Comparison · Screenshot tools
Flameshot vs ShareX: which is better in 2026?
ShareX ranks higher in our list of screenshot tools (#1 against #4, score 92.0 against 86.5).
- 86.5Editorial score92.0
- 3Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- YesOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Flameshot if you want
Free annotation tool across Windows, macOS and Linux.
A free, open-source screenshot and annotation tool for Windows, macOS and Linux, with AppImage and Homebrew installs. Its macOS build is 64-bit only, and each platform installs differently.
Choose ShareX if you want
Windows users who want the most options for free.
A free, open-source Windows tool with region capture, many annotation tools and upload options, plus a long list of settings for power users. It runs on Windows only, so it does not cover Mac or Linux.
The main differences
- Only Flameshot runs on Linux.
- Only Flameshot runs on macOS.
Side by side
 Flameshot |  ShareX | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 86.5 | 92.0 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-3.0 | Free and open sourceFree, open source and without advertisements |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux | WindowsWindows |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Best for | Free annotation tool across Windows, macOS and Linux | Windows users who want the most options for free |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Flameshot vs ShareX
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
