Compare Screencastify and Momentum: Which Extension is the Best?

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.
Momentum transforms your new tab into a personalized dashboard with to-dos, weather, and inspiration. We tested it extensively and here's our honest review.
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.
  • Personalized Dashboard: Customizable new tab page with to-dos, weather, and daily quotes.
  • Focus Mode: Helps you concentrate by displaying your main focus for the day.
  • To-Do List: Integrated task manager to keep track of your tasks.
  • Weather Updates: Real-time weather information.
  • Daily Inspiration: Beautiful images and quotes to keep you motivated.
  • Customization: Options to customize the background, widgets, and more.
Our Rating
7.8
8.7
Total users
6,000,000
2,663,645
Total ratings
11,733
14,714
Average rating
4.0 ⭐
4.3 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.0
3.63
11.7K+ ratings
6.0M+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
4.5
4.17
13.7K+ ratings
2.0M+Users
Edge
-
Microsoft Edge Store logo
4.1
3.98
175 ratings
629.5K+Users
Firefox
-
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.4
4.48
806 ratings
34.2K+Users
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:

Drawing Tools

The subsequent editor also offers many functions where you can cut the video to your needs.

Here is what the basic editor looks like:

Simple editor of Screencastify

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:

Second editor of Screencastiy

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.

8.5

Momentum offers a comprehensive set of features that are both useful and easy to use. The focus mode and to-do list are particularly standout features, but some advanced functionalities are locked behind the premium plan.

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.

9.0

Momentum runs smoothly without any noticeable lag or performance issues. It integrates well with various browsers and does not slow down your browsing experience.

Design
9.0

The design is intuitive and user-friendly. We think that navigation is very intuitive despite the many functions.

9.0

The design is sleek and user-friendly. The customizable backgrounds in the premium plan and widgets make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.

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.

8.7

The free version offers basic functions for creating to do lists and occasionally using the focus mode. The premium plan offers considerable added value with additional customizations and integrations.

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.

9.2

Momentum is straightforward to set up and use. The First Start Tour describes the basic functions to everyone in just a few steps so that you can work in a focused manner after just 2 minutes. The minimal learning curve makes it accessible for users of all skill levels.

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.

8.0

Momentum takes data protection seriously and offers the option of saving data locally. Nevertheless, some data is collected for functional purposes.

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.

Momentum is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their productivity with a visually appealing and functional new tab page. If you're okay with the basic features and don't mind the occasional upsell for premium features, Momentum can be a valuable addition to your productivity toolkit. With the premium plan, you can unlock even more customization options and integrations that can make your workflow smoother. Overall, Momentum is an excellent addition to any productivity toolkit.

Our Recommendation

In our comparison between Screencastify and Momentum, Momentum came out on top, scoring 8.7.

Screencastify is the most widely used, with over 6 million users and 12k+ reviews, but Momentum outperformed it in our review. User reviews reflect our findings.

Notably, Momentum has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.33, 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? Screencastify stands out with a rating of 8.8. On the other hand, Momentum lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.5.
  • Need top performance? Momentum stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.5.
  • Both look and feel great: Screencastify and Momentum. In the Design category, Screencastify has scored an excellent 9. The design is both attractive and highly functional, making it stand out.
  • Want to get the most for your money? Momentum stands out with a rating of 8.7. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 5.
  • If you hate complicated tools, Momentum stands out with a rating of 9.2. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.5.
  • For privacy, it's a tie: Screencastify and Momentum. In the Security & Privacy category, Screencastify has scored a solid 8. It offers adequate security and privacy features, though there is room for improvement.

If you want a quick recommendation, Momentum is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.