Screenpipe is an innovative AI-powered tool designed to continuously record your computer screen and microphone audio 24/7. It captures all desktop activities in a privacy-focused, local-first manner, empowering users with a searchable visual memory and a platform for building AI-powered applications.
This tool is ideal for developers, power users, and professionals who want to enhance productivity, automate workflows, and maintain complete control over their data without relying on cloud storage.
Detailed User Report
Users have praised Screenpipe for its unique ability to record and index screen and audio data nonstop, creating a comprehensive log of daily computer use. The local-first privacy model is highly appreciated, ensuring all captured data never leaves the user’s machine unless explicitly shared through installed plugins (“Pipes”). This aspect resonates especially with those concerned about data security.
The open-source nature and cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux) also attract developers who want to create and customize their own desktop AI tools. While some find the initial setup and developer toolchain demanding, the flexibility and power offered foster strong engagement from technical users.
Comprehensive Description
Screenpipe is a cutting-edge AI app platform centered around continuous 24/7 recording of your computer screen and microphone audio. Unlike traditional screen recorders that save video files for manual review, Screenpipe processes data locally, extracting text via OCR and transcribing audio to build a searchable, context-rich database of everything you see and hear on your desktop.
Its primary purpose is to create a digital memory that you or AI agents can query in real time, revolutionizing productivity and personal knowledge management. The target audience includes developers, knowledge workers, and professionals who require detailed documentation of their digital activities or want to automate workflows using contextual AI.
At its core, the system captures media streams, stores raw data and metadata locally in a lightweight SQLite database, then runs on-device AI models for text recognition and speech-to-text transcription. Users interact with this structured data via a local API, enabling deep integration with personalized AI pipelines called “Pipes.” These community or custom-developed plugins leverage captured context to deliver advanced features such as meeting summarization, searchable logs, and automated note updating.
Screenpipe stands out in the market due to its open-source foundation, privacy-first design, and the extensibility of its plugin ecosystem. It contrasts with competitors by emphasizing local data control over cloud dependency, appealing to those wary of data privacy. Its cross-platform compatibility also broadens its reach, supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux unlike some rivals limited to a single OS. Though somewhat resource-intensive, the application is built with Rust for high performance and reliability as a persistent background service.
Overall, Screenpipe positions itself as a versatile AI-powered desktop assistant platform, suitable both as a personal productivity enhancer and a foundation for developers to build innovative context-aware applications directly on the desktop.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| System Requirements | Windows, macOS (below version 15.0), Linux |
| Memory Usage | 600 MB to 4 GB RAM (depending on settings, e.g. 4 GB on MacBook Pro M3) |
| CPU Usage | 10-30% CPU (variable by configuration and hardware) |
| Storage | Approx. 30 GB per month for continuous recording data |
| Data Storage | Local SQLite database for metadata and text; raw media files stored locally |
| Supported Data | Screen video, microphone audio, OCR text, speech-to-text transcription |
| API | Local REST and WebSocket APIs for querying recorded and processed data |
| Developer Tools | SDK for creating plugins (“Pipes”) in Next.js; command-line tools for plugin lifecycle management |
| Security | 100% local data processing and storage; no data leaves device unless explicitly configured by user |
Key Features
- Continuous 24/7 screen and audio recording with local-first privacy
- On-device OCR to extract text from screen captures
- Speech-to-text transcription of microphone audio with speaker identification
- Searchable local database of all captured data via API
- Extensible plugin system (“Pipes”) enabling AI-powered workflows and automations
- Cross-platform support on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Open-source codebase with active developer community
- Integration with local and cloud-based AI models, including OpenAI and local embeddings
- Developer SDK for building and publishing custom plugins
- Multi-screen recording capability
- High performance built in Rust for continuous background operation
- User-controlled data sharing and privacy management
Pricing and Plans
| Plan | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free / Open Source | Free | Full access to core recording and API features for personal and developer use |
| One-time License | Approx. $99 | Unlocks all features for regular users, including updates for one year |
| Enterprise / B2B | Custom Pricing | Specialized integrations, support, and licensing for business use cases |
Pros and Cons
- Robust local privacy model ensures all data stays on user device by default
- Extensive plugin ecosystem allows high customization and automation
- Cross-platform compatibility supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Open-source with strong developer community involvement
- High-fidelity continuous capture of screen and microphone audio
- Powerful search and retrieval API for quick access to historical context
- High performance and reliability built with Rust
- Supports multi-screen recording and large-scale data handling
- Resource intensive, may challenge older or less powerful hardware
- Steep learning curve for non-developers or casual users
- Limited marketing and formal documentation can make onboarding difficult
- Ethical concerns around continuous recording and privacy of others must be considered
- Some users report occasional UI/UX roughness in desktop app
- No cloud sync by default, which may be inconvenient for some workflows
Real-World Use Cases
Screenpipe is widely used by software developers and knowledge workers who need to document intricate workflows visually and audibly. Developers adopt it to create context-aware AI assistants that remember their entire computer history, allowing for quick retrieval of previously handled tasks, bug reproduction steps, or meeting remarks.
