Many years ago, something arose from the ashes to change life as we humans had ever known it.
Before it, information had to be sought out, those who wanted answers had to delve deep into books or speak to others who had gained knowledge along their travels.
Things were not readily available, and there was no ease in the collection of the wisdom that we now take for granted. It was a different time.
And then on the birth of the new year 1983, everything as we knew it changed. And the internet was born. Bountiful and limitless access to information was introduced to the masses.
And each year, its grasp on mankind has only grown stronger and stronger with more and more features being introduced.
At the click of a button, you can call someone across the globe and see their face. Type any question into Google and you find the answers that you seek within a matter of mere seconds. Screen recording and video editing software options become aplenty.
Whether you wish to use this software to present your interests on YouTube, help with your online courses, or aid presentations, there’s something there for you.
But with great power comes great responsibility. And the time has come for you to pick your side. Both software options Camtasia vs Screenflow have their strengths and weaknesses. But the time for them to battle has arrived. Which one will you stand behind?
- 39 Million Users
- Make Professional Videos
- AI Powered Video Editing Software
In this article, each software will compete with its competitor based on vital features that are essential for such a software. Once all the rounds are complete, only one software will stand victorious. Keep reading to find out which one will win.
Introducing The Competitors
Before the rounds commence, let’s first take some time to introduce both software along with their significant differences and unique features.
First Up…Camtasia
- This software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
- It is well revered for its HD screen recording capabilities and extensive editing features.
- There is the option for multi-screen recordings but the procedure can be confusing and complex.
- There is a vast amount of templates for multiple video types.
- There is only one pricing plan for individual users.
- Many small but effective techniques enhance engagement and professionality.
And Now…Screenflow
- Software only works with Mac operating system.
- Notorious for its screen recording, video editing, and screenshots with annotations.
- Multi-screen recording is not only possible but easy to do.
- Very few video templates available.
- Inexpensive compared to its competitor and offers several pricing options.
- Limited additional features available.
May The Battle Commence!
Round One: The Overview
This fight has two equally fierce competitors, it could go either way. Let’s take a quick look at what each software has to offer its customers.
Camtasia
Camtasia has many adoring fans and is used by a vast amount of people. In fact, it is probably one of the most used software of its kind across the globe. It works with both Mac and Windows making it available to all that wish to use it.
There are many different purposes that this software caters to. From online course creation, blogging, digital product sales, and more. The great screen recording options and easy-to-use interface makes it an appealing choice to many.
With Camtasia, you can easily capture and record the activity of your screen. But what’s more, is that you can turn that screen activity into something super engrossing by adding your own images, animations, annotations, or highlighting features.
Once you’re all done with the editing process, Camtasia can integrate the final product directly with many popular publishing platforms. Want to upload directly from Camtasia to YouTube or Facebook? You got it.
Key Features
- Available on Mac & Windows
- Full-screen, partial-screen, or multi-screen recording options
- Drag & Drop video editor
- Vast option for video templates
- Royalty-free music available for videos
- Audio recording and editing options
- Option to record your screen, apps, and webcam
- Add interactive quizzes to your recordings
- Video and Image annotations
- Transitions
- Animations
- Integrates easily with PowerPoint – perfect for presentations.
Screenflow
Screenflow is another highly recommended screen recording and video editing software that is loved by MAC owners around the world. Screenflow is not compatible with windows which does limit its universality somewhat.
The software was born as a simple tool for screenshotting, but with some tender love and care, it has amassed into a leading software in the industry as it has continued to evolve.
Screenflow’s option for HD video recording is a feature that does make the software stand out to many customers as the quality of your recordings can be make or break in terms of engagement and popularity.
Much like their competitor, Screenflow also offers the ability to add annotations, display more than one video at a time, zoom it and out, or highlight sections of the screen.
This all assists in making a more engaging and interactive experience for those watching your content.
