where Pika Style puts tilt and background images on its Pro plan.Shots vsShots.soShots.so is a separate product from Shots: a closed-source mockup and animation tool with Free, Basic, and Pro plans. Shots, an open-source launch platform, includes every editor feature in every plan.Shots vsSnagitA browser-based alternative to Snagit for screenshot beautification and sharing.Shots vsScreelyMore backgrounds, effects, and export options than Screely, with no watermark.Shots vsCarbonCarbon has more syntax themes and SVG export. Shots adds gradient and pattern backgrounds, transparent PNGs, and a full screenshot and mockup editor for everything else.Shots vsRay.soRay.so has more themes. Shots adds image and pattern backgrounds plus a full screenshot and mockup editor for frames, 3D, and video.Shots vsXnapperShots gives you Xnapper-style beautified screenshots in the browser, on any OS, with 3D effects, animations, and video export.Shots vsremove.bgShots removes backgrounds on your own device and gives you the full-resolution PNG, with no upload and no credits.

Try it on your own screenshot

No download and no watermark. Open the editor and compare for yourself.

Open the Editor

Included in every plan · No watermark