SnapCount vs. CountThings
The affordable alternative for manual stocktakes.
CountThings uses AI image recognition to count objects in photos: powerful, but expensive and complex. If your team counts manually (headcounts, inventory checks, audits), SnapCount is faster to set up, lower cost, and built for multiplayer.
CountThings (AI)
- Industrial pricing for photo-based counting
- Complex setup required for AI templates
- Overkill for simple headcounts
SnapCount
- $29 Team plan is a one-time purchase
- Zero setup. Just start clicking
- Perfect for fast, manual verification
A Closer Look
Pricing
CountThings lists periodic licenses for CountThings from Photos at $120 per month per device or $1,200 per year per device, with 24-hour and pay-per-count options. That can make sense if photo-based object counting saves hours. For headcounts, event tallies, or inventory spot-checks, SnapCount's $29 Team plan is a lower-commitment way to coordinate manual counts.
Setup & Learning Curve
CountThings requires you to select or train AI templates for each type of item you want to count. The accuracy depends heavily on lighting, angle, and object consistency. SnapCount requires zero setup: open it, create a counter, start tapping. Your team can be counting in under 60 seconds.
Collaboration
CountThings licensing is device-based for periodic licenses. If three people need to count different sections of a warehouse at the same time, that can mean multiple paid devices. SnapCount is multiplayer by design: your crew counts on shared counters in real time under one organization plan.
Feature Breakdown
| Feature | CountThings (AI) | SnapCount |
|---|---|---|
Cost | $120/mo/device | $29 one-time |
Learning Curve | High | Instant |
Live Team Counting | Device-based | |
CSV Export | ||
AI Image Counting Only needed for photo-based counting | ||
Setup Time | 30+ minutes | < 1 minute |
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose SnapCount if...
- Teams doing manual headcounts or event tallies
- Small-to-medium inventory spot-checks
- Anyone who needs multiplayer counting
- Budget-conscious teams who count regularly
Choose CountThings (AI) if...
- •Large-scale automated counting (thousands of identical items)
- •Photo-based counting where manual counting is impractical
- •Specialized industrial counting with trained AI models
Free to prove. Paid when the count matters.
Guest Mode proves live sync in 15 minutes. Lifetime plans turn that workflow into saved records, exports, team access, and accountability.
Pay once. No subscription. No monthly fees.
Guest Mode
$0
15-minute sessions
No account needed. Create a counter, share the link or QR code, and test live sync on two devices.
Prove it free
Run a live shared counter before buying.
Buy once
Keep the workspace without monthly renewals.
Invite the crew
Only the organization needs the paid plan.
Defend the record
Use exports, logs, reports, and locks when accuracy matters.
one-time
No recurring subscription
Lifetime access for one organization
Covers one organization
Up to 5 members per organization
Unlimited shared counters for gates, aisles, and stations
Real-time sync across phones, tablets, and laptops
Export totals to spreadsheets
one-time
No recurring subscription
Lifetime access for one organization
Covers one organization
No cap on members
Full audit trail showing who counted what and when
Export with exact timestamps
Daily activity reports by date range
Multiple admins per organization
Lock counters to prevent resets
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need AI to count inventory?
Not always. For smaller warehouses or irregular items, manual counting with a team is often faster and cheaper than training an AI model.
Can I try SnapCount for free?
Yes. You can try a free 15-minute guest session with no sign-up, then upgrade when you need saved team records.
Can I switch from CountThings to SnapCount?
Absolutely. SnapCount doesn't require migration since your counts start fresh. Create an account, invite your team, and you're counting in minutes.
Is CountThings better than SnapCount for photo counting?
Yes. If you need automatic object counts from photos, CountThings is built for that job. SnapCount is the better fit when people are manually counting live across gates, aisles, stations, or devices.
Other Comparisons
No credit card required • Instant setup
No credit card required • Instant setup