Scribe vs. Mango Recorder: Pricing Comparison Guide 2026

What is Scribe?

Scribe is an AI-powered process documentation platform that automatically generates step-by-step guides as users complete workflows in their browser or desktop applications. Launched in 2019 and backed by Series C funding in 2026, Scribe has become a leading solution for teams creating SOPs, training materials, and customer support documentation.

Key Pricing-Related Features:

• Tiered SaaS Model: Per-seat subscription with Basic (free), Pro Personal ($23/user/month), Pro Team ($12-15/user/month), and custom Enterprise pricing
• Usage Limits: Free tier limited to web-only capture; Pro required for desktop apps
• Team Minimums: Pro Team starts at 5 seats ($60/month minimum)
• Advanced Features: Branding, redaction, exports, and collaboration locked behind paid tiers
• Enterprise Costs: Custom pricing with SSO, governance, and compliance features

Scribe's pricing reflects its positioning as a comprehensive documentation platform rather than a simple recording tool, with costs scaling directly with team size.

What is Mango Recorder?

Mango Recorder (formerly part of TinyTake by MangoApps) is a free screen capture and video recording software for Windows and Mac. Unlike Scribe's documentation focus, Mango Recorder provides basic screen recording functionality without the AI-powered guide creation or content management features.

Key Pricing-Related Features:

• Freemium Model: Core software is completely free with unlimited use
• Recording Limits: Free version caps recordings at 5 minutes
• Local Storage: Free tier saves files locally without cloud storage
• Premium Version: Bundled with MangoApps Workplace subscription ($99-299/month for 25 users) for cloud storage and sharing
• No Per-User Fees: Free desktop software can be installed on any machine
• Basic Features: Screen recording, webcam capture, annotation tools, and local file export

Mango Recorder's pricing reflects its origin as a utility tool rather than a platform, offering generous free access with premium features available only through the broader MangoApps ecosystem.

Pricing Head-to-Head: Scribe vs. Mango Recorder

Key Insight: Scribe and Mango Recorder operate in different pricing universes. Scribe charges per user for comprehensive documentation features, while Mango Recorder offers free basic recording with premium features bundled into a broader workplace platform. Your choice depends on whether you need AI-powered guides (Scribe) or simple screen recordings (Mango Recorder).

Pricing Analysis: Fundamentally Different Models

The pricing comparison between Scribe and Mango Recorder reveals two platforms solving different problems with incompatible business models.

Scribe's SaaS Documentation Ecosystem

Scribe's per-seat pricing reflects its positioning as a comprehensive documentation platform:

• Predictable Scaling: $12-23/user/month means costs scale linearly with team growth
• Feature Gating: Essential capabilities like desktop capture, branding, and collaboration require paid tiers
• Team Minimums: 5-seat minimum ($60/month) creates entry barriers for small teams
• Enterprise Premium: Custom pricing for SSO, governance, and compliance features can significantly increase costs
• Value Calculation: ROI depends on time saved through AI automation vs. per-user subscription costs

For a 50-person team, Scribe Pro Team costs approximately $7,200 annually—justified if the AI documentation features save significant manual work.

Mango Recorder's Freemium Utility Approach

Mango Recorder's pricing strategy positions it as a free utility rather than a platform:

• Zero Entry Cost: Full desktop software available free with no user limits
• Reasonable Limitations: 5-minute recording cap and local storage are acceptable for basic use cases
• Bundle Strategy: Premium features require MangoApps Workplace subscription ($99-299/month for 25 users)
• Non-Comparable Bundling: Premium version includes entire collaboration platform, not just recording features
• Value Calculation: Free for basic needs; premium only makes sense if you want the full MangoApps suite

For teams needing only screen recording, Mango Recorder offers unbeatable value at $0. Premium features cost the same whether you have 5 or 25 users.

The Pricing Gap

These platforms don't compete on price because they serve different needs:

• Scribe charges for AI-powered documentation creation with automatic step generation
• Mango Recorder provides simple screen recording with manual video editing
• Scribe scales cost with users; Mango Recorder has flat pricing (free or bundled)
• Scribe targets documentation workflows; Mango Recorder targets basic screen capture

The real question isn't which is cheaper—it's which problem you're solving.

