You’re Not Picking the “Best” Tool - You’re Choosing Which Tradeoffs Work for You
Loom has 25 million users and basically owns the async video category. It’s what everyone thinks of when you say “screen recording tool.” You record, get a link, paste it in Slack - done. That workflow is burned into thousands of teams.
Capme is the opposite bet: everything stays on your device. You open a browser tab, hit record, and download the file. No account. No upload wait. No monthly bill per person. You control where the video lives - Google Drive, Dropbox, email attachment, whatever you already use.
So this isn’t “which one is better.” It’s: do you pay for Loom’s convenience (instant links, analytics, team workspaces) or do you value Capme’s approach (free, private, instant, no vendor lock-in)? Both work. They just ask different things from you.
This guide breaks down the actual differences - features, pricing, workflows, privacy - so you can figure out which tradeoffs make sense for your situation. No fluff, just what each tool actually does and what that means for your team or workflow.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Here’s how Capme and Loom stack up across the features that matter most for async video communication.
| Feature | Capme | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing (per user/month) | $0 (Beta) | $15 (Business, annual) |
| Recording time limit | Device storage only | 5 min (free), ∞ (paid) |
| Multiple capture modes (webcam/screen/mixed) | ||
| Aspect ratio options (portrait/square/landscape) | 9:16, 1:1, 16:9 | 16:9 only |
| Branding (logos, backgrounds, lower thirds) | Paid plans only | |
| Auto-scrolling teleprompter | ||
| Native system share (Slack, Drive, etc.) | ||
| Local-first privacy (no cloud uploads) | ||
| Instant download (no processing) | Upload required | |
| Cloud hosting & sharing | ||
| Video analytics & insights | ||
| Team workspaces | ||
| Export format | WEBM/MP4 | MP4 (cloud) |
| Browser-based (no install) | Desktop app + extension | |
| Watermarks | Never | On free plan |
Understanding the Core Differences
The feature table tells half the story. The bigger question is how each tool actually works under the hood and what that means for your workflow.
Architecture: Cloud vs Local-First
How each platform handles your video data
Loom’s Cloud Architecture:
When you record with Loom, your video uploads to their AWS infrastructure immediately. The file goes through processing: thumbnails, AI transcription, chapter extraction, multiple quality versions for adaptive streaming. Usually takes 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on length. You get a shareable link while that happens in the background.
What you get: Instant shareable links. Automatic backup. CDN delivery so viewers worldwide get fast playback. Access from any device. Loom handles storage and bandwidth - you just paste links in Slack or email.
What you give up: Your content passes through Loom’s servers. You’re dependent on their uptime and processing speed. Storage caps apply (5 hours on free, unlimited on paid). Your videos live in Loom’s infrastructure - if you cancel, you lose access unless you export everything first.
Capme’s Local-First Architecture:
Capme uses your browser’s WebRTC APIs to capture and encode video directly on your device. Everything happens in-browser using your CPU/GPU for hardware acceleration. When you hit stop, the file is ready - no upload queue, no “processing your video” spinner. Just download it like any other file.
What you get: The file is yours immediately. Zero upload wait. Complete control over where it goes. Your footage never touches anyone else’s servers. You decide if it gets shared, where it lives, and who can access it. Need internet to load Capme Studio initially, but recording itself doesn’t require connectivity.
What you give up: No automatic cloud backup. No generated shareable link. You handle storage and sharing yourself - upload to Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, or wherever your team already keeps files. If you want a link, you create it through your own infrastructure.
Browser Compatibility & Installation
What you need to run each platform
Capme browser support: Works in Chrome, Edge, Brave, Arc, and Safari. Requires HTTPS (which capme.app provides) or localhost for camera/microphone access - this is a browser security requirement, not Capme-specific. Picture-in-Picture controls work in Chromium browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Arc). Safari has core functionality but limited Picture-in-Picture support.
Loom requirements: Desktop app available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Browser extension for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari. The desktop app generally performs better than the extension because it has direct system access. Mobile apps available for iOS and Android (Capme currently has no mobile support).
