Screenpipe
Local-first AI memory that records your screen & audio for agents
If you're building AI agents that need real desktop context, Screenpipe is the most auditable local memory option out there. The setup overhead is real and commercial use now requires a license, but for privacy-first teams automating workflows, it's a solid pick. Compared to cloud recorders like Rewind or Mem, Screenpipe's local-first architecture and Pipes give you control and automation depth.
Verified 8d ago · liveness 83/100 · cite: rightaichoice.com/tools/screenpipe
- Developers building AI agents that need real-time desktop context
- Knowledge workers who want to search all meetings, screens, and app activity locally
- Remote teams automating meeting notes and CRM updates with Pipes
- Privacy-conscious users seeking a local-first alternative to cloud recording
- Users wanting fully hands-off setup without configuration or maintenance
- Organizations needing out-of-the-box SOC2 or HIPAA compliance
- People with limited disk space (captures accumulate quickly)
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Skip Screenpipe if you want a zero-config, consumer-friendly memory app, need out-of-the-box SOC2/HIPAA compliance, have limited disk space, or prefer a cloud-hosted solution where someone else manages infrastructure.
Cloud AI features (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) require a paid subscription; free tier is fully local only.
Screenpipe is freemium: a $0 free tier gives you local capture, search, and Gmail integration. Paid Teams and Enterprise plans are contact-based for MDM, SSO, and audit logs. For solo developers, the free tier is unbeatable compared to cloud recorders like Rewind ($20/mo). For teams, it's cheaper than enterprise memory solutions if you manage your own infra, but contact sales for exact prices.
In short
Screenpipe — Local-first AI memory that records your screen & audio for agents. Best for Developers building AI agents that need real-time desktop context, Knowledge workers who want to search all meetings, screens, and app activity locally, Remote teams automating meeting notes and CRM updates with Pipes. Free to start; paid plans from $2026/mo.
What's new in Screenpipe
Checked 5 days agoAcross the latest 9 updates: 7 feature updates, 1 pricing change and 1 changelog entry.
Screenpipe v2.6.56: Rebuilt timeline in Swift, evidence-backed history, episode chat
Swift timeline with major performance gains, on-demand ledger generation, episode chat, secure deep links, configurable reasoning effort, portable agent extensions.
Screenpipe v2.6.59: Bug fixes for search, OCR, and connection reliability
Fixes for search history timeouts, Linux OCR data preservation, connection dialog with optional fields, and timeline navigation.
Screenpipe v2.6.39: Timeline improvements, overlay stability, accessibility fixes
Stabilized overlay interactions, restored daily summaries, native text selections connect to chat, reduced screenshot UI scanning.
Screenpipe v2.6.32: Performance optimizations, quick share, shared ACP permissions
One-tap quick share, collaborative ACP permissions, optimized CPU/memory, faster startup, improved accessibility performance.
Screenpipe #28: Infinite Context brings cloud sync
Opt-in cloud sync for history across devices and AI clients; search, Live Views, meeting audio, and chat reliability improvements.
Screenpipe #27: Live Views are canvas-only
Live Views now canvas-only: move, connect, annotate source-backed Blocks, AI-requested view changes, templates like 'How I worked today'.
Screenpipe #26: Live Views for dashboards, app parsers reduce token usage
Live Views turn captured activity into dashboards; app parsers reduce token usage; Timeline can summarize any day on demand.
Screenpipe #25: Free tier and Gmail support
Free tier introduced; Gmail and other connections available on all plans.
Screenpipe #24: More reliable capture, editable speakers, better privacy
Improved capture reliability, editable meeting speakers, enhanced privacy features in five languages.
What people actually say about Screenpipe — is it worth it?
We ran a structured research pass across product reviews, community discussions, and post-purchase forum threads to surface the patterns vendors won't publish themselves. Below: the recurring strengths, the hidden costs people mention most, and the cohort that consistently regrets adopting this tool.
