> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.screenpipe.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # screenpipe vs Rewind.ai - local-first alternative > Compare screenpipe and Rewind.ai: a source-available, local-first, cross-platform Rewind alternative now that Rewind has pivoted to Limitless. screenpipe is the local-first alternative to Rewind.ai. after Rewind pivoted to Limitless and discontinued its desktop app, screenpipe continues to provide 24/7 screen memory with complete privacy and auditable source. ## comparison | feature | screenpipe | rewind.ai | | ----------------- | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | **source access** | source-available, auditable | no | | **data location** | 100% local | local | | **platforms** | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS only | | **status** | active | discontinued (pivoted to Limitless) | | **extensibility** | plugins (pipes) | limited | | **self-hosted** | yes | no | | **API access** | full REST API | limited | ## why screenpipe? ### auditable source screenpipe is source-available. audit the code, contribute, or fork it. your data, your control. ### cross-platform works on macOS, Windows, and Linux. rewind was mac-only. ### extensible build custom plugins (pipes) with TypeScript and Next.js. integrate with any service. ### active development 16k+ GitHub stars, 80+ contributors. actively maintained and improved. ### privacy-first * all processing happens locally * use local LLMs (Ollama) for complete privacy * no telemetry or data collection * you can audit the source code ### advanced search & memory screenpipe goes beyond simple text matching: * **semantic search**: find moments by meaning, not just keywords. e.g. "times when I was confused" or "design discussions with my team" works even if exact words aren't present * **timeline DVR**: scroll through your day visually like a DVR, click any moment for full-resolution screenshots and transcription * **multi-modal filtering**: narrow by app, window title, URL, date range, or even screen regions * **transcript search**: speaker-identified transcriptions make it easy to find who said what in meetings ## why Rewind users are switching after Rewind.ai discontinued its desktop app and pivoted to Limitless (a hardware device), many Rewind users switched to screenpipe for these reasons: * **actively maintained**: unlike Rewind, screenpipe has ongoing development, feature updates, and bug fixes. your investment in the tool won't be abandoned. * **true cross-platform**: Rewind was macOS-only. screenpipe works on macOS, Windows, and Linux — take your screen memory with you across any device. * **free local option**: Rewind required a paid subscription. screenpipe offers a CLI and local source builds, while paid plans add packaged distribution, support, and advanced features. * **extensibility**: Rewind had limited customization. screenpipe lets you build custom pipes and use the full REST API to integrate with any tool or workflow. * **local-first by default**: both capture locally, but screenpipe makes it easier to opt-out of cloud AI entirely — use local Ollama for zero data egress. ## migrating from rewind if you were a Rewind user: 1. [install screenpipe](/getting-started) 2. use the built-in timeline view for a familiar interface 3. your future screen activity will be captured locally ## features rewind users love * **timeline view**: scroll through your day visually — same DVR-like experience as Rewind, now with cross-platform support * **natural language search**: "find the email I was reading yesterday" + semantic search understands context and meaning * **meeting transcription**: automatic transcription with speaker identification — easily identify who said what * **AI integration**: connect to ChatGPT, Claude, or local Ollama for full privacy — deeper integration than Rewind's assistant * **always-on capture**: 24/7 recording with zero-cost local processing (no cloud dependency like Rewind had) ## get started [download the desktop app](https://screenpi.pe) *** ## more comparisons * [vs Microsoft Recall](/vs-recall) — privacy-focused alternative * [vs Limitless](/vs-limitless) — hardware vs software * [vs Granola](/vs-granola) — meeting notepad vs full screen memory * [vs Otter.ai](/vs-otter) — cloud transcription vs local capture * [vs Fathom](/vs-fathom) — meeting bot vs 24/7 capture * [vs Fireflies.ai](/vs-fireflies) — cloud meeting bot vs local-first ## resources * [Rewind alternative guide](https://screenpi.pe/resources/use-cases/open-source-rewind-alternative) - complete migration guide * [screenpipe blog](https://screenpi.pe/blog) - latest updates and tutorials ## frequently asked questions ### what is the best source-available alternative to Rewind.ai? screenpipe is a popular source-available alternative to Rewind.ai with 16k+ GitHub stars. it captures your screen 24/7, reads app text through accessibility APIs with OCR fallback, transcribes audio, and makes everything searchable — all running locally on your device. unlike Rewind (which has been discontinued), screenpipe is actively maintained, works on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and is fully extensible with plugins (pipes) and a REST API. ### is Rewind.ai still available? no. Rewind.ai pivoted to Limitless and discontinued the desktop screen recording app. screenpipe is the actively maintained replacement that provides the same 24/7 screen capture and search functionality, plus cross-platform support and auditable source. ### can I migrate from Rewind to screenpipe? yes. [install screenpipe](/getting-started), and it will start capturing your screen activity going forward. screenpipe provides a familiar timeline view and natural language search. while historical Rewind data can't be imported, all future activity will be captured and searchable locally.