Installation comparison: Capme = zero install, just open the website. Loom = download app or add extension to browser, then sign in with an account. If your team can’t install software (locked-down corporate devices), Capme might be your only option.
Recording Quality & Performance
How video quality and system resource usage compare
Both platforms can record up to 1080p video at 30fps, which is standard for screen recordings. The encoding process is where they differ.
Loom uses cloud-based transcoding. Your recording uploads, then their servers optimize it and generate multiple bitrate versions (adaptive streaming) so viewers on slow connections still get smooth playback. The desktop app typically produces slightly better quality than the browser extension because it has direct system access.
Capme uses your device’s hardware encoder - VP8, VP9, or H.264 depending on which browser you’re using. Modern laptops (especially with dedicated GPUs) handle this with minimal performance hit. Older machines without hardware acceleration might show higher CPU usage. The file you download is the raw encoded output - no re-encoding, no quality degradation from cloud processing. Available quality settings: 480p, 720p, or 1080p.
Real-world result: If you’re recording 5-15 minute videos on hardware from the last 5 years, both tools look comparable. Capme gives you the original file immediately. Loom’s adaptive streaming is better for viewers with inconsistent internet - they automatically get lower quality if their connection drops.
Speed & Workflow Efficiency
From hitting record to delivering your message
Time from Record to Share:
- →Loom: Stop recording → Wait for upload (10s-2min depending on file size) → Link ready → Paste link in Slack/email
- →Capme: Stop recording → Instant download OR use native share button to send directly to Slack/Drive/Messages → File is in recipient’s hands
Loom is faster if your team lives in shareable links - click, paste, done. Capme is faster if you already use Google Drive, Dropbox, or direct file sharing. The “native share” feature on Capme (Chromium browsers) lets you send directly to Slack or Drive without manually uploading. Either way, no waiting for processing.
Branding & Setup Persistence:
Capme burns branding into the video during recording - logos, backgrounds, and lower thirds (name/title overlays) are baked in as you capture. Upload your logo once, pick a background, add your title - Capme remembers everything locally. Next time you open Studio, all your settings are ready. Device selection (camera/mic), quality settings (480p/720p/1080p), and branding preferences persist across sessions.
Loom applies branding during cloud post-processing (paid plans only). You configure workspace settings once, then they’re applied automatically when videos upload. Free plan adds Loom watermarks to every video.
Integrations & Workflow Fit
Where your videos actually live and how your team accesses them
Loom plays nicely with tools that expect a URL. Paste a Loom link into Slack, Notion, Confluence, or Jira and you usually get a rich preview. You can also set link permissions (workspace only, anyone with link, password on some plans) and track views on paid tiers.
Capme produces a file that you host wherever you already work - Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, SharePoint, or your own S3 bucket. In Chromium browsers, the native share button can hand off directly to Slack or Drive without you hunting for the upload dialog. For embeds, use your host’s share URL (for example, an unlisted YouTube link) and drop it in the same places you would paste a Loom link.
Rule of thumb: If your organization lives in link previews and needs workspace level access controls, Loom is smoother. If you already centralize files in Drive or SharePoint, Capme fits that world with fewer new moving parts.
Accessibility & Captions
Subtitles, transcripts, and keyboard friendliness
Loom can auto generate transcripts and captions on paid plans, which helps with searchability and accessibility. You can skim text to jump to a moment and share time stamped links. Verify exact availability per plan before you rely on it for compliance reports.
Capme focuses on capture, not hosting. Accessibility features depend on where you upload the file. YouTube and Vimeo can auto caption. Google Drive previews do not add captions automatically. For internal docs, you can attach a transcript file generated by your preferred tool, or paste a short summary below the embed.
Practical tip: If accessibility is mandatory, choose a host with robust captioning and transcript export, then standardize a simple template your team uses when posting recordings.
Editing Pipeline & Post Production
Light trims vs full edits and where each shines
Loom offers basic browser editing like trim and cut, then re encodes in the cloud. Downloads are MP4, which drop into any editor if you need more polish. For most async updates, the built in tools are enough.