23 mentions across 4 sources (Hacker News, Product Hunt, GitHub, Lemmy) · researched Jul 3, 2026.
- +Fully local storage ensures no cloud privacy risks.
- +Open-source engine with source-available license.
- +Captures screen, mic, and system audio continuously.
- +Redacts PII like credit cards and SSNs automatically.
- +Natural language search across entire work history.
- −High RAM usage (600MB-2GB) with multi-monitor capture.
- −OCR can't distinguish user input from received messages.
- −143 open issues suggest stability concerns.
- −Setup requires CLI and npx — not beginner-friendly.
- −Updates sometimes break existing workflows.
- • Pro pricing isn't publicly detailed yet — potential future cost if you want premium features.
- • Requires good local hardware; no official cloud option for compute offload.
Viability Score
How well maintained and how widely used is Screenpipe? Built from what the vendor actually publishes (docs, changelog, tutorials, integrations, pricing), whether the site is live, and how much real users discuss it. How we calculate this
Last calculated: August 2026
How we score →Key Features
- Continuous screen capture via accessibility APIs with OCR fallback
- Real-time audio transcription using local Whisper models
- Per-process audio capture for meetings on macOS and Windows
- Per-monitor pause control from system tray
- Natural language chat search across work history
- Pipes: automated workflows triggered by events like meeting ending
- On-device PII redaction for cards, SSNs, API keys
- Meeting auto-detection with echo cancellation (opt-in)
- App, window, and URL exclusion at source
- Local-first storage with optional encrypted sync
- MCP server support for AI agents (Claude, Codex)
- REST API on localhost:3030 for search
- CLI for scripting and advanced queries
- Enterprise app data sync across devices (v2.5.168)
- Improved CPU compatibility for older processors (v2.5.178)
About Screenpipe
Screenpipe is a picky tool for a specific problem: your AI agents keep forgetting what you actually did because they have no access to your screen, calls, and apps. It fixes that by recording everything you see, say, and hear on your computer, then storing it in a searchable, local SQLite database. Claude, Codex, and other agents can then query that context layer to answer questions like "What did I tell John about pricing?" or "Update my Linear tickets with this week's progress." It's built for developers, knowledge workers, and remote teams that want AI grounded in real work, not just files. Screenpipe runs fully on-device: it captures your screen via OS accessibility APIs with OCR fallback, transcribes audio with local Whisper models, and keeps everything private. You can exclude apps, windows, and URLs at the source, and it redacts sensitive fields like cards and API keys on-device. The recent v2.5.x updates improved CPU compatibility for older processors, fixed macOS screen capture stalls, and added enterprise app data sync—so performance and stability keep maturing. Workflow automation comes from "Pipes"—Markdown-defined triggers that fire on events like a meeting ending, then write summaries, update CRMs, or push notes. The product demo shows a pipe that writes meeting notes to ~/notes/{date}_{app}.md. It also includes a natural language chat search over your history, and you can connect apps like Slack, Gmail, Notion, Linear, GitHub, and Obsidian. The stack is open: source-available code, a local REST API on port 3030, an SDK, MCP server support, and a CLI. Screenpipe positions itself differently from workflow tools like Zapier or n8n. Those automate actions; Screenpipe provides the missing context layer so those actions can be intelligent. It's more technical than consumer memory apps like Rewind or Mem, but it gives you control and auditability—every agent run is visible end-to-end, with trigger, context, decision, and result. For enterprises, it
Behind the Verdict
Screenpipe occupies a sweet spot for a specific kind of user: the developer who's tired of agents hallucinating because they lack the context of what's happening on screen. It's not a consumer toy. It records everything locally, and that's both its superpower and its burden. We'd reach for this when you need your agents to answer questions like "What did I tell John about pricing?" or automatically draft weekly updates from your calls. The 'Pipes' system is the standout — you can define triggers in Markdown, like 'when a meeting ends, write a summary and push to my notes,' and Screenpipe handles the rest. That's a level of automation you won't find in simple cloud recorders. But where it bites: the setup and maintenance. You're on the hook for disk space (captures accumulate fast), for monitoring the database, and for keeping up with version updates that occasionally fix things like 'write pool timeouts' (v2.5.178). The latest fixes for CPU compatibility and macOS screen capture stalls show it's still in active development — expect some rough edges. Privately, we appreciate that the data stays on your device, with on-device redaction for cards and keys. For enterprises, the admin suite (MDM, SSO, audit logs) and write-only archive mode are genuinely useful, but out-of-the-box SOC2/HIPAA is not there — that's a real gap if you're in a regulated industry. The closest alternative is Rewind, which does similar screen recording but in the cloud. Screenpipe's local-first approach gives you more control and auditability, but you trade that for more work. Zapier and n8n automate actions, but they lack the context layer — Screenpipe fills that gap. If you want a zero-config consumer app, pass; this is for tinkerers and teams that value sovereignty over convenience.
