comparison
| feature | screenpipe | microsoft recall |
|---|---|---|
| open source | yes (MIT) | no |
| platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | Windows 11 only |
| data location | 100% local | local (with cloud concerns) |
| NPU required | no | yes (Copilot+ PCs) |
| privacy | auditable source code | closed source |
| AI provider | your choice (local or cloud) | Microsoft AI |
| extensibility | plugins (pipes) | none |
why choose screenpipe?
true privacy
- open source: you can audit every line of code
- no Microsoft account required
- no telemetry or data collection
- use completely local AI (Ollama)
works everywhere
- macOS, Windows, Linux
- no special hardware required
- runs on any modern computer
you control the AI
- use Ollama for 100% local AI
- or connect to OpenAI, Claude, etc.
- your choice, not Microsoft’s
extensible
build custom integrations with the REST API or pipes:recall privacy concerns
Microsoft Recall has faced criticism for:- storing sensitive data (passwords, financial info)
- potential security vulnerabilities
- data being accessible to other apps
- unclear data handling policies
- PII removal: optional automatic redaction of sensitive data
- window filtering: exclude apps like password managers
- local-only: data never leaves your device
- open source: security researchers can audit the code
filtering sensitive content
in the desktop app settings, you can exclude specific windows (like password managers and banking apps) and enable PII removal to automatically redact sensitive data.get started
download the desktop appmore comparisons
- vs Rewind — open source alternative
- vs Limitless — hardware vs software
- vs Granola — meeting notepad vs full screen memory
- vs Otter.ai — cloud transcription vs local capture
- vs Fathom — meeting bot vs 24/7 capture
- vs Fireflies.ai — cloud meeting bot vs local-first
resources
- AI recall tools guide - how screen memory works
- local AI assistant setup - complete privacy with Ollama
- screenpipe blog - latest updates and tutorials