Screencap is a free Loom alternative for Mac. It has no limit on recording length at the time of writing, share links that can be private or password-protected, and optional end-to-end encryption. Loom is still the better fit if you need Windows or mobile apps, Atlassian integration or built-in AI.
- You start a long walkthrough and talk over your screen with your camera on.
- The timer passes five minutes and keeps going. Loom's Starter plan caps recordings at 5 minutes (October 2026); Screencap has no time limit today.
- You stop and get a share link that plays in any browser.
- You choose who can watch: make it private or add a password. In the Mac app you can also turn on end-to-end encryption, which keeps the key in the link after the #.
- Free, no time limit today, private links. Terms can change, so check the pricing page.
Why do people look for a Loom alternative?
The usual reason is the free plan. As of October 2026, Loom's Starter plan FAQ lists up to 25 videos and screenshots (archived videos count) and a five-minute recording cap. Loom's pricing page lists Business at $18 per user a month and Business + AI at $24, both billed monthly.
Others want more control over who can watch. Screencap's links can be private or password-protected, and the Mac app can encrypt a recording so that the key never reaches our servers.
How does Screencap compare with Loom?
Screencap records your screen, a window or an area, then gives you a link that plays in any browser. Loom's cells below come from Loom and Atlassian pages checked on 24 October 2026, and plans can change.
| Screencap | Loom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free today, no card | Starter $0; Business $18 and Business + AI $24 per user a month (monthly billing); Enterprise by quote |
| Recording length | No limit at the time of writing | Starter: 5 minutes. Business: listed as unlimited |
| Video count | No limit at the time of writing | Starter: 25 videos and screenshots. Business: listed as unlimited |
| Quality | Up to 4K in the Mac app (a setting; Instant defaults to 1080p) | Starter: up to 720p. Higher tiers not listed on the pricing page |
| Desktop and mobile | Mac app; browser recording in Chrome or Edge elsewhere. No iOS or Android app | Mac, Windows, iOS and Android |
| Private sharing | Private and password-protected links on every account | Password-protected videos are listed under Business |
| Encryption | Optional end-to-end encryption, Mac app only, off by default | TLS 1.2+ in transit, AES-256 at rest. End-to-end encryption not mentioned |
| AI titles, summaries, chapters | On your own OpenRouter key, paid to OpenRouter | Included in Business + AI |
| Admin and SSO | Not offered | SAML SSO, SCIM and activity log on Enterprise |
| Source code | Open source, AGPL-3.0 | Closed source |
Who should switch to Screencap?
Switch if you record on a Mac, want to record for as long as you need without paying, with no limit at the time of writing, or want a say in who can open them.
- Individuals who hit Loom's five-minute cap or 25-video count.
- Small teams that do not need seat management and would rather not pay per user.
- Anyone sharing sensitive screens who wants end-to-end encryption. Encrypted recordings give up transcripts, AI summaries and chat previews, so use it where privacy matters most.
The Studio editor adds auto-zoom on clicks, cursor effects, backgrounds, blur masks and on-device captions. See the free screen recorder page for the full list.
Who should stay on Loom?
Stay if one of these describes you.
- Your team lives in Atlassian and wants Loom inside that stack.
- You need a Windows desktop app, or recording on iOS or Android.
- You want AI titles and summaries without bringing your own key.
- You need enterprise admin: SSO, SCIM, an activity log or workspace-wide download controls.
Screencap has none of these today. Its terms also reserve the right to change limits, and say we will not charge you for anything without asking first.
Is Loom end-to-end encrypted?
The Loom security documentation we found does not say so. As of October 2026, Atlassian's Loom security measures page states: "Data in transit is encrypted using TLS 1.2+, and data at rest is encrypted using AES-256." It does not mention end-to-end encryption or customer-held keys.
That is standard protection against interception and stolen disks. It differs from end-to-end encryption, where only people with the link's key can watch. Screencap's Mac app can do that: the key stays in the link after the # and never reaches our servers. Read how Screencap's encryption works and what we can still see.
How do I move my videos from Loom?
Download each video from Loom as an MP4, then upload the files to Screencap. Loom's help says Starter Free admins and creators cannot download videos, so this needs a paid Loom plan.
- Download from Loom. Open the video in your Library, open its menu above the video and choose Download. Per Loom's download guide (checked 24 October 2026), files are MP4, trims are kept, and CTAs, chapters and captions are not.
- Sign in to Screencap. Sign up free with an email one-time code, no password.
- Upload. In the dashboard open Import Media, choose Upload File and add your MP4s.
- Share the new links. Set each recording to private or add a password, then replace the old Loom links.
Loom links stay with Loom, so old links keep working only while your Loom account does. Keep that in mind before you cancel.
Questions
What is the best free Loom alternative?
It depends on what you need. Screencap is free today, has no limit on recording length at the time of writing, and shares links that play in any browser. It is Mac-first, with browser recording on Windows and Linux. Loom suits teams that need Windows or mobile apps or built-in AI.
How long can I record on Loom's free plan?
As of October 2026, Loom's Starter plan caps recordings at five minutes and 25 videos and screenshots, according to Loom's Starter plan FAQ. Business is listed with unlimited videos and recording time. Screencap has no limit on recording length at the time of writing.
Is Loom end-to-end encrypted?
Loom's own documentation, as checked in October 2026, describes TLS 1.2+ for data in transit and AES-256 for data at rest. It does not mention end-to-end encryption. Screencap offers optional end-to-end encryption in its Mac app, off by default.
Can I move my videos from Loom to Screencap?
Yes, by downloading and uploading. Download each video from Loom as an MP4, then add the files under Import Media in your Screencap dashboard. Loom's help says Starter Free accounts cannot download videos, so check your plan first.
Does Screencap have a Windows or phone app?
No. Screencap's desktop app is Mac-only. On Windows or Linux you can record in Chrome or Edge from your browser. There is no iOS or Android app, so Loom is the better fit if you need those.
Does Screencap have AI summaries like Loom?
Yes, on your own key. Titles, summaries, chapters and transcripts run on your own OpenRouter account, so you pay OpenRouter directly. Loom lists AI features in its Business + AI plan at $24 per user a month.