Superluminous vs CloudApp: A Lighter, Cheaper Alternative to Zight
CloudApp — now rebranded as Zight — is a screen recording and screenshot tool that's been around since 2011. It offers video recording, GIF creation, and image annotation through a desktop app and Chrome extension. Zight has been expanding its AI capabilities, but at $9.95/user/month with an install requirement, there are lighter CloudApp alternatives available today.
Another app to install
Zight's recording is available through a desktop app and a Chrome extension. Either way, that's another install to manage and another IT approval in managed environments. Superluminous runs entirely in the browser. Open the page and record — no download, no install, works on any modern desktop browser.
$10/user/month with limited AI
CloudApp's paid plan costs $9.95 per user per month. For that price, you get cloud recording and shareable links — but Zight's AI capabilities are still expanding, and there's no CDN delivery. Superluminous Basic at $10/mo (or $9.17/mo billed annually) gives you cloud storage, shareable links, HD transcoding, view analytics, and global CDN delivery. Our Pro plan at $20/mo (or $15/mo billed annually) adds AI transcription and summaries.
Recording limits on the free tier
CloudApp's free plan caps recordings at a short duration and limits the number you can store. If you hit the limit, you need to delete old recordings or upgrade. Superluminous' free tier lets you record unlimited videos at full quality and download them locally. No duration caps, no storage limits, no forced upgrades.
A rebrand that added confusion, not features
CloudApp recently rebranded to Zight and has been adding new capabilities including AI features. If you're evaluating your options, Superluminous offers a different approach: fully browser-based recording with no install required, AI-powered features on the Pro plan, and a generous free tier.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Superluminous | CloudApp |
|---|---|---|
| Browser-based (no install) | ||
| Instant shareable links | ||
| Webcam overlay | ||
| Microphone capture | ||
| Cloud storage & processing | ||
| Global CDN delivery | ||
| View analytics (Basic+) | ||
| AI transcription (Pro plan) | ||
| AI video summaries (Pro plan) | ||
| HD transcoding | ||
| GIF creation | ||
| Image annotation | ||
| Free tier without time limits | ||
| No per-recording duration cap |
The bottom line
CloudApp (Zight) is a functional screen recorder with cloud sharing, and its GIF and annotation features have a following. Zight has been expanding its AI capabilities, but it still requires an install (desktop app or Chrome extension). Superluminous is a compelling CloudApp alternative: fully browser-based, AI-powered on Pro, globally delivered, and priced to make sense.