Screenpipe vs Limitless (Rewind) — Open-Source Alternative
Open-source local-first vs cloud-based wearable ecosystem
The Verdict
Limitless (formerly Rewind AI) pioneered the AI memory space but has pivoted to a hardware + cloud model with their Pendant wearable. While polished and well-funded, it requires cloud processing and proprietary hardware. Screenpipe keeps everything local, is fully open-source, and works with any microphone you already own. Developer-friendly with full API access, yet intuitive for everyone. If you want true data ownership without vendor lock-in, Screenpipe delivers.
Why Screenpipe Wins
Cloud-dependent wearable vs local-first freedom
At a Glance
No Hardware Required
Limitless sells a Pendant to capture in-person conversations. While clever, this creates hardware dependency and vendor lock-in. Screenpipe works with any microphone you already own - your laptop mic, AirPods, or a professional USB mic. No proprietary hardware needed.
Cloud vs Local: The Privacy Trade-off
Limitless processes your data in the cloud, which means your conversations, screen content, and personal information travel to their servers. They claim HIPAA compliance, but you're still trusting a third party with your most sensitive data. Screenpipe processes everything locally - your data never leaves your machine unless you explicitly choose to use cloud AI.
Open Source Advantage
When a company pivots (as Rewind did to Limitless), users have no control. With Screenpipe being open-source, even if development stopped, the community could continue. You own your setup, your data, and your future.
For Developers and Everyone
Screenpipe offers a full API for developers who want to build on top of their personal data. But you don't need to be technical to use it - the interface is designed for everyone. Limitless offers no API access or extensibility, limiting what power users can do.
Limitless (Rewind): pros & cons
Where Limitless (Rewind) Is Strong
- Well-funded company with active development
- Polished, integrated experience
- Pendant captures in-person conversations
- HIPAA-compliant for healthcare use
- Calendar and task management integrations
- Strong meeting transcription
Limitations
- Requires proprietary hardware for full features
- Cloud-dependent for AI processing
- Closed-source software
- No Linux support
- No API or extensibility for developers
- Vendor lock-in to their ecosystem
Is Screenpipe a Good Limitless (Rewind) Alternative?
Yes. Screenpipe is a strong Limitless (Rewind) alternative and Limitless (Rewind) competitor for anyone who values privacy, transparency, and data ownership. Unlike Limitless (Rewind), Screenpipe is fully open-source, keeps all data 100% local, and works on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Screenpipe directly compares itself to Limitless (Rewind) on this page. The key difference: Screenpipe captures your screen and audio 24/7 while keeping everything stored locally on your device. No cloud uploads, no vendor lock-in, no proprietary black boxes.
Ready for True Data Ownership?
Join thousands who chose open-source, local-first AI memory. Your data stays yours.