Compare Screencastify and Text Blaze: 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.
Text Blaze is a powerful text expander tool that saves you time by automating repetitive typing tasks. Loved by over 400,000 users, it's perfect for professionals across various fields.
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.
  • Automate Repetitive Typing: Insert standard greetings, commonly used phrases, and more.
  • Works Anywhere: Compatible with text fields on any website.
  • Placeholders: Use text fields, dropdown menus, dates, toggles, and more.
  • Dynamic Templates: Automatically insert the current date, perform date calculations, and more.
  • Team Collaboration: Share and collaborate on snippets with your team.
  • AutoPilot: Automate form filling with simulated key presses.
  • Search Templates: Quickly search templates from any web page.
Our Rating
7.8
9.3
Total users
6,000,000
617,650
Total ratings
11,733
1,615
Average rating
4.0 ⭐
4.7 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.0
3.63
11.7K+ ratings
6.0M+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
4.9
4.85
1.6K+ ratings
600.0K+Users
Edge
-
Microsoft Edge Store logo
4.5
4.40
6 ratings
17.6K+Users
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:

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.

9.8

Text Blaze stands out because its features are unmatched by other tools. It excels at what it’s designed to do: generating text from shortcuts. The possibilities for creating your text snippets are practically limitless. You can:

  • Insert clipboard content
  • Add text fields
  • Add dropdowns
  • Create dynamic formulas
  • And so much more...

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.

9.7

Text Blaze performs exceptionally well. There is no need to save, so that updating your shortcuts is straightforward. The snippets load quickly, and the AutoPilot feature works seamlessly.

Design
9.0

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

9.5

The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and organize snippets.

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.

9.5

The free version is quite powerful, and there was no need to upgrade for us when using it.

The premium version offers good value for money, especially for teams. It's worth the investment as it will save you a lot of time.

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.

8.5

Setting up and using Text Blaze is straightforward. The web interface is user-friendly, and the snippets are easy to create and manage. The only minor downside is the initial account creation process.

Basic tasks like adding text fields are super simple, but some of the more advanced features might take a bit of time to master. That said, it's definitely worth the effort because they'll save you tons of time in the long run.

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.

9.0

An account is required, but Text Blaze ensures that your data is secure and not sold or made public. The privacy policy is transparent and trustworthy. However, as with any online tool, it's essential to stay updated on their privacy policy.

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.

Text Blaze is a must-have tool for anyone looking to save time on repetitive typing tasks. Its powerful features, ease of use, and versatility make it an excellent choice for professionals across various fields. While some advanced features require a premium subscription, the value it offers is well worth the investment.

Our Recommendation

In our comparison between Screencastify and Text Blaze, Text Blaze came out on top, scoring 9.3.

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

Notably, Text Blaze has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.71, which supports its strong performance in our review.

There are big differences between these extensions, so it's important to look at the details below to find the best fit for your needs.


  • Looking for the richest feature set? Text Blaze stands out with a rating of 9.8. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.8.
  • Need top performance? Text Blaze stands out with a rating of 9.7. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.5.
  • Design lovers, take note: Text Blaze stands out with a rating of 9.5. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 9.
  • Want to get the most for your money? Text Blaze stands out with a rating of 9.5. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 5.
  • Ease of use? It's a tie: Screencastify and Text Blaze. In the Ease of Use category, Screencastify has scored a very good 8.5. It is user-friendly, though there may be a small learning curve for some users.
  • With privacy and security becoming ever more important, Text Blaze stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Screencastify lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.

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