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Real-world workflow fit
Concrete scenarios for the personas Screenpipe actually fits — and what changes day-one when you adopt it.
Install screenpipe, let it record your screen and calls for a week, then connect Claude Code via MCP.
Outcome: Claude Code can answer questions about your past work, update Linear tickets, and draft weekly updates from real activity.
Deploy screenpipe across team laptops using MDM, configure Pipes to summarize meetings and push to Notion.
Outcome: Automated meeting notes and action items in Notion, with full audit trails via SSO and audit logs.
Use screenpipe free tier, exclude sensitive apps and URLs, and search your work history locally.
Outcome: You can search what you saw or said without uploading any data to the cloud.
Use Cases
- Search across screens, audio, and apps to recall what was said in a meeting last week.
- Automatically draft a weekly update from your screens and calls.
- Update Linear tickets with progress observed during your workday.
- Get AI-generated meeting summaries and action items pushed to Notion.
- Build a personal AI clone that knows your work context.
- Trigger CRM updates in HubSpot when deals are discussed on a call.
- Give Claude Code long-term memory of your desktop activity.
Models Under the Hood
as of 2026-08-23
Limitations
- Screenpipe uses local models by default but cloud AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini can be connected.
- Free tier is fully local; cloud features require a paid subscription.
- Meeting detection and audio capture may require manual configuration on some platforms.
- Storage can accumulate quickly, so low-disk guard is now enabled by default (v2.5.172).
- Redaction is not perfect; you should verify sensitive data is excluded.
- Enterprise features like MDM, SSO, and audit logs are only on paid plans.
as of 2026-08-11
Verification history
We have re-verified Screenpipe 5 times since . Each pass re-reads the vendor's own pages and re-checks every listed field against that evidence; passes where nothing had changed are marked as such.
- — re-verified summary, description, our verdict, our analysis, pricing model, pricing tiers, features, integrations, who it suits, who should skip it
- — re-verified summary, description, our verdict, our analysis, pricing model, pricing tiers, features, integrations, who it suits, who should skip it
- — re-verified summary, description, our verdict, our analysis, pricing model, pricing tiers, features, integrations, who it suits, who should skip it
- — re-verified summary, description, our verdict, our analysis, pricing model, pricing tiers, features, integrations, who it suits, who should skip it
- — re-verified summary, description, our verdict, our analysis, pricing model, pricing tiers, features, integrations, who it suits, who should skip it
Free to cite with attribution — this page re-verifies continuously.
12-month cost
Project the real annual outlay, including the implied monthly cost when only an annual tier is published.
Vendor list price only. Add-on usage, seat overages, and contract minimums are surfaced under Hidden costs & gotchas.
Plans compared
For each published Screenpipe tier: who it actually fits, and what it adds vs. the previous tier. Cross-reference the cost calculator above for projected annual outlay.
Free
$0/mo (as of July 2026 launch)
Ideal for
Solo developers and privacy-conscious users who want to try local recording and search without cost.
