Head-to-Head Comparison

Loom vs CloudApp (Zight)

Which screen recorder is right for you? An honest, detailed comparison of features, pricing, and use cases.

Loom

Loom is an async video messaging platform for team communication. Record your screen and webcam, share with an instant link, and track who watches. Built for product teams, sales, and support.

Free plan (25 videos, 5 min limit). Business $15/user/month.

CloudApp (Zight)

CloudApp (now Zight) is a visual communication platform combining screenshots, screen recordings, GIF creation, and webcam recording with instant cloud sharing. Designed for quick captures that replace long email threads.

Free plan (limited). Pro $10/month. Team $10/user/month. Enterprise pricing available.

Feature Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of Loom and CloudApp (Zight) across key features.

Feature
Loom
CloudApp (Zight)
Primary Focus
Async video messaging
Visual communication (screenshots + video + GIFs)
Pricing
$15/user/month
$10/user/month
Screen Recording
Core feature
Yes — one of several features
Screenshots
No
Yes — with annotation
GIF Creation
No
Yes — built in
Viewer Analytics
Yes — detailed
Basic
AI Features
Transcription, summaries
No
Cloud Sharing
Instant links
Instant links
Platform
Web, desktop, mobile
Mac, Windows, Chrome
Auto-Zoom
No
No

Pros & Cons

An honest look at the strengths and weaknesses of each tool.

Loom

Pros

  • Best-in-class async video communication experience
  • Detailed viewer analytics and engagement data
  • AI transcription, summaries, and auto-chapters
  • Deep integrations — Slack, Notion, Gmail, Jira
  • Instant shareable links with zero friction

Cons

  • No screenshot or image capture
  • Subscription pricing per user
  • Free plan is restrictive (25 videos, 5 min)
  • Limited editing — basic trim only

Best for: Teams that prioritize async video communication with analytics, AI transcription, and seamless integrations.

CloudApp (Zight)

Pros

  • Screenshots, recordings, GIFs, and webcam in one tool
  • Instant cloud links for all capture types
  • Annotation tools for screenshots
  • GIF creation for quick visual explanations
  • Works on Mac, Windows, and Chrome

Cons

  • Video recording less featured than Loom
  • No AI transcription or summaries
  • Analytics are basic compared to Loom
  • Rebranding to Zight has caused confusion

Best for: Teams that need a versatile visual communication tool for screenshots, GIFs, and recordings — not just video.

Pricing Comparison

LOOM

Free plan (25 videos, 5 min limit). Business $15/user/month.

CLOUDAPP (ZIGHT)

Free plan (limited). Pro $10/month. Team $10/user/month. Enterprise pricing available.

The Verdict

Choose Loom if async video messaging with analytics and AI is your main use case. Choose CloudApp (Zight) if you need a Swiss-army-knife tool for screenshots, GIFs, and recordings at a lower per-user cost.

Consider Zumie as a Third Option

Zumie focuses on one thing: making screen recordings look professional with auto-zoom and click highlights. At $39 one-time, it's cheaper than a single month of either Loom or CloudApp for a small team. If polished recordings are your priority over screenshots and GIFs, Zumie delivers the most value.

Auto-zoom & click highlightsWorks on any OS$39 one-time or free

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CloudApp (Zight) a good Loom alternative?

It depends on your needs. CloudApp is more versatile (screenshots, GIFs, recordings) but less focused on video. Loom is better for async video communication with analytics. Zumie is the best for polished recordings with auto-zoom.

Why did CloudApp rebrand to Zight?

CloudApp rebranded to Zight in 2023 to better represent its expanded feature set beyond cloud sharing. The product is the same, but the name change has caused some confusion in the market.

Can CloudApp create polished video tutorials?

CloudApp can record your screen but doesn't offer auto-zoom, click highlights, or advanced editing. For polished tutorials, Zumie or Screen Studio are better options.

Which is cheaper for a team of 10?

CloudApp at $10/user/month costs $1,200/year for 10 users. Loom at $15/user/month costs $1,800/year. Zumie at $39 one-time per user costs $390 total — with no recurring fees.

Ready to Make Beautiful Recordings?

Skip the debate. Install Zumie for free and see the difference automatic zoom makes. No signup, no credit card, no commitment.

Free forever planNo account needed7-day money-back guarantee