Capme gives you the original recording immediately as WEBM or MP4 (browser dependent). For quick trims, use lightweight editors already on most machines (Clipchamp on Windows, QuickTime or iMovie on macOS). For heavier edits, bring the file into your usual NLE. Because Capme bakes branding during capture, you often skip post entirely.
Guidance: Use Capme when the fastest path is record → share file. Use Loom when you need link based distribution and quick cloud edits without touching an editor.
Pricing Breakdown
The cost difference becomes significant as your team grows. Here's the full picture.
Capme
Currently Free (Beta)
per user, per month (as of October 2025)
- Unlimited recording time
- All features included
- Automatic branding
- Built-in teleprompter
- No watermarks ever
- Complete local privacy
Loom Business
Paid Plan
per user, per month (billed annually)
- Unlimited recording time
- Cloud hosting & sharing
- Video analytics
- Team workspaces
- Custom branding
- Optional Business + AI upgrade at $20/user/month (annual) for AI editing & automation
- Free tier: 5 min limit, watermarks
Cost breakdown for a 10-person team (as of October 2025): Loom Business = $1,800/year. Capme is currently free during beta. Future pricing will be announced.
Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership
When evaluating video recording tools, the sticker price is just the beginning. Here's what actually impacts your total cost:
Loom's Pricing Structure Explained:
Loom's free tier limits you to 25 videos with 5-minute maximum length, watermarked output, and basic features. This works for personal use or testing, but teams quickly outgrow it.
The Business plan at $15/user/month (billed annually) unlocks unlimited recording, removes Loom branding, adds basic waveform editing, provides video analytics, and includes team workspaces. For a 10-person team, that's $1,800 annually. Scale to 50 users and you're at $9,000/year.
Need AI-assisted editing? Business + AI runs $20/user/month (annual billing) and layers on auto video enhancements, advanced editing, video-to-text automation, and meeting recap features.
Hidden costs include training time (learning Loom's ecosystem), storage management (though unlimited on paid plans), and potential vendor lock-in - if you cancel, accessing archived videos requires maintaining your subscription.
Capme's Cost Structure:
Currently free during beta. When pricing is introduced, the local-first architecture means there are no storage costs, no bandwidth fees, and no per-seat limitations for basic recording features.
Your actual costs with Capme depend on where you host shared videos. If you already pay for Google Workspace, Dropbox Business, or Office 365, you're using existing infrastructure. Uploading to YouTube (free) or Vimeo (from $7/month for teams) are other options.
The trade-off is setup complexity - you need a sharing workflow instead of automatic Loom links. For teams already using cloud storage, this is minimal friction. For those expecting turnkey simplicity, it's an adjustment.
ROI Considerations:
Loom's ROI comes from reduced meeting time and faster async communication. If a $15/month subscription saves each employee just one 30-minute meeting per week, you're saving 2+ hours of salary cost monthly - easily justifying the expense.
Capme's ROI is similar (async video benefits remain), but without the subscription multiplier as you scale. The question becomes: does Loom's cloud infrastructure justify the per-seat premium over self-hosted workflows?
Privacy & Data Control
Where your video data lives and who can access it matters. Here's how the two approaches differ.
Capme promise: Recordings are created, composed, and encoded locally in your browser. During recording, no video is uploaded to Capme or any other server. You alone decide if and where to upload after capture (Drive, SharePoint, S3, YouTube, etc.). This is the key difference from Loom's cloud-first workflow.
