Self-host Retain
v0.1.10-betamacOS app unifying AI chats into a searchable knowledge base
- Stars
- 168
What is Retain?
Retain is a native macOS desktop application that solves the problem of scattered AI conversation context across multiple tools. It automatically syncs conversations from CLI tools via file watching and from web interfaces via browser cookie import, storing everything in a local SQLite database with full-text search. The app extracts learnings — corrections and preferences — from conversations and exports them so Claude remembers user preferences across sessions. It runs entirely locally with no telemetry, offers a menu bar interface, and delivers automatic updates via Sparkle. Optional AI features can connect to Google's Gemini API for enhanced learning extraction, and the app requires Full Disk Access to read browser cookies for web sync. Currently in beta with stable core sync and search features, while learning extraction and automations are still under active development.
Retain alternatives
apexApex is a self-hosted AI platform routing conversations across multiple models with persistent memory, extensible skills, and mTLS auth — all in a single Python file.Compareapex with Retain
ChatGPT Next WebSelf-hosted, open-source AI chat UI for OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek and many other providers, with Docker, Vercel and native desktop/mobile clients.CompareChatGPT Next Web with Retain
NextChat✨ Zero-config AI chat assistant. No API key needed — sign up and instantly chat with GPT-5, Claude 4, Gemini 2.5, DeepSeek & 100+ top models. Pay-as-you-go saves you more. Available on Web, iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, Windows.CompareNextChat with Retain
supermemorySelf-hosted AI memory and context server: Supermemory Local extracts facts, builds user profiles, and blends RAG with memory search through one API on port 6767.Comparesupermemory with Retain
RetinueA self-hosted, open-source task board for people and AI agents with audit trails, acceptance checks, and MCP/HTTP APIs.CompareRetinue with Retain
Basic MemoryAI conversations that actually remember. Never re-explain your project to your AI again. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/tyvKNccgqNCompareBasic Memory with Retain
Claude UnlimitedSelf-hosted daemon pooling Claude, ChatGPT, and API keys for Claude Code. Rotates on limits with local dashboard. MIT licensed, runs on macOS, Linux, Windows.CompareClaude Unlimited with Retain
react-glass-keepSelf-hosted notes app similar to Google Keep with dark mode, real-time collaboration, private AI assistant, and native apps for Windows, macOS, Android.Comparereact-glass-keep with Retain
Should you self-host Retain?
Retain scores 41/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #88 of 120 in AI Assistant. It has 168 GitHub stars.
There was no stable release in the past 12 months, so check the repository's recent activity before you rely on it.
Setup is easy: most people get it running in one sitting. It is MIT-licensed and written mostly in Swift.
Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is hermes-agent (89/100, 258 610 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See Retain vs hermes-agent side by side.
Features
- Auto-Updates
- CLAUDE.md exportWorks but formatting improvements planned per beta status.
- Conversation browser
- Full-Text Search
- Learning extractionFunctional but under active development per beta status.
- Local-First Storage
- Menu bar integration
- Multi-source conversation sync
Retain README
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