CleanShot X set a high bar for capture tools, but it is macOS-only. ShareX is exceptionally deep on Windows. Flameshot is focused, free, and cross-platform. Scrozz takes a different route: the full capture, recording, annotation, OCR, and drag-out workflow on every desktop, with no account and source anyone can inspect.
| Capability | Scrozz | CleanShot X | ShareX | Flameshot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS only | Windows only | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Price | Free | $29 one-time | Free | Free |
| Open source | Yes · GPL-3.0 | No · proprietary | Yes · GPL-3.0 | Yes · GPL-3.0 |
| Screen recording | MP4 and GIF | MP4 and GIF | Screen and GIF recording | Not listed |
| Webcam picture-in-picture | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| On-device text recognition | Yes | Yes | OCR | Not listed |
| Pin to screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Annotation | Deep, with secure redaction | Deep | Deep | Focused screenshot editor |
| Background / beautify | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Single-shortcut capture HUD | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| Built-in upload destinations | Your S3-compatible bucket | CleanShot Cloud | Dozens, plus custom uploaders | Imgur |
Where Scrozz loses
ShareX ships far more built-in upload destinations and custom-uploader automation. Scrozz deliberately supports one cloud path: an S3-compatible bucket you own. If integration breadth matters more than using the same app on every desktop, ShareX is the better fit for that job.
Common comparison questions
Is there a free, open-source CleanShot X alternative for Windows and Linux?
Yes—Scrozz. CleanShot X is macOS-only, and its own FAQ says there is no Windows version and none currently planned. Scrozz ships on macOS, Windows, and Linux under GPL-3.0.
Is CleanShot X open source?
No. It is a paid, proprietary app distributed under a commercial EULA. Scrozz, ShareX, and Flameshot are all GPL-3.0.
How is Scrozz different from ShareX?
ShareX is a deep Windows-only tool with many upload destinations. Scrozz trades that integration breadth for the same capture and editing workflow on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with one user-owned cloud option.
Is Flameshot a good CleanShot X alternative?
It is a capable, free, cross-platform screenshot editor. Its official feature list does not include recording, OCR, pin-to-screen, or background beautification; Scrozz includes that broader workflow.
Primary sources
Competitor names and marks belong to their respective owners.
- CleanShot X platform support and Windows plans
- CleanShot X pricing
- CleanShot X license terms
- CleanShot X capture, recording, OCR, floating, annotation, and cloud features
- ShareX official repository and feature list
- ShareX product site and annotation tools
- ShareX GPL-3.0 license
- ShareX upload destinations and Amazon S3 guide
- Flameshot product and feature site
- Flameshot installation platforms
- Flameshot official repository
- Flameshot GPL-3.0 license
Use the one that fits.
Scrozz is free, open source, and available on all three desktops.