Capme: Local-First Privacy
- No cloud uploads: All recording and processing happens in your browser
- Your device only: Videos stay on your machine until you explicitly share them
- No data collection: We never see your footage, branding assets, or scripts
- GDPR/CCPA posture: We don't collect your video content or branding assets; compliance for storage and sharing depends on your chosen provider and internal policies
- Perfect for sensitive content: Financial, healthcare, legal, internal communications
Loom: Cloud-Based Hosting
- →Automatic uploads: All recordings upload to Loom's servers for processing
- →Cloud storage required: Videos hosted on Loom infrastructure
- →Data processing: Content analyzed for transcription, thumbnails, insights
- →Benefit: Easy sharing with generated links, built-in viewer analytics
- →Trade-off: Your content passes through third-party servers
Who benefits most from local-first
- • Privacy-first individuals and executives who don't want drafts on third-party servers
- • Legal, healthcare, finance teams with strict client confidentiality
- • CEOs and management sharing internal strategy or pre-announcement materials
- • Security-conscious orgs with existing storage controls and DLP on endpoints
Fit for existing infrastructure
- • SharePoint/OneDrive: keep everything inside Microsoft 365 with org-wide permissions
- • Google Drive: shared drives + link policies for internal distribution
- • Dropbox Business: team folders with audit trails
- • S3 or on-prem NAS: private buckets, lifecycle rules, and VPC only access
Compliance, Retention, and Ownership
Capme (local-first): Because recordings never leave your device unless you share them, retention is your call. Store files in Google Drive, SharePoint, S3, or an on-prem server and apply the same retention policy you already use for docs. There are no vendor deletion windows to track and no exports to request if you close an account. The tradeoff is responsibility - you own backups, access controls, and lifecycle rules.
Loom (cloud-first): Retention lives in workspace settings and plan limits. You can typically set who can view, whether links expire, and when content is removed. If you plan to switch tools, export before cancellation to avoid content loss. For regulated teams, review the vendor's DPA, data flow diagrams, and deletion SLAs so Legal and Security sign off.
Threat Model: Cloud vs Endpoint
Local-first risks (Capme)
- • Device loss or theft exposing local files
- • Ad-hoc sharing to personal drives or email
- • No central revocation if a file link escapes
Cloud-first risks (Loom)
- • Third-party breach risk and supply-chain exposure
- • Link leakage via "anyone with the link" settings
- • Misconfigured org-level permissions or groups
Data Residency and Transfers
Capme: Residency follows where you decide to store videos. Need EU-only processing? Keep recordings in EU-based Drive/SharePoint/S3 buckets and restrict cross-region replication. Because Capme does not upload by default, you stay within your chosen boundary.
Loom: Confirm available data residency options and subprocessors in the vendor's Trust Center and DPA. If regional segregation is a requirement (for example, EU-only), get it in writing before rollout.
Encryption and Transport
Capme: Recording and rendering happen in your browser. Nothing is transmitted until you upload or share the file. Transport security and encryption at rest depend on the destination you choose (Drive, S3, SharePoint, etc.). Use HTTPS for uploads and enforce at-rest encryption on your storage.
Loom: Expect TLS in transit and encryption at rest, with details documented in security materials. Verify key management practices, access to audit logs, and incident response commitments as part of vendor due diligence.
Quick buyer checklist
- • Need HIPAA/BAA or similar agreements? Keep videos on covered storage you control or confirm the vendor will sign a BAA.
- • Require EU data residency? Choose EU storage for Capme or confirm vendor-side residency for Loom.
- • Need audit trails? Use storage platform logs (Capme) or confirm availability of detailed viewer/access logs (Loom).
- • Want expiring links and fine-grained access? Configure link policies on your storage or use Loom's link controls.
- • Who owns deletion and backups? Map responsibilities now so Legal and IT aren't surprised later.
Pick Capme if: Your videos can't touch third-party servers - compliance, NDAs, or just preference. Pick Loom if: You want cloud hosting handled for you and shareable links are worth the upload step.
When to Use Capme vs Loom
Both tools excel in different scenarios. Here's how to choose based on your actual workflow, team size, industry requirements, and content strategy.
Privacy note: If your use case cannot involve third-party servers during capture, Capme's local-first model is the right foundation. Your organization can keep files within trusted storage from the first second.
🎯Quick Decision Framework
Choose based on your primary constraint:
- • Budget-constrained: Capme (currently free)
- • Time-constrained: Loom (fastest link sharing)
- • Privacy-constrained: Capme (local-first)
- • Team-coordination-constrained: Loom (built-in workspaces)
Choose Capme when:
Budget is a priority
Need professional video recording without monthly per-user costs eating into your budget.
Privacy is non-negotiable
Recording sensitive content that must stay on your devices (finance, healthcare, legal).
