CleanShot X vs Xnapper: Which screenshot tool is best? [2025]

03Jan

At TheSweetBits, we create guides that can really help people. So, while reviewing an app or explaining tasks, good screenshots become a necessity.

Sure, we can use the built-in screenshot utility on macOS, but it rarely gets the job done.

So, unsurprisingly, we turn to third-party screenshot apps.

I’m sure you can relate to this situation if you are in the business of content creation. We have relied on over 10 different screenshot tools over the past years, but two have stood their ground: CleanShot X and Xnapper.

I’d also assume that you need to make the difficult choice between CleanShot X and Xnapper if you also need the best screenshots from your Mac. But, even if you compare all their features, things can be difficult.

Well, our showdown of CleanShot X vs Xnapper will help.

Meet CleanShot X and Xnapper

Let’s first have an overview of CleanShot X and Xnapper.

CleanShot X is a fully-fledged screenshot and screen recording utility for Mac. It is optimized for Apple Silicon and macOS Sequoia, making it an easy choice for all users. From annotation to cloud sharing, over 50 features are part of this package. Over the last few years, CleanShot X has become a reputed screenshot utility among creators.

Xnapper is another popular screenshot utility for Mac, and it focuses on creating shareable screenshots. The app markets itself as an easy way to create stunning screenshots, thanks to many automatic features and social media presets. Like CleanShot X, Xnapper has also become a reliable option for many creators across the globe.

How We Test and Compare

As I said, TheSweetBits deals with software reviews and how-tos all the time. We wanted to see how CleanShot X and Xnapper can integrate with our workflow and improve our productivity.

To ensure a fair trial, we used CleanShot X and Xnapper exclusively for a week. They helped us create many screenshots for our website, social media pages, and other platforms. All the while, we evaluated how great these tools were.

We tested the paid version of CleanShot X and Xnapper on an M2 MacBook Air running macOS Sequoia. We create tens of screenshots/media elements per week, and this is what we think.

Feature Comparison

Both CleanShot X and Xnapper let you take good screenshots. However, that is barely enough for advanced professionals and creators.

So, we have compared their features from sections like capturing, annotations, sharing, integration, etc.

# Capture options: CleanShot X is flexible, while Xnapper is simple

With CleanShot X, you get a variety of options when it comes to capturing the screen. You can choose options like All-in-One, Area Capture, Full-screen Capture, Window Capture, Scrolling Capture, Text Capture (OCR), and Record Screen.

Each of these features offers unique subsets. For instance, the Record Screen feature lets you create content for multiple platforms, and you can choose between video and GIF. It can easily replace a screen recording tool on any day.

Similarly, Scrolling Capture and OCR Capture features mean you don’t need separate apps or extensions. In the end, versatile capture options on CleanShot X make it a better choice for professionals.

Xnapper, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity. You get only three capture options: Full-screen, Window, and Area capture. However, Xnapper can automatically detect text from captured images, thanks to its OCR module.

As soon as you capture a screenshot, Xnapper will launch its editing/annotation interface. This is where most of the magic happens. We understand that Xnapper wants to focus on speed, allowing users to create great screenshots without spending so much time.

While we recognize and appreciate the element of simplicity, Xnapper could add more features to the app. Scrolling capture could be a great start, for that matter.

# Editing and annotation: comprehensive vs minimal

CleanShot X offers a comprehensive set of editing and annotation options as well. You can launch the editing interface as soon as you capture a screenshot. There, you get options for cropping, resizing, annotation, and editing.

The resizing window lets you quickly crop images and make them work for different needs. Each set offers additional customization options as well. For instance, we regularly use the options to redact, highlight, and mark different elements on screenshots.

Once you have made the necessary annotations, you can use the background management section, where you can choose backgrounds, padding, shadow, ratio, alignment, etc. Once you get the flow, you can make use of Presets to optimize your productivity.

With Xnapper, however, you get a minimal set of editing/annotation features. Xnapper will open its editing pane as soon as you capture a screenshot. However, this editing window does not have any options to resize or crop the screenshot.

Meanwhile, it offers plenty of options for making the screenshot look good. You can adjust aspects such as padding, inset, roundedness, background, and shadow. A feature we loved is its presets for media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These make it easy to create content for these platforms.

While Xnapper offers some additional features like sensitive data redaction, I believe professionals will need a few more tools. It seems a little too minimal at this point. However, I must appreciate the built-in options for OCR and content redaction—it’s a real time-saver.

# Sharing andintegration: collaboration made easy

CleanShot X seems to take the lead in terms of sharing and integration. As I mentioned, the screenshot tool integrates well with macOS, offering advanced controls. For instance, the quick-access panel and clipboard integration can boost the efficiency of your workflow.

