# TechSmith Capture vs Discreet

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TechSmith Capture at none against Discreet's 1. TechSmith Capture also leads on review sentiment (69% vs 55%) and ratings volume (9.9K vs 2.1K). Discreet's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, update cadence and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Discreet sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. TechSmith Capture asks for nothing beyond the download.

TechSmith Capture holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9.9K and 2.1K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of TechSmith Capture's written reviews are positive against 55% of Discreet's.

TechSmith Capture ships an update every 6 weeks, Discreet every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TechSmith Capture | Discreet |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (9.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/techsmith-capture/id1266321056/reviews)** | [4.4 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/discreet-black-screen-camera/id1600729989/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **9.9K** | 2.1K |
| Positive reviews | **69.1% of reviews** | 55.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 53 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.5** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TechSmith Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/411963970) | [Marco D'Amelio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1600729991) |

## What reviewers say

### TechSmith Capture

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/techsmith-capture/id1266321056)

Record and share your iPhone or iPad screen for training and app demos. Easily transfer recordings to desktop editing software for enhancements. Organize all your screen captures in one place.

**Highlights:** Record screen videos, Import existing screen recordings, Organize recordings in a library, Transfer videos to Camtasia/Snagit, iOS screen recording API support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 📽️ Great screen recording quality
- 🔓 No ads or in-app purchases
- 💾 Saves recordings to camera roll
- 🎥 Captures audio and screen

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Recording stops unexpectedly
- 🔇 Audio issues (cuts out, low quality)
- 🤔 Orientation/aspect ratio problems
- 🔍 Difficulty stopping/exiting recording
- 📤 Trouble exporting/sharing recordings

**Reported bugs**

- Recordings disappear after saving
- App crashes or freezes during use
- Microphone not working consistently
- Lag or stuttering during recordings

**Requested features**

- Add voice/webcam recording
- Improve audio quality and reliability
- Provide more video editing options
- Allow longer recording durations
- Add support for landscape mode


### Discreet

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/discreet-black-screen-camera/id1600729989)

Capture photos and videos discreetly using a black screen or custom screen mode. Features include autofocus, image stabilization, 4K video, and Apple Watch control. Instantly launch the camera with a Lock Screen widget for quick access. Keep your media private with a secure, built-in gallery.

**Highlights:** Black screen camera mode, Customizable screen modes, Autofocus and image stabilization, 4K video recording, Apple Watch control, Lock Screen widget for instant launch, Private in-app gallery

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all features | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great app
- 👍 Discreet camera
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Useful features
- 🔒 Secure storage

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes/freezes
- 🐛 Video recording issues
- 🐛 Quality/performance problems
- 💰 Paid features required
- 🔒 Privacy concerns

**Reported bugs**

- Video recording stops unexpectedly
- Camera preview window cannot be disabled
- Microphone permission required even for photos
- Inconsistent video frame rates

**Requested features**

- Option to use custom wallpaper
- Volume button controls
- Zoom/wide-angle camera support
- Higher video resolutions
- Background recording


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TechSmith Capture free?

TechSmith Capture is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Discreet free?

Discreet is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, TechSmith Capture or Discreet?

TechSmith Capture is rated higher. TechSmith Capture averages 4.6 out of 5 from 9.9K ratings, while Discreet averages 4.4 from 2.1K ratings.

### Do TechSmith Capture or Discreet have ads?

TechSmith Capture shows ads; Discreet does not.

### Which is updated more often, TechSmith Capture or Discreet?

TechSmith Capture ships an update every 6 weeks, and Discreet every 5 weeks. Most recently, TechSmith Capture was updated on October 12, 2026 and Discreet on October 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*