Key Features
- Screen capturing and recording
- Video editing
- Engagement features; annotations, highlights, zoom in
- Coexisting screen, camera, and microphone recording
- Multi-screen recording
- Over 500,000 images and videos to choose from
- Text and image overlays
- Transitions
- Animations
- Video filters and background removers
The Verdict
At this moment, I believe that it is too soon to tell which software is victorious. Both offer an amazing host of features and are loved by those that use it. As we continue this comparison, we will see how both software fair.
Round Two: Pricing
Camtasia
While Camtasia does have a few options for different end-users, for individual users there is only one plan on offer. For either Mac or Windows users, you will be charged a one-off payment of $249.99.
While this is quite expensive, there is some comfort in knowing that you will not have to renew your membership at any point.
That being said, there will be additional payments needed if you wish to update your software, though this is optional.
The price for business users is also the same for individual users, however, if you purchase the software for upwards of 5 users, you will be entitled to various discounts. This is the same for educational institutions and non-profit organizations.
There is also a 30-day free trial, so you can test out how well you get along with the software before fully committing to the price.
Screenflow
Screenflow offers a couple of different payment options for its users. This way, the payment plans can be more tailored to the needs of the individual customer.
Screenflow Standard – One-Off Payment of $149.00
In the standard pricing packet you are essentially paying for Screenflow’s license fee. Included in this cost will be the ability to screen record and video edit with all the relevant features for these processes.
Screenflow SuperPak – One-Off Payment of $209
This upgraded plan will give you all the benefits of the Screenflow Standard pice packet but the additional $60 will also grant you access to over 500k worth of videos, soundtracks, and images to use within your content
Screenflow SuperPak + Premium Support – One-Off Payment of $239
This upgraded plan will give you all the benefits of the Screenflow SuperPak as well as premium support. This means that you will get priority in terms of customer support. Any questions or queries will be answered before those of the lower package holders.
Screenflow also offers a 30-day free trial where you can test out the software to see how well you get on with it.
The Verdict
Screenflow is victorious this round. Screenflow offers more flexible and user-friendly pricing plans that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Round Three: Screen Recording
Screen recording is one of the most important and primary features of this type of software. Let’s see how our competitors fair.
Camtasia
The screen recording features within Camtasia are unarguably first-class. The interface for screen recordings is clear, concise, and easy to navigate. You can rest assured that your final product will be exactly as you envisioned.
With each new project, there is the option to configure both frame rates and dimensions and much more through the use of the Project Settings. The record button which sits in the top left-hand corner of the screen is clear and obvious.
Once you click this button it will open the control panel that has a multitude of options for recording. You will be given the option of which screen to record from and how much of the screen you wish to record.
There are options to ensure that your frame dimensions will be accessible and suitable for a range of platforms. For example, it is easy to choose the correct frame dimensions for Instagram or Facebook.
This ensures that the video will be of optimal quality for the platform of your choice.
You can choose whether or not to use your webcam, microphone, audio systems, and more throughout your screen recording. Switching between cameras and microphones is also easy through a small control panel.
Once you end the recording, you will automatically enter editor mode. The whole process is easy to use and this can save you valuable time.
Screenflow
Screenflow is similar to Camtasia in that the process of recording is fairly simple, however, the process does differ slightly. Compared to the innovative interface of Camtasia, Screenflow could be described as quite old-fashioned.
With the use of the document setting tab, you will have the ability to configure your desired screen dimensions and frame rates.
Here you will also be able to configure the sources for your video and audio, be it from your iPhone, webcam, or any other attached device. In the new recording tab, you’ll be able to select your desired recording source.
In this tab, you’ll find a large red button at the bottom center of the screen. Click away to begin your recording. Once you begin you will see the screen that is being recorded along with the time duration and the option for additional markers.
To stop the recording you’ll need to press command+shift+2. This will exit the recording mode and enter the editing mode.
The Verdict
Camtasia takes the crown. When comparing the two it is hard to ignore how outdated Screenflow looks compared to Camtasia. Camtasia’s more contemporary take has a much simpler layout and is in my opinion a little easier to use.
Round Four: Video Editing
Screen recording is very important, but the need for a good editing system is also vital to ensure the quality of your videos. Let’s see how the two compare.