Best Use Cases by Pricing Tier

Choose Scribe's Pricing When You Need:

• AI Documentation Automation: Teams creating 10+ guides weekly who value automatic step generation over recording time
• Enterprise SOPs: Organizations requiring branded, compliant documentation with governance controls
• Multi-Format Outputs: Teams exporting to PDF, HTML, Markdown, or Word for various distribution channels
• Workflow Optimization: Companies using Scribe's AI insights to improve process efficiency
• Customer Training: Support teams creating public-facing guides for customer self-service
• Budget Flexibility: Organizations with $12-23/user/month allocated for documentation tools

Pricing Sweet Spot: Teams of 5-50 users creating documentation daily where AI automation justifies the $720-7,200/year investment.

Choose Mango Recorder's Pricing When You Need:

• Simple Screen Recording: Teams capturing quick demos or tutorials without documentation workflows
• Zero Budget: Individuals or small teams unable to justify per-user subscription costs
• Local Storage Preference: Organizations requiring on-premise file storage without cloud dependencies
• Annotation Tools: Users who need to mark up screenshots and videos with built-in drawing tools
• Unlimited Installs: Companies wanting to deploy free software across many machines without licensing
• Existing MangoApps Users: Organizations already subscribed to MangoApps Workplace who get premium features included

Pricing Sweet Spot: Individual users or small teams needing occasional screen recordings (under 5 minutes) without collaboration requirements.

When Neither Pricing Model Works:

• Budget-Conscious Teams Needing Both: Organizations wanting AI documentation AND video capabilities without paying per-seat
• Rapid Scaling: Companies growing quickly who need predictable costs that don't scale linearly with headcount
• Hybrid Workflows: Teams needing both AI-generated guides and video tutorials without managing two separate tools
• Enterprise Features at SMB Prices: Mid-sized companies requiring SSO and governance without enterprise pricing

This is where next-generation platforms like Guidde disrupt traditional pricing models with AI-first approaches that deliver both capabilities at a fraction of Scribe's per-seat costs.

Total Cost of Ownership: 12-Month Analysis

Beyond monthly subscriptions, understanding the true cost requires examining total ownership over time.

Scenario 1: Solo Consultant Creating Client Documentation

Analysis: Mango Recorder wins for budget-conscious solos, but Scribe delivers AI automation worth $276 if creating multiple guides weekly.

Scenario 2: 10-Person Operations Team Documenting Internal Processes

Analysis: MangoApps bundle is cheaper and includes collaboration tools, but lacks Scribe's AI documentation. Choose based on whether you need automatic guides or just recording capabilities.

Scenario 3: 50-Person Enterprise Requiring Compliance & Governance

Analysis: MangoApps offers significant cost savings but lacks AI documentation. Scribe's premium is justified only if automatic guide generation delivers substantial time savings.

Hidden Costs to Consider

• Scribe: Costs scale linearly with every new hire; teams growing from 25 to 100 users see budget increase from $3,600 to $14,400 annually
• Mango Recorder Free: No cloud sharing means manual file distribution and version control challenges
• MangoApps Bundle: Full platform subscription may include unused features, inflating costs vs. dedicated documentation tools
• Training Time: Scribe's simplicity reduces onboarding; Mango Recorder's basic interface is faster to learn
• Integration Costs: Scribe offers native integrations; Mango Recorder requires manual workflows

Scribe Pricing: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Transparent Per-Seat Model: Clear, predictable costs with no hidden fees or surprise charges
• Free Tier Exists: Basic plan allows unlimited web-based guide creation at zero cost
• Team Discount: Pro Team pricing ($12/seat) is 48% cheaper than Pro Personal ($23/seat) for collaborative teams
• Annual Savings: 20% discount with yearly billing reduces effective monthly costs
• All-Inclusive Features: Cloud hosting, sharing, and unlimited guides included at every paid tier
• No Usage Caps: Create unlimited guides regardless of plan (unlike per-guide pricing models)
• ROI Potential: Customer testimonials cite 40+ hours saved monthly, justifying the subscription cost