When it comes to content sharing, the app doesn’t disappoint. You can always sign in to CleanShot Cloud, which lets you share screenshots and screen recordings with ease. CleanShot X also enables you to set up custom sharing URLs if you get an enterprise-focused plan.

Even better, CleanShot X makes it easy to automate the sharing options. For instance, you can set it up to automatically upload all screenshots and copy the URL.

Xnapper, however, does not offer many options in this department. It lets you save the screenshots to your Mac or copy them to the clipboard using shortcuts, but that’s about it. So, if you were expecting advanced sharing capabilities, Xnapper may disappoint you.

On the bright side, the developers say they are building a cloud-sharing feature for Xnapper.

# Unique features: aesthetic enhancements and more

Though CleanShot X and Xnapper focus their advertisement campaigns on different aspects, both allow you to make aesthetically pleasing screenshots. You also get a bunch of unique features from both apps.

Creating stunning screenshots using CleanShot X and Xnapper is easy, but CleanShot offers more room for customization. For instance, you can choose between multiple colors, gradients, backgrounds, etc. You can also make use of features like watermarking and presets. If we are to compare the list of features from both apps, CleanShot X will surely win.

More importantly, CleanShot X lets you customize how it works. For instance, you have more control over what happens after you capture a screenshot. Similarly, you can control different aspects like Recording and Annotation. These options come in handy when you have a complicated workflow that you need to improve using a screenshot utility.

You may argue that Xnapper keeps things simple, but it also means you need other tools to get a decent screen capture/recording experience on your Mac.

User Experience

That brings us to our take on the overall User Experience.

# Navigating CleanShot X’s advanced interface

CleanShot X definitely has an advanced User Interface. It means two things. First, you may need some time to tailor CleanShot X for your specific workflows. Two, you always have the option to keep it simple. I have always loved scalability, and it remains the case with CleanShot X.

All the while, CleanShot X retains its intuitive User Interface design. Once you give permission, you can get tips and guides to get the best out of this screenshot utility.

# Streamlined simplicity with Xnapper

On the other hand, Xnapper has optimized its interface for simplicity. The process is streamlined and hits no learning curve. So, as soon as you install the app, you can keep creating beautiful screenshots. And you get to do that without interfering with other apps on your Mac.

So, if you need a straightforward way to take stunning screenshots, Xnapper has the perfect UX for you. Yet, it often hits a point where you need additional functionalities.

Pricing Breakdown

Let’s see the pricing options for CleanShot X and Xnapper.

# CleanShot X: investment in versatility

CleanShot X is a worthwhile investment for those who need a versatile screenshot utility.

You can grab the app and basic cloud features through a one-time purchase worth $29. This option offers you free updates for a year too. However, if you need features like unlimited cloud storage, custom domain branding, team management, etc., CleanShot X and Cloud Pro will cost $8 per user per month.

At $29, CleanShot X offers all the core features, including powerful OCR. In the end, you get a fully-fledged screen capture and recording tool that you can use across macOS. By the way, CleanShot X has a 30-day money-back guarantee, too.

# Xnapper: affordability with style

Xnapper is also an affordable option for those who need stylish screenshots.

You can always use the free version of Xnapper, but it will have the Xnapper watermark. So, I don’t think it is an excellent option for many. The premium plan costs $29.99, and it gives you access to 1 macOS device. Like its contender, Xnapper also offers free updates for a year, after which you can renew at a 40% discount.

By spending $29.99, you get a simple utility that brings you stunning screenshots for sure. However, you may miss features like screen recording, advanced annotation, and customization options. In other words, you’d wish for better versatility.

By the way, you can get both CleanShot X and Xnapper via a Setapp subscription.

Conclusion

Now that we have compared how CleanShot X and Xnapper fare in different areas,

Which tool fits your workflow?

If you have a simple workflow that requires speed and aesthetics, Xnapper is the better option. You also get social media presets that make the job easier. You can have the perfect screenshot in a few clicks.

On the other hand, CleanShot X is perfect for those who need maximum control over their workflow. Though it takes some time to learn the ropes, you end up with a fantastic screen capture utility.

Final thoughts on CleanShot X and Xnapper

In the end, choosing between CleanShot X and Xnapper is easy, especially considering their identical cost.

You should go for CleanShot X if customizability and versatility matter to you. This screenshot utility delivers on both fronts. You also get a great bunch of cloud-based collaboration options.

Xnapper is an equally impressive option if you prioritize simplicity over additional features. While Xnapper can give you aesthetic screenshots in the end, you may need other tools for a total workflow.

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