Penbeam vs Loom — which is better for recording lessons? (2026)
An honest comparison by the Penbeam team · Updated June 2026
Note: Penbeam is our own product — we try to keep this objective.
Loom is great for recording a quick clip and getting an instant shareable link. But it's cloud-first: your videos upload to Loom's servers, the free plan caps clips at 5 minutes, and it mostly records rather than edits. If you want real editing, accurate subtitles and local processing that never leaves your computer, Penbeam fits better — record and edit in one app, subtitles generated offline.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Penbeam | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| Full-screen / region recording | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webcam picture-in-picture | ✓ circle/frame/zoom | ✓ bubble |
| Live annotation | ✓ | — cursor only |
| Zoom-to-focus | ✓ | — |
| Built-in video editing | ✓ full timeline | — trim only |
| Subtitles | ✓ whisper, offline | cloud, English-first |
| One-click remove silences / filler words | ✓ | — |
| Where recordings live | local, not uploaded | uploaded to Loom cloud |
| Sharing | export file yourself | ✓ instant link (strength) |
| Price | Free + Pro $39.99/yr | Free plan limited; paid from ~$12.50/mo |
Last checked: June 2026. Features change — corrections welcome.
Choose Penbeam if…
Loom mostly records and trims. Penbeam goes to a full editor: remove silences and filler words, cut retakes, add captions and an intro, export a clean video.
Loom stores recordings on its servers by default. Penbeam is local-first: recording and subtitles are processed entirely on your machine — better for privacy and student data.
Penbeam generates subtitles locally with whisper (offline, editable). Great when content shouldn’t be uploaded.
Choose Loom if…
Loom’s signature is the instant cloud link with viewer analytics — excellent for async messages and team updates. Penbeam produces a finished file you share yourself.
Loom’s transcription and collaboration ecosystem are mature for English teams.
Pricing
| Penbeam Free | Penbeam Pro | Loom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recording length | 10 min/session | unlimited | 5 min/clip (free) |
| Editing | basic | full | trim only |
| Storage | local | local | cloud (counts to quota) |
| Price | Free | $39.99/yr | ~$12.50/mo (Business) |
Loom wins on instant cloud-link sharing for async messaging. But for real editing, filler-word removal and local processing, Penbeam’s one-time-style pricing and offline subtitles fit teaching better.
FAQ
Where does Loom store recordings?
Loom uploads recordings to its cloud by default. Penbeam is local-first — recordings and subtitles stay on your machine.
Can Loom remove filler words and edit?
Loom mainly records and trims. Penbeam removes silences and "um/uh" in one click and has a full editor.
Loom or Penbeam for recording lessons?
For a quick clip to share via link, Loom. For an edited, captioned lecture processed locally, Penbeam.
Is Penbeam free?
Yes — free tier (10 min/session). Pro from $39.99/year with an education discount.
Record your next class with Penbeam
Free download. Record an annotated, captioned lecture in minutes.