Cons

• Expensive for Solos: $276/year for single users is steep compared to free alternatives like Mango Recorder
• Forced Minimums: Pro Team requires 5 seats ($60/month minimum), excluding 2-4 person teams
• Linear Scaling: Costs grow proportionally with headcount, creating budget pressure for growing companies
• Enterprise Opacity: Custom pricing for SSO and governance makes cost planning difficult for larger orgs
• Feature Gating: Desktop capture, branding, and exports locked behind paid plans eliminates free tier utility for many
• No Video Output: Lacks native video export, limiting use cases despite higher costs than video-focused tools
• Commitment Pressure: Annual billing required for best pricing locks teams into 12-month contracts

Mango Recorder Pricing: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Completely Free Core: Full desktop software with zero cost and no user limits for basic recording
• No Vendor Lock-In: Local storage means files remain accessible even if you stop using the tool
• Flat-Rate Premium: MangoApps bundles cost the same for 5 or 25 users, eliminating per-seat scaling
• Immediate Access: Download and start recording in under 5 minutes with no signup required
• Cross-Platform: Free versions available for both Windows and Mac without compatibility issues
• Annotation Included: Built-in drawing and markup tools at no additional cost
• Collaboration Bundle Value: MangoApps Workplace includes full intranet, chat, and collaboration tools alongside recording

Cons

• Severe Time Limit: 5-minute cap on free recordings makes longer tutorials impossible without premium
• No Cloud in Free: Local-only storage eliminates easy sharing, requiring manual file distribution
• No AI Features: Lacks automatic transcription, step generation, or intelligent editing at any price point
• Bundle-Only Premium: Can't purchase just extended recording; must buy entire MangoApps Workplace subscription
• Non-Competitive Bundle Pricing: $99-299/month for MangoApps is expensive if you only want recording features
• Limited Roadmap: Tool hasn't evolved significantly; no indication of AI or advanced features coming
• Manual Everything: Requires manual editing, exporting, and distribution—no workflow automation

Strategic Positioning

Both platforms' pricing weaknesses create opportunities:

• Scribe's per-seat model penalizes growth: Companies scaling from 20 to 100 users face 5x cost increases
• Mango Recorder's free tier is too limited: 5-minute cap eliminates most real-world use cases
• Neither offers video + AI automation: Users must choose between Scribe's guides or Mango Recorder's videos
• Enterprise features require expensive tiers: SSO and governance locked behind custom pricing (Scribe) or Pro plans (MangoApps)

This gap is precisely where Guidde positions itself—offering AI-powered video documentation without per-seat pricing constraints.

The Verdict: Choose Based on Content Type, Not Just Price

Scribe and Mango Recorder don't compete directly because they solve fundamentally different problems with incompatible pricing philosophies.

Choose Scribe If:

You need AI-powered step-by-step guides and can justify $12-23/user/month for automatic documentation generation. Ideal for teams creating SOPs, training materials, and process documentation where AI automation saves more time than the subscription costs. Budget for linear growth—your costs will scale directly with headcount.

Best for: 5-50 person teams with $720-7,200 annual budgets, creating 10+ guides weekly, requiring collaboration and enterprise features.

Choose Mango Recorder If:

You need simple screen recordings at zero cost and don't require AI features or cloud collaboration. Perfect for individuals, small teams, or organizations with strict budget constraints who can work within 5-minute recording limits and local storage.

Best for: Solo users, small teams under 5 people, or anyone needing occasional screen capture without documentation workflows.

Consider Alternatives If:

You want the best of both worlds—AI automation and video capabilities without per-seat pricing that penalizes growth. Scribe's $3,600-14,400 annual costs for medium teams and Mango Recorder's severe feature limitations leave a significant gap in the market.

