Shots.so costs $5/mo.
These cost $0.
3 free alternatives to Shots.so, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.
Shots.so vs Free Alternatives Matrix
Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $5/mo
| Alternative | Type | License | Where It Runs | Stars | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| macshot | open source | GPL-3.0 | Local | ★ 2.8k | Shots.so vs macshot → |
| BrandBird Screenshot Beautifier | free | proprietary, free | Hosted | ★ $0 forever | Shots.so vs BrandBird Screenshot Beautifier → |
| ScreenCharm | free | proprietary, free | Local | ★ $0 forever | Shots.so vs ScreenCharm → |
The picks
1 open source · 2 free to use · ranked by fit
- 01
macshot
open sourceGPL-3.0Local2.8kaug 2026Gradients, padding, rounded corners and shadows in a native Mac app that also takes the screenshot.
The catch vs Shots.soIt is macOS-only and has fewer reusable templates, batch operations and AI/redaction conveniences than the more mature paid screenshot tools.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopone-click install
- install
- Homebrew cask or signed macOS DMG dragged to Applications
- setup
- macOS must grant Screen Recording permission on first capture
- your data
- Screenshots and recordings are normal files in the chosen folder, capture history lives under ~/Library/Application Support/com.sw33tlie.macshot/history/, and preferences use macOS UserDefaults; optional uploads go directly to the user's Drive, imgbb or S3 service
- checked
- 2026-08-11
- 02
BrandBird Screenshot Beautifier
freeproprietary, freeHostedGradients, padding and rounded corners for free; batch work is where the bill starts.
The catch vs Shots.soIt is a one-off browser editor rather than a native capture workflow, and free use lacks Shots/Xnapper's batch processing, saved presets and tighter desktop automation.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webthey host it
- install
- Open the hosted browser tool; no signup or download
- your data
- The input image is loaded into BrandBird's browser editor and the result is exported as PNG, JPEG or WebP; the tool page does not document whether image bytes are uploaded or retained server-side
- checked
- 2026-08-11
- 03
ScreenCharm
freeproprietary, freeLocalThe Shots.so recipe, free forever and done entirely in your browser.
The catch vs Shots.soIt beautifies an existing image but cannot capture, annotate or batch-process screenshots like a native Xnapper-style app.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webthey host it
- install
- Open the hosted page in a modern browser; no signup
- your data
- The screenshot is held in browser memory, composited with HTML5 Canvas, and exported as a local PNG/JPG blob; the site says the image is never uploaded
- checked
- 2026-08-11
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers · Shots.so open-source replacements
What is the best free alternative to Shots.so?+
The top free alternative to Shots.so is macshot (open source, GPL-3.0). Gradients, padding, rounded corners and shadows in a native Mac app that also takes the screenshot. Other popular Shots.so replacements include BrandBird Screenshot Beautifier, ScreenCharm.
How much does switching from Shots.so to a free alternative save?+
Shots.so starts at $5/month per seat ($60/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like macshot saves $300 per year in software subscription fees.
Should I vibe-code or build my own Shots.so clone from scratch?+
Our build verdict for Shots.so is YES (the core loop fits in a weekend). Gradient background, padding, rounded corners, export. Pure client-side canvas work; there is no server to even build.
What is the catch when switching from Shots.so to macshot?+
It is macOS-only and has fewer reusable templates, batch operations and AI/redaction conveniences than the more mature paid screenshot tools.