Speed matters
Need to record and download instantly without waiting for uploads or processing.
Branding is essential
Want automatic logo/background overlays on every recording without paying for premium.
Choose Loom when:
Team collaboration
Need shared workspaces where teams can organize, comment, and manage videos together.
Analytics matter
Want to track who watched your videos, for how long, and which parts they rewatched.
Cloud hosting needed
Prefer Loom to host videos so you can share simple links instead of managing files.
Integration required
Need deep integrations with Slack, Notion, Google Workspace, or other team tools.
Real-World Scenario Comparisons
📊Scenario 1: Customer Support Team (20 agents)
Need: Quick screen recordings showing customers how to use features, troubleshoot issues, or navigate complex workflows. Typical video length: 2-5 minutes. Volume: 50-100 videos/week.
Loom advantage: Support agents can record, get an instant link, and paste it into the support ticket within seconds. No file management overhead. Videos automatically organize in workspace. Team lead can review common issues via Loom's folder structure.
Capme consideration: Would require agents to record → download → upload to shared drive → paste drive link. Adds 30-60 seconds per video. Over 100 videos/week, that's 50-100 minutes of overhead. However, if privacy regulations prohibit cloud storage of customer data (even screen recordings), Capme becomes necessary despite workflow friction.
The call: Loom wins here unless your compliance team says customer screen recordings can't touch third-party servers. Then Capme is your only option despite the workflow friction.
💼Scenario 2: Startup Founder Recording Investor Updates
Need: Monthly video updates to investors showing metrics, product progress, and strategic decisions. Length: 10-15 minutes. Volume: 1-2 videos/month. Audience: 15 investors + advisors.
Capme advantage: Record once, get instant file, upload to private YouTube (unlisted) or Vimeo. Full control over hosting. Built-in teleprompter helps nail the script without retakes. Automatic branding ensures professional appearance. Zero recurring costs.
Loom consideration: Would work fine but costs $15/month for the founder's account (assuming Business plan for custom branding). Over a year, that's $180 for producing ~12-24 videos. Capme's teleprompter feature is actually superior to Loom's offering (Loom has none).
The call: Capme makes more sense - you're only recording 1-2 videos a month, the teleprompter actually helps with scripted updates, and $150/year for this use case feels wasteful when Capme is free.
🏢Scenario 3: Remote Team Async Standups (50 employees)
Need: Daily or weekly video updates from team members replacing synchronous standup meetings. Length: 1-3 minutes. Volume: 50 videos/day if daily, 250/week if weekly. Audience: internal team only.
Loom advantage: Team workspace makes organization trivial. Everyone posts their Loom link to a Slack channel. Videos auto-expire after 90 days (cleanup happens automatically on Enterprise plan). Analytics show who's actually watching standup videos. Cost: $750/month ($9,000/year) for the Business plan.
Capme consideration: Each person records → uploads to Google Drive shared folder → posts link. More friction, but team is already on Google Workspace ($12/user/month = $7,200/year, which they're paying anyway). Adding Loom on top means $16,200/year total SaaS cost vs. $7,200/year using existing infrastructure.
The call: This one's genuinely a toss-up. Loom is smoother - no question. But you're already paying $7,200/year for Google Workspace. Is Loom's UX improvement worth another $9,000 annually? That's the actual question your CFO will ask.
How to Switch from Loom to Capme
Making the switch is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to help your team transition smoothly.
Download your existing Loom videos
Export any videos you want to keep from Loom before canceling your subscription. Loom allows downloads from the video settings menu.
💡 Tip: Create a "Loom Archive" folder locally to organize exported videos before transitioning.
Set up your branding in Capme
Upload your logo, choose backgrounds, and configure lower thirds once. Capme remembers these settings locally for every future recording.
Launch Capme StudioCreate your first recording
Choose your capture mode (webcam, screen, or mixed), hit record, and test the workflow. No signups, no installs required.
Set up your file sharing workflow
Since Capme doesn't host videos, choose how you'll share: Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, email attachments, or your own hosting.