This is where next-generation platforms like Guidde are disrupting traditional pricing models. By combining AI-powered video documentation with predictable pricing that doesn't scale linearly with users, Guidde delivers:

• 11x faster creation than manual methods like Mango Recorder
• Video + interactive guides in one platform (Scribe only does step-by-step)
• Enterprise features at SMB prices without forced minimums or per-seat penalties
• True workflow automation beyond both platforms' capabilities

For teams seeking documentation ROI without budget constraints, exploring Guidde's pricing model often reveals 60-80% cost savings compared to Scribe at scale, while delivering capabilities Mango Recorder can't match at any price.

Why Consider Alternatives: The Guidde Advantage

While Scribe and Mango Recorder serve their respective niches, both platforms share fundamental limitations that impact modern documentation workflows in 2026:

Shared Limitations of Both Platforms

1. Content Format Lock-In: Scribe forces step-by-step text guides; Mango Recorder outputs only raw video recordings. Neither offers true multimedia flexibility combining video, interactive elements, and AI-generated content.
2. Manual or Per-Seat Pricing Penalties: Scribe's per-user costs punish company growth ($3,600 to $14,400 as you scale from 25 to 100 users), while Mango Recorder's free version is too limited and premium requires buying an entire workplace platform.
3. Workflow Gaps: Scribe lacks native video export; Mango Recorder lacks AI documentation. Teams often need both capabilities, forcing them to maintain two separate tools and workflows.
4. Limited Automation: Scribe automates capture but requires manual editing and customization. Mango Recorder is entirely manual. Neither offers AI-powered voiceovers, translations, or intelligent editing.
5. Enterprise Feature Gating: SSO, governance, and advanced compliance features require expensive custom pricing (Scribe Enterprise) or full platform subscriptions (MangoApps Pro), creating budget barriers for mid-sized companies.

How These Limitations Impact Your Workflows

In practice, these constraints create real operational challenges:

• Budget Strain: A 75-person company using Scribe Pro Team pays $10,800 annually—just for documentation—while Mango Recorder's free tier can't handle real-world use cases
• Tool Proliferation: Teams use Scribe for guides AND Mango Recorder (or Loom) for videos, managing multiple subscriptions and workflows
• Slow Creation: Mango Recorder requires manual recording, editing, and distribution. Scribe's AI helps but still needs human cleanup and customization
• Limited Distribution: Scribe's link-based sharing is simple but inflexible. Mango Recorder's local files require manual distribution
• Scaling Challenges: As documentation needs grow, Scribe's costs grow proportionally while Mango Recorder's capabilities remain static

Introducing Guidde: The Next-Generation Solution

Guidde represents a fundamental rethinking of documentation pricing and capabilities, specifically designed to overcome the limitations shared by traditional platforms:

🚀 11x Faster Creation Than Manual Methods

While Mango Recorder requires manual recording and editing, and Scribe needs post-capture cleanup, Guidde's AI engine generates polished video documentation in seconds:

• AI Voiceovers: Automatic narration in 100+ languages eliminates recording time
• Smart Editing: AI removes unnecessary pauses, errors, and redundancy automatically
• Instant Branding: Custom themes and logos applied instantly without manual design work
• One-Click Sharing: Generate shareable links, embeds, or exports without additional steps

Real Impact: Documentation that takes 45 minutes in Mango Recorder or 15 minutes in Scribe takes 4 minutes in Guidde—a 91% time reduction.

🎥 True Multimedia Flexibility

Unlike Scribe's text-only guides or Mango Recorder's raw videos, Guidde combines multiple formats in one platform:

• AI-Generated Videos: Professional narrated video tutorials without recording voiceovers
• Interactive Guides: Step-by-step walkthroughs with clickable elements and embedded context
• Hybrid Content: Mix video, text, screenshots, and interactive elements in single documents
• Smart Chapters: Automatic segmentation and navigation for longer content

Use Case Victory: Create a video tutorial for customers AND an interactive guide for internal teams from one recording—something neither Scribe nor Mango Recorder can do.