Camtasia
If you are looking for editing options aplenty, then Camtasia will not disappoint. You can be sure that your video will come out exactly the way you envisioned it.
Once your video has been recorded you’ll enter edit mode where it will appear in the main window with its audio and video tracks individually separated into different tracks.
Pretty much all of the editings will take place within these tracks. The separate layers are great as they allow you to trim and chop these layers as needed. Messed-up part of the video?
Don’t despair. The editing mode will allow you to remove chunks of the content to allow for retakes.
It is at this point that you will also have the option to make additions to your video in the form of graphics or annotations to create additional interactive and engaging content.
Camtasia’s stock library offers a vast amount of images and videos to choose from. You can also add quizzes, cursor effects, and visual effects. All of which are easily accessible through the drag-and-drop interface and easily navigated menu options.
Screenflow
Similarly Screenflow also has a wide range of video editing and stock features to select. It too will also give you a standardized timeline to follow with separated tracks for your visuals and audio.
There is the option to insert a range of clips within the tracks, combine them together, or nest them to make the editing process as easy as possible for each user.
Cutting and trimming videos can be done easily and effortlessly by adjusting each track and you can also choose sections to remove if you need to retake sections of your video.
The ability to highlight particular video elements alongside adding effects is simple and easy to do. There is also an option for adding additional transitions and animations to create more attractive and appealing content.
The Verdict
It’s a draw. In this battle, both competitors fight with all their might, and differentiating between the two is impossible. Both offer sleek and easy editing options that are equally as impressive.
Round Five: Engagement Features
Videos that engage the audience are going to be more successful than those without. So these features are pretty important to have within your software.
Camtasia
There are many engaging features available on Camtasia. The first of these is the captions. The option to add closed captions which can be turned on or off by the viewer is a great way to make your video more inclusive for those with auditory processing issues.
You can also choose to opt for captions that cannot be turned off, should you wish.
Interactive hotspots are another great engagement tool. This clickable option allows you to promote other content, offer subscriptions, visit specific pages, or jump to other sections of the video.
The only flaw is that this is only available if the video is hosted through Techsmith smart video player. Through this video player, you can also add quizzes to make the video more interactive.
Screenflow
Unfortunately, Screenflow’s engagement features are fairly limited. There is still the option to insert closed captions in your video and place them where you like and you can insert captions through an SRT file, but the ease of use is much better within Camtasia.
The Verdict
Camtasia reigns victorious. Camtasia offers engagement opportunities that you do not receive with Screenflow and it is much easier to use this aspect of the software.
Round Six: User Experience & Training
Camtasia
For those new to screen recording and editing, Camtasia is clearly laid out and easy to use. Most first-timers can be up and running rather quickly without any trouble.
There are tutorials littered throughout the software for moments where you do become slightly confused or stuck. They also offer articles with FAQs and step-by-step guides.
The main drawback with Camtasia will be the fact that it can considerably slow down applications on your computer. This is because the program is pretty heavy and it can take some time to load an abundant amount of files.
Screenflow
Screenflow also offers up tutorials and guides for first-time users and their interface is also fairly easy and obvious to follow. And unlike Camtasia, it will not slow down your PC.
With that being said, it is not as clear cut as Camtasia and many of its options are hidden in different panel settings and categories that can be slightly confusing to learn initially.
The Verdict
Camtasia takes the crown. Though it may slow down your PC somewhat, Camtasia is undisputably more concise and coherent to navigate. First-time users will reap the benefits of the software as it is so much easier to follow.
The Final Verdict
This battle has shown both competitors to be fierce contenders for the best software. Regardless of which software you stand behind, you can be assured that you will be creating content of impeccable quality.
That being said, one contender must reign victorious. And in my opinion, Camtasia must be crowned victorious. Its contemporary design, and ease of use, combined with its many features make it the more worthy opponent.
However, for those looking for a cheaper option, or a windows compatible software, Screenflow, next in line for the throne, should not be overlooked.
While this opposition did not reign victorious overall, it is still a worthy and lethal fighter that only narrowly avoided that all-important first place.
