screenpipe vs Omi — desktop capture vs AI wearable

Omi (formerly Friend, by Based Hardware) is an $89 open source AI wearable pendant that captures conversations. screenpipe is source-available desktop software that captures your screen and audio 24/7. they capture different parts of your life and can work well together.

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comparison

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why screenpipe?

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captures your screen — not just audio

Omi only captures audio from its microphone. screenpipe captures everything on your screen — code, browser tabs, Slack messages, emails, documents — plus audio. when your AI asks “what was I working on?”, screenpipe has the visual context, not just what was said.

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no hardware to buy or charge

screenpipe uses your existing computer. no pendant to buy ($89), charge, or remember to wear.

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pipes ecosystem

screenpipe has 16+ published automations — digital clone, CRM sync, time tracking, meeting intelligence, Obsidian sync. Omi has a developer SDK but fewer ready-to-use automations.

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45+ app connections

screenpipe connects to Slack, Notion, Google Calendar, Toggl, HubSpot, Salesforce, and more. Omi connects primarily to your phone.

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when to use Omi instead

Omi captures conversations away from your desk — walking meetings, coffee chats, phone calls, in-person discussions. screenpipe only captures what happens on your computer. if you need always-on ambient conversation capture wherever you go, Omi fills that gap.

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use both together

the best setup for total recall:

• screenpipe captures everything on your computer — screen, audio, meetings
• Omi captures conversations when you’re away from your desk

screenpipe is source-available and Omi is open source. together, they cover your entire workday — at and away from the computer.

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more comparisons

• vs Rewind — local-first alternative
• vs Limitless — another hardware vs software comparison
• vs Pieces — code snippet manager vs full screen capture
• vs Littlebird — cloud screen reader vs local capture
• vs Granola — meeting notepad vs full screen memory

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frequently asked questions

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should I get Omi or screenpipe?

it depends on what you want to capture. screenpipe captures your computer screen + audio — everything you see and hear at your desk. Omi captures conversations wherever you go via a wearable pendant. for desk work (coding, browsing, meetings), screenpipe. for walking meetings and in-person conversations, Omi. many users run both.

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are Omi and screenpipe both auditable?

yes. screenpipe is source-available and Omi is MIT licensed. screenpipe has 17k+ GitHub stars; Omi has 15k+. you can audit both; check each project’s license before redistributing or building commercial products on top.

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can screenpipe capture audio like Omi does?

screenpipe captures audio from your computer — system audio (Zoom, Meet, Teams) and your microphone. but it only works when you’re at your computer. Omi’s pendant captures audio wherever you go, including away from your desk. screenpipe captures more data types (screen + audio); Omi captures in more places.