Scribe vs. Loom: Pricing Comparison Guide 2026
Scribe and Loom monetize different mediums: Scribe charges a premium for desktop-based documentation, while Loom charges for unlimited video recording length. While Loom is generally cheaper per seat, relying on both tools doubles your tech stack costs. Guidde offers a superior value proposition by combining AI video generation and step-by-step documentation in a single platform.
In the 2026 economic landscape, efficiency is paramount. Understanding the pricing structures of Scribe and Loom is critical because they solve different parts of the knowledge-sharing puzzle. Choosing the wrong license tier—or purchasing both tools when one hybrid solution exists—can significantly impact your department's software budget and operational efficiency.
The Cost of Async Communication
When evaluating Scribe vs. Loom on pricing, you are essentially comparing apples and oranges—or rather, text and video. Scribe has carved out a niche in instantly generating written SOPs with screenshots, while Loom remains the titan of quick, asynchronous video messaging.
However, for teams trying to build a comprehensive knowledge base in 2026, the cost isn't just about the monthly subscription; it's about the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) when you likely need capabilities from both. This guide breaks down their pricing models, hidden costs, and value for money.
What is Scribe?
Scribe is a process documentation tool that records your screen clicks and automatically converts them into a step-by-step guide with text and screenshots. It is designed primarily for creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training manuals, and help center articles.
Pricing Strategy: Scribe's pricing model is heavily gated around capture capability. The free version is limited to web browser capture, while the desktop app (required for capturing anything outside of Chrome/Edge) is locked behind their Pro tier.
What is Loom?
Loom is a video messaging platform that allows users to record their camera, screen, and microphone simultaneously. It is widely used for code reviews, quick updates, and personalized sales outreach.
Pricing Strategy: Loom's pricing model is gated around video limitations. The free tier is generous with the number of videos but restricts recording length to 5 minutes—a deliberate friction point designed to push users toward the Business plan.
| Feature/Tier | Scribe (Pro Team) | Loom (Business) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Per User) | ~$12 - $23 | ~$12.50 - $15 |
| Free Tier Limits | Browser capture only; Watermarked | 5 min limit per video; 25 videos max |
| Desktop Recording | Paid Tier Only | Included in Free (Limited) |
| Primary Output | Text & Screenshots (PDF/HTML) | Video & Transcript |
| AI Features | AI Text Generation | AI Title/Summaries, Filler Word Removal |
| Enterprise Security | Custom Pricing (SSO, Redaction) | Custom Pricing (SSO, Adv. Privacy) |
Analysis: Text vs. Video Value
The fundamental pricing divergence lies in what you are paying to unlock. With Scribe, you are paying for the versatility of capture. If your team uses desktop applications (Excel, SAP, Salesforce Desktop), Scribe's Free tier is non-functional, forcing an immediate upgrade to Pro (approx. $23/mo for individuals) or Team plans.
With Loom, you are paying for time and retention. The 5-minute limit on the free plan is sufficient for quick updates, but impossible for detailed training. Loom's Business plan removes this cap and adds 'Loom AI' features to polish the video.
The Gap: Paying for Scribe gives you great docs but no video narration. Paying for Loom gives you great video but no step-by-step written guides. To achieve a complete training library, teams often end up paying for both, driving the cost per user up to nearly $40/month.
Best Use Cases
- Choose Scribe if: Your primary goal is creating written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for compliance, or if your team prefers reading over watching. It is ideal for 'How-to' guides that need to be printed or embedded as text.
- Choose Loom if: You need to explain complex concepts that require nuance, tone of voice, and visual context. It is best for feedback loops, bug reporting, and quick team updates.
Detailed Pricing Breakdown
Scribe Pricing
- Basic (Free): Web-only capture, limited customization. Good for trying the tool.
- Pro Personal (~$23/user/mo): Unlocks desktop capture (Mac/Windows) and removes branding. Expensive for single users.
- Pro Team (~$12/user/mo): Requires minimum seat count. Includes shared branding and team folders.
- Enterprise (Custom): SSO, advanced redaction, and data governance.
Loom Pricing
- Starter (Free): Up to 25 videos, 5 mins/video. AI features limited.
- Business (~$12.50/user/mo): Unlimited recording length, unlimited videos, Loom AI suite (summaries, silence removal).
- Enterprise (Custom): Salesforce integration, advanced security, SCIM.
Scribe Pros & Cons
- Pros: incredibly fast creation of written docs; professional formatting; easy export to PDF/HTML.
- Cons: Expensive Pro tier for individuals; video capabilities are virtually non-existent; desktop capture is paywalled.
Loom Pros & Cons
- Pros: Best-in-class video recording reliability; intuitive editing; transcription is included in paid plans.
- Cons: Cannot generate written step-by-step guides with screenshots; editing videos textually is limited; 'video fatigue' for end-users.
If you are strictly budget-conscious and only need video, Loom is the more affordable entry point. If documentation is a strict requirement, Scribe is necessary despite the higher price tag for desktop capabilities. However, for teams that require both formats to accommodate different learning styles, the cost creates a significant dilemma.
The Superior Alternative: Why Pay for Two Tools?
The primary limitation of both Scribe and Loom is that they force you to choose between video and text—or pay double to get both. In 2026, modern AI platforms have rendered this tradeoff obsolete.
Guidde is the AI-powered platform that unifies these capabilities, offering a more complete solution for a better price.
How Guidde Outperforms Scribe and Loom:
- All-in-One Generation: When you record with Guidde, it automatically generates a step-by-step written guide (like Scribe) AND a video with AI voiceover (superior to Loom's raw audio).
- AI Audio & Editing: Unlike Loom, where you must re-record if you stumble, Guidde allows you to edit the video by simply editing the text. The AI voiceover updates instantly—no microphone needed.
- Desktop & Web Included: Guidde does not gate desktop capture behind expensive individual tiers.
- 11x Faster Workflow: By generating the video, voiceover, and written documentation in a single pass, Guidde reduces content creation time by 11x compared to using Scribe and Loom separately.
Stop managing two subscriptions for one outcome. Try Guidde for free and experience the future of AI-driven documentation.
FAQs
Which tool is cheaper, Scribe or Loom?
Loom's Business plan is generally cheaper per seat (~$12.50) than Scribe's Pro Personal plan (~$23), though Scribe's Team pricing brings the cost down closer to parity.
Can Loom create written guides?
No. Loom creates transcripts, but it cannot generate formatted, step-by-step guides with screenshots. For that, you need Scribe or Guidde.
Is there a tool that does both?
Yes. Guidde combines the best of both worlds, automatically generating video guides with AI voiceovers and step-by-step written documentation in a single recording session.