💡 Tip: Most teams use Google Drive shared folders or Slack channels for async video sharing.
Roll out to your team
Share the Capme Studio link with your team. Everyone can set up their own branding preferences locally - no central admin required.
Calculate Your Potential Savings
Compare what your team currently spends on Loom subscriptions against a local-first alternative. While Capme's future pricing is TBD, this calculator shows your current annual spend.
Loom Cost Calculator
Default: $15/user/month (Loom Business annual plan)
Your Current Loom Spend:
Monthly Cost
$150.00
Annual Cost
$1800.00
💡 Context: With 10 users, you're spending $1800/year on Loom. Capme's local-first approach eliminates per-seat subscription costs, though future pricing will be announced. Even with potential Capme pricing, a local-first model typically offers better unit economics at scale.
Beyond Direct Cost Comparison
Storage costs: Loom includes unlimited cloud storage on paid plans. If you use Capme with Google Drive (15GB free, $1.99/month for 100GB) or Dropbox (2GB free, $11.99/month for 2TB), factor those into your total cost if you're not already paying for them.
Time savings: Loom's instant shareable links can save 1-2 minutes per video compared to manual upload workflows. If your team records 50 videos/month, that's 50-100 minutes saved monthly. Calculate whether $150/month (for 10 users) is worth the time savings for your team's hourly rates.
Data privacy value: Some industries (healthcare, legal, finance) require strict data controls. Local-first recording has inherent compliance advantages that may outweigh pure cost considerations. No HIPAA Business Associate Agreement needed if data never leaves your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capme really free right now?
Yes. Capme is currently in beta and completely free to use with all features - unlimited recording, branding, teleprompter. Future pricing will be announced as we develop the product further.
What happens to my Loom videos if I switch?
Download any videos you want to keep before canceling Loom. Loom allows exports from video settings. Store them locally or in your preferred cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
Does Capme work on mobile devices?
Capme is currently optimized for desktop/laptop browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Brave). Mobile recording support is on the roadmap.
Can I share Capme videos as easily as Loom links?
Capme exports video files directly. Share them via Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, email, or any file-sharing method your team already uses. You control where videos live.
Does Capme have analytics and view tracking?
No, Capme doesn't track who watches your videos (privacy-first approach). If you need analytics, host videos on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia which provide their own analytics.
Is Capme really as easy to use as Loom?
Yes. Open Capme Studio in your browser, choose your capture mode, hit record. No installs, no signups. Branding settings save locally so setup is even faster than Loom after the first time.
So Which One Should You Actually Pick?
There's no universal "better" here. It depends on what you're optimizing for: convenience vs. privacy, cloud hosting vs. local control, subscription cost vs. workflow simplicity.
Choose Loom if:
- • You need turnkey simplicity and can justify the per-seat cost
- • Your team records 10+ videos per person weekly (high volume justifies subscription)
- • You want built-in analytics to track video engagement
- • Cloud hosting and instant shareable links are must-haves
- • You're already in the Loom ecosystem and switching costs are high
Choose Capme if:
- • Budget constraints make per-seat subscriptions unsustainable
- • Data privacy/compliance requires local-first architecture
- • You need a built-in teleprompter for scripted content
- • Your team already uses Google Drive/Dropbox for file sharing
- • Video recording is important but not your core workflow (occasional use)
Can you use both? Yeah, some teams do. Loom for high-volume internal stuff (standup videos, quick bug reports), Capme for anything sensitive or external-facing where you want full control. Since Capme is free right now, there's zero cost penalty for this approach.
The trajectory question: Loom has years of polish and enterprise features. Capme is betting that local-first architecture matters more as privacy concerns grow and teams get sick of multiplying subscriptions. Which philosophy wins long-term? Probably both - different teams will land on different sides of this tradeoff.
Actual recommendation: Open Capme Studio right now and record a 2-minute test video. No signup, no risk. If it works for you - great, you just saved your team $150/person/year. If you find yourself missing Loom's cloud features, now you know the subscription is worth it for your workflow. Five minutes of testing beats hours of research.
Webcam + Screen Recording. Zero uploads. Pure control.