comparison
| feature | screenpipe | littlebird |
|---|---|---|
| data storage | 100% local on your device | cloud (encrypted) |
| open source | yes (MIT) — audit every line | no |
| screen capture | OCR + accessibility APIs, all monitors | reads screen text (no OCR images) |
| audio transcription | yes — meetings, calls, conversations | yes |
| platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS only |
| AI provider | your choice — local (Ollama), ChatGPT, Claude, any API | their cloud models |
| extensibility | 16+ pipes, 45+ app connections, REST API, MCP server | limited |
| pricing | $400 lifetime | free + $20/mo |
why screenpipe?
your data stays on your device
this is the fundamental difference. Littlebird uploads your screen context to the cloud — they say it’s encrypted, but your data leaves your machine. screenpipe stores everything in~/.screenpipe/ on your local disk. nothing leaves your device unless you choose it.
open source
screenpipe is MIT licensed with 17k+ GitHub stars. you can audit every line of code, self-host, fork, or contribute. Littlebird is closed source — you trust their encryption and their servers.cross-platform
screenpipe works on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Littlebird is macOS only.extensible with pipes
screenpipe has 16+ published pipes (automated AI workflows) — digital clone, CRM sync, time tracking, Obsidian sync, meeting intelligence, and more. plus 45+ app connections (Slack, Notion, Gmail, Toggl, HubSpot, etc.). Littlebird has a chat interface but no automation ecosystem.choose your AI
use Ollama for 100% local AI, your ChatGPT/Claude subscription, or any API key. Littlebird locks you into their cloud AI.when to consider Littlebird
if you don’t mind cloud storage and want a simpler, more opinionated product with less configuration, Littlebird’s approach is straightforward. it’s also free to start.more comparisons
- vs Rewind — open source alternative
- vs Microsoft Recall — privacy-focused alternative
- vs Pieces — code snippet manager vs full screen capture
- vs Granola — meeting notepad vs full screen memory
- vs Omi — wearable pendant vs desktop capture