💰 Predictable Pricing Without Per-Seat Penalties

Guidde's pricing model eliminates the growth penalty that makes Scribe increasingly expensive:

• Usage-Based Options: Pay for guides created, not seats occupied
• Flat-Rate Enterprise: Fixed pricing for unlimited users in enterprise plans
• No Forced Minimums: Plans start at 1 user without artificial seat requirements
• Cost Predictability: Scale from 10 to 100 users without proportional cost increases

Cost Comparison: A 50-person team paying $7,200/year for Scribe Pro Team typically pays 60-70% less with Guidde while gaining video capabilities.

🏢 Enterprise Features at SMB Prices

Features locked behind Scribe Enterprise or MangoApps Pro are standard in Guidde:

• SSO & SAML: Included in team plans, not enterprise-only
• Custom Branding: Available from the start, not a premium feature
• Advanced Analytics: View metrics, engagement, and completion rates at all tiers
• Governance & Compliance: Content approval workflows and access controls included
• API Access: Integrate with existing tools and workflows without custom pricing

📊 Measurable Outcomes That Justify Investment

Guidde customers report metrics that demonstrate clear ROI advantage:

• 91% reduction in documentation time vs. manual methods like Mango Recorder
• 11x faster content creation compared to traditional screen recording + editing workflows
• 85% improvement in content consistency through AI-powered standardization
• 70% cost savings vs. Scribe when scaling beyond 30 users
• 95% user adoption rates due to intuitive AI-first interface

🤖 True AI-First Platform

While Scribe uses AI for capture and Mango Recorder has no AI at all, Guidde is built AI-first from the ground up:

• Intelligent Content Generation: AI creates not just steps but complete narratives with context
• Automatic Translations: Instantly localize content into 100+ languages without manual effort
• Smart Updates: AI detects UI changes and suggests guide updates automatically
• Contextual Suggestions: AI recommends related content and next steps for viewers
• Voice Cloning: Create consistent narration across all content without recording each time

Real-World Scenario: Mid-Size SaaS Company

Challenge: 45-person customer success team needs to create product tutorials (video) and internal SOPs (guides) while controlling costs.

Scribe Solution:

• Cost: $6,480/year (45 users × $12/month × 12)
• Creates guides but not videos, forcing additional Loom subscription ($1,800/year)
• Total: $8,280/year for two tools
• Workflow: Manage two platforms, duplicate recordings, separate distribution

Mango Recorder Solution:

• Cost: $0 free or $3,588/year (MangoApps Pro for 45 users)
• Creates videos but not AI guides, forcing manual documentation
• Total: Either severe feature limitations or $3,588 + manual labor costs
• Workflow: Manual recording, editing, no automation

Guidde Solution:

• Cost: ~$2,500-3,000/year (flat team pricing, not per-seat)
• Creates both videos AND interactive guides from single recordings
• Total: 60-70% savings vs. Scribe+Loom, with superior capabilities vs. Mango Recorder
• Workflow: One platform, AI automation, unified distribution

ROI Calculation: Team saves 20 hours/week in documentation time ($50,000/year value) while reducing tool costs by $5,000+/year.

Take Action: Experience the Guidde Difference

Don't let per-seat pricing or limited features constrain your documentation strategy:

• Try Guidde Free – Start creating AI-powered video documentation in minutes without credit card
• Compare Pricing – See how Guidde's costs compare to your current Scribe or Mango Recorder setup
• Book a Demo – Let our team show you how 11x faster creation works in practice
• Calculate ROI – Quantify potential time and cost savings for your specific team size

Join thousands of teams who've moved beyond the limitations of traditional documentation tools to embrace AI-first workflows that scale without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper: Scribe or Mango Recorder?

Mango Recorder is free for basic use with 5-minute recording limits and local storage. Scribe starts at $23/user/month for individual users or $12/user/month for teams of 5+. However, they serve different purposes: Mango Recorder is a simple screen recorder, while Scribe is an AI-powered documentation platform. For free access, Mango Recorder wins. For comprehensive documentation features, Scribe's pricing reflects its advanced AI capabilities.

Can I use Scribe for free?

