How do I install the app on macOS?

After checkout, you'll receive an email with your license key and a download link for the DMG installer. Download the file, open it, and drag the app into your Applications folder. The first time you launch the app, you'll be prompted to enter your license key to activate it.

What permissions does the app need?

You'll need to grant permissions for Screen Recording, Microphone (if recording audio), Camera (if using webcam), and Accessibility (for mouse tracking) in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.

Is this really a one-time purchase?

Yes! Pay once, use forever. This includes all current features and all future updates. No hidden fees, no subscriptions, no surprises.

What's your refund policy?

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied, just email us and we'll refund your purchase, no questions asked.

Which macOS versions and devices are supported?

Mac Screen Recorder supports Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later) running macOS 12 Monterey or newer. Intel-based Macs are not supported.

Mac Screen Recorder vs CleanShot X | Focused Recording vs All-in-One Capture

Mac Screen Recorder vs CleanShot X: Which Mac Recorder Do You Need?

CleanShot X is a popular all-in-one capture tool for the Mac, best known for screenshots, annotation, and quick captures — with screen recording as part of a broader toolkit. Mac Screen Recorder is narrower and deeper: it focuses on producing polished video recordings with automatic zoom and effects. Depending on what you mostly do, one will fit better than the other.

Where CleanShot X shines

If your day is full of screenshots, quick annotations, and grabbing-and-marking-up images, CleanShot X is a strong all-rounder built around that workflow. It bundles many capture utilities into one app for people who need broad capture-and-annotate capabilities.

Where Mac Screen Recorder is the better fit

✓Video-first and polished — Auto Zoom & Smart Follow give recordings an edited look automatically.
✓Mouse tracking with click effects and custom cursors to guide and brand your videos.
✓Export to MP4, WebM, and GIF, up to 4K.
✓One-time $19 with lifetime updates and no subscription.
✓No watermarks and no time limits.

Quick comparison

	Mac Screen Recorder	CleanShot X
Main focus	Polished video recording	All-in-one capture & annotation
Automatic zoom in video	Yes	Not its focus
Click effects & custom cursors	Yes	Not its focus
Video export	MP4, WebM, GIF (up to 4K)	Video supported
Pricing	$19 one-time	$29 one-time (+ optional $19/yr updates)
Best for	Tutorials, demos & shareable video	Screenshots & quick annotation

As of June 2026, CleanShot X is a $29 one-time purchase, with an optional $19/year for continued updates. Pricing can change — check cleanshot.com for the latest.

The bottom line

If most of your work is screenshots and annotation, CleanShot X is a great toolkit. If your priority is polished, easy-to-follow video — tutorials, demos, walkthroughs — Mac Screen Recorder is purpose-built for that, at a one-time $19.

For video that looks edited, automatically

One-time $19. Lifetime updates. No subscription.