Professionals who deal with lots of meetings, emails, and multitasking find Screenpipe invaluable as it automatically generates summaries and searchable transcripts, freeing users from manual note-taking. It is especially useful in remote and hybrid work environments where documenting interactions and multitasking efficiently is a challenge.
Enterprises leverage Screenpipe’s customizable SDK to build proprietary AI-driven process automation tools tailored to their internal workflows. For example, customer support teams use plugins that automatically populate CRM entries based on screen context, improving accuracy and reducing clerical workload.
Additionally, users interested in personal digital memory and productivity rely on Screenpipe to create a comprehensive experiential log that acts as a life-logger and productivity enhancer, helping recall forgotten details or automate repetitive desktop tasks.
User Experience and Interface
Users generally find Screenpipe’s interface functional but somewhat utilitarian, with a focus on developer usability over flashy design. The desktop app provides easy access to configuration, plugin management, and recordings, but some users report a non-intuitive layout and a learning curve especially for first-time users.
The extensive command-line tools and SDK appeal to developers but may intimidate casual users who prefer simpler interfaces. However, those with technical background appreciate the transparent control over system resources and recordings.
Screenpipe performs well on desktop platforms, with some users noting that resource consumption can be optimized by adjusting capture settings. Mobile device support is currently not available, as the tool is designed primarily for desktop operating systems.
Comparison with Alternatives
| Feature/Aspect | Screenpipe | Rewind AI | Recall | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy Model | Local-first, data stays on device | Cloud-based | Cloud-based | Cloud-based with local options |
| Platform Support | Windows, macOS, Linux | macOS, Windows (limited) | macOS primarily | Primarily developer-focused |
| Extensibility | Open SDK, plugin store (“Pipes”) | Limited plugin support | System-wide search integration | Developer-centric knowledge management |
| Data Capture | Screen + mic + OCR + speech to text | Screen + audio | Screen + audio + system logs | Curated note capture and linking |
| Open Source | Yes | No | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Free + one-time license + enterprise | Subscription | Subscription | Subscription |
Q&A Section
Q: Does Screenpipe send my data to the cloud?
A: No. Screenpipe processes and stores all data locally by default. Data only leaves the device if you explicitly enable plugins that connect to cloud services.
Q: What platforms can I run Screenpipe on?
A: Screenpipe supports Windows, macOS (versions before 15.0), and Linux operating systems.
Q: Is Screenpipe free?
A: The core software is open-source and free for personal and developer use. There is a paid one-time license for full feature access and updates, plus custom enterprise plans.
Q: What type of data does Screenpipe capture?
A: It continuously records screen video, microphone audio, extracts text from images via OCR, and transcribes audio to text.
Q: Can I develop my own AI assistants with Screenpipe?
A: Yes, the SDK lets developers build custom AI plugins called “Pipes” that use your recorded data for various productivity and automation tasks.
Q: How resource-heavy is Screenpipe?
A: It can use between 600 MB and 4 GB of RAM and about 10-30% CPU depending on settings and hardware capabilities.
Q: Does Screenpipe support multi-screen setups?
A: Yes, it supports recording across multiple monitors simultaneously.
Q: Where is my data stored?
A: Screenpipe stores video, audio, and metadata locally on your computer using a SQLite database and file system for raw media.
Performance Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| RAM Usage | 600 MB – 4 GB (variable) |
| CPU Usage | 10% – 30% |
| Storage Usage | Approx. 30 GB per month |
| Market Adoption | 70+ active 24/7 users reported |
| User Satisfaction Score | Generally positive among developers and power users |
| Cross-Platform Coverage | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Scoring
| Indicator | Score (0.00–5.00) |
|---|---|
| Feature Completeness | 4.30 |
| Ease of Use | 3.50 |
| Performance | 4.00 |
| Value for Money | 4.20 |
| Customer Support | 3.20 |
| Documentation Quality | 3.40 |
| Reliability | 4.10 |
| Innovation | 4.50 |
| Community/Ecosystem | 4.00 |
Overall Score and Final Thoughts
Overall Score: 3.95. Screenpipe is a powerful, privacy-focused AI desktop recorder and assistant platform that offers unique continuous capture and extensibility for advanced users and developers. Its open-source nature and local data processing stand out in a market crowded by cloud-based alternatives. While it demands significant system resources and a degree of technical skill to unlock its full potential, the tool delivers excellent innovation and customization opportunities. It is a strong choice for privacy-conscious professionals seeking to build personalized productivity workflows with AI.