What this tier adds
Free tier includes basic capture and search, Gmail integration, access to Pipes, and community support — a free entry point.
Teams
Contact for pricing
Ideal for
Companies that need to deploy screenpipe across a team with admin controls.
What this tier adds
Adds MDM deployment, SSO, audit logs, and priority support over the Free tier.
Enterprise
Contact for pricing
Ideal for
Organizations with advanced compliance and security requirements.
What this tier adds
Adds advanced compliance features, write-only archive mode, dedicated support, and white-glove onboarding over Teams.
Where the pricing makes sense
The company stage and team size where Screenpipe's pricing actually pencils out — and where peers do it cheaper.
Screenpipe is freemium: a $0 free tier gives you local capture, search, and Gmail integration. Paid Teams and Enterprise plans are contact-based for MDM, SSO, and audit logs. For solo developers, the free tier is unbeatable compared to cloud recorders like Rewind ($20/mo). For teams, it's cheaper than enterprise memory solutions if you manage your own infra, but contact sales for exact prices.
Setup time & first value
How long it actually takes to get something useful out of Screenpipe — broken out by persona, not the marketing-page minute.
For a developer, you can download, install, and get basic capture running in under 10 minutes. Configuring Pipes and connecting MCP may take an hour. For a team lead, MDM deployment and SSO setup can take a few hours. Non-technical users may need more time to tune exclusions and manage storage.
Switching to or from Screenpipe
How to bring data in from common predecessors and how to get it back out — written for the switcher, not the buyer.
- →From cloud recorders like Rewind: export your data if possible, then start fresh with screenpipe's local capture; you'll lose cloud history.
- →From manual note-taking: screenpipe's chat search lets you find past meetings and work without manual notes.
- ↗To a cloud recorder: you may lose local history unless you export; screenpipe data stays in SQLite so you can query it directly.
- ↗To a simpler app: if you find screenpipe too technical, consider Rewind or Mem for more consumer-friendly memory.
Integrations
Resources & Guides
Tutorials & Learning
Official links
Tools that pair well with Screenpipe
Common stack mates teams adopt alongside Screenpipe, with the specific reason each pairing earns its keep.
Read.ai
AI meeting agent that captures meetings, emails, and messages into summaries, action items, and instant answers.
AnyCap
One CLI and one credit balance give AI agents image, video, audio, web, and storage capabilities.
Notability
AI-powered note-taking that turns handwriting, audio, and PDFs into study materials and summaries.
Featured Head-to-Head Comparisons
Screenpipe vs Presto Voice
Screenpipe and Presto Voice serve completely different markets. Screenpipe is a local-first AI memory tool for knowledge workers and developers who want to search and automate their desktop activity—perfect for privacy-conscious individuals. Presto Voice is an enterprise voice AI platform for QSR chains aiming to automate drive-thru orders and boost revenue. Choose Screenpipe for personal productivity, Presto Voice for restaurant operations.
Screenpipe vs Locus Robotics
Screenpipe and Locus Robotics serve completely different domains—desktop productivity vs. warehouse automation. Choose Screenpipe if you need a private, AI-powered memory of your digital work and can benefit from automated meeting notes and workflows. Choose Locus Robotics if you run a high-volume warehouse and need flexible, scalable AMR automation. They are not direct competitors.
Screenpipe vs Truleo
These tools serve entirely different users. Choose Screenpipe if you're a knowledge worker wanting private, local AI memory of your computer activity. Choose Truleo if you're a law enforcement agency needing to connect siloed data for case leads. No direct competition.
Alternatives to Screenpipe
View allRead.ai
AI meeting agent that captures meetings, emails, and messages into summaries, action items, and instant answers.
AnyCap
One CLI and one credit balance give AI agents image, video, audio, web, and storage capabilities.
Notability
AI-powered note-taking that turns handwriting, audio, and PDFs into study materials and summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best-of guides
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