Compare Screencastify and Matter: Which Extension is the Best?

	Screencastify	Matter
	Screencastify is a popular Chrome extension for screen recording. It offers a range of features but has shifted many basic functionalities behind a paywall, affecting its overall value. Productivity	Matter uses AI to help you read and listen smarter—transcribe podcasts, speed up audio, and organize content for faster, more effective learning. Web Clipper Highlighter
Key Features	Record Desktop, Browser Tab, and Webcam: Capture any part of your screen. Edit Video: Trim, merge, and add text directly from your browser. Share Easily: Export as MP4, GIF, or MP3, and share via Google Drive or Classroom. Interactive Questions: Add questions to videos to engage viewers. Annotations: Draw on your screen in real-time to highlight key points. Captions: Add captions in multiple languages to make videos accessible.	AI Transcription: Convert podcasts and YouTube videos into readable text Speed Listening: Listen to articles at 2x speed with natural-sounding voices Service Integration: Connect with Kindle, Gmail, and popular note-taking apps Content Organization: Save and categorize your reading materials efficiently Cross-Platform Access: Access your content across different devices
Our Rating	7.8	9.0
Total users	6,000,000	20,000
Total ratings	11,733	29
Average rating	4.0 ⭐	4.1 ⭐
Entry Level Price	Free	Free
Chrome	4.0 11.7K+ ratings 6.0M+Users	4.1 29 ratings 20.0K+Users
Edge	-	-
Firefox	-	-
Safari	-	-
Features	8.8 Screencastify offers a robust set of features, including screen and webcam recording, video editing and interactive questions. Leaving aside the fact that many features are only available for a fee, it's fair to say that it offers a lot of features. While recording, you can easily add spotlights and draw on the screen. The drawing tools offer a nice range of options, so you should have everything you need: The subsequent editor also offers many functions where you can cut the video to your needs. Here is what the basic editor looks like: It recently also added an AI feature that automatically adds captions, transcripts, titles, and descriptions. Furthermore, Screencastify offers another video editor when clicking "Edit Video" in the top right corner. This will open up another editor where you can do some more video editing. Here is how it looks like: In our opinion, this editor isn’t necessary if you already have your own video editing software, but it could be useful for some people. We’re not entirely sure if this is just an older version of the original editor. However, we did discover that you can export videos to MP4 for free, thanks to an "Export" button that lets you do so without any limitations. We’re not certain if this is intentional, but at least it works for us.	9.2 Matter's feature set is imposing, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that enhance the reading and listening experience. The AI transcription capabilities are particularly noteworthy, as they accurately convert spoken content into readable text. The speed listening feature with natural-sounding voices is a game-changer for consuming content efficiently. The integration options with popular services like Kindle and Gmail make it a versatile tool for content management. The regular updates and improvements show a commitment to enhancing the user experience.
Performance	7.5 The speed has deteriorated considerably with the latest updates. This is probably because more and more functions, such as the AI function, are being added. The tool has become slower, and creating links or accessing older videos takes longer than before. Many users have also complained about the performance in the reviews.	9.2 Matter delivers reliable performance across all its features. Content processing is fast and efficient, handling various file types and formats smoothly. The sync capabilities work reliably across devices, ensuring content is always up to date. The tool uses system resources efficiently, maintaining good performance even with multiple features in use. Response times are quick, providing a snappy user experience. The stability across different platforms is impressive, though occasional minor issues may occur during heavy usage.
Design	9.0 The design is intuitive and user-friendly. We think that navigation is very intuitive despite the many functions.	8.8 The interface design is clean and modern, making it easy to navigate through different features. The layout is intuitive, with a clear hierarchy that helps users find what they need quickly. The mobile-responsive design ensures a smooth experience across devices. While the design is generally excellent, there's room for improvement in some areas of the mobile interface.
Value for Money	5.0 As already mentioned, we are somewhat shocked by the limitations of the free version. Especially if you have used the app in the past and can export videos for free. In addition, even with the starter package for $7, you are limited to 10 exports. We find that many other providers offer much more for the money.	9.3 The free tier offers substantial value, providing access to most essential features without cost. The premium pricing is competitive compared to similar tools in the market. Regular feature updates ensure that users get ongoing value from their subscription. The cross-platform access adds significant value for users who work across multiple devices.
Ease of Use	8.5 Screencastify is easy to use, with a minimal learning curve. Even beginners can quickly get the hang of it. However, we find that recent updates have introduced some complexities that are not absolutely necessary for a screen recorder.	9.0 Matter is very user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process that gets users started quickly. The controls are intuitive and well-placed, making it easy to access key features. The content organization system is logical and easy to understand. The onboarding process is helpful, guiding new users through the main features. The learning curve is minimal, allowing users to get the most out of the tool without extensive training.
Security & Privacy	8.0 Unfortunately, an account is required, which in our opinion is not necessary for Screen recorder. However, Screencastify's privacy policy is very comprehensive and complies with standard data protection practices, including compliance with the GDPR and PCI-DSS certification for payment data. Screencastify takes reasonable security measures but, like all online services, cannot guarantee absolute protection.	8.7 The tool takes security seriously, implementing robust data encryption to protect user information. The privacy-focused design ensures that user data is handled responsibly. The company maintains transparency about data handling practices through a clear privacy policy. Regular security updates help maintain a secure environment. While the security measures are solid, some users might want more control over their data sharing preferences.
Conclusion	Screencastify was a fantastic tool in the past, and we used to use it daily. Unfortunately, recent updates have made it less user-friendly by hiding key features behind a paywall. For people who need a wide range of features, the tool is still an option. For others who just want to make a recording every now and then to export a video, Screencastify is unfortunately no longer an option.	Matter is a well-designed tool for increasing productivity. Its ability to change the way we consume content from text to speech is particularly ideal for those who need to process information quickly. The free version offers enough functionality for casual users, while the premium features offer significant added value for power users. Although there are some areas for improvement, Matter's core functionality and ease of use make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their reading and listening experience.
	Install Screencastify	Install Matter
Our Recommendation	In our comparison between Screencastify and Matter, Matter came out on top, scoring 9. Screencastify is the most widely used, with over 6 million users and 12k+ reviews, but Matter outperformed it in our review. User reviews reflect our findings. Notably, Matter has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.07, which supports its strong performance in our review. There are some noticeable differences between these extensions, so it's worth considering your priorities and the details below. Looking for the richest feature set? Matter stands out with a rating of 9.2. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.8. Need top performance? Matter stands out with a rating of 9.2. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.5. Design lovers, take note: Screencastify stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Matter lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.8. Want to get the most for your money? Matter stands out with a rating of 9.3. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 5. If you hate complicated tools, Matter stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.5. With privacy and security becoming ever more important, Matter stands out with a rating of 8.7. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 8. If you want a quick recommendation, Matter is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.