Yes, Scribe offers a free Basic plan with unlimited guide creation for web-based processes. However, the free tier is limited to browser capture only and lacks desktop app support, branding, advanced editing, and export capabilities. For full functionality including desktop capture and collaboration features, you'll need Scribe Pro starting at $23/user/month.

Does Mango Recorder have a paid version?

Mango Recorder itself remains free, but premium features (cloud storage, longer recordings, sharing capabilities) are available through MangoApps Workplace subscriptions starting at $99/month for 25 users. This bundle includes the entire MangoApps collaboration platform, not just recording features. There's no option to purchase just extended Mango Recorder capabilities separately.

How much does Scribe cost for a team of 10?

Scribe Pro Team costs $12/user/month, so a 10-person team pays $120/month or $1,440/year (with ~20% discount for annual billing, reducing it to approximately $1,152/year). This includes unlimited guide creation, desktop and web capture, branding, collaboration features, and cloud hosting.

What are the recording limits for Mango Recorder?

The free version of Mango Recorder limits recordings to 5 minutes and saves files locally only. Premium versions (through MangoApps Workplace) extend recording time up to 120 minutes and add cloud storage with sharing capabilities. The free limit makes Mango Recorder unsuitable for longer tutorials or training content.

Does Scribe offer discounts for nonprofits or education?

Yes, Scribe provides discounts for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions with .edu email addresses. You'll need to contact Scribe directly through their dedicated forms to request these discounts. Proof of nonprofit status or educational affiliation is required.

Can I export videos from Scribe?

No, Scribe does not create or export video files. It generates step-by-step guides with screenshots that can be exported as PDF, HTML, Markdown, or Microsoft Word documents. If you need actual video tutorials, you would need a different tool like Mango Recorder, Loom, or Guidde.

What's the best alternative to both Scribe and Mango Recorder?

Guidde is the superior alternative, combining the strengths of both platforms while eliminating their key weaknesses. Guidde offers:

• AI-powered video creation (like Scribe's automation + Mango Recorder's video output)
• 11x faster documentation than manual methods
• Predictable pricing without per-seat penalties (typically 60-70% cheaper than Scribe at scale)
• Enterprise features at SMB prices (SSO, branding, analytics included in base tiers)
• True multimedia flexibility (video tutorials, interactive guides, and hybrid content in one platform)

Guidde's AI-first approach delivers professional video documentation in minutes, not hours, with pricing models that support growth rather than penalize it. Try Guidde free to experience the next generation of documentation tools.

Which tool is better for creating customer-facing documentation?

Scribe is generally better for customer-facing documentation if you prefer step-by-step guides with text and screenshots. Its clean interface, branding options (Pro tier), and shareable links work well for support articles and knowledge bases. Mango Recorder's video output can be good for customer tutorials, but the free version's 5-minute limit and lack of cloud sharing make it impractical. For customer documentation combining video and interactive elements with professional branding, Guidde offers the most comprehensive solution.

Do either Scribe or Mango Recorder offer AI voiceovers?

No, neither platform offers AI-generated voiceovers. Scribe creates text-based guides with screenshots (no audio), and Mango Recorder captures whatever audio you record manually. If you want AI voiceovers that automatically narrate your documentation in 100+ languages without recording yourself, Guidde is the platform to explore.

Can I use Mango Recorder without internet?

Yes, Mango Recorder is a downloadable desktop application that works completely offline. It saves recordings locally, so you don't need an internet connection to capture screenshots or videos. However, the free version's 5-minute limit still applies offline. Cloud storage and sharing features (available in the premium MangoApps bundle) require internet connectivity.

How does Scribe's pricing compare to Tango or Loom?

Scribe's pricing is comparable to Tango (another AI documentation tool) but more expensive than Loom for basic video recording. Tango offers similar per-seat pricing ($20-32/user/month), while Loom starts around $12.50/user/month for video-only features. However, Scribe specializes in step-by-step guides rather than video, so direct comparison depends on whether you need documentation or video tutorials. For teams needing both capabilities in one platform, Guidde offers better value than subscribing to multiple tools.

Explore further

• Scribe vs. Mango Recorder: Pricing Comparison Guide 2026